KUALA LUMPUR: The family of a specialist doctor who was found dead in her apartment have sought legal representation to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Dr Tay Tien Yaa’s brother Tay Yong Shen, 31, said that his sister showed no signs of depression or intentions to end her life.
“When we went to Sabah to manage my sister's affairs, we discovered evidence in her WhatsApp conversations.
“She complained about her workload and how she was treated,” he said.
He said that most of her complaints began in early August, revealing the extent of her stress: “She worked from morning until 12 or 1am. I can’t imagine how overwhelming that must have been.”
Tay and his mother, Lim Siang Heyeo, 64, with lawyer Datuk Dhanaraj Vasudevan were speaking during a press conference led by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department (PSCD) head Datuk Seri Michael Chong on Tuesday (Oct 1). Lim was visibly emotional but did not speak during the event.
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On Sept 16, Tay posted on Facebook about his sister's death, claiming that she was oppressed by her superiors at the hospital due to excessive workload.
He also mentioned that Dr Tay maintained a close relationship with her husband, who had not noticed any signs of distress.
Meanwhile, Chong revealed that new evidence related to the case exists but cannot be disclosed at this time.
He said MCA’s lawyers, Ivan Tan and Victor Teoh, would collaborate with the family’s legal team to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr Tay's death.
He highlighted that he has encountered numerous cases of workplace bullying, including harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.
Dhanaraj stated that they are in the process of gathering and compiling evidence.
“We will work with the authorities to get to the bottom of this,” he affirmed.
“This should not happen to anyone in any profession.”
He added that all relevant information collected from the family will be sent directly to the Health Minister.
Dr Tay Tien Yaa, a pathology specialist at Hospital Lahad Datu, was found dead in her rental unit on August 29, following allegations of workplace bullying.
She was the head of the hospital's Chemical Pathology Unit and lived alone in her rental accommodation.
