KUCHING: An online petition has been launched on Change.org demanding that Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong publicly apologise for her accusations against the Sarawak Heart Centre and its staff.
Titled “Defend Our Doctor – Demand Apology and Resignation from Violet Yong”, which was started by an online handle identified as Zwen 87, the petition also calls for Yong’s resignation as an elected representative, accusing her of recklessly spreading misleading claims on social media and tarnishing the reputation of frontliners working tirelessly under immense pressure.
At the time of this writing, 1,758 verified signatures have been garnered since the petition was launched on Saturday (April 5).
“Her words not only insulted healthcare workers but also misled the public about the realities of our healthcare system.
“As multiple medical professionals have pointed out, the Sarawak Heart Centre has consistently acted swiftly and professionally in treating patients, despite facing severe manpower shortages.
“Instead of supporting reforms or advocating for better resources, Yong chose to unjustly attack our doctors,” the petition said.
“Therefore, we call on the public to sign this petition, demanding a public apology from Yong and her resignation to take responsibility for her action,” the petition added.
The State Health Department (JKNS) had in a statement clarified the patient concerned arrived at the facility’s emergency department at 1am on March 29, and was attended to by an emergency medical officer within 10 minutes.
It added the patient was subsequently referred to a cardiology medical officer, who at the time was treating another patient in critical condition.
It noted the patient was re-examined by the cardiologist together with the medical officer during morning ward rounds.
“In line with that, the allegation that there were no cardiologists on duty at the Sarawak Heart Centre throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, causing the patient to wait long for treatment, is not true,” it said.
Yong has not publicly responded to JKNS’ statement.
