KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has distanced itself from the “black flag protest” against the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
The group also insisted that it does not support a proposed strike by doctors as part of its separate Code Black campaign.
Instead, its president Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy says MMA is working with the authorities to resolve all issues concerning contract healthcare workers in the country.
“We do not condone any strike by any healthcare professional especially during this time of pandemic,” he said in a statement.
“We are however concerned as it has come to our attention that certain quarters have started a ‘black flag’ campaign.”
Yesterday, the police initiated an investigation into the “black flag” campaign under the Sedition Act 1948.
The campaign saw netizens raising black flags in front of their homes as a sign of protest against the PN government on the first day of the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in most parts of Selangor.
The campaign was initiated by Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat, which first urged the people to display black flags outside their business or residential premises and upload pictures of them online after 3pm with the #Lawan hashtag.
MMA said it is concerned that the unrelated campaigns could cause confusion, and clarified that the Code Black and Black Monday campaign are initiatives by MMA in support of contract doctors.
“We hope that this issue will not be politicised by any group.”
Last Monday (June 28), MMA’s Section Concerning House Officers, Medical Officers, and Specialists, representing government doctors, said it will launch Code Black week on July 1 as a show of solidarity for contract doctors.
The peaceful protest aims to solidify the demand for equal and fair treatment between contract and permanent staff, as well as ensure job security for all healthcare workers.
A group of doctors has also called for a one-day strike on July 26 in protest against the government’s contract system, but is not affiliated with MMA.
In response, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba assured the matter will be brought up to the cabinet, promising more benefits on schemes offered by the ministry. – The Vibes, July 4, 2021
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