New MMA president Dr L.Sivanaesan prioritises retaining doctors in Malaysia’s public healthcare system through better careers, working conditions and development
IPOH: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president-elect Dr L Sivanaesan has been appointed the association’s new president, succeeding Datuk Dr R. Thirunavukarasu, whose term ended today.
He was Chairman of MMA Selangor, Honorary Deputy Secretary of the MMA for two terms, and Chairman of the MMA Private Practitioners Section from 2023 to 2024.
Speaking at the MMA 2026 dinner here tonight, he said retaining doctors in Malaysia’s public healthcare system will be his priority as the country faces growing demand for healthcare services and a need for more healthcare workers.
“Training a doctor takes many years and requires significant investment.
“When experienced doctors leave the public systems, we do not simply lose a member of the workforce; we lose experience, expertise and the continuity of care they provide to patients,” he said.
Dr Sivanaesan said retaining doctors cannot be addressed simply by increasing the number of medical graduates, noting that greater attention must be given to doctors’ career progression, working environment, professional development and long-term prospects within the public healthcare system.
