PETALING JAYA: Information about people’s willingness to sell their kidneys for money was derived from posts by the public on the Facebook groups of those pushing for another round of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal, said Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (pic).
He also said he wished to clarify that his statement in Parliament on April 3 did not mean he condoned or encouraged organ trading.
“I merely aired the grievances of those who are really affected and need EPF withdrawals.
“As to whether their claims are true or not, it’s up to the authorities to investigate and validate their need for the withdrawals.
“On the statement I made in Parliament that there were people willing to sell their organs to make ends meet, I had gone through the messages posted on groups seeking EPF withdrawals on Facebook.
“I did not mean anyone specifically but I was stating in general that there might be people who were desperate,” Wan Ahmad Fayhsal said when contacted yesterday.
His remarks in Parliament courted much flak among medical practitioners and politicians.
“In no way do I support or condone selling organs as it is illegal, and those who accused me of doing so have politicised the matter.
“I will issue an official clarification on the matter and apologise if I was misunderstood.
“I, however, stand by my statement that the rakyat are desperate and might even resort to illegal activities just to pay off their debts if EPF withdrawals are not allowed,” Wan Ahmad Fayhsal added.
Politicians from the ruling parties have challenged him to lodge a police report to prove his claim that there were people willing to sell their organs if they could not withdraw their EPF savings.
A check on the FB group KWSP 2.0. #Bersasar showed some asking for targeted EPF withdrawals to pay for dialysis treatments.
One showed a man holding up a placard by the roadside stating his willingness to part with his organs.
Organ trading is illegal in Malaysia.
