KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry today has 'u-turned' the statement made last week in Dewan Rakyat where pressure and lobbying from the tobacco and vape industry had influenced a 'decision' on the Anti-Smoking Bill, which included the generational endgame (GEG) provision.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stands corrected that the decision made was in line with the suggestions given by the Attorney-General's Chamber that the GEG provision was unconstitutional as it contravenes Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.
"I am very affected by the matter as when I talked about it previously, I was among the government backbenchers and I defended the tabling of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) two days later (after being appointed as the minister).
"I also asked for support (to pass the Bill) even when we cannot include all provisions in the Act, including GEG due to the views given by AGC.
"This is all, it has got nothing to do with lobbying from industry players," he said during the minister's question time in Dewan Rakyat, today.
He said this in response to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) who enquired the minister to explain the issue.
Last week, Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni told the Dewan Rakyat that there were pressures and lobbying from the tobacco and vape industry that had influenced a 'decision' on the anti-smoking bill, which included the GEG provision.
He also said there were conflicting views on the components of the GEG, which was removed from the anti-smoking bill last year.
At the same time, Dr Dzulkefly also said that the explanation provided by Lukanisman was taken out of context by several parties which has caused various perceptions of the matter among the public.
"Looking at the Hansard and explanation given by the deputy minister (Lukanisman), I discovered that the question raised was related to lobbying from the tobacco and vape industry and he said that such a matter did exist.
"However, I believe that this is reasonable in any mature democratic practice so there is no wrong for anyone and bona fide stakeholders to come and meet with any lawmakers.
"It (the statement) has also been published by CodeBlue and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin who mentioned (the move) as cowardly and irresponsible."
Following this, he also said he is willing to have an open discussion with related parties to clarify the issue further.
"I am willing to have a little discussion and continue to refine this issue.
"(And) I stand to be corrected that the decision was made not because of industrial lobbyists or any other party but related to the caution made by the AGC."