"Hanya 3 Hilang"

The very reason i try very hard not to read, listen and read our MSM is to prevent myself from turning manic*.

*Note : In case you don't know what i'm capable of when i turn Manic.

Manic is someone affected by mania.

Mania is the Greek word for madness. It is derived from mainai, to rave in anger. The Maniai in Greek mythology were the Furies who pursued those who had done unavenged crimes and drove them to madness.

Clinical symptoms as a result of mania include an abnormally elevated mood state characterised by such symptoms as inappropriate elation, increased irritability, severe insomnia, grandiose notions, increased speed and/or volume of speech, disconnected and racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, markedly increased energy and activity level, poor judgment, and inappropriate social behavior. A mild form in mania that does not require hospitalization is termed hypomania. Mania that also features symptoms of depression ("agitated depression") is called mixed mania.

I watched a snippet of Astro AWANI and read at the bottom of the TV - "Hanya 3 Hilang". Of course, you know this was with reference to tragedy of collapsed iron-cable bridge over Sg Kampar in Kuala Dipang.

Adik Dina, 11, perished, another 2 are still missing and the remaining 19 are fortunate enough to be saved on time when the one-month old bridge collapsed into the rapid water of Sungai Kampar.

Adik Dina and the missing pupils are amongst some 300 bright, outstanding students aged 10 to 12, from 60 schools from Kinta District, who were attending this 1 Malaysia Unity Camp, under supervision of some 25 teachers. The tragedy struck around 10.30 at night. The kids were on their way to get their utensils before having supper.

Thirteen years ago, Pos Dipang - an Orang Asli settlement along Sungai Kampar - was destroyed by ravaging mudslide, claiming 44 lives. Only weeks ago, i watched the moving documentary on ASTRO. One of the main reasons identified to this tragedy is illegal logging upstream.

"The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children"

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Hanya 3 hilang". That is what BERNAMA - our Malaysia National News Agency - tells the whole world about the tragedy.

"Hanya 3 Hilang" - Is that the price of these bright kids to our Ibu Pertiwi when we all know they meant beyond everything else in this world to their parents?

"Hanya 3 Hilang" - Is that the price to pay for some design faults on the bridge?

"Hanya 3 Hilang" - Is that the price to pay for some costs cutting by the current State Government?

"Hanya 3 Hilang" - Is that the price of corruption?

"Hanya 3 Hilang" - Is that the price of 1Malaysia?

“There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were”

~ Dwight David Eisenhower

My heartfelt condolence goes to their parents. There's no words could comfort their sorrowful souls and no money could wash away their regret for allowing the love of their life to attend the camping.

My deepest regret to 1Malaysia, people-friendly 2010 Budget. We would be spending billions on lifeless infrastructure yet we won't be spending some time and efforts to combat corruption.

Like Mr Hawkeye says in his commentary on our latest Budget presentation, Corruption kills!

Corruption kills your people.

Corrupted monies kill your soul.

Please, do not be part of this vicious cycle.