Dr Roland Victor, 42, said he made a live Facebook video broadcast on Feb 7, 2021, to inform the public about the mRNA vaccine.
“I did not mention any offensive content throughout the live broadcast. In fact, the entire video contained no elements of deception, falsehood or words that could offend others,” he said when reading his witness statement before sessions court judge Ahmad Fuad Othman.
“At no point in the video did I stop anyone from receiving vaccinations, as the administration of this product is a personal choice,” he told the court when making his defence against a charge of making and initiating the transmission of offensive videos.
He said the 58-minute video had no impact on the national vaccination drive, which had a response rate of almost 90%.
“I was personally involved in the national immunisation programme at the KL Sky Clinic, supplying the Sinovac vaccine,” said Victor, who has been serving at the clinic for more than 10 years.
“The live broadcast explains the vaccine’s function, how the mRNA (vaccine) helps build immunity and the side effects that may occur after vaccination,” he said.
Victor, a former assistant director of the federal territories health department, said the content of his live broadcast was based on references from the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, health ministry and documents issued by pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
“I also answered questions from the audience on current issues and health topics. I translated the documents from English to Malay to help the public understand how the vaccine works, its contents and the side effects of the Comirnaty mRNA vaccine,” he said.
Victor said his explanations were based on his research and reading of various articles. As a doctor, he is responsible for providing accurate and timely information to the public, he said.
In March, the sessions court ordered Victor to enter his defence, after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
Victor was charged in July 2021 with making and initiating the transmission of the offensive video with intent to annoy others at 10.30pm on Feb 7, 2021.
The trial continues tomorrow.