KUALA LUMPUR: The family of a former specialist doctor in Sabah’s Lahad Datu Hospital wants its own appointed lawyer to be included in the independent task force set up to investigate her death allegedly due to workplace bullying.
The late Dr Tay Tien Yaa’s brother, Yong Shen, said his family hoped Datuk Nazri Ibrahim would be part of the task force, announced by the government on Oct 2, to assist in establishing the facts surrounding his sister’s death.
“We only want justice, not controversy,” added the 31-year-old.
He was speaking to the media to address growing public reactions to his sister’s death after the family’s initial press conference on Oct 1.
Tien Yaa, 30, who headed the Chemical Pathology Unit of Lahad Datu Hospital, was found dead on Aug 29 following alleged workplace bullying.
Their mother, Lim Siang Heyeo, said she has no intention of using her daughter’s demise as political capital for leverage.
“My mother and I respectfully ask if the relevant authorities would allow our lawyer to participate in or collaborate with the independent task force investigating the matter,” Yong added.
Yesterday’s event was organised by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department at Wisma MCA here.
Nazri, speaking as the family-appointed lawyer, said the case has attracted significant public attention and it might lead to other parties trying to exploit the situation.
He urged everyone to refrain from commenting until the investigation concludes to ensure the facts are established.
During the press conference on Oct 1, Yong Shen said his sister had not displayed signs of depression or suicidal intent.
He also said the family had discovered evidence in her WhatsApp messages indicating her heavy workload and mistreatment.
Following that, the Health Ministry set up the independent task force to probe the circumstances of Tien Yaa’s death.
This panel, led by former Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Borhan Dollah, will commence work on Oct 10.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and for Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929), visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a complete list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
