WHEN the critical topic of healthcare arises in Malaysia’s political discourse, discussions often centre on infrastructure, funding, and technology. Yet, effective health policy demands something even more fundamental: leadership grounded in medical expertise, proven administrative competence, and a clear commitment to the people’s well-being. The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) presents a unique proposition: a growing cadre of leaders possessing precisely these qualifications – leaders ready to steer the Ministry of Health (MOH) with both insight and experience.
Malaysia’s healthcare system faces unprecedented strain. Overcrowded public hospitals, prolonged waiting times, specialist shortages, and the urgent need for better public-private integration are daily realities. The rising tide of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, coupled with an aging population, will further test the system’s limits. Addressing these complex challenges requires not just political will, but deep, operational understanding of the system’s inner workings.
PAS leaders have consistently articulated a vision focused on improving healthcare equity, strengthening primary care, boosting preventive health, and ensuring no Malaysian is left behind. Crucially, they bring concrete proposals to the table, including:
- Establishing a dedicated Health Services Commission (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Kesihatan) to professionally manage the recruitment, training, deployment, and career progression of healthcare personnel, tackling critical staffing shortages and maldistribution.
- Championing an increase in the national health budget towards international standards to ensure sustainable funding for modern facilities, essential medicines, advanced technology, and expanded services.
- Actively finding effective ways to mitigate rising healthcare costs for the public, focusing on prevention, efficient resource allocation, and smart public-private partnerships.
PAS stands apart in Malaysian politics with multiple serving Members of Parliament who are also practicing medical doctors. This provides an unparalleled advantage: the potential for health leadership that is both politically astute and clinically informed. Members of Parliament from PAS whom can be considered as future Minister of Health:
- Dato’ Dr. Alias Razak – MP Kuala Nerus, Terengganu
Medical Background: MD (UKM); decades of frontline service in public hospitals, district health management, and epidemiology; former Hospital Director (Kemaman); private GP owner.
Political Leadership: Former Terengganu State EXCO for Health, Local Government, Housing & Environment (2018–2023); long-serving ADUN before becoming MP.
Why He Stands Out: A battle-tested administrator with direct experience managing state-level public health portfolios. He intimately understands hospital operations, the challenges of rural healthcare delivery, disease prevention strategies, and the systemic issues a Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Kesihatan could resolve. His background is crucial for implementing cost-mitigation strategies through efficient system management.
- Dr. Halimah Ali – MP Kapar, Selangor
Medical Background: Medical degree (University of Tasmania); former MOH doctor; experienced general practitioner in Klang.
Political Leadership: Former Selangor State EXCO for Education, Higher Education & Human Capital (2008–2014).
Why She Stands Out: Combines invaluable grassroots GP experience with significant policy expertise in human capital development. This is essential for addressing the healthcare workforce crisis (a core function of the proposed Commission), improving health education in schools (a preventive measure that mitigates long-term costs), and advocating effectively for the necessary budget increases to international levels.
- Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Yunus Hairi – MP Kuala Langat, Selangor
Medical Background: MBBS (University of Malaya); long-serving GP and clinic owner in Sijangkang.
Political Leadership: Former Selangor EXCO for Youth & Sports and later Islamic Affairs/Heritage/Rural Development; multiple terms as state assemblyman before entering Parliament.
Why He Stands Out: Brings decades of hands-on primary care experience – the very foundation of cost-effective and accessible healthcare – coupled with administrative skills honed in major state portfolios. He is acutely aware of the impact of rising health costs on communities and is positioned to drive solutions for mitigating higher health expenses through strengthened primary care and community-based initiatives, addressing both urban and rural needs.
Why PAS Deserves the Mandate to Lead the Nation’s Health
- Ready Expertise, Not Borrowed Talent: Unlike parties needing to source external health ministers, PAS possesses an internal talent pool of qualified, practicing doctors. They already comprehend public health systems, clinical demands, and policymaking intricacies. This translates to minimal “ramp-up” time and faster, more informed action on critical issues like establishing the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Kesihatan or optimizing the budget.
- Proven Administrative Brainpower: These leaders are not merely politicians with medical degrees. They are seasoned administrators who have managed hospitals, clinics, state health departments, and large public service budgets. They are equipped to handle the complexities of allocating increased funding effectively, planning hospital infrastructure, and executing nationwide health campaigns efficiently – directly contributing to cost mitigation.
- Unwavering Professionalism: Throughout their careers, from government hospitals to Parliament, PAS’s medical professionals have maintained reputations for discipline, ethical conduct, and service-oriented leadership. Their dual credibility as physicians and public servants fosters essential public trust, especially when proposing significant reforms like the Commission or budget shifts.
- Bridging the Healthcare Divide: With substantial experience in both government service and private practice, PAS’s doctors possess a pragmatic understanding of how public-private collaboration can alleviate overcrowding, expedite specialist access, improve preventive outreach, and ultimately help control overall health costs.
Entrusting the MOH to this PAS lineup offers a clear pathway to:
a. Reforming Primary Healthcare: Shifting focus decisively towards prevention and early intervention – the most effective long-term strategy for mitigating higher health costs.
b. Decentralizing Specialist Care: Tackling bottlenecks by expanding specialist services at district hospitals, improving access and reducing waiting times.
c. Integrating Private GPs: Leveraging private clinics within the national health safety net to enhance capacity and reach.
d. Strengthening Emergency Preparedness: Building robust systems for public health emergencies.
e. Prioritizing Mental Health & NCD Management: Addressing critical, growing needs with appropriate resources from an increased budget.
f. Establishing the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Kesihatan: Creating a dedicated body to solve the healthcare workforce crisis systematically.
In essence, PAS offers Malaysia a rare combination in health leadership: ample manpower, proven brainpower, and unwavering professionalism. Their demonstrable track record in both medicine and governance signifies leaders who intimately understand the healthcare system’s pain points – not just from policy documents, but from years spent in the wards, clinics, and communities they serve.
As Malaysia navigates its healthcare future, placing the nation’s health in the hands of those who understand it best – through profound lived experience and professional commitment – is paramount. PAS presents a qualified, ready leadership team capable of taking charge of the Ministry of Health from day one, equipped to implement vital reforms like the Health Services Commission, secure necessary funding, and tackle the challenge of rising costs head-on.
Prof Madya Dr. Mohd Mazri Yahya
PAS Central Committee Member
14 August 2025
-HARAKAHDAILY, 15/08/2025
