Malaysiakini carried a report. http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/83446 . It was supposed to be a straight forward question at Parliament by Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) on the shortage of doctors in remote areas of Sarawak. Surely for Deputy Health Minister Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad one would think that he would not have the cheek to answer so blatantly with the phrase “Licence to Kill”.
An elderly retired medical pensioner and a voter from Kapit was rather rattled and upset when he was informed by one of his friends.He said our YB was just asking for an answer why need to use the “James Bond 007”. This is Parliament and not Movie theatre. You know for a simple Appendicitis( Untreated, mortality is high, mainly due to peritonitis and shock) a person could also die from it when you have to travel all the way down to Kapit from the longhouses” he was very furious. This is an issue close to heart of the rakyat and as such we need answers and our Alex is voicing our needs. If he is not doing his job we would not have put him there. Respect our YB lah!! He still remembers the programme in 2007 called ‘Leader and Healthy Lifestyle’ where the MP reminded the people not to neglect their health as it relates to their lives.
Even though the deputy Minister did reply that the government has introduced measures to tackle the shortage of skilled personnel, such as re-hiring retired medical officers who have served with the health ministry. We also have increased medical education opportunities and work closely with the human resource ministry to encourage skilled workers working abroad to return and work here,”
Was the answer good enough? Come to think of it, it’s not the Answer that is relevant, it’s the Approach I must say.Issues relating to health,education and basic needs are the rakyats concern and as such all MPs are in Parliament as “Peoples Representative” and are there to find solutions and come up with constructive answers. Tony Pua’s “column also carried this “Whats wrong with our Ministers? http://tonypua.blogspot.com/2008/05/whats-wrong-with-our-ministers.html.
I wonder do you? Have your say if you must….
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The deputy minister in all probability didn’t mean it in the literal sense, his lack of tact and respect for the medical profession caused a furore amongst many doctors.This is digraceful and I do think that our ministers do need to be more polished and maybe go for more trainings. Giving a ceramah easier for them I think…
Deputy Minister did retract his remarks, however he stated that he will not apologise for the remarks made. This is bad.If this is preplanned answers the voters in his constituency will surely have a second look the next time round. Bad….!!!
NEXT TIME I OR MY FAMILY GOES TO GENERAL HOSPITAL ….. I MUST MAKE CELAR TO DOCTOR THAT “I WANT TO LIVE, NOT GETS KILL” !!
I worry for all this government hospitals. Fancy going in just to write your wish!!!
Uproar! of course lah . Latiff said he did not implythat doctors had the licence to kill but to show what the failure or negligence of certain doctors could do.”The opposition always has a negative attitude.If they think they(doctors) have the license to kill,let it be.
If I see him Latiff next time I will say to him just inject this.. Better than Licence to Kill. Think how negative this will have on all concern before you unleash your loose tonque…
How can a DM answer a Alex with the phrases when describing the poor service due to lack of doctors at hospitals and rural clinics in Sarawak. Hey my DMinister Sarawak is not a JUNGLE you know. Have you been to Kapit??You come lah and we show you how to Ngirup Tuak!