PENANG: Doctors in Malaysia must be better protected if they are to continue safeguarding the nation’s health, says the newly appointed Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president, Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo.
He said this during his inaugural address at the MMA’s Annual Banquet on Saturday (Sept 13). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated the event.
“The challenges begin from day one of housemanship. Long hours, excessive workloads, and at times hostile environments push many to the brink. The zero-bullying policy is an important first step, but unless it is properly enforced, it will remain only a statement. We must protect our doctors as they protect the nation’s health,” he said.
He also called for the long-awaited revision of on-call allowances, emphasised that doctors must be protected from harassment and intimidation, and urged updates for private specialists to ensure charges are fair, transparent and sustainable.
Dr Thirunavukarasu also highlighted the economic toll of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which burden families, disrupt the workforce, and stretch the healthcare system thin.
On the government’s Health White Paper, which has received cross-party support, he urged that it must be implemented.
For medical students, Dr Thirunavukarasu said that there is a need for reform in medical education, clearer career pathways, and greater empathy for young doctors entering the system.
“Doctors must not only be present at the decision-making table but meaningfully engaged. Our expertise must shape policy, not merely endorse it,” he said.
As the new MMA president, he promised to empower doctors as leaders at all levels of healthcare, to advocate for fairer policies across both public and private practice and to restore professional autonomy by ensuring doctors have genuine influence in decision-making.
“We are not just healers. We are advocates, educators, innovators and leaders. Together, we will safeguard our patients and shape a healthcare system worthy of Malaysia’s future,” he said.
