KUALA LUMPUR: The findings of an independent committee investigating the death of specialist doctor Dr Tay Tien Yaa, who was found dead in her home in Lahad Datu, will be made public.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said action will be taken against those involved if there is indeed evidence of bullying in the case.
"In 2018, I established an independent committee regarding a bullying case that resulted in action being taken against the head of a department at a public hospital in the Klang Valley, even though he had the rank of Jusa at the time.
"This action was the result of an investigation by an independent committee related to bullying.
"When the findings (of the probe into Dr Tay's death) are presented to us… we will not hide anything or keep it secret. We will reveal it based on the principles of accountability, responsibility and transparency," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a question from Howard Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor) on the actions taken by the ministry following the death of the pathologist at Lahad Datu Hospital.
He said the findings would be taken into account when formulating policy, adding that any new policy enacted later must be guided by accurate information.
He added that the committee will conduct a thorough investigation in an independent and inclusive manner, analysing all inputs to identify the cause of death and confirm whether bullying actually occurred.
"The team will also provide a complete report on the results of the investigation and research within three months from the date of establishment.
"The ministry does not compromise on the issue of bullying. Based on previous complaints of bullying cases, the ministry takes a firm and transparent attitude by reporting the results of the investigation as soon as it is completed," he said.
Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry would extend the task force's timeline by another three months to conduct investigations and address all issues related to bullying within the ministry.
Dr Tay was found dead in her house on Aug 29.
Her family later claimed she had been mistreated and forced to work long hours. This, they said, contributed to her decision to end her own life.
On Sept 16, Dr Dzulkefly called for a thorough investigation into Dr Tay's death.
He had said he did not tolerate any form of workplace bullying and that all staff at the ministry deserve a safe and just working environment.
Yesterday, Dr Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry will identify and investigate hospitals with reported cases of doctors getting bullied.