Police are investigating a dentist over a video he allegedly posted regarding the ‘Code Black’ campaign for contract doctors in government service.
Bukit Aman CID director Abd Jalil Hassan warned that the police would not compromise with anyone who disturbs public harmony.
“The police urges members of the public to be judicious social media users and not use the platforms to incite public mischief and threaten national harmony.
“Stern action will be taken without compromise against any individual who threatens the peace and public harmony,” Jalil said in a statement today.
The investigation is on a video lasting 6 minutes and 49 seconds, wherein a dentist explained why doctors are going on strike over the plight of contract doctors.
The dentist warned that the lack of opportunities for contract doctors to advance their careers under the present system could lead to a shortage of medical specialists in the future, as well as cause a brain drain when these junior doctors begin to seek opportunities abroad.
He also said members of the public could show solidarity with the contract doctors by changing their profile pictures on social media to either black or monochrome from July 1 to July 12.
Members of the public were also encouraged to wear black on July 12 and post photos on social media with the hashtags #SaveMYcontractHCW, #CodeBlackMY, and #BlackMondayMY.
Jalil said the dentist is being investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code for allegedly making statements conducing to public mischief.
Upon conviction, the offence is punishable with up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
The case is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities and services.
The offence is punishable with a fine up to RM50,000, up to a year’s imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
Jalil also warned the public not to make “irresponsible” statements or speculation that could affect police investigations.
Any information pertaining to the case can be channelled to the investigating officer Ng Guan Seng at 03-8886 2222 or the Putrajaya Command Centre at 03-8886 2145.
Multiple campaigns in support of healthcare personnel
The Code Black and Black Monday campaigns are organised by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to show solidarity with contract doctors.
It is separate from another campaign being organised by another group, which called for a strike by medical personnel on July 26.
The MMA said yesterday that several of its members are being investigated over the campaign. It condemned the investigations as unnecessary police “harassment”.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement today, the Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak that is organising the strike supported MMA’s statement against the police investigations.
It said it too has received complaints from many healthcare workers that they have received threats or had been investigated after showing support for contract doctors on social media.
“All kinds of harassment by law enforcers must be stopped immediately and healthcare workers who are frontliners in the battle against Covid-19 must be treated with dignity and respect.
“Their rights and freedom to express their solidarity with contract doctors by supporting Gerakan Hartal Doktor Kontrak and the Black Monday campaign by MMA is not a violation of the law and any harassment or attempt to curtail their voices is indeed a violation to their human rights,” it said. - Mkini
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