Unhappy with mere termination of service

NEWS that the Health Ministry has terminated the services of the orthopaedics department head accused of sexually harassing female housemen came as a relief to many, especially the victims who had suffered in silence for so long.

But on closer look, the statement by the Health Minister dated Nov 16 raises some questions. Firstly, the minister has carefully refrained from identifying the individual by name, although among many circles, this so-called sex predator is known. Anyone can easily use Google to find out that person’s name. Is it a practice to keep names confidential to protect the accused in such cases? Names of rapists and other sexual predators are kept confidential only if the victims are related. This is not the case.

The most important sentence is that the officer’s service has been terminated. The Bahasa Malaysia word ditamatkan could mean terminated or told to leave, or given retirement with all the benefits. For many officers in government service, especially the medical field, early retirement with benefits would actually be welcomed.

If he was told to retire early, then this is certainly no punishment for him. If he was sacked, as inferred in “Sacking of ‘predator’ hailed” ( The Star, Nov 17), then the word would be dipecat or, in crude Malay, dibuang kerja. This does not seem to be the case, however.

Given that there were 38 complainants who were bold enough to come forward, and perhaps many more who opted to remain silent, this bully will be laughing away this relatively light sentence.

There is also no mention about whether he can still practise medicine or if his practising licence would be revoked. This means he can set up his own practice or be employed without any form of surveillance on his action in the future.

The statement also does not state any form or verdict or judgment to condemn the wrongdoings or that the person concerned has done wrong. Neither has the minister referred the case for disciplinary action to the Malaysian Medical Council, or investigation of abuse of power to the relevant authorities.

We are now in the era of transparency and while we do not seek revenge, the rule of law must be upheld. This officer abused his position to prey on others for years, hence an early retirement is not punishment for what he did.

Can the Health Ministry truly say that it has completed its investigation over this matter? The public does not think so, especially if one reads the comments on social media.

UPSET NETIZEN Kuala Lumpur