KUCHING: Issues affecting Sarawak’s health sector would require clear feedback and coordination to ensure they could be raised and addressed at the Health Ministry level.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said her role was to gather such feedback, bring it for discussion within the ministry, and work towards the most appropriate solutions.
“I encourage important matters to be raised and conveyed. What I can do is gather this information, discuss it within the ministry and try to find the best possible solution,” she said.
Hanifah was responding to questions on her outlook following her appointment as Deputy Health Minister.
She told the media this after officiating the World Cancer Day Darul Hana Bridge Light Up event at the Kuching Waterfront here on Saturday night (Jan 31).
Hanifah, who is Mukah Member of Parliament, said she welcomed her appointment despite it coming midway through the term, describing such changes as part of political realities.
“I accept the change positively. This is part of the political process,” she said.
She added that she did not claim expertise in medical practice and would need time to learn, noting that her focus would be on administrative and governance matters rather than clinical work.
“What I can do is look at administrative priorities and how to resolve issues that are not directly related to clinical work,” she said.
Hanifah was appointed Deputy Health Minister following the Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last month, replacing Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister.
