Why Malaysia can't escape the fact that instant Covid-19 vaccines are not foolproof

By Jay Ihsan*
Try as hard, the Malaysian government cannot escape the fact that the “instant” Covid-19 (C19) vaccines are not foolproof.
Individuals, be it children, adults and elderly, have suffered injuries post-C19 immunisation.
As of August 4, 2022, some 84.1 percent of the population in Malaysia were fully vaccinated against C19. Among the Malaysian states, Klang Valley recorded the highest fully vaccinated population rate, at 100.8 percent.
Yet the prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob-led administration is straying as far possible from shouldering accountability and responsibility for the disastrous C19 vaccination aftermath.
One way it has done so is by refusing to use the term “compensation” to recognise and accept injury or harm suffered by those who were C19 inoculated.
The Health Ministry is “pleased” that money given out through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma - a responsibilty of the Prime Minister’s Department) for adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) be known simply as “financial aid” and not “compensation”.
Through a written parliamentary reply in March this year, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said a total of RM195,000 was paid out under the “Special Financial Assistance Adverse Effects of Covid-19 Vaccine” scheme to those who experienced serious vaccine-related side effects.
Why is a graft plagued Malaysia terrified to address a spade for what it is?
To the National Pharmaceutical Agency (NPRA), it was all about “financial assistance, not compensation” as it struggles to avoid the unpleasant reality as to whether this meant the government was trying to avoid culpability for disastrous effects of the C19 vaccines. (NPRA processess AEFI reports and monitors safety of C19 vaccines)
NPRA’s perplexing clarity came on March 22, 2022, a year after the BN administration first declared the “Special Financial Assistance Adverse Effects of Covid-19 Vaccine” scheme on March 22 last year.
NPRA pharmacovigilance division head Dr Azuana Ramli held a media briefing in March this year to clarify:
“People think it’s pampasan (compensation); it’s not. It’s actually bantuan (assistance).”
When pressed further about the government’s noncommittal stand on accepting responsibility for AEFI, it was NPRA director Dr Roshayati Mohamad Sani who responded:
“That was what was agreed in the Cabinet, if I’m not mistaken – special Covid-19 financial assistance, not compensation.
“They did not say ‘compensation’, they stated ‘financial assistance’ to help with any difficulties.”
Dr Azuana cited the Health Ministry’s (MOH) guideline on the scheme.
“It’s clear on what it actually is.”
The Ministry’s Guidelines on Applications for Special Financial Assistance Adverse Effects of Covid-19 vaccine makes no mention of “compensation” (pampasan).
The Covid-19 vaccine injury scheme gives out “assistance” of not more than RM50,000 to “Covid-19 vaccine recipients” who suffer serious adverse effects requiring long-term hospitalisation.
A sum of not more than RM500,000 is handed out for disability or death “caused” by the C19 vaccines. The government however has stopped short of singling out a particular C19 vaccine that is AEFI-linked. It has been steadfast in saying no deaths have been linked to the C19 vaccines.
In March last year, then prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin declared the doubling of Malaysia’s C19 immunisation budget to RM5 billion to hasten the country’s target of vaccinating 80% of its 32 million population by December 2021, instead of February 2022.
The rush also saw Malaysia doing away with reservation for a second shot of the Pfizer vaccine for those who had been given the first dose.
Malaysia’s C19 immunisation drive started on February 23, 2021 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The China developed Sinovac Biotech vaccine use kicked off on March 18.

Claims not given urgency

A reporter for an English daily when covering the NPRA media briefing relayed her frustration in applying for “compensation” after she was hospitalised for serious side effects post-C19 booster shot.
She had said the authorities told her it was “highly unlikely” that her condition was caused by Covid-19 vaccination.
“Why is there such a hesitance from the government to acknowledge this? Is it because you want to under-report? This is from my personal experience.”
How did the authorities conclude that it was “highly unlikely” the journalist’s situation had no relation to the C19 inoculation? Is the government hiding the truth about the number of fatalities and injuries caused by the C19 vaccines?
The journalist decried as “tedious” and lengthy the “compensation” process as it takes one month for the doctor to fill up the form.
Just as fed up was one Annie Joseph from Sungai Buloh, Selangor who penned her frustration in a letter to English daily New Straits Times. Published on January 5, 2022, Annie took Nadma to task for dragging its feet in handling the C19 deceased payment.
“I relate the case of a friend, Lim Siew Ngoh whose mother died due to Covid-19 in Aug 2020.
“I helped my friend get all the required documents from the Sg Buloh Hospital to be forwarded to Nadma.
“I had WhatsApped, as requested, all the documents to Nadma in Putrajaya on Aug 14, 2021.
“There was no acknowledgement of the receipt of the documents or any communication about the application being processed.
“I asked the department by e-mail whether the application is being or has been processed, and was always referred to a certain website.
“When you call the office, the phone rings for a long time but no one attends to it.
“The government must look into such issues to ensure that the applicants to Nadma receive a reply or acknowledgement and keep the applicant informed by telephone or email.
“The families of the Covid-19 deceased expect Nadma not to make life more difficult for them,” wrote an exasperated Annie.

Govt and authorities not telling the truth

NPRA’s Dr Azuana had said it encouraged people to report any side effects to prevent safety issues in the Malaysian population that could see the vaccine being recalled.
“For example, myocarditis was not detected in the clinical trials,” she then said, referring to heart inflammation that has been reported internationally after inoculation with mRNA Covid-19 vaccines.
“It was detected through post-marketing surveillance. That’s why it’s important to report all reactions.”
When and for how long a time did the so-called clinical trials take place? Was “ emergency use” not the excuse given for the C19 vaccines to be unveiled without any testing?
Dr Azuana’s superficial concern is troubling. Would she rather vaccines that resulted in injury in individuals continue to be used?
Is Dr Azuana oblivious to the fact that the C19 vaccines were an “instant” reaction to the “pandemic”?
Why is NPRA not being transparent about the truth surrounding C19 vaccines – that they cause a host of life threatening injuries and deaths?
Clearly, NPRA like the government is trying hard to be politically correct: the truth that C19 vaccines are both not dependable and not needed is a bitter pill to swallow for Malaysia and the world.
---
*Journalist based in Malaysia

Comments

Eight years of empowering tribal communities through water initiatives in Chhattisgarh

By Gazala Paul* In the heart of Chhattisgarh, amidst the echoes of tribal life, a transformative journey has unfolded over the past eight years. The Samerth organization has diligently worked to elevate the lives of indigenous communities in the Kawardha district through the project, "Enabling Baiga Community to access safe drinking water."

Towards 2024: Time for ‘We the People of India’ to wake up before it is too late

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ* It is Constitution Day once again! We, the people of India, gratefully remember 26 November 1949 when the Constitution of India was passed and adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly comprised women and men of distinction, who were able to represent the heart and soul of the people of India without fear or favour. They gave of their best, so that we may a visionary Constitution, which would be the mainstay for and of democracy in India!

Regretful: Kapil Dev retired not leaving Indian cricket with integrity he upheld

By Harsh Thakor Kapil Dev scaled heights as an entertainer and a player upholding the spirit of the game almost unparalleled in his era. In his time he was cricket’s ultimate mascot of sportsmanship On his day Kapil could dazzle in all departments to turn the tempo of game in the manner of a Tsunami breaking in. He radiated r energy, at a level rarely scaled in his era on a cricket field. Few ever blended aggression with artistry so comprehenisively. Although fast medium, he could be as daunting with the ball as the very best, with his crafty outswinger, offcutter, slower ball and ball that kicked from a good length. Inspite of bowling on docile tracks on the subcontinent, Kapil had 434 scalps, with virtually no assistance. I can never forget how he obtained pace and movement on flat pancakes, trapping the great Vivian Richards in Front or getting Geoff Boycott or Zaheer Abbas caught behind. No paceman carried the workload of his team’s bowling attack on his shoulders in his eras muc

Critical factors that determine, contribute to the success and effectiveness of NGOs

By Rohit Rakshit Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to work with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across various states in the country. This experience has allowed me to gain insights into their diverse areas of work while also enabling me to analyze the key attributes that contribute to the success of a good NGO. According to my observations, the following are the critical factors that determine the effectiveness of an NGO.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on.

Martin Crowe played instrumental role in making New Zealand a force in world cricket

By Harsh Thakor* Late Martin Crowe was the perfect manifestation of how mere figures could not convey or do justice to the true merit of a batsman. Crowe was arguably the most complete or majestic batsmen of his era or the ultimate embodiment of batting perfection, or the classical batsmen. He perished 7 years ago, due to a rare and aggressive form of cancer, follicular lymphoma, which originated in 2012. In September, we celebrated his 60th birthday but sadly he left for his heavenly abode.

Raising temperature of frozen foods by 3 degrees from -18°C to -15°C can slash carbon emissions: Study

By Payel Sannigrahi Frozen food temperatures could be changed by just three degrees to save the carbon dioxide emissions of 3.8 million cars per year, research suggests.

Odisha leadership crisis deepens: CM engages retired babus to oversee depts' work

By Sudhansu R Das Over decades, Odisha has lost much of its crop diversity, fertile agriculture land, water bodies, employment potential, handicraft and handloom skills etc. The state has failed to strike a balance between the urban and rural sector growth; this leads to the migration of villagers to the urban areas leading to collapse of the urban infrastructures and an acute labor shortage in rural areas. A large number of educated, skilled and unskilled Odia people have migrated to other states for higher education, quality jobs and for earning livelihood which plummet the efficiency level of government departments. Utmost transparency in the recruitment and promotion in the state government departments will improve governance mechanisms in the state. "No near and dear one approach" in governance mechanisms can only achieve inclusive growth for the state on payment basis. This is a moral hazard. When so many educated young people seek employment outside the

1982-83 Bombay textile strike played major role in shaping working class movement

By Harsh Thakor On January 18th, 1982 the working class movement commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Textile Workers Strike that lasted for 18 months, till July 1983. It was landmark event that played a major role in shaping the working class movement. With more than 2.5 lakh workers from 65 textile mills joining in this strike for almost two years, this strike became one of the most significant strikes in terms of scale and duration All democrats should applaud the mill workers’ united battle, and their unflinching resilience an death defying courage continues to serve as a model for contemporary working-class movements. Many middle class persons harboured opinions that the Textile workers were pampered or were a labour aristocracy, ignorant of how they were denied wages to provide for basic necessities. The Great Bombay Textile Strike is notably one of the most defining movements in the working class struggles in Post-independent India. Bombay’s textile industry flourished in

Ceasefire a tactical victory for Palestinian resistance, protests intensify across globe

By Harsh Thakor* The Zionist leadership and Netanyahu’s government were compelled to concede the defeat of their first attempt after almost 50 days of daily fighting in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu was forced to concede that he was unsuccessful in suppressing the Palestinian Resistance; and that the release of the prisoners was only plausible because they accepted Hamas’ terms.

Search This Blog