KUALA LUMPUR: The government has given an assurance that no disciplinary action will be taken against any doctor or contract health officer who participated in the peaceful 'Hartal Doktor Kontrak' demonstration yesterday, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
Replying to MPs' questions on the actions to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak at the special meeting of the Dewan Rakyat today, Dr Adham said that they (contract doctors) had the right to voice their views.
"Insya Allah (God willing), there will be no action against them even though they went out yesterday to demonstrate ... we will not take disciplinary action," he said in response to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor), whether the Ministry of Health (MOH) will take action against the contract doctors involved in the peaceful demonstration.
Earlier, Dr Adham presented his explanation on the actions taken by the MOH to curb the spread of the pandemic. A total of 18 MPs raised questions and sought further clarification.
On the issue of permanent posts for contract doctors, Dr Adham said that the government had prepared short and medium-term plans, including extending the two-year contract term, to enable the MOH to table amendments to the Pension Act 1980 and the Medical Act 1971.
He said that the amendment to the two acts was to enable contract medical officers to obtain permanent positions, with the pension method or the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution option.
"I promise to bring them (amendments to the act) to Parliament so that we can help them (contract officers). I hope for the support of the Honourable Members, so that it can be discussed (to be amended) and approved so that the contract doctors can be properly protected," he said.
The issues were raised by almost all MPs including Dr Dzulkefly; Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (BN-Arau); Datuk Mohd Fasiah Mohd Fakeh (Bersatu-Sabak Bernam); and Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) who requested that the issue of permanent appointment of contract doctors be resolved immediately.
Dr Dzulkefly, who started the debate today, stressed that contract doctors only want their welfare protected and to get fair and equitable treatment.
"Don't treat them (contract doctors) in this pandemic similar to PPEs (personal protective clothing), discarded after use," he said.
Mohd Fasiah, on the other hand, raised the question of the number of contract medical officers currently serving with the MOH to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Jul 27 2021
The government has given an assurance that no disciplinary action will be taken against any doctor or contract health officer who participated in the peaceful 'Hartal Doktor Kontrak' demonstration yesterday, said Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. - AWANIpic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.