Zaliha open to advice, suggestions from ex-health ministers

Newly appointed Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said she was open to any advice, suggestions and guidance from former health ministers who could serve as references for her in running the Health Ministry.

As the first woman ever to helm the Health Ministry, Zaliha (above) admitted that her biggest challenge is to continue the ministry’s excellent work while strengthening the country's health sector in general.

"I am very open to any kind of help in terms of suggestions or opinions on things that ministers have done before that have come out with policies or anything else.

"But as usual, as a new minister, I will get a briefing from the Health Ministry officials and see which policies we can adopt, which ones need to be improved or which ones we should reject," she told reporters at the ministry today.

Earlier, Zaliha arrived at the ministry’s compound at 8.30am and was greeted by Health Ministry secretary-general Harjeet Singh, senior management officials and the ministry’s staff before scanning her time card to symbolically clock in at her office.

Zaliha also expressed enthusiasm and described her appointment as a recognition of raising the dignity of women as policymakers - especially in the field of health.

Prioritising women, children’s wellbeing

The Sekijang MP, who has experience as a family health doctor, said she would focus on improving policies and health services for women and children.

"Women's NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and doctors have started calling me. This is challenging but also exciting for me. I will work on issues that affect women and children," she said.

Last Saturday, Zaliha, 58, took her oath of office together with two deputy prime ministers and other ministers at Istana Negara.

In the 15th general election (GE15), Zaliha, who was contesting for the first time for the Sekijang parliament seat, won in a four-way fight with a majority of 1,734 votes against Md Salleheen Mohamad (BN), Uzzair Ismail (Bersatu), Dr Mohd Zohar (Warisan) and Mohd Saiful Faizal Abd Halim (Putra).

- Bernama

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