The umbrella group of civil service unions urged the health ministry to consider granting permanent positions to those who had proven capable, in recognition of their services to the country.

Cuepacs president Adnan Mat said they stood in solidarity with the affected young doctors and the Malaysian Medical Association in fighting for their employment rights.

However, he advised against a potential strike in July. Such action has been the subject of a social media campaign of late.

“We fear that (the strike) will affect the country’s public health service, which is in a critical state at the moment.

“Cuepacs is ready to act as liaison with these young medical officers to solve the problems they are facing,” he said in a statement.

“With contracts extended from year to year, (these doctors) receive limited salaries, allowances and leave. This is in contrast to regular doctors.

“Unfortunately, these contract medical officers also do not have the opportunity to continue furthering their expertise to a higher level to become specialists due to the status of their contracts.”

With such uncertainty of tenure, Adnan said contract doctors have difficulty planning their future medical careers.

“Cuepacs does not want the current situation to have a long-term impact on the country’s public health service sector when young, prospective doctors see no ray of light in their future in their own country. Many may choose to serve abroad.

“It is only when they leave and the country is lacking in expertise that we will realise the mistakes we have made,” he said.