KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran criticised today a proposed Health Service Commission (SPK) without the power to create new positions, devise a retirement scheme, or determine remuneration for health care workers.
The DAP lawmaker said an SPK shouldn’t solely manage human resource issues, but must be able to plan human resources, manage staff shortages, permanent positions, career pathways, and the welfare of health workers in the public service.
“I’m disappointed with this approach. Since 2023, I’ve been fighting for the establishment of this commission,” said Dr Lingeshwaran in a statement.
“If important powers remain with the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), what use is this commission?”
He urged Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to ensure an appropriate mandate and powers for the SPK.
“If it doesn’t have real power to bring about change, don’t waste time and public funds to establish a commission that’s only powerful in name. Health care workers need true reform, not a toothless commission.”
When contacted, Dr Lingeshwaran told CodeBlue that he would support a constitutional amendment bill to give a Health Service Commission the powers he asked for.
Dzulkefly told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday that the government plans to establish an SPK before the end of the 15th Parliament, but said the Health Service Commission wouldn’t have the power to create new positions, devise a retirement scheme, or set emoluments.
He said an SPK – like other existing service commissions, such as education, judicial and legal service, and police – would only have the power to appoint, confirm, and place officers in permanent or pensionable positions, as well as to exercise disciplinary control over officers, under Article 144 of the Federal Constitution.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii from the DAP similarly told CodeBlue earlier today that the proposed Health Service Commission should have the authority to create new positions and set salary scales for health care workers.
