The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called for clear timelines for investigations into sexual harassment and workplace bullying in the public healthcare system.
MMA president R Thirunavukarasu said cases should not be allowed to drag on for months without resolution or updates.
He was responding to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru’s decision to establish a special committee to investigate a sexual harassment complaint involving a medical specialist from its anaesthesiology department.
Investigation into complaint under way
The Johor health department said the hospital received the complaint on Aug 28 and subsequently began an internal investigation.
It also said there were allegations that certain parties had asked the complainant to withdraw the complaint.
The department said it would not tolerate attempts to conceal or obstruct complaints, or pressure staff into withdrawing them.
It added that the investigation report was being finalised.
MMA calls for stronger complaints mechanism
Thirunavukarasu said the Health Ministry should strengthen its complaints mechanism, particularly for cases involving senior officers.
He said complaints against senior officers should be allowed to be reported outside the immediate chain of command.
“For serious cases, investigation panels should include independent members from outside the ministry,” he said in a statement.
Thirunavukarasu also said there must be zero tolerance for retaliation or interference in the complaints process.
He said the allegation that a complainant or witness had been pressured to withdraw or alter a complaint also warranted investigation.
