PUTRAJAYA: No amount of anti-bullying regulations will be able to create a safe workplace if top management fails to uphold the right values in maintaining a safe and just working ambience, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ater the Health Ministry became the first ministry to launch guidelines on managing workplace bullying.
The Health Minister reminded top management and senior leaders of the ministry that they “should not be part of the problem”.
With the Health Ministry being one of the largest service schemes serving over 80% of the country, he emphasised the importance of values such as love and compassion among its staff.
“You, the leaders, managers and seniors have the mandate to create an ambience that is just and safe,” he said at the launch of the guidelines here on Thursday (Aug 21).
“We don’t compromise on this. Zero tolerance of bullying.
“We cannot at all normalise (bullying). It will fester into a cancer,” he added.
He also recollected on how he took action against a high-ranking officer for bullying during his first stint as health minister.
“I remind you I have zero tolerance for bullying, especially to the fairer sex,” he said.
Dzulkefly said there will be no compromise on cases and action will be taken if there are grounds.
“Remind each other. When you see someone who is a victim of bullying, don’t close your eyes, turn your back or shoulder against the victim,” he said adding even juniors should be given the space to communicate.
He also said there must be no underreporting of bullying cases within the ministry.
Asked whether whistleblowers reporting bullying cases will be protected, he said the ministry will ensure that the identities will be protected.
The Health Ministry’s guidelines to managing workplace bullying will be distributed to all ministry facilities nationwide.
Developed by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), the guidelines outline a new workplace culture within the ministry that is more empathetic, professional, and supportive.
It provides detailed guidance to department heads and all staff on identifying bullying behavior, reporting and investigating complaints, and handling cases transparently, fairly, and effectively.
The ministry has also recorded 430 complaints on its bullying complaints management system, MyHELP as at July 31.
