KOTA KINABALU: The former director of a government hospital in Sabah has challenged his transfer, saying the Health Ministry’s decision was unfair and created the appearance of bias in an unresolved allegation of sexual harassment, says his lawyer Joan Goh.
She said the complainant against her client had taken over the post the director was removed from, which raised concerns about neutrality in the Health Ministry's decision.
“His civil service grade may have remained the same, but his position did not,” Goh said.
She said the director claimed he was never shown the investigation report or findings, despite the police classifying the complaint as “no further action”.
Goh stressed that while allegations must be taken seriously, administrative measures should remain fair to both sides.
"Our client is not seeking preferential treatment. He is also seeking an explanation of the basis upon which such serious administrative action was taken against him," Goh said in a statement.
The statement comes in response to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad's statement that the ministry stood by its decision to transfer the former hospital director as a medical officer to the Sabah Health Department.
Dzulkefly also said the ministry did not demote him in terms of his civil service grade and the transfer was to avoid disruption to the investigations.
The former director's legal team has submitted a formal representation to the Ministry seeking transparency, evidence, and reasons for the transfer, cautioning that the move has serious consequences for his career after 30 years in public health service, Goh said.
