Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr John Chew said the child-bearing mother should be the one to decide which doctor she wants at childbirth.

This comes in response to Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya, who said on Monday that the government has plans to only allow female doctors to assist in childbirth at public hospitals.

"This is a personal choice. Women have a right to choose who they want to deliver their babies.

"Yes, let the patients decide. The issues of affordability, accessibility and availability will decide on the doctor she chooses," Chew said when contacted by Malaysiakini yesterday.

Hilmi had also said on Monday that the plan is on hold because there are not enough female doctors in the obstetrics and gynaecology line.

In 2013, the Health Ministry received a petition to only allow female doctors and nurses to work in the labour room and maternity ward, in the interest of the aurat (modesty) of the Muslim patients.

The petition urged the ministry to incentivise women to take up obstetrics and gynaecology, and raise awareness among medical professionals of the aurat requirements during childbirth.

It is generally accepted that a Muslim woman can only reveal her face and hands to members of the opposite gender that she is not related to.

Some Muslim women have also opted to wear "birthing pants" which covers the mother's thighs, ankles and knees during childbirth to fulfil this obligation.