MELAKA: The 15th General Election (GE15) will be conducted in a safe and prudent manner, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       The Health Minister said the country is still in the transition to the endemic phase and the ministry is waiting for the impact of this phase.

       ALSO READ: Time not right to call for GE15, says Khairy

       "If the transition to the endemic phase does not result in a serious wave (of Covid-19 cases), I feel only then we can hold the GE15 as this is not like state elections where we are still able to control many things," he said.

       "But after this, without any further restrictions, surely political parties will want to hold 'ceramah'. Previously, (during the state polls), we did not have large-scale ceramah so for me, it is better for us to be vigilant and careful," he said.

       He was responding to Umno Youth chief Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s statement that there was no reason for not holding the GE15 soon as the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government and Opposition will end after July apart from the Covid-19 situation improving.

       ALSO READ: GE15 can wait as Malaysia adjusts to relaxing of Covid-19 SOPs, says KJ

       Khairy also reminded the public to use the right terminology in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "We are still in a pandemic. And the World Health Organisation has not announced that Covid-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern.

       “When it is announced, then only Malaysia will make an announcement that we will no longer use Act 342 (Amendment of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988),” he said.

       Khairy also said the government will provide free Covid-19 vaccination to children on certain celebrations such as the National Immunisation Day on June 16 after the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme for Children (PICKids) ended on May 31.

       "We will open this (vaccination) to those above the age of five. This is a privilege...as some may have missed out (vaccination), so we will open this again on certain celebrations," he said.

       He said children who have reached five years of age will receive free vaccines until Jan 31, 2023.

       He added that reservations for the vaccine could be made through the MySejahtera application and appointments at clinics that provide the service. - Bernama