KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has urged a senior doctor, who had accused her boss of sexual harassment, to lodge a police report.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the ministry is aware of the case and it is being investigated by the ministry's Integrity Unit.
However, he also urged the complainant to lodge a police report.
"We need a police report. It doesn't matter whether the perpetrator is a hospital director or anyone else. A police report and investigation by the police would be good," he said.
He said the decision on whether to expel or suspend the perpetrator will depend on the outcome of the investigation and report.
Dr Noor Hisham was commenting on a complaint by a senior doctor, who claimed the her hospital director had passed lewd remarks against female staff.
News portal FMT had quoted the doctor as claiming that the perpetrator, who is a hospital director, had also
commented on women's attire during meetings, such as the colour of their undergarments.
The doctor's husband said his wife had lost 20kg as a result of stress. The couple also claimed that two inquiries were held by the ministry last year but his wife, a deputy director at the hospital, had yet to be told about the findings.
The couple had refrained from lodging a police report for fear of repercussions from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said a police report would aid the investigation.
"MOH is aware of this case and investigations are ongoing by the Integrity Unit.
"In such cases, there are procedures that need to be adhered to.
"Steps are usually taken to ensure fair and just investigations and appropriate actions are taken against the parties involved.
"We must ensure that any claims of abusive behaviour and misconduct are thoroughly examined, addressed in a fair and open manner.
"We need to stress the importance of adhering to the administrative process and rules of procedure that the ministry outlines.
"The procedures are set to ensure that all staff members, including senior officials, are held accountable for their actions in a manner that is fair, objective, and consistent with the principles of justice," he said.
