KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — Newly minted Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that her ministry will focus on providing a healthcare system for all irrespective of racial, religious, and social background.
“Looking at the society's atmosphere that is being affected by the racial propaganda spread by some politicians, it should be understood that the health sector is for all irrespective of religion, background, and race,” said Dr Zaliha in a statement posted on her Facebook page today.
The first woman Minister of Health added that her ministry’s mission will be in line with the unity government’s agenda as well as listening to what society demands.
In the post, she added that she has been receiving requests to discuss and comments on issues that have existed in the past but she promised to seek the best solutions during her term.
She then said that she will look into the projects that have been left behind by her predecessor Khairy Jamaluddin.
“Referring to the questions and request to continue projects raised by the former Health Minister, the answers have been given and we will do whatever that will benefit the country and people at large.
“There’s a possibility that certain issues needed to be put aside to deal with more urgent matters but things will be sorted out one by one,” said Dr Zalina in reference to the Tobacco Generation End Game (GEG) bill that was proposed by Khairy during his term.
The GEG bill aimed at eliminating smoking and tobacco consumption by prohibiting the sale and use of any form of smoking-related products including electronic cigarettes or 'vapes' to individuals born from Jan 1, 2007 onwards.
The bill was tabled for the first reading by Khairy on July 27 but was later referred to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for finetuning.
