Anwar needs to intervene to stop contract doctors strike, says PKR MP

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been urged to look at issues surrounding contract doctors in the country as 10,000 doctors are expected to go on strike for three days, starting tomorrow.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim said Anwar's immediate intervention and solution might prevent a strike, feared to paralyse hospitals.

He said the prime minister needs to listen to their issues on their dissatisfaction on salary and the medical system.

"I, Hassan Abdul Karim, begs the Prime Minister to immediately intervene to prevent as many as 10,000 contract doctors nationwide from striking starting tomorrow (Monday) to Wednesday.

"I further call on Anwar to advise the Health Ministry not to threaten the group with disciplinary action under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulation 1993," he said in a Facebook post today.

The media previously reported that the strike by contract doctors will still proceed despite the Cabinet agreeing to establish a high-level committee to deal with the issues.

Commenting further, Hassan who is also former Special Select Committee on Fundamental Liberity and Consitutional Rights member said the right to strike is a fundamental right of workers including contract doctors.

"Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, assembly and association.

"Contract doctors are dissappointed because the issue of appointment to permanent positions has yet to be solved and has been ongoing for seven years," he said.