CIJ strongly condemns the harassment against doctors for supporting the #CodeBlackMY campaign

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) strongly condemns the police’s action for investigating doctors and healthcare workers who supported the #CodeBlackMY and #BlackMondayMY campaigns amidst the atmosphere of utter chaos that the medical fraternity is facing.
 
We view this seriously as the investigation is seen as a form of intimidation against doctors, who were only voicing their frustrations against a system for failing to protect them. It is estimated that 15,000 healthcare workers have shown their support for the campaign on social media. #BlackMondayMY took place on Monday (12 July) where doctors wore black, after a 12-day duration for the #CodeBlackMY campaign on social media.
 
CIJ echoes Malaysian Medical Association’s (MMA) President Prof Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy for calling out authorities for harassing doctors and healthcare workers who supported the campaign against job inequality with contract doctors. Moreover, this intimidation tactic has traumatised the doctors who have reported the incident to MMA. Standing up for one’s rights and showing solidarity with the campaign is crucial.
 
Article 10 of the Federal Constitution guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to form associations, engage in peaceful assembly and promote freedom of expression. The doctors in this context were exercising their fundamental right to protest and dissent. Freedom of expression, as enshrined under international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in our Federal Constitution, underpins the fundamental right to seek and exchange ideas, opinions and information that would enable the public to form their own opinions and allow for dissenting or alternative positions, specifically on issues of public interests, and ultimately promote good governance and hold the State accountable. Any restrictions to these rights must be legitimate, necessary, or expedient and proportionate in the interest of maintaining public order, morality, and national security.
 
We stand in solidarity with the doctors and organisers of the #CodeBlackMY #BlackMondayMY #saveMYcontractHCW #HartalDoktorKontrak solidarity campaign. We call on the authorities to immediately end any form of harassment and intimidation of doctors for supporting the cause, as they deserve to be heard and their concerns made public. The Malaysian government must safeguard and respect the rights of doctors and medical professionals to voice their concerns, especially when the country’s healthcare is facing a dire strain due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
14 July 2021
Ms. Wathshlah G. Naidu
CIJ Executive Director
 
For media enquiries, contact comms@cijmalaysia.net.