MP SPEAKS | I refer to the press statement from Sungai Pelek assemblyperson Ronnie Liu, titled: “Muhyiddin must come clean on the Covid-19 vaccine.” 

The assemblyperson has claimed several inaccuracies, allegations and misrepresentations that require answering in this statement.

I will answer them one by one.

1. The assemblyperson has alleged that the mRNA vaccine will alter the DNA of a person. He has also questioned whether it will be approved by the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) based on the same premise.

Briefly, in our cells, mRNAs (messenger RNAs) are temporary molecules that are made from our genomic DNA before it is translated to make a protein. It is essentially a short-term, temporary message.

In this case, the temporary message instructs the body to produce one of the proteins on the surface of the coronavirus. The immune system will then learn to recognise the virus protein and produce antibodies against it. That’s all the mRNA vaccine does. It does not alter your DNA.

In response to the assemblyperson’s query if...