LETTERS: Criticisms have been levelled against the Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on social media over two matters that he has no direct control — the closure of Parliament and the issue of contract doctors.
In the matter of Parliament, it was Dr Noor Hisham's duty to advise the government about the risks of allowing people to congregate when the number of Covid-19 infections was on the increase.
In that context, the rising numbers in Parliament were of serious concern. And he advised the government accordingly.
On the issue of contract doctors, it was Dr Noor Hisham who suggested that a taskforce be formed to address the issue expeditiously.
It's true that these criticisms are the unkindest cuts of all. He was only being true to his calling and faithful to his profession.
If anything, Dr Noor Hisham should be praised for his countless days of service in the fight against Covid-19. It is unfair to criticise him for one day of perceived neglect.
While it is tempting to dismiss the criticisms as being one of the hazards of constantly being in the public eye, it is also incumbent on his critics to understand that, as a professional, Dr Noor Hisham would rather be unpopular than be unprofessional.
Until recently, Dr Noor Hisham has been receiving accolades for his handling of Covid-19 pandemic and for appearing on television like clockwork these past several months to keep the public informed and reassured.
He was picked to join an international coalition dedicated to clinical research involving Covid-19.
He was also internationally recognised as among the top doctors for the handling of Covid-19 pandemic approach.
I'll give in to temptation and repeat a quote by William Shakespeare: "The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones".
Steve Rhodes
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
