Aliran is alarmed that the Barisan Nasional is in the final stages of negotiation that would allow Sime Darby to acquire a stake in the National Heart Institute.

Since the negotiations are in the final stages, it would mean that such negotiations have been in progress for some time. But the public has been kept in the dark as though they are not stakeholders.

Aliran takes objections that the BN is unable to carry out privatisation projects in an open and transparent manner thus deliberately denying any output from the public.

Since the privatisation of this healthcare facility is going to affect the public, especially the economically disadvantaged group in a big way, shouldn’t there be more debate and discussion so that public interest will not be sacrificed.

Privatisation means greed and profit for the corporate world while it means deprivation and denial of quality healthcare for the poor. Privatisation means escalating cost which puts this facility beyond the reach of disadvantaged groups.

This has been the sad story of our privatisation – giving in to the rich and depriving the poor.

What should be treated as an essential service made available to all and sundry, the BN is allowing this essential service to be turned into a business venture which will cater to the needs of the privileged.

We have no faith in whatever assurance that is being dished out stating that the needs of the poor will be taken care of. Ultimately, it will be nothing more than charity given to the limited few while the large majority will be languishing in their misery.

Aliran calls upon the BN government to have a heart and stop the privatisation of this essential healthcare facility. There is no valid reason to turn IJN into a business concern serving the rich.

The writer is president of social reform movement Aliran