PETALING JAYA: Putting the people first is definitely the priority for the administration of the unity government, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

The Health Minister said as much as every leader would certainly think about what they want to bring to the people, sometimes they forget that there were things that the people themselves want leaders to do.

Dr Zaliha said history was made when she became the first woman appointed to lead the Health Ministry, which has 40 units or divisions, and is the second largest after the Education Ministry.

She acknowledged that it was definitely a challenge that needed to be taken well.

"Looking at the society that has been presented with a narrow racial agenda by some politicians, it is necessary to understand and emphasise that the health sector is for all regardless of religion, race and background," she said.

"In addition, there are also some things that need to be re-examined or improved.

"Without exception, there are definitely things that need to be set aside in line with current needs.

"However, in making big decisions through this most important sector, these things definitely need time to be explored one by one," she said.

As for now, Dr Zaliha said the Health Ministry was still in the process of examining all existing policies so that the decisions in the future were in line with the agenda of putting the people first, and achieving the goals of this unity government.