Why Malaysia should expand access to parallel pathway programme

 

From Jayaprakash Murulitharan

Over the past few weeks, I have followed unfolding developments in Malaysia, particularly concerning the controversial parallel pathway. Despite the eight-hour time difference and my weekend reading schedule, I have been struck by how discussions about race have infiltrated these debates, specifically by the students’ protest at a public university.

As I write this article from the UK, I must draw on scientific data and personal emotions. Last July, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer, introducing me to the critical need for thoracic specialists.

Thanks to the cardio experts at the National Heart Institute (IJN) and the thoracic experts at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), he underwent life-saving surgery to remove a lung tumour, followed by extensive treatment at HKL and IJN. Special thanks to the cardiovascular experts at IJN and thoracic experts at HKL. This personal journey underscored the essential role of specialised medical professionals, particularly thoracic experts, in my family’s lives.

The scientific data paints a worrying picture of ambient air quality in Malaysia’s urban centres, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. These cities are grappling with pollution levels that pose significant risks to respiratory health, particularly that of carcinogens.

Quoting a recent update by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the government aims to produce 28,000 medical specialists within a period of six years. Nevertheless, there are challenges that may hinder the realisation of this objective if the objection of allowing access to the parallel pathway programme at public institutions continues.

The MMA also stated that Malaysia’s current population-to-specialist ratio stands at 10,000:4, while the average for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is 10,000:14.3.

It is alarming that despite an apparent demand for more thoracic specialists highlighted by the medical community, certain educational institutions and student bodies are resisting the integration of non-Bumiputera students into specialised medical programmes. This resistance is often framed by legal and institutional mandates.

However, it clashes with the pressing needs of our healthcare system. At a time when we should be advancing toward embracing technologies such as AI and nurturing a forward-thinking youth, it is disheartening to see a segment of the student population clinging to outdated, racially influenced standpoints.

To the students engaging in protests without a substantive understanding of the implications of their demands, I urge you to fully embrace the scientific facts and approach these issues with an intellectual mindset. Refrain from expending time and resources on demonstrations that need a clear, substantial point.

Regrettably, over the past few weeks, no one from this public institution has provided a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of Malaysia’s projected cardiothoracic cases.

Thus, we stand at a crucial point. Malaysia requires all the medical expertise it can obtain, regardless of race. We must think of Malaysians, united by the common goal of better health and a brighter future for our people.

Let us set aside divisive attitudes and focus on solutions that benefit everyone, leveraging collective capabilities to tackle the challenges ahead. This is more than a policy debate; it is about ensuring that every Malaysian person can access the best medical care.

As we navigate through these complex issues, let us remember that at the heart of every policy are people whose lives and well-being depend on the decisions we make today. - FMT

Jayaprakash Murulitharan is a PhD researcher (atmospheric science) at the chemistry department, University of Cambridge.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.