The new head of the Malaysian Medical Association has called for doctors to have a leadership role in decision-making on national health policies.
Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, who took over as MMA president today, said doctors should be recognised for their leadership role in safeguarding the health of the nation and guiding the country’s health policies.
“Doctors must not only be present at the decision-making table, but must be meaningfully engaged. Our expertise must shape policy, not merely endorse it,” he said in his inaugural address at an MMA dinner this evening.
Thirunavukarasu said he intends to pursue three goals as president, to empower doctors in their leadership role; advocate fair policies, including GP fees; and reclaim professional autonomy.
“We are not just healers — we are advocates, educators, innovators, and leaders. Together, we will advocate for our profession, safeguard our patients, and shape a healthcare system worthy of Malaysia’s future,” he said.
He said issues such as GPs’ fees, contract positions, third-party administrator practices and medico-legal reforms must be addressed to restore fairness and sustainability.
Thirunavukarasu succeeds Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira as MMA president and will serve a one-year term as head of the country’s largest doctors’ group.
He was MMA’s honorary general secretary from 2019 to 2024, and chairman of the private practitioners section for five years from 2019.
