LETTER | Vaccination should be based on need, not pecking order

LETTER | I do not have a good opinion of our leaders. Usually, they are quite self-serving good in accruing privileges and benefits to themselves.

The national vaccination programme for Covid-19 is now on. As usual, how do we decide who shall get the vaccination first?

Already I am seeing all the VIPs getting vaccinated ahead of many who are more deserving. Similarly, I heard hospital administration personnel are also given preference.

When we are VIPs or decision-makers, we can easily justify why we should be given the vaccination first. When the prime minister got his jab, it is probably to set an example that the vaccination is safe. Beyond that, I don’t see the need for pecking order in vaccination.

Why must menteri besar get it ahead of excos and why must excos get it ahead of state reps? Have we not had enough of hierarchy and feudalism in this country?

Of course, the VIPs and those with authority can always come up with reasons why they should be vaccinated first. But I believe if leaders are benevolent, they will also yield to others who are more deserving. After all, VIPs are not having the riskiest jobs. Even if they infected, I believe they have better access to medical treatment and care.

Most leaders can talk very well. But I would prefer that they show example rather than talk.

Leaders showing magnanimity and setting a good example could go a long way to soothe the feeling of the people.

In this regard, I am really touched by the statement of the Sultan of Selangor who has asked that his turn for the Covid-19 vaccination will only come after all frontline workers including teachers have received their shots.

This is what leadership is all about. The vaccination programme should not be based on status and position. It should be based on risk and exposure to different professions, age and morbidity.

I hope the sultan’s statement will provide the impetus for us to look at ourselves more rationally and professionally. I refuse to accept that everything in this country should be based on the pecking order. Have the privileged not enjoyed enough?  

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.