LETTER | Let's all show more empathy in times like these

LETTER | Besides battling through record high daily Covid-19 cases, Malaysia was rocked by the first major LRT accident in our history. 

With over 200 passengers injured, including some with severe injuries, it definitely wasn't something for any Malaysian to take lightly.

The now "infamous" press conference conducted by the now previous chairperson of Prasarana, Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (above), was a lesson to all on 'how not to conduct a press conference" at the time of crisis. 

The combination of both incompetence and arrogance was shown in full glory as the Pasir Salak Umno MP displayed his inability to show sympathy and empathy in his terse exchange with the media.

Personally, I feel that it was a lost opportunity for a community leader, politician to galvanise the nation with some comforting words with some sense of accountability and responsibility for what has happened. 

How difficult is it to apologise on behalf of Prasarana, acknowledge the accident and incident, stating strongly a thorough investigation will be conducted while also allay the fears of the public on any potential repeat of the incident (since it was the first incident of its kind, with our LRT services having a relatively good track record before this)?

In hindsight, it was foolish of me to expect anything from Malaysian politicians and when I mention politicians, I meant to the whole load of them (BN, Pakatan Harapan or Perikatan Nasional). 

It was a crass, crude press conference that will always be looked back and frowned upon.

Like Covid-19, the LRT incident affected Malaysians of all race, religion and creed. 

It was a missed opportunity to show leadership and to show that the government (in this case GLC companies) are capable of handling a crisis situation.

All of us must stay strong and be firm on one common stand. 

We really need to reject such politicians to lead our beloved nation. We must thoroughly reject such rude behaviour at times of crisis.

As I personally believe, in such challenging times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, all of us can treat our fellow Malaysians better, kinder and with more empathy so we can get through this together, as a nation.

We all just need to be decent human beings.

Malaysia masih boleh!