According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the free Covid-19 vaccination programme should not be used as campaign material for the Johor state election.
He said that the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) is the federal government’s initiative and not of any political parties.
“The government should take credit (for it). There is no need to use it as election campaign material,” he told reporters when asked about a certain party’s campaign which allegedly used billboards related to free vaccines and stated that the programme was an initiative of that party on 5 March, according to BERNAMA.
He also added that all parties contesting in the Johor polls are reminded to have healthy competition and not belittle new parties. Besides, respect should be given to new parties, as each party contesting in the polls possesses its own ideas and goals.
“We should not look down (on any party)…(as) all parties have their own idealism and vision, including the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) and Parti Warisan…all of them, as well as Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional, have their own dignity. Therefore, we do not need to underestimate their efforts.”
“Everyone is on an equal stage to get votes from the people. There is no need for us to belittle any party…good luck to everyone. We do this (campaigning) in a healthy manner. The ministry also recommends relatively good standard operating procedures (SOP),” he added.
The polling day in Johor is set on 12 March, and early voting is on 8 March 2022.
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