PETALING JAYA: I accept criticism as a challenge and not as an attack, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
One and a half years after returning to the post of Health Minister, he said holding such a position was not a privilege but instead a heavy mandate.
Throughout the first six months of 2025, Dzulkefly said the ministry had achieved several milestones.
Among others, this includes amending the Medical Act 1971 to resolve specialist recognition issues, enforcing the Control Of Smoking Products For Public Health Act (Act 852) and implementing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 requiring medicine prices to be displayed at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies.
He said the ministry has also pioneered reforms towards healthcare financing through the RESET programme together with the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara.
This was carried out as a solution towards medical inflation. Between shaping up or shipping out, I choose to shape up… not with slogans but with my work.
“I believe that systemic reforms are more important than building a perception.
“I cannot promise that everything will be resolved immediately, but I can promise that we listen, act and will never stay quiet,” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly issued this statement in response to criticism levelled against him, as Health Minister.
Upon returning to the post for a second stint in late 2023, he revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had wanted him to complete his “unfinished business”.
He was previously Health Minister during the 22-month Pakatan Harapan administration.
