Johor health worker shortage: Former chairman criticizes Menteri Besar's approach

Mohd. Solihan Badri, former Chairman of the Johor State Committee for Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, has criticized the state's Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, for his approach to the shortage of healthcare workers, particularly at the newly operational Pasir Gudang Hospital.

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Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is now in his second term as Menteri Besar but is still seen as not knowing the methods or understanding the basic procedures for filling vacant positions in a government hospital.

Solihan Badri argued that Ghazi's public questioning of the Ministry of Health (KKM) regarding staffing issues demonstrates the current state government's administrative shortcomings. He pointed out that Ghazi, now in his second term as Menteri Besar, appears unaware of basic procedures for filling vacant positions in government hospitals.

According to Solihan Badri, addressing the shortage of doctors and healthcare staff requires more than media statements or blaming the KKM. He stressed the need for structured administrative actions, such as submitting formal applications to the KKM, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the federal government. He suggested that the Menteri Besar should convene meetings with these agencies and relevant state bodies, including the State Economic Planning Unit and the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, to develop an integrated plan.

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He should know that the problem of a shortage of doctors and health staff will not be solved by just making media statements or blaming the KKM. Solutions can only be achieved through structured administrative action by submitting official applications to the KKM, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the federal government.

"The people of Johor do not need political drama or populist statements; they want action, results, and real solutions," Solihan Badri stated, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the state government to initiate the application process through the correct channels. He believes it is inappropriate for the Menteri Besar to act as if the KKM is deliberately delaying matters when the state government must actively drive the application process.

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The people of Johor do not need political drama or populist statements; they want action, results, and real solutions.