Treat Ministry of Health (MOH) Contract Officers Fairly

We noted with much alarm and concern the Kenyataan Media by the Menteri Kesihatan Malaysia dated 23/06/2021 regarding contract medical graduates.

The suggestion by a few associations smacks of racist nuances, preferring Bumiputera doctors above their colleagues in solving the problem plaguing Contract Doctors.

Apart from a few isolated reports, the medical fraternity in Malaysia has been blessed with a harmonious multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural co-existence. Our teachers, professors and patients have been of all races. The rakyat patient only wishes to be treated to the best we are capable of, no matter the colour or creed of the healer.

This is part and parcel of our Oath as a Muslim Physician — to devote our lives to serving mankind, poor or rich, Muslim or non-Muslim, with patience, tolerance, knowledge and compassion.

There is therefore no place for ethnic-based policies in the matter of Contract Officers or any other policies in the Ministry of Health. We need the best to serve our rakyat.

We are of the view that Contract Officers should be given permanent posts with either pension or EPF for at least 15 years from graduation, as earlier agreed upon by the PSD and MOH, allowing them to become full-fledged consultants.

No other Ministry has contract posts for professionals except the Health Ministry — a glaring anomaly and discrimination. In the current devastating pandemic, it is these young doctors who have sacrificed the utmost on the front lines.