A progressive Penang must also be a healthy Penang, where people from all walks of life have access to quality healthcare and opportunities to lead healthier lives, says Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
He emphasised that achieving this vision required close collaboration between the state government, the medical fraternity and the wider community to strengthen preventive healthcare, raise public health awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
“Together, we must strengthen preventive healthcare, raise public health awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
“Our shared goal must be to build not only a healthcare system that treats illness, but also a society that actively promotes wellness and prevents disease,” he said.
Gooi was speaking at the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Penang branch Annual Dinner and Installation Ceremony for the 2026–2027 term at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC) on Oct 24.
Also present were Penang State Health director Datuk Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah, MMA national president Dr Sivanesan Letchumanan, MMA president-elect Dr Selvarajah Sathya, honorary general secretary Dr Vasupillai Letchumanan, honorary general treasurer Dr Arvindran, honorary deputy secretary Dr Sivabala Selvaratnam and Penang Medical Practitioners Society (PMPS) president Dr Tan Eng Guan.
Gooi also commended the MMA Penang branch for its valuable contributions beyond clinical practice, particularly its efforts to engage the community and promote greater awareness of health-related issues.
He highlighted initiatives such as Pedal for a Purpose, which supports autism awareness, as an example of how the medical fraternity could bring people together to foster understanding, inclusion and compassion.
“Initiatives such as Pedal for a Purpose, in support of autism, demonstrate how the medical fraternity can bring people together to promote awareness, inclusion and compassion.
“I also commend MMA Penang branch for its community outreach activities, public health programmes and continuing medical education initiatives.
“These efforts strengthen the profession while extending its positive impact throughout our state,” he said.
The ceremony also saw Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh installed as chairman of the MMA Penang branch for the 2026–2027 term, marking his second consecutive year at the helm.
The newly appointed leadership team comprises:
Chairman: Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh
Vice-chairman: Dr Sunil Chopra
Honorary general secretary: Dr Parveen Selvarajah
Honorary general treasurer: Dr Jaianand Tejani
PPS representative: Dr James Rauo Devadas
Schomos representative: Dr Kavin Raj Pergas
Committee members:
- Dr Divagar Varatharaju
- Dr Prabhu Ramasamy
- Dr Amarpreet Singh Gill
- Dr Sashindran Ramanujam
- Dr Ooi Gaik Choo
Gooi congratulated Dr Parmjit and the entire MMA Penang branch committee on their appointments, expressing hope that their continued leadership would further strengthen the medical profession and enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
“Your continued leadership and dedication are important in advancing the medical profession and improving the well-being of our community.
“I hope this partnership with the Penang government will continue to grow stronger. By working together, we can address emerging healthcare challenges, support our healthcare professionals and improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.
Wishing Dr Parmjit and the committee every success in the new term, Gooi expressed confidence that their collective efforts would bring further achievements to the association while creating a lasting positive impact on the community.
“May your leadership bring further achievements to the association and inspire even greater contributions to the community.
“Let us continue working together towards a Penang where progress is shared, communities are cared for, and every Penangite has the opportunity to enjoy a healthier and better quality of life,” he concluded.