PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) expresses concern over the cyberbullying of Dr Jessie Hiu, the pathologist involved in the Zara Qairina Mahathir case.
Its president, Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, said Dr Hiu was merely carrying out her duties as a medical expert in her field.
“MMA is deeply concerned by the recent online insults and threats directed at Dr Jessie Hiu following her professional testimony in the Zara Qairina inquest, where she was carrying out her duties as a medical expert in her field,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 7).
Dr Kalwinder said it was essential that all doctors be able to conduct their duties in a safe and respectful environment without fear of threats, insults or intimidation.
“We urge the Health Ministry and concerned authorities to take swift action and effective measures to ensure the safety of Dr Hiu and all other healthcare workers who may be affected similarly,” he said.
We also call upon the relevant authorities to investigate and hold accountable those who threaten or undermine in a personal manner the professional work done by Dr Jesse Hiu,” he added.
While opinions may differ, he said public discourse must remain respectful, adding that personal attacks and threats against medical experts doing their work must not be condoned.
“It is not reflective of our culture and must stop immediately," he said.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said a 61-year-old man was nabbed in Semporna at 7am on Sunday (Sept 7) in the compound of the police station for allegedly threatening a forensic pathologist on social media over the ongoing Zara Qairina inquest.
He said the suspect was believed to be behind the Facebook account that posted threats, among other comments. A mobile phone was also seized.
Meanwhile, Dr Kalwinder said the MMA was deeply disappointed by the further delay in increasing doctors’ on-call allowances.
“This much-awaited increase, which was first announced at last year's budget by the Prime Minister under Budget 2025 and further reiterated by the Health Minister, should be implemented this year as promised.
“Our doctors in the public healthcare sector are once again left with uncertainty despite their dedication and service under immense pressure, a situation that is both unfair and demoralising for the profession,” he said.
Dr Kalwinder said the government must realise that if it fails to care for its doctors and distrust creeps in, it would be at risk of losing doctors, which would further cripple an already overstretched public healthcare system.
The Health Ministry said it is committed to finalising the review of the On-Call Allowance rate increase.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the review will be presented to the Cabinet, along with the Public Service Department, in the near future, so that its implementation can be realised in 2026.
