Kuala lumpur: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said today that he was open to views and ready to explain any issues related to his ministry. He added that he accepted criticism as a challenge, not an attack, and his ministerial post was not a privilege but a heavy duty entrusted by the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly emphasized his commitment to improving the Health Ministry, stating, “Between ‘Shape up or ship out’, I choose to shape up, not with slogans but with work as I believe correcting the system is more important than building perceptions in leading the Health Ministry.” He assured that while not all problems could be resolved immediately, his team would listen, act, and not remain silent.

He addressed specific concerns raised by a news editor, including the shortage of nurses, issues with the on-call allowance, and the ePlacement system. Dr Dzulkefly revealed that his ministry had completed amendments to the Medicine Act 1971 and the Medicine Regulations 2025, as well as resolved the registration of Parallel Pathway specialists.

Furthermore, the ministry successfully enforced the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 and introduced the Suka-Sama-Suka Posting Swap for ministry officers. Dr Dzulkefly also highlighted the approval of additional allocations for hospitals and both new and dilapidated clinics, alongside efforts to strengthen permanent appointments of doctors, nurses, and health officials.