PARLIAMENT | The government will make public all findings from an independent special task force formed following the death of pathology specialist Dr Tay Tien Yaa at Lahad Datu Hospital on Aug 29.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the task force has been given three months from Oct 10 to conduct an investigation surrounding allegations of workplace bullying, which is believed to have driven Tay to commit suicide.

“In brief, when the findings have been tabled to us (ministry), we will take a stand to not keep it a secret.

“We will reveal the report on the principle of accountability as well as transparency,” he said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“This is done so all parties can learn a lesson, be it the perpetrator, policymakers or policy implementers.

“We must know all the factors at a granular level, in detail, so that future policies are drafted based on the right information,” Dzulkefly (above) said in response to a supplementary question from Howard Lee (Harapan-Ipoh Timor).

Lee pointed out that alleged bullying cases in public hospitals did not start with Tay.

Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee

“But it should end with her (death),” stressed Lee who also urged the minister to reveal actions that can be taken against workplace bullies in public hospitals, if it was found there was no criminal element to Tay’s death.

Task force to study hospital work culture

In response, Dzulkefly reaffirmed that actions had been taken in the past to remove hospital officials found to commit workplace bullying, even in the absence of other criminal elements.

On Oct 2, Dzulkefly announced that the special task force analysing the input from investigations into Tay’s death, will also study the work culture at Lahad Datu Hospital.

Dr Tay Tien Yaa

The task force led by former Public Services director-general Borhan Dollah also comprises five independent members with expertise in medicine, psychiatry, pathology, mental health and cases of bullying.

Following Tay’s death on Aug 29, her family alleged she committed suicide after being pressured and oppressed.

Lahad Datu police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said they were aware of the suicide allegations but ruled out foul play.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih
Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders
Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia
Hotline: 03-42657995