A DOCTOR accused of sexually harassing medical officers at a Klang Valley hospital has been recommended for suspension after an independent inquiry found enough grounds for action against him.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this was the inquiry panel’s proposal so that further investigations could take place.

Additionally, a report will be lodged with the Malaysian Medical Council to investigate the specialist, who is a head of department, for professional misconduct.

“The ministry (is to) take the necessary action to suspend the said HOD to facilitate further investigations by relevant authorities,” Dzulkefly said in a statement today.

“The findings (have) revealed that there were enough grounds for the ministry to proceed with further action against the said HOD.”

He said the doctor’s suspension was in line with rules governing civil servants.

Dzukefly said the panel had submitted its recommendations to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh and the Health Ministry’s top management.

A source at the ministry told The Malaysian Insight that the specialist, who was attached to the orthopaedic department, had already been told to go on leave and had not been at work since news of the allegations against him broke in late July.

If found guilty, he could be sacked and have his practitioner’s licence withdrawn.

“If the victims made police reports against him, he can be charged and tried for a criminal offence and can be jailed upon conviction.

“If a report is made to the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), he can also lose his licence,” the ministry source said.

A letter dated September 3 to the doctor from the ministry’s human resources division said that his post as specialist at the hospital had not been revoked and an earlier order on August 30 to transfer him to administrative duties at the ministry in Putrajaya had been cancelled.

A copy of this letter was sent to The Malaysian Insight by another source who expressed frustration that the supposed transfer to Putrajaya did not take place, while those who have spoken out against the doctor in the hospital were allegedly being penalised.

But the ministry source explained that the cancellation of the transfer was only until the inquiry released its findings and recommendations.

Dzulkefly added today that rumours about the transfers of other doctors and specialists should not be heeded and that the ministry would make an official statement on the matter. – September 10, 2018.