By Anne Das
On February 14, the Malaysian Medical Association Perak Branch marked its 54th anniversary with the installation of Dr Monesh Pillai as Chairman, bringing together close to 400 doctors, healthcare professionals, and partners from across the state.
Among the guests were Deputy Minister in the PM’s Department YB Kula Segaran, President of the Malaysian Medical Association Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, and Deputy Director of the Perak State Health Department (Medical) Dr Muhammad Najib bin Adnan.
The medical fraternity came together in full force, arriving dressed in theme. Many women wore elegant kebayas, while men were seen in batik, adding to the sense of occasion. The AC Marriott ballroom carried both camaraderie and celebration.
Performances from Penang and live music from Kuala Lumpur kept the programme moving, while lucky draws and a well-curated spread kept guests engaged. The music catered to both younger and older guests, keeping everyone in the room engaged.
Dr Monesh is no stranger to MMA. He has been part of the committee since 2020, taking on roles including Treasurer, PPS Chairperson, and Vice Chairman. His work has centred on medical education, outreach, and member engagement.
He steps into the role with a background shaped by both service and leadership. An Ipoh boy educated at SMK Anderson, he trained in Russia before returning home to serve in the public sector. His early years in rural practice saw him working in communities where access to healthcare was limited, and where the role of a doctor extended beyond the clinic.
Today, he practises in Ipoh and is known for his involvement in both the medical fraternity and the wider community. His work has included public health programmes, outreach efforts, and leadership roles that bring doctors together and keep the profession connected.
The citation speech was delivered by Dr Gagandeep Singh Mann, Head of Department of ENT at University Malaya, who has known Dr Monesh for 26 years. Speaking as both colleague and close friend, he offered a personal account of the man behind the role.
“He is compassionate and is someone who consistently shows up when it matters,” he said. “He has a strong moral compass and will do what is right, even when it is not easy.”
He also spoke of Dr Monesh’s involvement beyond clinical work, including disaster relief efforts with MERCY Malaysia, international work in Mongolia and Sri Lanka, and his willingness to keep moving forward rather than remain static in his career and service.
Beyond his medical work, Dr Monesh has also been active in community initiatives through Rotary. Projects have included rebuilding homes affected by the Tasek storm, raising funds for community programmes, and contributing to the outdoor gym at D.R. Seenivasagam Park, a space that continues to be used by the public.
In his address, Dr Monesh acknowledged the leadership that came before him and the foundation built over the years. He also congratulated Immediate Past Chairman Dr Suresh Subramaniam for his leadership and shared his intention to continue building on that work with the current committee.
“We want to strengthen the profession, support our members, and build programmes that benefit both doctors and the wider community in Perak.”
The installation marks a new chapter for MMA Perak, with a chairman who has grown within its ranks and remains closely connected to both the profession and the community it serves.
Ipoh Echo wishes Dr Monesh Pillai all the best in this next exciting chapter.
About Malaysian Medical Association ( PERAK):
MMA Perak brings together doctors from hospitals & clinics across the state, and plays a role in both supporting the profession and reaching the community through health programmes and outreach.
