Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai has been criticised for focusing more on MCA issues and not doing enough to tackle the A(H1N1) outbreak in the country, which has already claimed eight lives thus far.

NONE Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, however, backed Liow when asked to comment on the matter today.

A visibly upset Muhyiddin said that he did not know why this has becOme an issue and told reporters that Liow is doing a good job.

Expressing confidence in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's decision to entrust the MCA vice-president with the health portfolio, he said: "Even if I'm health minister, I cannot guarantee your safety."

Yesterday, opposition stalwart Lim Kit Siang lambasted Liow for touring the country with his embattled party president Ong Tee Keat when the nation is facing a health crisis.

In a statement today, Liow refuted these allegations, saying that he has discharged his duties as health minister to the utmost.

Stockpile of anti-viral drugs

After chairing the inter-ministry committee on the A(H1N1) pandemic, Muhyiddin revealed that 14 new cases were reported as of 8am today.

He also said that anyone showing symptoms of influenza would be given the anti-rival treatment immediately.

Overall, there were 1,460 cases resulting in eight deaths. Of these, 574 were 'imported' cases while 886 were locally transmitted cases.

The stockpile of anti-viral drugs would be increased by 10 percent and it would cost the government an additional RM20 million, he said.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin also remained unfazed about Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's threat to sue him for calling the latter a 'traitor' to the Malay cause.

"Anwar is a traitor. I'm not lying," he said. "I stand by my statement and will not apologise. My lawyer is looking into the matter."