KUALA LUMPUR – “Code Black” week launched by the Malaysian Medical Association’s Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists (MMA-Schomos), as well as the separate #HartalDoktorKontrak movement, kicked off today as expected, with several health groups changing their logos to black and white on social media in a show of solidarity with contract doctors.
On Facebook, MMA-Schomos, which represents government doctors, shared a post by a medical staffer, quoting former British prime minister Winston Churchill, that read: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
The Malaysian Pharmacists’ Society posted “MPS stands with contract healthcare workers”, with the hashtags #SolidarityforContractPharmacists, #saveMYcontractHCW #CodeBlackMY and #BlackMondayMY.
Medical students’ organisation Malaysian Medics International, too, has adopted a black-and-white logo across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The hashtag #CodeBlackMY is trending on Twitter, with Malaysian users showing support for contract doctors.
NO. I’m not a doctor but everyday I saw her overwork, balik lewat penat, somehow still get to work every morning like a zombie. I'm just tired with goverment policies. Towards junior doctors, on everybody. Selfish. So,YES I stan with Y'all. #CodeBlackMY #HartalDoktorKontrak
— sarahsaroji (@sarahs4roji) July 1, 2021
I support #HartalDoktorKontrak ✊? our doctors have been overworked and overlooked constantly. This needs to change if we want our doctors to stay in the public sector then they need to be appreciated and protected by the government. #CodeBlackMY
— Thalia 塔莉娅 (@omlthalia) July 1, 2021
Isu ini bukan sekadar ruang lingkup staf kesihatan sahaja, malah lebih daripada itu..
— Mohd Nazrul (@mna_bayu) July 1, 2021
Dan akhirnya kita semua hanyalah manusia yang saling melengkapi ?
Ayuh bersama kami utk generasi Malaysia yg harmoni ????#CodeBlackMY#HartalDoktorKontrak #JusticeForContractHCW pic.twitter.com/LX4Vvjx9PX
In a directive issued by MMA-Schomos and sighted by The Vibes, the peaceful protest will be divided into two phases, the first being Code Black, from today till July 12, that encourages doctors nationwide to turn their social media photos black and white in solidarity.
In the second phase, dubbed “Black Monday”, participants are asked to wear black to work.
“Hold a placard saying ‘We stand with contract healthcare workers’ only. Post pictures on social media with the hashtags #saveMYcontractHCW, #CodeBlackMY and #BlackMondayMY only,” said MMA-Schomos.
Meanwhile, the group of contract doctors behind #HartalDoktorKontrak has given the government 26 days from today to meet its demands, or members will strike for one day.
The group has distanced itself from MMA despite both fighting towards the same end, albeit employing different approaches.
The government will be given a time frame to issue a proper response, failing which, the #HartalDoktorKontrak members will stage a walkout.
“This will be carried out at all hospitals around the country for one day,” said the group.
“And, if the memorandum demands are not met, we will continue doing so until the government comes forward to do so.”
The group behind the movement, which is quickly gaining traction online, has reportedly invited peers, pressmen and the public to participate.
It is learnt that the group will hold its protest in three phases from tomorrow, starting with the handover of a memorandum, followed by a press conference, and then, the proposed strike on July 26. – The Vibes, July 1, 2021
