CHARGE a Covid-19 vaccination fee for those who could afford them rather than dipping into the National Trust Fund (KWAN) for additional funds, said Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan. 

He said such a move was way better than risking the future generations by tapping into national funds. 

“We can actually consider offering free vaccinations specifically to those who can’t afford it.

“For those who can afford it, they can pay according to the market price.

“Maybe this situation isn’t the best option but it is definitely better than gambling on future generations,” the former Negri Sembilan menteri besar said on his Facebook page.

The government recently passed an emergency law, which will enable it to tap into the KWAN, the state natural resources wealth fund, to pay for vaccine purchases. 

The newly gazetted Emergency (National Trust Fund) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 adds a new subsection to section 6 of the National Trust Fund Act, which states the fund can be used for the “procurement of vaccines and any expenditure incurred in relation to the vaccines for an epidemic of any infectious disease as specified under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342)”.

KWAN is governed by the National Trust Fund Act 1988 and managed by Bank Negara. 

It was set up in 1988 to conserve the nation’s wealth from petroleum and other natural resources for future generations, which includes contributions from Petronas. 

According to the Auditor-General’s Report, there was RM16.03 billion in Kwan as of December 31, 2019. 

Mohamad, also known as Tok Mat, criticised the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government’s move in using KWAN for procurement of vaccines and expenditures associated with it. 

He said such a move by the PN government was very frustrating, and claimed it showed the vulnerability of the government to manage the Covid-19 crisis. 

“In Budget 2021, RM3 billion was allocated to vaccinate 83% of Malaysians. 

“A month ago, the allocation for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme was increased to RM5 billion, with an aim is to speed up the vaccination target to 80% by December 2021 instead of February 2022, as announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. 

“So why does the current government suddenly need funds from KWAN?” the Rantau assemblyman asked. 

Tok Mat said KWAN was established about 30 years ago for the benefit of future generations as the country’s natural resources were dwindling. 

He said before deciding on such a crucial matter, it should be discussed with all quarters to ensure transparency. 

“Should the PN government risk the wellbeing of the future generations as well as their future survival without exploring other options first? 

“So far, there have been no discussions between members of the government administration and MPs to ensure the existence of a check and balance process. 

“In fact, there is no room for Parliamentary Select Committees to ensure transparency as well as accountability given that Parliament is still suspended, as a result of the emergency proclamation,” the Umno no. 2 said. – April 23, 2021.