DAP lawmaker Kelvin Yii is demanding proof that some Malaysians are forced to “sell their kidneys” to make ends meet.
Describing it as a “serious allegation”, Yii (above), who has a medical degree, pointed out that selling organs is illegal.
The Bandar Kuching MP was responding to Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal who made the allegation at a press conference in Parliament yesterday when pressing the government to approve another round of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal.
"If targeted (EPF) withdrawals are not approved, what is the government's suggestion to help the people who are struggling, to the point that some had to sell their kidneys, or walk from Johor to Istana Negara?" Wan Fayhsal had said.
The Perikatan Nasional lawmaker courted brickbats after a clip of his remarks went viral on social media.
Yii said Wan Fayhsal must file a report with the authorities if he had information about such incidents.
"This is a serious allegation. The selling of organs is illegal. If he makes such an accusation, he better substantiate it.
"Fact is, he has to report it and highlight the syndicate behind this. If he is merely using (the claim) as an example, it's 'irresponsible cheap politics'," he added.
Similarly, PKR’s Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said that as a lawmaker and former deputy minister, Wan Fayhsal had a responsibility to substantiate his claim with evidence.
The last reported incident of a Malaysian offering to sell his kidney due to financial hardship was in 2019. This was a hawker who ran into trouble with loan sharks.
Putrajaya has rejected another EPF withdrawal on the ground that it would endanger the retirement savings of those who are nearing retirement age but are financially insecure.
The government has instead allowed struggling EPF contributors to use their Account 2 as a means of support in securing a loan from banks.
On Monday, Bersatu’s Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, together with representatives from three NGOs and a taxi driver who claimed to have walked from Johor to Kuala Lumpur, submitted a memorandum to Istana Negara, appealing for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s intervention. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.