MMA: We're backing Code Black and Black Monday, not Black Flag movement

 

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has repeated its stand that it is working with the authorities to resolve all issues concerning contract healthcare workers in the country.

As such, it supports the Code Black from July 1-12 and Black Monday on July 12 as a campaign to only encourage the people to show their support for the contract doctors.

However, the group does not condone any strike by any healthcare professionals especially during this time of a pandemic, nor does it wish to be mistaken as supporting the Black Flag campaign which is calling for Prime Minister Muhyiddin to step down, Parliament to convene immediately and for the state of emergency to end.

MMA president Dr M Subramaniam said he was issued a statement to draw a distinction.

"We are concerned as it has come to our attention that certain quarters have started a ‘Black Flag’ campaign.

"MMA is concerned that this new development may cause confusion, hence we wish to clearly state that only the Code Black and Black Monday campaign are initiatives by MMA in support of contract doctors," he said.

Subramaniam said the MMA was encouraging members of the public to:

1. Change their personal profile picture /company or institution logo to Black or monochrome.

2. Visit the MMA Schomos Facebook page for the latest information and updates regarding contract doctors and by helping to increase awareness on their issues.

3. Wear black to work on July 12th as a show of solidarity with contract doctors.

4. Share pictures of themselves holding a placard saying “We stand with Contract Healthcare Workers” with the hashtags #saveMYcontractHCW #BlackMondayMY #CodeBlackMY only.

He said black was chosen to mourn the bright young talents we have already lost to other countries and to recognise the suffering of contract healthcare workers left in Malaysia.

"There are 23,077 contract doctors since 2016 but only 789 have been given permanent positions in our public healthcare.

"These are the only ways we encourage as a show of support for contract healthcare workers as per our press statement issued on June 29," he said, adding that the MMA hoped that the issue would not be politicised by any groups. - Mkini