There is something about Malaysians which we all know but hardly emphasized or talked about, until tragedy or calamity strikes.

It’s our humanity, being humane and it shines like a beacon, touching others in positive ways, as it should be.

Despite political divisions, racial and religious differences and various societal grievances, Malaysians have consistently demonstrated a strong sense of empathy and solidarity in the face of tragedy.

I’m proud to declare and, as many would also have witnessed that this compassionate trait is deeply ingrained in the national character and becomes most visible during times of calamity.

When disasters strike, whether natural or man-made, Malaysians often grieve collectively.

From fatal road accidents to floods, plane crashes to building collapses, the nation regularly comes together in mourning.

Somehow, we are united in mourning and support and that’s a great feeling.

On this positive note, I’m happy to share with readers an episode related to the subject today which depicts Malaysians at their best.

Here, I must also thank Sin Chew for publishing my article, “The carnage on our highways must stop!” on June 13 which attracted many responses and feedback of empathy and sharing of grief and pain of those affected.

Among them was the Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who has expressed sadness and great concern with the high number of fatalities on our roads and highways.                                                        

“Their lives were snapped from them, all the dreams and the bright future ahead of them—all taken away suddenly. So sad”, Tun responded in a WhatsApp message.

Later, I also shared this message with my friends and associates on social media.

“I’m happy to know and, I’m sure many of you too, that the Governor of Sarawak is also taking in this subject of road fatalities with great interest.

“Tun’s early professional life as a police officer had probably enabled him to view road planning and management at an intimate level.

I did a quick search and found that the policeman-turned-Governor was:

■ An OC Traffic Kuching for seven years
■ ⁠Attended two traffic management courses at Police Depot
■ ⁠Attended a Senior traffic management course at Police College
■ ⁠Attended advanced driving and riding course
■ ⁠Wrote two dissertations for Police College for traffic planning and Management
■ ⁠Six years as Chairman of CVLB, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board
■ Four years as Member of Malaysia Road Safety Council
■ ⁠Seven years as traffic advisor to the Kuching Municipal Council
■ ⁠Three years as drivers tester/examiner in Kuching

“In my years as a working journalist, I’ve also noted that Dr Wan Junaidi had written many letters to the Federal Government as an MP on road safety and management.

“Among other things, he had requested that the road safety system in place must be improvised periodically and rules strengthened, notwithstanding the protests from transport industries, in order to stop the carnage and mayhem on our roads and highways.

“Dr Wan Junaidi had also written to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was appointed prime minister on measures that ought to be taken by the taken by the government to address serious road mishaps.

“With the Governor’s background and his deep interest in road planning and management. may I respectfully suggest that Dr Wan Janaidi be appointed as an “Independent Adviser” to the transport ministry? But working without a salary and behind the scene, advising the transport minister and his team on an ad-hoc basis.

“The Sarawak Governor is still in the best of health and he is also known as a man ready to share his vast experience and knowledge for the betterment of the people and country.

“What say you, Anthony Loke (transport minister, Malaysia) and Lee Kim Shin (transport minister, Sarawak)?”

I have also forwarded my message above to both the transport ministers and they have responded.

Loke has responded with a courteous “thank you,” noting that he has received my message.

Meanwhile, Lee has replied as well and I’m glad that the Sarawak minister has taken the trouble to view my take on the issue seriously.

I have taken the liberty to share Lee’s response here as I don’t think there is anything private as it is work-related.

“Thank you, Francis, for sharing your views and experience on the subject of road safety as a journalist. Ever since taking up the transport portfolio, road safety has been one of my priority areas of focus. I can share with you the various road safety programs that have been or being implemented. You are most welcome to see me in person in my office

“On your proposal to appoint TYT as Advisor, I will need to check on the protocol and appropriateness. I will have a word with TYT himself when l meet him. Thank you.”

So, thank you, Datuk Lee, for your prompt reply.

And while we were discussing the mounting road fatalities on Friday the Thirteenth (June 13), came the news of another fatal accident on the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak.

This time, it was a young doctor, Dr Ahmad Rafizee bin Mohd Saian, who lost his life in a self-accident in his car while on the way to Bintulu from Miri.

The medical officer was attached to the Bintulu Hospital. The life of a promising young man with a bright future ahead tragically cut short. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Then, there was a dear friend named Tony in Kuching who complimented my article in Sin Chew as a well-written piece, in which I responded:

“Tony, you commented not because the article is well written but because you feel the same way and share the pain and suffering of the families who lost their loved ones. God bless you too, Tony.”

Then, I have also received a message from former Mas Gading Member of Parliament, Patrick Anek Uren, regarding a poorly maintained road near a bridge along the Lundu-Bau stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway.

He described the stretch as a very “dangerous” one because of the uneven surface and its proximity to a bridge.

Also, traffic is usually heavy in the area and used by many school-going children as well.

Patrick has requested the authorities to look into the matter urgently before any tragedy takes place there.

I’ve forwarded the ex-MP’s concerns to Sarawak minister Lee and hopefully, he can assist together with his counterparts in the works ministry.

Yes, let us all work together to prevent more senseless loss of lives on our roads and highways. We have to, we have no choice.

(Francis Paul Siah is a veteran Sarawak editor and currently heads the Movement for Change Sarawak, MoCS. He can be reached at [email protected].)