Materia Medica Malaysiana

183 Medical Students Overseas Apply To Defer Return

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 183 medical students sponsored by the government have applied to delay their return to Malaysia after completing their studies overseas.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said another 99 students did not apply to do so and their cases have been referred to the Attorney-General's Office for further action.
In a written reply to Senator Samsiah Samsuddin in the Dewan Negara Tuesday, he said the deadline for the students to submit their applications was April 30.
Samsiah wanted to know whether were many government-sponsored students who did not return after completing their studies and were working overseas, and the action to be taken against them.
Abdullah said government scholars studying overseas were required to apply to the Public Service Department if they wanted to delay their return and were required to return as soon as possible to serve in the country after the expiry of the extended duration.