Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin, in a statement, said that the last thing Malaysia needs at such a crucial juncture is for young doctors to look abroad for opportunities when their contracts run out.

“We received several grievances and complaints from contract medical officers regarding their plight which is still in question as a result of the implementation of the contract system since 2017.

“Coupled with the critical workload in this pandemic era, their services should be rewarded accordingly. Their fate should not be left hanging after almost five years of sacrificing their energy and time for the country.”

He noted that contract doctors, unlike permanent medical officers, do not enjoy many privileges such as sponsorship to take up a specialisation.

“We would like to demand clarification and justification from the government, especially the health ministry and the public service department on the issue of the future of contract medical officers.

“Our proposal is to create more opportunities and space to absorb them on a permanent basis and provide additional incentives in appreciation of all the frontliners in the national health system.”

Earlier today, the Malaysian Medical Association urged the health ministry to disclose its evaluation criteria for contract doctors, saying this would address any suspicion of discriminatory practices. The statement came in the wake of a call for new medical graduates, especially Bumiputeras, to be placed in permanent appointments.