SIX thousand resignations in five years. That’s the headline that should keep Malaysians awake at night.
Our public healthcare system is bleeding talent – medical officers and specialists are overworked, underpaid and leaving in droves.
And yet, the conversation dominating our national discourse is about whether Muslims can wish Christians – or simply for greeting sake – “Merry Christmas”.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad’s candour about the crisis is commendable as he took to X to address a concern by a healthcare professional.
Salam Madani Dear Dr. Rafidah et al.,🌹🇲🇾
I have listened to all your concerns and those of our doctors. I fully acknowledged and recognized that the MOH is understaffed and that some staff, more than others, are overburdened and overworked. I would never want to deny this… https://t.co/8OrZsmtbie
— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) December 21, 2024
The four-term Kuala Selangor MP went on to outline measures to address the attrition rate – salary adjustments, locum practices and longer-term plans like the “Rakan KKM Partnership” to improve facilities and remuneration.
But here’s the jackpot question: will these measures go far enough to address systemic woes in our public healthcare?
Contrast this with the fervour surrounding Malaysia Islamic Development Department’s (JAKIM) recent social media post clarifying that Muslims can wish Christians “Merry Christmas” under certain conditions. The posting has since been removed.
But this has not stopped the post from being dissected, debated and predictably, politicised. Meanwhile, overworked doctors continue to collapse during their shifts, patients face interminable wait times while hospitals struggle to maintain basic standards due to chronic understaffing.
Malaysia has been a nation bogged down by the wrong priorities. This isn’t about whether JAKIM’s ruling is right or wrong – it’s about why this occupies so much of our collective attention when there are far more pressing issues at hand.
Wishing “Merry Christmas” to one’s Christian neighbours won’t fix the fact that there are hospitals running on skeleton staff or that medical professionals are burning out faster than they can be replaced.
Likewise, if a photo pose with the Christmas pine tree or Santa Claus for the matter can shake the faith of Malaysian Muslims.
The energy we expend on these debates could – and should – be redirected toward demanding systemic reforms that improve the lives of all Malaysians.
So, here’s a suggestion: Let’s wish each other “Merry Christmas” – or don’t. But let’s agree on one thing: our country deserves better priorities. Let’s focus on fixing what truly matters first. – Dec 24, 2024
Main image credit: Angroos; d2i (Data to Intelligence)
