KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar has slammed Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba for racialising the recruitment and posting of new medical graduates in the ministry.
Speaking to The Vibes, Xavier – who previously practised as a dentist for more than 25 years – said Dr Adham, as a medical professional, should not have issued the statement in the first place.
“We are building the country as one, as Malaysians. Having racial undertones over a much respected and universal profession does not help build a united Malaysia.
“The message the government sends out must be clear to us and the world about our country. Malaysia was built on the strength of all races working together,” he said.
In an effort to make government job intake become more effective, Xavier called on the government to end its racial profiling policies.
“My message should also apply to the private sector as well. Everyone must be willing to get their hands dirty to make this happen,” he added.
His riposte comes after Dr Adham last Wednesday issued a statement acknowledging the Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association and Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia’s call for the government to review the recruitment and posting of new medical graduates in the ministry.
The health minister said the matter was proposed to ensure that medical graduates, especially Bumiputeras, can serve on a permanent basis, and to reduce the unemployment rate among professionals.
Dr Adham’s statement was lambasted by many quarters including the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) which called on the health minister not to sow racial discord among health professionals by promoting discrimination in favour of Bumiputeras in government appointments.
Describing such a stance as an insult to the profession, MMA president Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said there is no room for bias in the industry, especially in this critical time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement last night, he said the association wants the health ministry to be transparent on its evaluation criteria for contract doctors, so as to allay doubts of institutionalised racism.
“MMA unequivocally rejects the notion of racial and religious prejudices being used to influence the selection of contract officers for appointment to permanent service.
“As professionals in the medical sector, we need the best and brightest talent to serve the rakyat. Such talent comes from all races, religions, creeds, ethnicities, and genders.
“This is discriminatory and an insult to the efforts and contributions of all Malaysian doctors serving the rakyat, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr Subramaniam. – The Vibes, June 27, 2021
