KUALA LUMPUR: Medical personnel in Sarawak are submitting a petition to Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian for a formal directive or statement recognising Monday as a holiday in commemoration of Deepavali.
In the petition sighted by the New Straits Times, they have also urged the state government agencies and Sarawak state health department to synchronise their approach with the official recognition of Deepavali to ensure that all are granted their deserved Deepavali leave.
They revealed that while some heads of departments (HoDs) are understanding and willing to grant a day off on Monday, others are citing old regulations or claiming that the state government has not officially declared Monday as a public holiday.
This is also following the NST's report on Wednesday of a Hindu doctor stationed on the periphery of Sarawak expressing concern over the differential treatment they are subjected to, given that they will be unable to return to the Peninsula in time to celebrate Deepavali with their families.
This is because Deepavali is not considered as a public holiday in Sarawak hence the doctors will not be eligible for unrecorded leave despite hailing from the Peninsula.
The doctor also raised concern that more doctors might reject offers in Sarawak due to the double standards and would contribute more towards the understaffing issue.
"This year, Deepavali falls on a Sunday, which is indeed a day of celebration. However, what concerns us is the subsequent day, Monday, which many of us were hoping to take off to spend time with our families and engage in festive activities.
"The issue we are facing is that, while some HoDs are understanding and willing to grant a day off on Monday, others are citing old regulations or claiming that the state government has not officially declared Monday as a public holiday.
"This has caused confusion and inconsistency among medical staff members, creating a sense of unfairness and discontent… We, the undersigned, represent the Indian medical staff in Kuching, and we stand united in our request for a clear directive or declaration confirming Monday as a holiday in celebration of Deepavali," the petition read.
The doctors hoped that Sim would grant his support in this matter which would greatly alleviate the concerns and frustrations of the medical staff and their families by allowing them to celebrate the festival with the joy and enthusiasm it deserves.
"We believe that the state government has always been supportive of cultural and religious diversity and has, in the past, recognised the importance of providing time off for Deepavali celebrations.
"This simple act of synchronisation will go a long way in fostering goodwill and understanding among our diverse community.
"It would also show the respect and appreciation that the state government has for its Indian constituents, who have contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of Sarawak. We believe that granting leave without record on Monday for medical staff members serving Sarawakian residents and celebrating Deepavali is not only fair but also a gesture of support and unity," it said.
