By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 1: Sarawak’s current focus is not on holding elections but on completing the Covid-19 vaccination programme for the people by the end of August, stressed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Now is not the time to think about election (matters) yet but on (Covid-19) vaccination to ensure everyone is vaccinated and protected (from the disease).
“So long as our people are safe, there will be no focus on the election at the moment. The people remain our number one priority,” he emphasised during a press conference after visiting the Jalan Masjid health clinic vaccination centre (PPV) set up at Majma hall here today.
Abang Johari was responding to a question if the election season was approaching, given that Sarawak is on track to achieving 80 per cent vaccination coverage in two months’ time, as 50 per cent of the State’s population has already been administered with at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines.
Meanwhile, the 12th Sarawak State Election, which was supposedly due in June this year, has been pushed back due to the emergency order and until circumstances permit, will only be held on a date deemed suitable by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Head of State.
On the aggressive rollout of vaccination throughout the State which was complemented with strategies such as the ‘inject first and register later’ initiative, mobile units, military teams and mobile PPVs, Abang Johari pointed out that it has enabled Sarawak to come out on top with the highest vaccination rates.
“With the Covid-19 situation not improving, I informed the Prime Minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) that I want vaccines to the extent that Sarawak is even willing to purchase our own vaccines.
“Our machinery under SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee) is already prepared and upon arrival of the scheduled vaccines, we move straight into implementing what we have planned,” he said.
Happy that Sarawak has met a certain target in its vaccination coverage, Abang Johari reiterated that he wanted every eligible citizen administered with at least the first dose of the vaccine by August.
“Without vaccination, people are exposed to higher risks. Moreover, the Covid-19 situation is not under control yet with the number of cases fluctuating. Yesterday (June 30), cases have decreased but today it has gone up again.
“Vaccination is the key to get out of this crisis. So hopefully by August, we can achieve 80 per cent herd immunity,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian were among those present. — DayakDaily
