KUALA LUMPUR: As a politician, Dr Zaliha Mustafa's agenda was always about healthcare issues.
The Sekijang member of parliament actually began her political career some time ago, joining PKR and holding various posts within the party since 1999.
Born on June 28, 1964, she grew up in a modest family in Johor Baru and attended the Sultan Ibrahim Girls' School before accepting an offer to attend Mara Junior Science College Kota Baru in Kelantan.
The excellent results obtained by the eldest of eight siblings for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia qualified her for studies in the field of medicine.
Although various offers were received to continue her studies abroad, she chose to continue her studies locally at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Dr Zaliha began her career as a doctor at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru from 1989 to 1990 and later served as a medical officer at Pekan District Hospital in Pahang for 10 months.
She also worked as a medical officer at Taiping District Hospital for more than two years, before returning to Johor in 1995 and working in a private clinic under Kumpulan Perubatan Penawar.
She then opened her own clinic in Bandar Putra Kulai.
Dr Zaliha was appointed the new health minister by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. — BERNAMA