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MCA Youth has expressed unease over the Malaysian Medical Council’s (MMC) recent clarification allowing medical graduates to use the title “Doctor” (Dr) in an academic context, even if they are not licensed to practise medicine in Malaysia.
Its Secretary-General, Saw Yee Fung, warned that the policy risks misleading the public and undermining the credibility of the medical profession, which is built on rigorous standards and an accredited system.
“Dr is not merely an honorary title; it represents professional identity and responsibility towards public safety,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Yee Fung highlighted that the relaxation in title usage could enable unqualified individuals to label themselves as doctors, making it difficult for the public to distinguish between licensed practitioners and those without the authority to practise.
“This issue arose following MMC’s explanation that the use of the title Dr is permitted in an academic context, but it does not grant the individual the right to practise medicine,” he added.
In response, MCA Youth urged the MMC and the government to clearly differentiate between academic titles and professional doctor status, and to implement stricter regulations to prevent confusion and safeguard public welfare.Earlier, MMC President Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab stated on Tuesday that the Dr title applies not only to medical graduates but also to dentists, veterinarians, and holders of doctoral degrees across various disciplines as recognition of academic achievement.
He emphasised, however, that the use of the title should not be misconstrued as permission to practise medicine in Malaysia. - December 25, 2025