Photo: Bernama
PETALING JAYA: I am not apologising for conveying the desperate people's cries on social media for targeted EPF withdrawals, says Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
The Machang MP said that the information that there were people willing to sell their kidneys to make ends meet was derived from postings by the public on the Facebook groups of those seeking for the withdrawal of their Employee Provident Fund (EPF) savings.
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He said that he wanted to also clarify that his statement in parliament on April 3 does not mean he condoned nor encouraged trading of organs.
"I merely aired the grievances of those who are really affected and really need EPF withdrawals.
"As to whether their claims are true - it’s up to the authorities to investigate and validate their needs for the withdrawals.
"On the statement I made in Parliament that there were people willing to sell their organs to make ends meet, I went through the messages posted on groups seeking EPF withdrawals on Facebook.
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"I did not mean anyone specifically but I was stating in general terms that there might be people who are desperate.
"In no way, do I support nor condone selling organs as it is illegal, and those who accused me of being so have politicised the matter.
"I will issue a clarification on the matter if I was misunderstood.
"I, however, stand by my statement that the rakyat are desperate and might resort to even illegal activities just to pay off their debts if the EPF withdrawals are not allowed," said Wan Ahmad Fahysal.
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Wan Fahysal was responding to calls by politicians from the ruling parties who challenged him to lodge a police report to prove his claim that there were people willing to sell their organs if they could not withdraw their EPF savings.
On Monday (April 3), Wan Ahmad said people were selling their kidneys to make ends meet in a bid to illustrate the state of the people’s finances and how another round of EPF withdrawal was needed.
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PKR's Chua Wei Kiat had said that Wan Fahysal should not just use the matter for 'political mileage' as the latter's statement in Parliament insulted organ donors who are sincere.
Checks on the FB group KWSP 2.0. #Bersasar showed some asking for targeted EPF withdrawals as they needed the money for dialysis treatments.
One showed a man holding up a placard by the roadside with the text that he is willing to part with his organs.
Trading organs is illegal in Malaysia and punishable under the law.
