PETALING JAYA: Doctors must be free to carry out their responsibilities without fear of intimidation, says the College of Physicians Malaysia (CoPM) in condemning the online harassment of a forensic pathologist in the Zara Qairina Mahathir inquest.
"CoPM strongly condemns the recent online harassment of Dr Jessie Hiu, consultant forensic pathologist at Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Sabah, following her expert testimony in the inquest,” it said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 9).
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"Dr Hiu acted with professionalism, integrity, and ethical duty. Targeting her for fulfilling her role as an expert witness is unacceptable.
"Doctors must be free to carry out their responsibilities whether in the courtroom, clinic, or online without fear of intimidation," it added.
CoPM said harassment not only harms individuals but also weakens the healthcare system, undermines justice, and erodes public trust.
“We commend the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for swiftly identifying a suspect, and urge continued firm action against such threats.
"Those who weaponise social media to threaten or defame doctors must be held accountable under the law," the statement read.
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CoPM said it stood in solidarity with Dr Hiu and all healthcare professionals who serve the nation.
"Silencing doctors through fear ultimately harms patients and communities. Respect for medical expertise is essential for a functioning and trusted healthcare system.
"We also call on the public to use social media responsibly. Doctors, like all professionals, deserve safety and dignity at work. Bullying and intimidation cannot, and must not, be tolerated," the statement added.
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Dr Hiu lodged a police report on Friday (Sept 5) over alleged online threats against her.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said a 61-year-old man was detained in Semporna at 7am on Sunday (Sept 7) 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.
