COVID-19 vaccine: "This is a matter of life, not proud to be highest bidder" - Hishammuddin

Malaysia has chided the actions of several countries who have been selfish in competing with others to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein stressed that international cooperation should be a priority at this time as it is a life-saving effort.

"In the face of this challenging crisis, there is only one solution that is for all of us to stay together.

“No country, small or large, has won against COVID-19. In fact, this pandemic has increased the competition of all nations in obtaining vaccines.

"As I have often said, until we find the anti-viral drugs needed to treat and vaccine to prevent this coronavirus novel, we cannot declare victory over COVID-19.

"As such, Malaysia believes that the production of the vaccine should be more about international cooperation than competition between countries. This is about saving lives and not about the pride of being the highest bidder," he said.

He said this in his opening remarks at a webinar session in conjunction with the United Nations (UN) 75th anniversary on Friday.

In this context, Hishammuddin said, the UN should play a bigger role in ensuring equality in the delivery and creation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Here the UN can play a bigger and more proactive role in providing a fair, accessible and affordable vaccine for all parties.

"Global solidarity on this matter is urgently needed and time is not in our favour. We need to work faster because this is the only opportunity we have," he said.

Therefore, he called on the UN to encourage international cooperation and implement policies that are impactful and accessible to the people.