Sermon

God works in mysterious ways. I was dead certain that my message in the church yesterday was so boring that I could have fallen asleep myself. Yet, there were at least a couple of people came to tell me that it was a good message. Perhaps they are trying to encourage me. Perhaps I could console myself that the message was what God wanted me to speak - and so I should not be bother if others found it boring. Yet, somehow, I am still convinced (and guilty at the same time) that I could have done a better job.

For those of you who encouraged me, a big thank you.

Merdeka Award

It is quite an irony that a few weeks ago when I attended a colloquium on Nipah encephalitis. We were quite involved in treating the patients. Someone in the committee mentioned that it was to "celebrate" the 10th anniversary of Nipah that the colloquium was held. Then one of the speakers asked how does one celebrate the outbreak of a disease that killed and maimed the minds of hundred of people? No, we can't. We gather, I would like to think, to ask ourselves how much we have learned about it thus far, and how prepared we are if the next outbreak comes, and what are we doing in the mean time to prevent it.

Then there is the Merdeka Award. The pictures came out in all major newspaper - full page, mind you. Many people congratulated the team, and me, personally. We were treated like heroes. But, are we heroes? Some of us think so, but I'm not quite sure myself. What have I done to deserve to be treated like this? Nothing, actually. I would instead like to believe that we were just ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary situation, and tried our best, no different from everyday people giving their best in their everyday business. Interesting that my daughter should ask where did the money come from. From our oild & gas - something which I have always believe should be set aside a saving for the country's future, rather than being squandered off now like so many other countries. Now don't get me wrong, I am grateful that the team is awarded, but perhaps I don't deserve it half as much as people think.