MCA Youth warns against misusing 'Dr' title, urges MMC to uphold standards

 

MCA Youth has raised concerns over the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) statement that medical graduates may use the title “Doctor (Dr)” as an academic designation even if they are not qualified to practise medicine.

Its secretary-general, Saw Yee Fung, said such a position risks confusing the public and undermining the credibility of the medical profession.

“The title ‘Doctor’ has never been a mere honorific. It is a symbol of professional identity grounded in rigorous accreditation, training, and standards of practice,” she said in a statement.

Yesterday, the MMC said that while there is no restriction on the usage of the doctor title for those who graduated with a medical degree from unrecognised universities, they are still not allowed to practise medicine in the country.

This came after a PAS member, Nurul Islam Yusoff, questioned the new Youth and Sports Minister Taufiq Johari over his use of the “Dr” prefix, having allegedly graduated from an unrecognised university in Indonesia.

Commenting further, Saw argued that unrecognised medical programmes may fall short of required standards, but allowing their graduates to refer to themselves as “Doctor” amounts to a tacit endorsement of their professional standing.

“This dilutes the seriousness of being ‘unrecognised’ in the first place,” she said.

Grave consequences

Saw also said political figures and cabinet ministers wield significant influence and set examples through their words and actions, adding that mishandling sensitive issues such as the use of the “Doctor” title could mislead the public.

“As the nation’s medical gatekeeper, the MMC’s foremost duty is to strictly safeguard professional standards and uphold the credibility of the healthcare system, not to issue statements amid political controversy that could be interpreted as providing cover for politicians,” she said.

Saw cautioned against the grave consequences of a failure to take action, with the risk of unqualified and unaccredited individuals labelling themselves as doctors and the erosion of medical professionalism.

As such, she urged the MMC and the government to take public concerns seriously, clearly distinguish between an academic title and the professional status of a medical doctor, and establish clearer and more stringent regulations to prevent misuse of the title and safeguard public safety.

Taufiq has yet to respond to the controversy despite repeated requests for comments, with critics calling out potential criminal offences under the Medical Act 1971, punishable with a fine and up to three years in prison. - Mkini