Senator defends Dzulkefly after calls to resign over chopper crash

On Tuesday, a BO-105 helicopter carrying four healthcare workers crashed near Long Lellang short take-off and landing airport in Ulu Baram, Sarawak, resulting in the deaths of all on board and the pilot. This tragic event has sparked calls for the resignation of Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, with one senator defending him against such demands.

Dr RA Lingeshwaran, the senator, refuted the notion that Dzulkefly's resignation would be the solution to the long-standing systemic problems. Instead, Lingeshwaran asserted that addressing issues within the public healthcare sector, particularly safety concerns surrounding the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) and allowances for health workers, has been addressed gradually.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need to comprehend the complexities of government bureaucracy, stating that Dzulkefly, as a minister, cannot immediately implement any proposed initiatives due to the requisite approvals from multiple entities like the finance ministry, public services department, and related agencies.

Moreover, Lingeshwaran, a former hospital director, reiterated his call for the establishment of a health service commission, suggesting that it should be initiated while still serving as Health Minister. The helicopter, en route from Miri Airport to Long Lellang, crashed, resulting in the loss of four healthcare workers, the pilot, and the four individuals onboard.