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{{short description|Malaysian politician}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use Malaysian English|date=August 2022}}
{{short description|Health Minister of Malaysia}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Malay name|Adham|Baba|note=on}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Malay name|Adham|Baba}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = ] ] ] | honorific-prefix = ] ] ]
| name = Adham Baba | name = Adham Baba
| native_name = ادهم بن بابا | native_name = {{lang|ms|{{Script|Arab|أدهم بابا}}}}
| honorific-suffix = {{small|] ]}} | honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=MYS|size=100%|SSAP|DMSM|SIMP}}
| image = Dr Adham Baba in a press conference.jpg | image = Rafael Mariano Grossi meeting Dato’ Sri Dr. Adham Baba (0111119393) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Dr Adham Baba in a press conference during mid-March. | caption = Adham in 2022
| office = ] | office = ]
| term_start = 10 March 2020 | term_start = 30 August 2021
| term_end = | term_end = 19 November 2022
| majority =
| monarch = ] | monarch = ]
| primeminister = ] | primeminister = ]
| deputy = ] <br/> ] | deputy = ]
| predecessor = ] | predecessor = ]
| successor = | successor = ] <br> {{small|(Minister of Science and Technology)}}
| constituency = ] | constituency = ]
| office1 = ]
| constituency_MP1 = ]
| parliament1 = Malaysian | term_start1 = 10 March 2020
| term_start1 = 9 May 2018 | term_end1 = 16 August 2021
| term_end1 = | monarch1 = ]
| majority1 = 5,933 (]) | primeminister1 = ]
| deputy1 = ] <br/> ]
| predecessor1 = ] (]—])
| successor1 = | 1blankname1 = Director-General
| term_start2 = 21 March 2004 | 1namedata1 = ]
| term_end2 = 8 March 2008 | predecessor1 = ]
| successor1 = ]
| predecessor2 = ] (]—])
| office2 = Parliamentary Secretary, <br /> ]
| successor2 = ] (]—])
| majority2 = 17,088 (]) | term_start2 = 27 March 2004
| constituency2 = | term_end2 = 18 March 2008
| monarch2 = ] <br/> ]
| constituency_AM3 = ]
| primeminister2 = ]
| assembly3 = Johor State Legislative
| minister2 = ] <br /> {{small|(2004–2006)}} <br /> ] <br /> {{small|(2006–2008)}}
| term_start3 = 8 March 2008
| predecessor2 = Mahadzir Mohd Khir <br /> {{small|(Parliamentary Secretary in Ministry of Education)}}
| term_end3 = 9 May 2018
| successor2 = ''Position abolished''
| majority3 = 6,792 (2008) <br/> 6,666 (2013)
| constituency2 = ]
| predecessor3 = ] (]—])
| constituency_MP3 = ]
| successor3 = Rashidah Ismail (]—])
| parliament3 = Malaysian
| term_start3 = 9 May 2018
| term_end3 = 19 November 2022
| majority3 = 5,933 (])
| predecessor3 = ] <br> (]–])
| successor3 = ] <br> (BN–UMNO)
| term_start4 = 21 March 2004
| term_end4 = 8 March 2008
| predecessor4 = ] <br> (BN–UMNO)
| successor4 = ] <br> (BN–UMNO)
| majority4 = 17,088 (])
| constituency_AM5 = ]
| assembly5 = Johor State Legislative
| term_start5 = 8 March 2008
| term_end5 = 9 May 2018
| majority5 = 6,792 (2008) <br/> 6,666 (2013)
| predecessor5 = ] <br> (BN–UMNO)
| successor5 = Rashidah Ismail <br> (BN–UMNO)
| office7 = Faction represented in ]
| subterm7 = 2004–2008
| suboffice7 = ]
| subterm8 = 2018–2022
| suboffice8 = ]
| office10 = Faction represented in ]
| subterm10 = 2008–2018
| suboffice10 = ]
| birth_name = Adham bin Baba | birth_name = Adham bin Baba
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|10|06|df=y}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1962|10|06|df=y}}
| birth_place = Sg Dulang Rengit, ], ], ] <small>(now ])</small> | birth_place = ], ], ] (now ])
| residence = | residence =
| death_date = | death_date =
| death_place = | death_place =
| citizenship = ] | party = ] (UMNO)
| nationality = {{MAS}} | otherparty = ] (BN)
| party = ]
| occupation = Politician | occupation = Politician
| relations = | relations =
| spouse = {{marriage|Taibah Tabrani |2007|end=d.}} | spouse = {{marriage|Taibah Tabrani||2007|end=d.}} <br />{{marriage|]|2010}}
| children = 5 | children = 5
| alma_mater = ]
| website = | website =
| footnotes = | footnotes =
| alma_mater = ] (])
}} }}


] '''Adham bin Baba''' (] ادهم بن بابا; born 6 October 1962) is a Malaysian politician. Since 10 March 2020, Baba has been serving in the Cabinet of Malaysia as the ].<ref name="Malay Mail">{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2020/03/09/who-is-dr-adham-baba-the-health-minister-who-will-lead-fight-against-covid/1844854|title=Who is Dr Adham Baba, the health minister who will lead fight against Covid-19?|date=9 March 2020|work=Malay Mail| accessdate = 9 March 2020 }}</ref> ] ] '''Adham bin Baba''' ({{langx|ms-Arab|أدهم بن بابا|label=]}}; born 6 October 1962) is a Malaysian doctor and a politician who served as ] from 2021 to 2022. Previously, he served as ] from 2020 to 2021 and the ] (MP) for ] from 2004 to 2008 and again from 2018 to 2022, having previously been Member of the ] (MLA) for ] from 2008 to 2018.

Before being appointed to ministerial positions, Adham served as Parliamentary Secretary in the ] from 2004 to 2008. He is a member and the Division Chief of ] of the ] (UMNO), a component party of the ] (BN) coalition.<ref name="Malay Mail">{{cite news|url=https://www.malaymail.com/amp/news/malaysia/2020/03/09/who-is-dr-adham-baba-the-health-minister-who-will-lead-fight-against-covid/1844854|title=Who is Dr Adham Baba, the health minister who will lead fight against Covid-19?|date=9 March 2020|work=Malay Mail| access-date = 9 March 2020 }}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Adham graduated with a ] from the ] in 1987. Upon graduation, he served as a medical officer in the ] from 1988 to 1990. In the same year, Adham began his first career as a medical doctor in the private sector in 1990 and has so to the present. He has a private clinic called Klinik Adham Sdn Bhd with 18 branches.<ref name="Awani"/>


He also held several senior positions in government-related companies including the ] Pro-Chancellor from 2013 to 2018.<ref name="Awani"/> In addition, he had been the Chairman of UniKL Medical Services Sdn Bhd. from 2010 to 2015.<ref name="Awani"/>
Adham graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malaya in 1987. Upon graduation, he served as a medical officer in the Ministry of Health from 1988 to 1990. In the same year, Adham began his first career as a medical doctor in the private sector in 1990 to the present. He has a private clinic called Klinik Adham Sdn Bhd with 18 branches.<ref name="Awani"/>

He also held several senior positions in government related companies including the University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Pro Chancellor from 2013 to 2018.<ref name="Awani"/> In addition, he had been the Chairman of UniKL Medical Services Sdn Bhd. from 2010 to 2015.<ref name="Awani"/>


==Political career== ==Political career==

He first became involved in politics in 1991 with the post of UMNO Committee Member for Senai Division. After that, he began to hold an important portfolio in the ministry. Among them, Special Education Officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports from 2000 to 2004. He first became involved in politics in 1991 with the post of UMNO Committee Member for Senai Division. After that, he began to hold an important portfolio in the ministry. Among them, Special Education Officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports from 2000 to 2004.


In 2004, he was elected as Member of Parliament for Tenggara. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education until 2008. In 2004, he was elected as ] for ]. He was appointed as ] of the ] until 2008.


In 2008, he was elected as the State Assembly Member for Pasir Raja. He was the assemblyman of the constituency until 2018. In 2008, he was elected as the State Assembly Member for ]. He was the assemblyman of the constituency until 2018.


He contested for Tenggara parliamentary seat in the 14th general election at the second time and winning the seat.<ref name="Awani">{{cite news|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dr-adham-baba-terajui-kementerian-kesihatan-233053%3famp=1|title=Dr Adham Baba terajui Kementerian Kesihatan|work=Astro Awani| accessdate = 2 April 2020|date=2 April 2020 }}</ref> He contested for the Tenggara parliamentary seat in the ] and won.<ref name="Awani">{{cite news|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/dr-adham-baba-terajui-kementerian-kesihatan-233053%3famp=1|title=Dr Adham Baba terajui Kementerian Kesihatan|work=Astro Awani| access-date = 2 April 2020|date=2 April 2020 }}</ref>


In 9 March 2020, he was appointed as the Minister of Health by Prime Minister ]. The appointment is made as the country faces ] disease.<ref name="Malay Mail"/> On 9 March 2020, he was appointed as the Minister of Health by Prime Minister ]. The appointment is made as the country faces ] disease.<ref name="Malay Mail"/>


==Controversies and issues==
==Controversy==
{{See also|COVID-19 misinformation by governments#Malaysia}}


=== Incorrect Demonstration of Surgical Mask Usage === === Incorrect demonstration of surgical mask use ===
On 13 March 2020, Adham demonstrated the steps of wearing a ] with head ties during a televised press conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/RashidYusoff11/status/1238318181338382342|title=Gelagat Riang Ria Menteri Kesihatan Baru|last=Yusoff|first=Rashid|date=2020-03-12|website=@RashidYusoff11|language=in|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref> However, he had shown an incorrect demonstration of surgical mask usage, as the he had neglected to fasten the head ties appropriately. He was subsequently criticized for the misleading demonstration during the televised press conference as the appointed Minister of Health.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/video-doctor-on-twitter-points-out-health-minister-didn-t-wear-mask-properly-AD2126570|title=(Video) Doctor on Twitter points out Health Minister didn’t wear mask properly|last=Mohanakrishnan|first=Arjun|website=www.thesundaily.my|language=en|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://orangkata.my/kesihatan/ini-gelagat-menteri-kesihatan-ketika-krisis-wabak-covid-19-yang-buatkan-rakyat-keliru/|title=Ini gelagat Menteri Kesihatan ketika krisis wabak COVID-19 yang buatkan rakyat keliru|last=|first=|date=|website=OrangKata.my|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref> On 13 March 2020, Adham demonstrated the steps to how to wear a ] with head ties during a televised press conference.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Yusoff |first=Rashid |user=RashidYusoff11 |number=1238318181338382342 |date=12 March 2020 |title=Gelagat Riang Ria Menteri Kesihatan Baru |language=id |access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref> However, he had shown an incorrect demonstration of surgical mask usage, as he had neglected to fasten the head ties of the surgical mask appropriately. He was subsequently criticized for the misleading demonstration during the televised press conference as he was the appointed Minister of Health.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/video-doctor-on-twitter-points-out-health-minister-didn-t-wear-mask-properly-AD2126570|title=(Video) Doctor on Twitter points out Health Minister didn't wear mask properly|last=Mohanakrishnan|first=Arjun|website=The Sun Daily |language=en|access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://orangkata.my/kesihatan/ini-gelagat-menteri-kesihatan-ketika-krisis-wabak-covid-19-yang-buatkan-rakyat-keliru/|title=Ini gelagat Menteri Kesihatan ketika krisis wabak COVID-19 yang buatkan rakyat keliru|website=OrangKata.my|language=en-US|access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref>


=== Claim on Warm Water Helps Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 === === Drinking warm water as a COVID-19 prevention ===
On 19 March 2020, Adham advised the public that drinking warm water will help prevent ] virus infection as the virus will be flushed down to the stomach and the digestive acids will kill any virus, while being on a televised interview on ]'s ''Bicara Naratif'' programme. His remarks later went viral on social media, with many netizens questioning his claim. On 19 March 2020, Adham advised the public that drinking warm water will help prevent ] as the virus will be flushed down to the stomach and the digestive acids will kill any virus, while being on a televised interview on ]'s ''Bicara Naratif'' programme. His remarks later went viral on social media, with many netizens questioning his claim.


] had criticised Adham saying that there was no scientific evidence that the stomach's acid can kill the virus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/20/health-minister039s-039warm-water-method039-to-kill-coronavirus-questioned|title=Health Minister's 'warm water method' to kill coronavirus questioned|work=The Star}}</ref> ] (WHO) and former deputy health minister ] has also refuted the claim, noting that while staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent the coronavirus infection,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://says.com/my/news/health-minister-wrongly-claims-hot-water-can-kill-coronavirus-because-it-doesn-t-like-heat|title=Health Minister Claims Warm Water Can Kill Coronavirus Because It "Doesn't Like Heat"|work=Says}}</ref> whereas Boon Chye added that "warm water will kill the patient first".<ref>{{cite web |title=Trying to stop Covid-19 with warm water would kill patient first: Lee Boon Chye |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/trying-to-stop-covid-19-with-warm-water-would-kill-patient-first-lee-boon-chye-CA2165114 |website=The Sun Daily |publisher=The Sun Daily}}</ref> ] had criticised Adham saying that there was no scientific evidence that the stomach's acid can kill the virus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Health Minister's 'warm water method' to kill coronavirus questioned|work=The Star|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/20/health-minister039s-039warm-water-method039-to-kill-coronavirus-questioned}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/515812|title=Dr Amalina: Tiada bukti petua minum air elak Covid-19|work=malaysiakini}}</ref> The ] (WHO) and former deputy health minister ] also refuted the claim, noting that while staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent the Coronavirus infection,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://says.com/my/news/health-minister-wrongly-claims-hot-water-can-kill-coronavirus-because-it-doesn-t-like-heat|title=Health Minister Claims Warm Water Can Kill Coronavirus Because It "Doesn't Like Heat"|work=Says}}</ref> whereas Boon Chye added that "warm water that's hot enough to kill the virus will kill the patient first".<ref>{{cite web |title=Trying to stop Covid-19 with warm water would kill patient first: Lee Boon Chye |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/local/trying-to-stop-covid-19-with-warm-water-would-kill-patient-first-lee-boon-chye-CA2165114 |website=The Sun Daily}}</ref>


Health Director-General ] later refuted Adham's statement, commenting that the Health Ministry's approach for patient treatment and management is always based on scientific evidence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/03/22/health-dg-appears-to-disagree-with-health-minister-on-warm-water-claim/|title=Health DG appears to disagree with Health Minister on Warm Water claim|work=The Rakyat Post}}</ref> Health Director-General ] later refuted Adham's statement, commenting that the Health Ministry's approach for patient treatment and management is always based on scientific evidence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/03/22/health-dg-appears-to-disagree-with-health-minister-on-warm-water-claim/|title=Health DG appears to disagree with Health Minister on Warm Water claim|work=The Rakyat Post}}</ref>


=== Political Post on Ministry of Health Facebook Page === === Political post on Ministry of Health Facebook page ===
On 15 April 2020, the official Facebook page of Malaysian ] had shared a post from Facebook page "Friends of Adham Baba"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420085732/https://www.facebook.com/111858377113933/photos/a.111862503780187/125705912395846/?type=3&theater}}</ref> which lauded the contributions of Adham in the COVID-19 pandemic, while claiming that the ] was being ineffective at dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.edgeprop.my/content/1672267/health-ministrys-political-post-facebook-page-irk-netizens|title=Health Ministry's political post on Facebook page irks netizens|website=Edgeprop.my|language=en|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tweet with a screenshot of the political post in question |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413151433/https://twitter.com/bongkersz/status/1249710384388296704}}</ref> On 15 April 2020, the official Facebook page of the Malaysian ] shared a post from Facebook page "Friends of Adham Baba"<ref>{{cite web |title=Friends Of Dr Adham Baba |website = ]|url=https://www.facebook.com/111858377113933/photos/a.111862503780187/125705912395846/?type=3&theater |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420085732/https://www.facebook.com/111858377113933/photos/a.111862503780187/125705912395846/?type=3&theater |archive-date=20 April 2020}}</ref> which lauded the contributions of Adham in the COVID-19 pandemic, while claiming that the ] was being ineffective at dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.edgeprop.my/content/1672267/health-ministrys-political-post-facebook-page-irk-netizens|title=Health Ministry's political post on Facebook page irks netizens|website=Edgeprop.my|language=en|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Tweet with a screenshot of the political post in question |url=https://twitter.com/bongkersz/status/1249710384388296704 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413151433/https://twitter.com/bongkersz/status/1249710384388296704 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 April 2020 }}</ref>


The post was removed after garnering criticism from netizens, with many saying that the ministry should have remained neutral and apolitical.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/520504|title=Political post on Health Ministry's Facebook page causes a stir|date=2020-04-14|website=Malaysiakini|language=en|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref> The post was removed after garnering criticism from netizens, with many saying that the previous administration was not, by any chance involved in the handling of the pandemic in early 2020, and that the ministry should have remained neutral and apolitical.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/520504|title=Political post on Health Ministry's Facebook page causes a stir|date=14 April 2020|website=Malaysiakini|language=en|access-date=20 April 2020}}</ref>


=== "WHO conference call with 500 countries" statement ===
===Former Pakatan Harapan Administration Blamed for Failing to Contain Tabligh Cluster===
On 18 April 2020, in a live-streamed video conference call with ] President ], Adham erroneously claimed that the previous ] government has failed to contain the ] cluster happened from 27 February to 1 March, which grew to become a source of the largest ] infections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sri Petaling Tabligh gathering remains Msia's largest Covid-19 cluster |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/04/583127/sri-petaling-tabligh-gathering-remains-msias-largest-covid-19-cluster |website=New Straits Times |publisher=New Straits Times |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref> On 18 April 2020, Adham erroneously claimed that he participated in a ] (WHO) video-conferencing session with 'over 500 countries' during a Facebook live session with ] President ]. Adham had also claimed that he was confident that his accomplishments as the Health Minister was recognised globally.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/238783|title=Health minister mocked over '500 countries' claim|work=The Malaysian Insight}}</ref> Netizens on Twitter took notice and mocked Dr. Adham Baba for the "500 countries" claim.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitterjaya abuzz over health minister's '500 countries' remark |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/521444 |website=Malaysiakini |date=19 April 2020 |access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref>


The following day, he acknowledged that he misspoke about the “500 countries” when he meant to say that the videoconference had 500 participants, from 50 countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/04/19/500-participants-not-countries-dr-adham-baba-explains-slip-of-tongue-in-cov/1858275|title='500 participants, not countries': Dr Adham Baba explains slip of tongue in Covid-19 video call {{!}} Malay Mail|last=Ar|first=Zurairi|website=www.malaymail.com|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> This was later corroborated by evidence from the official Facebook page of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kementeriankesihatanmalaysia/photos/a.10151657414821237/10156870668306237/?type=3|title=Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia |via=Facebook |language=en|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> which showed on 27 March, that the WHO videoconference in question almost reached 500 participants (498<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kementeriankesihatanmalaysia/photos/a.10151657414821237/10156870668606237/?type=3|title=Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia|via=Facebook |language=en|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref> participants shown in photo evidence of the ] videoconference organised by the WHO), one of which was the Crisis Preparedness & Response Centre (CPRC) of the MOH.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kementeriankesihatanmalaysia/photos/a.10151657414821237/10156870668381237/?type=3|title=Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia|via=Facebook |language=en|access-date=19 April 2020}}</ref>
As the tabligh event at Sri Petaling Mosque was held from 27 February to 1 March, Malaysia did not possess any ruling government as the ] administration had collapsed due to the ] of which had occurred from the end of February and into two weeks of March caused by the ] (PPBM), among the four component parties of ], had exit the coalition and subsequently took part in the formation of ] composed of PPBM, parties within ] and ] (PAS), which was sworn in on May 1 as the ruling coalition without a general election taking place.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beset at its birth - Malaysia’s new government may be even more unstable than old one |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2020/03/05/malaysias-new-government-may-be-even-more-unstable-than-old-one |website=The Economist |publisher=The Economist |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysias-health-minister-blames-previous-ph-govt-for-failure-to-contain-covid-19-surge|title=Malaysia's Health Minister blames previous PH govt for failure to contain Covid-19 surge|last=|first=|date=2020-04-18|website=The Straits Times|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=Dzulkefly says efforts to contain Covid-19 hijacked by 'Sheraton Move’ |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/04/19/dzulkefly-says-efforts-to-contain-covid-19-hijacked-by-sheraton-move/1858147 |website=Malay Mail |publisher=Malay Mail}}</ref>


=== Criticism by the predecessor ===
The Ministry of Health was without any Health Minister until 9 March, when the ] was sworn in amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Malaysia's new Cabinet ministers sworn in |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-new-cabinet-ministers-swearing-in-muhyiddin-12521990 |website=CNA |publisher=Mediacorp TV |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref>
] urged his successor Dr Adham Baba and the latter's two deputies to either take charge of the ministry's decision making or resign. He said many were confused by Noor Hisham's emphasis that he was just a 'messenger' and did not provide the scientific explanation behind the decision. He claimed that Malaysia had lost its political leadership. The country was running "almost automatically" since Muhyiddin's coalition overthrew the ] administration in 2020. He stressed that Adham, along with his deputies Dr ] and ], must work as a team with the bureaucrats and technocrats of the Ministry of Health. "You must see, do not be afraid to be criticized. And do not just try to be praised," he said. Dr Dzulkefly said that it was the government's choice to take many of the recommendations put forward by a group of experts in an open letter addressed to Muhyiddin. The proposal includes instructing COVID-19 patients with few or no symptoms to self-quarantine at home instead of having them admitted to a hospital. "We do not actually need to use emergency regulations to 'nationalize' facilities (private hospitals) to get access to them. The Ministry of Health can load the burden on our public hospitals," he said.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-29 |title='Dr Adham, timbalan ambil tanggungjawab keputusan KKM atau letak jawatan' |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/560858 |access-date=2021-01-30 |website=Malaysiakini |language=ms}}</ref>


=== ''Spanish Fly'' gaffe ===
Since December 2019, the Ministry of Health under the former Pakatan Harapan Administration, had prepared for COVID-19 infections since December 2019, when seven hospitals were planned and identified to treat COVID-19 patients even before the first cases were reported on 25 January 2020. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://says.com/my/news/fact-checking-dr-adham-baba-s-claim-that-previous-govt-failed-to-contain-the-tabligh-covid-19-cluster|title=Fact-Checking Dr Adham Baba's Claim That PH Failed To Contain The Tabligh Cluster|work=Says}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=Dzul: Maybe ex-home minister Muhyiddin 'too focused elsewhere' to realise tabligh event |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/521395 |website=Malaysiakini |publisher=Malaysiakini |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref>
In a moment of Freudian slip on 12 July 2021, Dr Adham Baba mistakenly utters "]" two times in reference to the ]. In his statement, the "Spanish Fly" resulted in 1 million deaths from the years 1919 and 1916 but the COVID-19 pandemic was worse as it has resulted in 2.8 million deaths worldwide. Realising his error, he corrects "Spanish Fly" to "Spanish Virus".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_bBV6_murs|title = - YouTube|website = ]}}</ref> The correct estimated deaths from the 1918 pandemic was 20 - 50 million.


Former prime minister ] said it is unusual for a trained doctor not to know the difference between the dreaded Spanish Flu and a Spanish fly.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Times|first=New Straits|date=2021-07-15|title='I have neither flu nor fly', Dr M quips|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2021/07/708439/i-have-neither-flu-nor-fly-dr-m-quips|access-date=2022-02-01|website=NST Online|language=en}}</ref>
=== "WHO Conference Call with 500 Countries" Statement ===
On 18 April 2020, Adham erroneously claimed that he participated in a ] (WHO) video-conferencing session with 500 countries during a Facebook live session with ] President ]. Adham had also claimed that he was confident that his accomplishments as a Health Minister was recognised globally. <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/238783|title=Health minister mocked over ‘500 countries’ claim|work=The Malaysian Insight}}</ref> Netizens on Twitter took notice and mocked Dr. Adham Baba for the "500 countries" claim.<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitterjaya abuzz over health minister's '500 countries' remark |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/521444 |website=Malaysiakini |publisher=Malaysiakini |accessdate=19 April 2020}}</ref>

The following day, he acknowledged that he misspoke about “500 countries” when he meant to say that the videoconference had 500 participants, from 50 countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/04/19/500-participants-not-countries-dr-adham-baba-explains-slip-of-tongue-in-cov/1858275|title=‘500 participants, not countries’: Dr Adham Baba explains slip of tongue in Covid-19 video call {{!}} Malay Mail|last=Ar|first=Zurairi|website=www.malaymail.com|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref> This was later debunked by evidence from the official Facebook page of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kementeriankesihatanmalaysia/photos/a.10151657414821237/10156870668306237/?type=3|title=KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref> which showed on 27 March, that the WHO video conference in question did not reach 500 participants.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/kementeriankesihatanmalaysia/photos/a.10151657414821237/10156870668381237/?type=3|title=KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN MALAYSIA|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref> Local news portal ''MHDaily'' reported that the photograph which originally showed the video conference had 338 participants was later edited to display 538 participants instead. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mhdaily.net/demi-mempertahan-500-negara-screenshot-palsu-sidang-video-kkm-disebar/|title=Demi mempertahan 500 ‘negara’, ‘screenshot’ palsu sidang video KKM disebar|date=2020-04-20|website=MH Daily|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-04-21}}</ref>

=== "15 States in Malaysia" Statement ===
On 20 April 2020, Adham made a gaffe by erroneously mentioning "15 states in Malaysia" during a press conference while commenting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/LagaCawan/status/1251738450300039168 |accessdate=20 April 2020}}</ref> His statements immediately drew flak among netizens, with a video clip of his erroneous statement on Twitter gaining at least 99,000 views overnight. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/berita/video-menteri-sebut-15-negeri-pula-tular-warga-maya-bingung-video/ar-BB12TmaN?li=BBr8Hnu&%253Bocid=wispr|title=Video menteri sebut '15 negeri' pula tular, warga maya bingung (VIDEO)|website=www.msn.com|access-date=2020-04-20}}</ref>

There are only ] in Malaysia.


== Personal life == == Personal life ==
Adham was previously married to Taibah Tabrani and has 5 children, of which, 2 are adopted. On 23 April 2007, Adham's wife was suffering from asthma and fainted at her home after suffering from a respiratory problem. She was later rushed to the hospital and later died. At the time, Adham was in Auckland, New Zealand on official duty, but cut his trip short and rushed back home upon hearing the sorrowful news.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parlimentary secretary's wife dies |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/04/23/parlimentary-secretarys-wife-dies/ |website=The Star |access-date=21 April 2020}}</ref>

Adham is married to Taibah Tabrani and has 3 children and 2 adopted children. On April 23, 2007, Adham's wife suffered from asthma and fainting at her home after suffering a respiratory problem. She was later rushed to the hospital but she passed away. At the time, Adham was in Auckland, New Zealand on official duty. <ref>{{cite web |title=Parlimentary secretary’s wife dies |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2007/04/23/parlimentary-secretarys-wife-dies/ |website=The Star |publisher=The Star |accessdate=21 April 2020}}</ref>

==Honours==

*] {{flag|Malacca}} :
**] Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) – '''Datuk''' (2003)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/2003.pdf|title=Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan 2003.}}</ref>
*] {{flag|Pahang}} :
**] ] (SIMP) – '''Dato' Indera''' (2013)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/2013.pdf|title=Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan 2013.}}</ref>
**] Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) – '''Dato' Sri''' (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.istiadat.gov.my/v8/images/stories/2016.pdf|title=Senarai Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat Persekutuan 2016.}}</ref>


==Election results== ==Election results==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%" {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ ''']'''<ref name="election results">{{cite web|url=http://semak.spr.gov.my/spr/laporan/5_KedudukanAkhir.php |title=Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri |publisher=] |accessdate=14 April 2010}} Percentage figures based on total turnout, including votes for third parties. Results before ] unavailable.</ref> |+ ''']'''<ref name="election results">{{cite web|url=http://semak.spr.gov.my/spr/laporan/5_KedudukanAkhir.php |title=Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Parlimen/Dewan Undangan Negeri |publisher=] |access-date=14 April 2010}} Percentage figures based on total turnout, including votes for third parties. Results before ] unavailable.</ref>
!|Year !|Year
!|Constituency !|Constituency
!colspan=2| !colspan=2|Candidate
!|Votes !|Votes
!|Pct !|Pct
Line 142: Line 151:
!|Turnout !|Turnout
|- |-
|2008
|]
|rowspan=2|N35 ], P155 ] |rowspan=2|'''N35 ]'''
|{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | |{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} |
|'''Adham Baba''' (]) |'''Adham Baba''' (])
|align="right" |9,701 |align="right" |'''9,701'''
|76.93% |'''76.93%'''
|{{Party shading/PAS}} | |{{Party shading/PAS}} |
|Menhad Awab (]) |Menhad Awab (])
Line 156: Line 165:
|79.23% |79.23%
|- |-
|2013
|]
|{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | |{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} |
|'''Adham Baba''' (]) |'''Adham Baba''' (])
|align="right" |12,920 |align="right" |'''12,920'''
|67.38% |'''67.38%'''
|{{Party shading/PAS}} | |{{Party shading/PAS}} |
|Mohd Nazari Mokhtar (]) |Mohd Nazari Mokhtar (])
Line 171: Line 180:


{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%" {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ ''']'''<ref name ="myundi pru 13">{{cite web |url=http://www.myundi.com.my/pru13/region.aspx |title=my undi : Kawasan & Calon-Calon PRU13 : Keputusan PRU13 (Archived copy) |website=www.myundi.com.my|accessdate=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331000718/http://www.myundi.com.my/pru13/region.aspx |archivedate=30 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Utusan PRU 13 results">{{cite web|url=http://ww2.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=PilihanRaya2013&pg=keputusan.htm|title=Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13|work=]|accessdate=26 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321134049/http://ww2.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=PilihanRaya2013&pg=keputusan.htm|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="GE14 results">{{cite web|url=https://keputusan.spr.gov.my/|title=SEMAKAN KEPUTUSAN PILIHAN RAYA UMUM KE - 14|publisher=] |language=Malay|accessdate=17 May 2018}} Percentage figures based on total turnout.</ref><ref name="The Star GE14">{{cite web|url=https://election.thestar.com.my/|title=The Star Online GE14|work=]|accessdate=24 May 2018}} Percentage figures based on total turnout.</ref> |+ ''']'''<ref name ="myundi pru 13">{{cite web |url=http://www.myundi.com.my/pru13/region.aspx |title=my undi : Kawasan & Calon-Calon PRU13 : Keputusan PRU13 (Archived copy) |website=www.myundi.com.my|access-date=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331000718/http://www.myundi.com.my/pru13/region.aspx |archive-date=31 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Utusan PRU 13 results">{{cite web|url=http://ww2.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=PilihanRaya2013&pg=keputusan.htm|title=Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13|work=]|access-date=26 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321134049/http://ww2.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=PilihanRaya2013&pg=keputusan.htm|archive-date=21 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="GE14 results">{{cite web|url=https://keputusan.spr.gov.my/|title=Semakan Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum ke - 14|publisher=]|language=ms|access-date=17 May 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512113049/https://keputusan.spr.gov.my/|url-status=dead}} Percentage figures based on total turnout.</ref><ref name="The Star GE14">{{cite web|url=https://election.thestar.com.my/|title=The Star Online GE14|work=]|access-date=24 May 2018}} Percentage figures based on total turnout.</ref>
!|Year !|Year
!|Constituency !|Constituency
!colspan=2| !colspan=2|Candidate
!|Votes !|Votes
!|Pct !|Pct
Line 185: Line 194:
|- |-
|] |]
|rowspan=3|P155 ], Johor |rowspan=3|'''P155 ], Johor'''
|{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | |{{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} |
|'''Adham Baba''' (]) |'''Adham Baba''' (])
|align="right" |19,706 |align="right" |'''19,706'''
|88.27% |'''88.27%'''
|{{Party shading/PAS}} | |{{Party shading/PAS}} |
|Salleh Farmin (]) |Salleh Farmin (])
Line 200: Line 209:
| rowspan=2|] | rowspan=2|]
| rowspan=2 {{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | | rowspan=2 {{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} |
| rowspan=2|'''Adham Baba''' (]) | rowspan=2|'''Adham Baba''' (])
| rowspan=2 align="right"| 20,142 | rowspan=2 align="right"| '''20,142'''
| rowspan=2| 54.39% | rowspan=2| '''54.39%'''
|{{Party shading/Keadilan}} | |{{Party shading/Keadilan}} |
| Norjepri Mohamed Jelani (]) | Norjepri Mohamed Jelani (])
Line 214: Line 223:
|Yuhanita Yunan (]) |Yuhanita Yunan (])
|align="right" | 2,683 |align="right" | 2,683
| 7.24% |align="right" | 7.24%
|} |}

==Honours==
*{{flag|Malacca}} :
** ] Companion Class I of the ] (DMSM) – '''Datuk''' (2003)<ref>{{cite web|date=11 October 2003|access-date=11 January 2021|work=]|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2003/10/11/pms-wife-tops-malacca-list|title=PM's wife tops Malacca list}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Pahang}} :
** ] Grand Knight of the ] (SIMP) – '''Dato'''', later '''Dato' Indera''' (2013)<ref>{{cite web|date=24 October 2013|access-date=11 January 2021|work=]|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2013/10/24/rosmah-heads-list-of-pahangs-644-honour-recipients/548895|title=Rosmah heads list of Pahang's 644 honour recipients}}</ref>
** ] Grand Knight of the ] (SSAP) – '''Dato' Sri''' (2016)<ref>{{cite web|date=4 March 2017|access-date=11 January 2021|work=]|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/03/217431/pahang-sultan-confers-215-awards-86th-birthday|title=Pahang Sultan confers 215 awards on 86th birthday}}</ref>


== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}

{{Johor-FedRep}}
{{Portal bar|Malaysia|Biography|Politics}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 07:17, 5 January 2025

Malaysian politician

In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Baba is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Adham. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Yang Berbahagia Dato' Sri Dr.Adham BabaSSAP DMSM SIMP
أدهم بابا‎
Adham in 2022
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
In office
30 August 2021 – 19 November 2022
MonarchAbdullah
Prime MinisterIsmail Sabri Yaakob
DeputyAhmad Amzad Hashim
Preceded byKhairy Jamaluddin
Succeeded byChang Lih Kang
(Minister of Science and Technology)
ConstituencyTenggara
Minister of Health
In office
10 March 2020 – 16 August 2021
MonarchAbdullah
Prime MinisterMuhyiddin Yassin
DeputyNoor Azmi Ghazali
Aaron Ago Dagang
Director-GeneralNoor Hisham Abdullah
Preceded byDzulkefly Ahmad
Succeeded byKhairy Jamaluddin
Parliamentary Secretary,
Ministry of Higher Education
In office
27 March 2004 – 18 March 2008
MonarchsSirajuddin
Mizan Zainal Abidin
Prime MinisterAbdullah Ahmad Badawi
MinisterShafie Salleh
(2004–2006)
Mustapa Mohamed
(2006–2008)
Preceded byMahadzir Mohd Khir
(Parliamentary Secretary in Ministry of Education)
Succeeded byPosition abolished
ConstituencyTenggara
Member of the Malaysian Parliament
for Tenggara
In office
9 May 2018 – 19 November 2022
Preceded byHalimah Mohd Sadique
(BN–UMNO)
Succeeded byManndzri Nasib
(BN–UMNO)
Majority5,933 (2018)
In office
21 March 2004 – 8 March 2008
Preceded byHishamuddin Hussein
(BN–UMNO)
Succeeded byHalimah Mohd Sadique
(BN–UMNO)
Majority17,088 (2004)
Member of the Johor State Legislative Assembly
for Pasir Raja
In office
8 March 2008 – 9 May 2018
Preceded byHalimah Mohd Sadique
(BN–UMNO)
Succeeded byRashidah Ismail
(BN–UMNO)
Majority6,792 (2008)
6,666 (2013)
Faction represented in Dewan Rakyat
2004–2008Barisan Nasional
2018–2022Barisan Nasional
Faction represented in Johor State Legislative Assembly
2008–2018Barisan Nasional
Personal details
BornAdham bin Baba
(1962-10-06) 6 October 1962 (age 62)
Batu Pahat, Johor, Federation of Malaya (now Malaysia)
Political partyUnited Malays National Organisation (UMNO)
Other political
affiliations		Barisan Nasional (BN)
Spouse(s) Taibah Tabrani ​(died 2007)​
Nor Zamani Abdol Hamid ​ ​(m. 2010)​
Children5
Alma materUniversity of Malaya (MBBS)
OccupationPolitician

Dato' Sri Dr. Adham bin Baba (Jawi: أدهم بن بابا; born 6 October 1962) is a Malaysian doctor and a politician who served as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation from 2021 to 2022. Previously, he served as Minister of Health from 2020 to 2021 and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tenggara from 2004 to 2008 and again from 2018 to 2022, having previously been Member of the Johor State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Parit Raja from 2008 to 2018.

Before being appointed to ministerial positions, Adham served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education from 2004 to 2008. He is a member and the Division Chief of Tenggara of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a component party of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.

Early life

Adham graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malaya in 1987. Upon graduation, he served as a medical officer in the Ministry of Health from 1988 to 1990. In the same year, Adham began his first career as a medical doctor in the private sector in 1990 and has so to the present. He has a private clinic called Klinik Adham Sdn Bhd with 18 branches.

He also held several senior positions in government-related companies including the University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) Pro-Chancellor from 2013 to 2018. In addition, he had been the Chairman of UniKL Medical Services Sdn Bhd. from 2010 to 2015.

Political career

He first became involved in politics in 1991 with the post of UMNO Committee Member for Senai Division. After that, he began to hold an important portfolio in the ministry. Among them, Special Education Officer in the Ministry of Youth and Sports from 2000 to 2004.

In 2004, he was elected as Member of Parliament for Tenggara. He was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education until 2008.

In 2008, he was elected as the State Assembly Member for Pasir Raja. He was the assemblyman of the constituency until 2018.

He contested for the Tenggara parliamentary seat in the 14th general election and won.

On 9 March 2020, he was appointed as the Minister of Health by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. The appointment is made as the country faces COVID-19 disease.

Controversies and issues

See also: COVID-19 misinformation by governments § Malaysia

Incorrect demonstration of surgical mask use

On 13 March 2020, Adham demonstrated the steps to how to wear a surgical mask with head ties during a televised press conference. However, he had shown an incorrect demonstration of surgical mask usage, as he had neglected to fasten the head ties of the surgical mask appropriately. He was subsequently criticized for the misleading demonstration during the televised press conference as he was the appointed Minister of Health.

Drinking warm water as a COVID-19 prevention

On 19 March 2020, Adham advised the public that drinking warm water will help prevent COVID-19 as the virus will be flushed down to the stomach and the digestive acids will kill any virus, while being on a televised interview on RTM's Bicara Naratif programme. His remarks later went viral on social media, with many netizens questioning his claim.

Dr Nur Amalina Che Bakri had criticised Adham saying that there was no scientific evidence that the stomach's acid can kill the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and former deputy health minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye also refuted the claim, noting that while staying hydrated by drinking water is important for overall health, it does not prevent the Coronavirus infection, whereas Boon Chye added that "warm water that's hot enough to kill the virus will kill the patient first".

Health Director-General Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah later refuted Adham's statement, commenting that the Health Ministry's approach for patient treatment and management is always based on scientific evidence.

Political post on Ministry of Health Facebook page

On 15 April 2020, the official Facebook page of the Malaysian Ministry of Health shared a post from Facebook page "Friends of Adham Baba" which lauded the contributions of Adham in the COVID-19 pandemic, while claiming that the previous administration was being ineffective at dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

The post was removed after garnering criticism from netizens, with many saying that the previous administration was not, by any chance involved in the handling of the pandemic in early 2020, and that the ministry should have remained neutral and apolitical.

"WHO conference call with 500 countries" statement

On 18 April 2020, Adham erroneously claimed that he participated in a World Health Organization (WHO) video-conferencing session with 'over 500 countries' during a Facebook live session with UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Adham had also claimed that he was confident that his accomplishments as the Health Minister was recognised globally. Netizens on Twitter took notice and mocked Dr. Adham Baba for the "500 countries" claim.

The following day, he acknowledged that he misspoke about the “500 countries” when he meant to say that the videoconference had 500 participants, from 50 countries. This was later corroborated by evidence from the official Facebook page of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) which showed on 27 March, that the WHO videoconference in question almost reached 500 participants (498 participants shown in photo evidence of the Zoom videoconference organised by the WHO), one of which was the Crisis Preparedness & Response Centre (CPRC) of the MOH.

Criticism by the predecessor

Dzulkefly Ahmad urged his successor Dr Adham Baba and the latter's two deputies to either take charge of the ministry's decision making or resign. He said many were confused by Noor Hisham's emphasis that he was just a 'messenger' and did not provide the scientific explanation behind the decision. He claimed that Malaysia had lost its political leadership. The country was running "almost automatically" since Muhyiddin's coalition overthrew the Pakatan Harapan administration in 2020. He stressed that Adham, along with his deputies Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali and Aaron Ago Dagang, must work as a team with the bureaucrats and technocrats of the Ministry of Health. "You must see, do not be afraid to be criticized. And do not just try to be praised," he said. Dr Dzulkefly said that it was the government's choice to take many of the recommendations put forward by a group of experts in an open letter addressed to Muhyiddin. The proposal includes instructing COVID-19 patients with few or no symptoms to self-quarantine at home instead of having them admitted to a hospital. "We do not actually need to use emergency regulations to 'nationalize' facilities (private hospitals) to get access to them. The Ministry of Health can load the burden on our public hospitals," he said.

Spanish Fly gaffe

In a moment of Freudian slip on 12 July 2021, Dr Adham Baba mistakenly utters "Spanish fly" two times in reference to the Spanish Flu pandemic. In his statement, the "Spanish Fly" resulted in 1 million deaths from the years 1919 and 1916 but the COVID-19 pandemic was worse as it has resulted in 2.8 million deaths worldwide. Realising his error, he corrects "Spanish Fly" to "Spanish Virus". The correct estimated deaths from the 1918 pandemic was 20 - 50 million.

Former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said it is unusual for a trained doctor not to know the difference between the dreaded Spanish Flu and a Spanish fly.

Personal life

Adham was previously married to Taibah Tabrani and has 5 children, of which, 2 are adopted. On 23 April 2007, Adham's wife was suffering from asthma and fainted at her home after suffering from a respiratory problem. She was later rushed to the hospital and later died. At the time, Adham was in Auckland, New Zealand on official duty, but cut his trip short and rushed back home upon hearing the sorrowful news.

Election results

Johor State Legislative Assembly
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2008 N35 Pasir Raja Adham Baba (UMNO) 9,701 76.93% Menhad Awab (PAS) 2,909 23.07% 12,819 6,792 79.23%
2013 Adham Baba (UMNO) 12,920 67.38% Mohd Nazari Mokhtar (PAS) 6,254 32.68% 19,539 6,666 87.50%
Parliament of Malaysia
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2004 P155 Tenggara, Johor Adham Baba (UMNO) 19,706 88.27% Salleh Farmin (PAS) 2,618 11.73% 23,056 17,088 77.32%
2018 Adham Baba (UMNO) 20,142 54.39% Norjepri Mohamed Jelani (PPBM) 14,209 38.37% 37,818 5,933 84.51%
Yuhanita Yunan (PAS) 2,683 7.24%

Honours

References

  1. ^ "Who is Dr Adham Baba, the health minister who will lead fight against Covid-19?". Malay Mail. 9 March 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Dr Adham Baba terajui Kementerian Kesihatan". Astro Awani. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  3. Yusoff, Rashid (12 March 2020). "Gelagat Riang Ria Menteri Kesihatan Baru" (Tweet) (in Indonesian). Retrieved 21 April 2020 – via Twitter.
  4. Mohanakrishnan, Arjun. "(Video) Doctor on Twitter points out Health Minister didn't wear mask properly". The Sun Daily. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  5. "Ini gelagat Menteri Kesihatan ketika krisis wabak COVID-19 yang buatkan rakyat keliru". OrangKata.my. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
  6. "Health Minister's 'warm water method' to kill coronavirus questioned". The Star.
  7. "Dr Amalina: Tiada bukti petua minum air elak Covid-19". malaysiakini.
  8. "Health Minister Claims Warm Water Can Kill Coronavirus Because It "Doesn't Like Heat"". Says.
  9. "Trying to stop Covid-19 with warm water would kill patient first: Lee Boon Chye". The Sun Daily.
  10. "Health DG appears to disagree with Health Minister on Warm Water claim". The Rakyat Post.
  11. "Friends Of Dr Adham Baba". Facebook. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020.
  12. "Health Ministry's political post on Facebook page irks netizens". Edgeprop.my. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  13. "Tweet with a screenshot of the political post in question". Archived from the original on 13 April 2020.
  14. "Political post on Health Ministry's Facebook page causes a stir". Malaysiakini. 14 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
  15. "Health minister mocked over '500 countries' claim". The Malaysian Insight.
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Malaysia Members of the Dewan Rakyat, 14th Malaysian Parliament (House of Representatives)
Perlis
Kedah
Kelantan
Terengganu
Penang
Perak
Pahang
Selangor
F.T. Kuala Lumpur
F.T. Putrajaya
Negeri Sembilan
Malacca
Johor
F.T. of Labuan
Sabah
Sarawak
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