KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not have to make a decision by Dec 1 on whether to ratify or reject the World Health Organisation Convention Agreement (WHO CA+) and the amendment to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Health Minister therefore dismissed claims that Malaysia would have to make a decision by Dec 1.
Dr Zaliha said the draft of the WHO CA+ (Pandemic Agreement) and the amendment of the IHR 2005 will only be tabled to the 77th World Health Assembly for the approval of member states and added that as such negotiations are still ongoing.
“On the national level, the Health Ministry is carrying out engagements with 12 agencies and ministries to study the amendment of the IHR 2005 and WHO CA+,” she said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 2).
She said the 12 agencies involved are the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security; Science, Technology and Innovation; Finance; Foreign Affairs; Women, Family and Community; Transport; Domestic Trade and Cost of Living; Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change; and Investment, Trade and Industry.
Apart from that, the Attorney General's Chambers, National Security Council, the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Disaster Management Agency will also be consulted, she said.
“At the same time, two committees have been set up to study Malaysia’s position in this issue.
"These two committees comprise members from the 12 agencies and ministries. Any decision made by the two committees will be brought to Cabinet to be finalised,” she said.
She said the government will not compromise with any measures that will put the country's sovereignty and autonomy at stake.
“The government is committed to preserving the sovereignty of the country, the powers of the Malay Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” she said.
Dr Zaliha urged MPs to stand with the government in this matter and explain to the people the actual situation.
She also advised the people not to be swayed by fake news that is making the rounds on social media.
It was previously reported that the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) demanded that the government reject the WHO CA+ negotiations and IHR 2005 amendment for fear that it could threaten the country's sovereignty.
Its chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan reportedly said Malaysia must reject the IHR 2005 amendments before Dec 1, which he claimed was the deadline for the country to voice its objections.
