Stop intimidation of protesting doctors

Aliran is dismayed to see reports of a police investigation of a dentist who allegedly posted a video to support the Code Black campaign championing the interests of contract doctors.

We are also alarmed to learn from a Malaysian Medical Association statement that doctors and other healthcare workers who took part in Code Black and Black Monday protests on 12 July were being harassed or called up for police questioning.

These healthcare workers were merely exercising their democratic right to fight for the job security and career advancement of contract doctors.

The contract doctors, along with other healthcare workers, have been on the front line in the war against the Covid-19 menace. They have worked hard and sacrificed much to take care of people in hospitals in tough conditions.

They deserve a better deal once their contract ends, ie permanent placement with the Ministry of Health.

Many among the public appreciate these frontline health workers’ professional commitment and sacrifice in caring for Covid patients, and they would readily support a campaign aimed at improving their career prospects. They find it hard to imagine that such a campaign would have the potential to create social unrest and national disharmony, as claimed by the police.

The Code Black campaign seeks fair treatment for the medical fraternity. To criminalise the support extended to this campaign is tantamount to adding salt to the injury felt by overburdened doctors and health workers.

Aliran calls for an end to the harassment of healthcare workers who were merely calling attention to the unjust way some of them are being treated.