What barriers does Hishammuddin cite for faster emergency vaccine approvals?

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Bureaucracy Hinders Swift Emergency Vaccine Approvals

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has identified bureaucracy as a significant impediment to the swift implementation of emergency approvals for pandemic-related vaccines. He argued that entrenched systems and a focus on "doing things right" rather than "doing the right thing" prevent the necessary agility required during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. This inflexibility risks undermining the progress made in managing the pandemic.
Entrenched Systems Create Inflexibility

The existing governance structures in Malaysia have become so deeply embedded that they lead to a lack of flexibility, particularly during unprecedented challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic. Hishammuddin highlighted that while institutions have historically been well-managed, the current crisis demands extraordinary solutions that these rigid systems struggle to accommodate. This inflexibility contrasts with the need for rapid adaptation and decisive action.
Focus on Procedure Over Necessity

A key issue Hishammuddin raised is the conflict between adhering strictly to established procedures and addressing the urgent needs of the situation. He stated that while relevant authorities must conduct necessary due diligence, normal procedures cannot be followed under abnormal circumstances. The minister suggested that agencies should align with international bodies in issuing emergency approvals with greater speed, implying that current processes are too slow.
Bureaucracy as a Barrier to Action

Ultimately, Hishammuddin pinpointed bureaucracy as the primary barrier to the swift implementation of vaccine approvals. He articulated this challenge as a fundamental dilemma: the tendency to focus on "doing things right" – following protocols meticulously – can prevent the nation from "doing the right thing," which is to expedite life-saving measures like vaccine approvals to combat the pandemic effectively. This bureaucratic hurdle slows down the expansion of Malaysia's vaccine arsenal.

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What barriers does Hishammuddin cite for faster emergency vaccine approvals?

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