In a statement, the DAP MP said a waiver of these rights would allow the government to authorise the production of vaccines without the consent of the pharmaceutical companies that developed them.

“We can also bypass the monopoly of companies holding intellectual property rights and produce generic vaccines and other technologies that can fight Covid-19.

“On the ground, this would mean our vaccination schedules can run smoothly.”

The move to get the World Trade Organization (WTO) to temporarily lift patent protections for Covid-19 vaccines has even gained the support of US President Joe Biden.

Supporters of such a move say it will help boost vaccination efforts around the world, though its critics argue that it removes the financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to increase production and develop newer vaccines.

Santiago said the world is experiencing “moral bankruptcy” as profits determine where vaccines are shipped to, despite the dire condition in poorer countries.

He said this was an issue highlighted by Khairy Jamaluddin, the minister in charge of the country’s vaccination programme.

“Ironically, however, we haven’t heard a whimper from Malaysia about supporting an exemption from the WTO International Property rules protecting vaccine production.

“This is where I would like to see some leadership from Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.”

Santiago said more than 120 countries are supporting the waiver, including Indonesia, Spain and China.

“We need to hear Malaysia’s voice now.”

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