Only 126 Medical Students Return Home To Serve Gov't

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Only 126 of the 428 medical students who had received notification from the Public Service Department (PSD) have returned home and reported to the department so far, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk M. Kayveas.
Replying to Shim Paw Fatt (BN-Tawau) in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday, he said the group had been placed in the Health Ministry and Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTAs).
He said government-sponsored students who had completed their studies abroad were required to serve with the government for a certain period as stipulated in the agreement, and the government, through the PSD, was monitoring them so that they would return and serve in Malaysia.
Action had been taken against the remaining students who had not returned after completion of their studies, including seeking compensation as had been agreed upon under the agreement.
So far, 50 students had paid such compensation, he said.
"Other action included allowing those who completed their studies in 2002 and earlier to postpone their return for four years if they were still continuing their studies for specialisation.
"A total of 201 students had applied for the postponement and of this number, 55 students have been allowed to do so," Kayveas said.
He also said that 43 students had so far been referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers for legal action as they had failed to return to Malaysia.