by The Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia Persatuan Perubatan Islam
Malaysia (PPIM)
 

Assalmu`alaikum warahmatullah / Salam Sejahtera.

The Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia is extremely concerned about the wellbeing of our patron, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dato’ Seri and his doctor wife, Datin Seri Wan Azizah have been and continue to be an inspiration to our members to continuously uphold the solemn oath of a Muslim Physician; “…to exercise justice, love and compassion for all of God’s creation, to hold human life as precious and sacred, to protect and honour it at all times and under all circumstances, to do our utmost to alleviate pain and misery, and to comfort and counsel human beings in sickness and in anxiety…”

Our worst fears for his health whilst in police detention under the draconian Internal Security Act were confirmed when he first appeared before the public for his court hearing smarting a black eye. This occurred despite repeated assurances from the Prime Minister cum Home Minister and the Inspector General of Police that he was “safe and sound” in police custody.

As physicians we are cognisant of various modalities used to extract information; coerced submissions and tortures undergone by prisoners of conscience, among others. We abhor and condemn all forms of physical, mental, biochemical and biological torture perpetrated on these innocent victims.

The Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia applauds the truly
professional manner demonstrated by Dato’ Dr. Shukri, Consultant Ophthalmologist, when he examined Dato’ Seri Anwar, and without fear and favour stated: “In my expert opinion, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was assaulted over the left forehead and neck and received blunt trauma that resulted in residual bruises over the left upper eyelid and lower eyelid.”

We fully trust that our other medical colleagues looking after Dato’ Seri Anwar will continue to discharge their duties professionally and give him the best possible medical care and attention, undeterred by the watchful eyes of the police or the politician. Meanwhile, Malaysians deserve an update on the wellbeing of their former Deputy Prime Minister. World leaders have expressed their anxiety and concern for his immediate health, apart from decrying the atrocities of the Internal
Security Act.

As medical professionals, we insist on an exact medical diagnosis, not a repeat of “political diagnosis” of his physical and mental health. Politicians must abstain from parroting one another in asuming that Dato’ Seri Anwar’s bruised eye might be “self-inflicted”. Physicians in politics, in particular, should never allow the ugly face of politics to
defile the Oath of a Muslim Physician professed and rendered in the name of Allah, the All Knowing, the Eternal, the All Pervading, the Only Healer. We believe that the best and most appropriate authority to explain the health conditions of Dato’ Seri Anwar is not the offices of the Prime Minister, the Inspector General of Police or the Health Minister, but that of the Director General of Health. We pray that this right will not be usurped by the powers that be.

True to our physician’s oath, members of the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia have a moral responsibility in persevering to serve the cause of truth, justice, love, compassion and human dignity. And in realising this noble endeavour with other Malaysians, we pray that sanity will return to a nation beleagured by distrust and partiality;
and shrouded by a culture of fear and intimidation.

As Muslim medical professionals, we cherish a common aspiration for humanity in general and Malaysians in particular. Together we have solemnly pledged to among others, “…protect human life in all stages and under all circumstances, doing our utmost to rescue it from death, malady, pain and anxiety…To be, all the way, an instrument of God’s mercy, extending our medical care to near and far, virtuous and sinner and friend and enemy…”

“Oh Allah, grant us the strength, patience and dedication to adhere to this oath at all times and under all circumstances in accordance with Thy Law.”

Wassalamu`alaikum.
 
 

Assoc. Prof. Mohamed Hatta Shaharom, President, PPIM

Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin, Vice President, PPIM