KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 2): The government has established two committees to examine Malaysia's position on the Pandemic Treaty of the World Health Organization Convention Agreement (WHO CA+) and the amendment to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, according to Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said that these two committees comprise 12 agencies and ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Attorney General's Chambers, National Security Council, Prime Minister's Department, and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
"The decisions made by these two committees will be presented in a Cabinet meeting for finalisation," Zaliha said during a news conference in Parliament on Thursday.
Zaliha emphasised that the negotiations regarding the Pandemic Treaty of the WHO CA+ and the amendment to the IHR 2005 are still ongoing.
"For the WHO CA+ negotiations, Malaysia has attended six out of 10 sessions. The seventh negotiation will take place from Nov 6 to 10. As for the negotiations concerning the IHR amendment, Malaysia has attended five out of eight sessions. The sixth negotiation will be held on Dec 7 to 8. These negotiations are ongoing, and will continue until all negotiations are completed by April 2024," she stated.
She emphasised that Malaysia's participation in these negotiations aims to build a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system.
"Malaysia recognises the need to develop capacity, foster strong collaboration, and improve coordination among industries to enhance preparedness for future outbreaks, ensuring equitable and global access to health resources, thereby contributing to a stronger healthcare system.
"While Malaysia upholds the principles of justice and solidarity in global health administration, we believe it is crucial for developed countries to assist developing nations with their resources. The distribution of resources must be fair and equitable," she added.
Nevertheless, Zaliha stressed that the government will not compromise on any decision that goes against the Federal Constitution and violates the people's fundamental rights and freedoms.
"The government remains committed to preserving national sovereignty, the authority of the Malay rulers, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, " she stressed.
Zaliha also mentioned that the MOH places a high priority on transparency in providing accurate information to the public. Thus, she urged the public not to be misled by fake news that is widely circulated on social media.
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