According to a statement from the minister’s office, Zaliha was to take part in a discussion and a forum planned over the weekend.

“Dr Zaliha is committed to implementing changes in the country’s healthcare system through discussions with Malaysian medical experts currently serving in the UK,” said the statement.

It said she attended a special discussion programme on “Building a resilient healthcare system: The future of medical research collaboration between Malaysia and UK”.

The event covered a variety of topics, including the challenges faced by healthcare systems around the world as well as cross-border research collaboration issues.

“The bilateral discussion is important, considering that the healthcare systems in the UK and Malaysia have several similarities, including providing free healthcare services,” it said.

“Both countries are also striving to provide the best services despite the increase in costs and demographics. The input obtained from the discussion was very useful considering that Malaysia is drafting a white paper on health.”

The discussion was the first programme organised in Oxford by the Oxford University Malaysia Club in collaboration with Clinical Research Malaysia, Zaliha’s office said.

Also present were health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and a Malaysian cardiologist from Oxford University, Dr Masliza Mahmod.

According to the statement, Zaliha will attend a forum titled “UK-Malaysia clinical research partnership: Making it happen”, to be moderated by Eric Lim, consultant thoracic surgeon from the Royal Brompton Hospital.

The forum will discuss collaboration between UK and Malaysian clinical researchers to ensure quality research can be produced at their respective institutions.