The New Year promises fresh starts for all. We all start 2022 with a positive attitude with renewed determination to succeed in work, studies and life. I am sure all of us want the economy to get back on track, and are yearning for things to go back to pre-COVID-19 pandemic days.
We’ve learnt hard lessons in the past two years with the numerous lockdowns, high number of positive COVID-19 cases, loss of precious lives, businesses going bust, and many who went hungry.
Matters were made worse with the recent floods where again precious lives were lost while many incurred huge financial losses due to the devastation left behind.
However, Malaysians rallied together through it all, displaying true unity to help those in need. We proved to each other that we will never walk alone in our darkest hours.
The brotherhood that has taken us through thick and thin and our care and actions for one another is evidence that there are no distinctions when it comes to humanity.
So while we recover from the economic wounds left behind by the pandemic and the floods and hope for things to return to normalcy, let us also be reminded that we are not out of the clouds yet with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are seeing the new Omicron variant gain traction, and this serves as a reminder for all of us to up our game in adhering to the standard operating procedures.
There are still individuals who have not learnt from past mistakes and follies. They treat the SOPs as a hindrance or annoyance. Let me remind these individuals that a life loss is a life loss. Please, change your ways.
As we forge ahead through the New Year together, I humbly ask that our spirit of togetherness, kindness and moderation be upheld and intensified.
We have and always will be a Malaysian family.
Yeap Ming Liong
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Ipoh Echo.
