Yesterday, the PKR president had said both the Selangor and Sarawak state governments are facing lengthy delays and “stonewalling” in their attempts to source their own vaccines.

He called for an investigation into these procurement bottlenecks that have been faced by the federal and state governments as well as the private sector.

“Efficient vaccine procurement is something that we should have been prepared for months ago. Our current performance is inexcusable,” said Anwar.

In a statement today, Khairy said Anwar’s claims regarding Selangor were simply untrue, adding that the state government had yet to formally apply to procure vaccines.

“In my discussions with the Selangor menteri besar, he mentioned plans to buy vaccines. I gave a positive response. However, until now, I have not received any official application from the state government.”

In the case of Sarawak, he said that while the state government had applied to buy vaccines, the vaccine they are currently in talks to secure is still under review by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.

Regarding a call for an investigation into the procurement of vaccines, Khairy said he was “always open to questioning, criticism and investigation”.

He said he had already presented detailed plans and purchase agreements to the Public Accounts Committee in January, with one member scrutinising the documents being Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah.

“I also held an engagement session with opposition MPs on March 19, in which I presented at length the implementation of the immunisation programme.

“I also answered questions in detail. However, the opposition leader (Anwar) was not present at this session.”