KUALA LUMPUR: Numerous accolades and support expressed by other countries are proof that Malaysia is not a failed government as claimed by certain quarters.
Senior Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysia also received various contributions by its allies as a show of appreciation.
"If we are a failed country, I don't think we would have received accolades and appreciations. Evidently, we have received contributions from other countries, especially Covid-19 vaccines," he told reporters after the handing over of Saudi Arabia Covid-19 aid to Malaysia at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).
Hishammuddin said Malaysia had so far received one million vaccine doses from the United States and Japan, as well as 500,000 doses from China.
Another 450,000 doses by the United Kingdom were expected to arrive on Tuesday, he said.
"Today, I am pleased to announce one million AstraZeneca vaccine doses contributed by the Saudi Arabia government."
Malaysia today received 4.5 million units of medical equipment worth RM21.14 million from Saudi Arabia.
The contribution, handed over by Saudi ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Dr Mahmoud Hussien Saeed Qattan, among others, comprised facemasks, personal protective equipment (PPE), oxygen supplies and electric-powered beds.
Hishammuddin said the concern showed by Saudi Arabia King Raja Salman towards Malaysia, as well as efforts shown by his government, further proved the country's commitment to fighting the pandemic alongside Malaysia.
"This is not the first time the Saudi Arabian government has delivered Covid-19 aid to Malaysia. It was among the first countries to come forward and contributed about eight units of medical equipment to Malaysia in May, last year," he said.
Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan.