PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: The proposed takeover plan of the National Heart Institute (IJN) has been deferred by the Cabinet.

In making the announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the decision would enable the ministries of Finance and Health, and the Economic Planning Unit to carry out an in-depth study on the matter before making a final decision.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the study would focus on the interests of the rakyat, especially in guaranteeing that the Government's social responsibilities towards the people would not be sacrificed.

The deferment, according to Najib, was made due to the negative reaction from the public following the Government's announcement that it had agreed in principle to the takeover plan.

Asked if the move had anything to do with the up-coming Kuala Terengganu by-election next month, Najib said: "No, it has nothing whatsoever to do with it."

He explained the Government had only agreed in principle to the plan, subject to the condition that IJN?s social responsibility would not be compromised or lessened.

"It must also be pointed out that should the takeover by Sime Darby be allowed, the Government's contributions towards the operations of patients would continue," he told a press conference at his office yesterday.

"In another words, the Government would not simply abandon or sacrifice its social responsibilities."

Najib said the in-depth study on the plan was expected to be completed within a few months.

He said whatever decision that was made later would not cause further concern and anxiety among the people over IJN's ability to carry on with its social responsibilities.

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