Why is it taking so bloody long to get vaccines, asks Anwar

 

Anwar Ibrahim visiting constituents in Port Dickson today. He has pointed to Thailand as an example, saying it has an easier process where people can register at shopping malls to be vaccinated. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: With a record high of 9,020 Covid cases and 98 deaths just two days ago, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is asking: “Why is it taking so bloody long to get vaccines?”

He said that Indonesia has vaccinated 18 million people so far while Turkey has vaccinated 20 million of its population.

“We are still at two million plus doses,” he told reporters in Port Dickson.

Thailand, he said, had an easier process where people could register at shopping malls to be vaccinated.

“I have stressed that even the MySejahtera App (to register for vaccination) is complex,” he said.

The Port Dickson MP also questioned the delay in procuring the Sinopharm and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines.

“We need to get approval for vaccination. Sinopharm is not approved yet. Moderna not yet,” he said, adding that the World Health Organization had approved Sinopharm in 31 countries.

Even China’s Sinovac vaccine needs to go through Pharmaniaga Berhad.

“Why does it take so bloody long to get the approval when people are dying?” he asked, further stating that measures are needed to ease the public service healthcare.

He said the failure in vaccinating people quickly has caused cases to surge and forced the government to implement a total lockdown.

“Now, the rakyat are angry over the government’s failure in handling the vaccinations,” Anwar said.

On the total lockdown from June 1 to 14, Anwar questioned Putrajaya’s silence on loan moratoriums. “Every time there is a lockdown, people should be given assistance,” he said, adding that factories or workplaces will be closed, leaving many without income.

Don’t hide behind government’s veil

Anwar also said the Dewan Rakyat Speaker had to make a clear stand and questioned if he was free and capable of making independent decisions.

“Don’t hide behind the government veil. You are a Speaker,” he said further urging the Speaker to reconvene a sitting.

He was replying to comments by Azhar Harun who had said it was up to the government to decide whether Parliament could sit, citing Article 40 of the Federal Constitution.

Anwar was also asked about Sarawak PKR party member Iswandy Morni who has been arrested for allegedly insulting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Anwar said people could raise issues and inform the King especially during hard times but it should be handled properly.

He said he also disagreed with the Sedition Act.

PKR Sarawak has so far said it had not authorised Iswardy to speak on behalf of the party or any hierarchy, and has insisted that the statements on social media were his own and not on behalf of the party. - FMT