Marina’s criticism shocking, says Chua

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has hit out at outgoing Malaysian AIDS Council president Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir for criticising his public announcement on the harm reduction programme to fight HIV/AIDS.
Chua said he was appalled to learn that Marina had slammed the ministry for announcing the programme, which would see a free distribution of condoms and needles to drug addicts.
“I am shocked with her behaviour because she was one of the first few people who called to thank me and to support the programme.
“She said 'thank God, we have been waiting for so long for a harm reduction programme',” he said yesterday when commenting on Sunday's Mingguan Malaysia interview with Marina.
Marina said in the interview that the programme should be announced only after it was proven to be successful and that it should be quietly implemented while educating society.
Chua, however, said it would be impossible to carry out the pilot project discreetly, as it involved over 100,000 people and it needed support from all quarters, including religious groups.
“We also have to ensure that those involved in the pilot project received training and exposure before we run the programme nationwide.”
Incoming MAC president Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman also sat on his committee, he said.
He also said the public announcement was in response to the Prime Minister's call for transparency in government policies.
Chua hit out at the council for behaving like a “know-it- all” NGO.
“They know all. They are the best,” he said. “They use words that are insulting and derogatory to my officers. I've been tolerating this for quite some time.”
He said the reason the ministry and the council failed to foster a close relationship was probably due to the arrogance of some officers from the council.
“What they know is the best. What my people know is second best,” Chua said.
In a two-page press statement yesterday, the council, without referring directly to Marina's remarks, said that since the council started 13 years ago, it had worked closely with the Health Ministry in various programmes and it looked forward to forging an even closer relationship with the Government.
The council said a strong foundation was being laid between the two parties to ensure the success of the needle and syringe exchange programme.
“We would like to stress that as a non-profit, umbrella organisation which facilitates activities of its 40 affiliates working in HIV/AIDS education, prevention, care and support for people living with the disease, the success of our programmes rely on the strong partnerships forged with government agencies.”