This past few days has been quite eventful for all Malaysians. We welcomed the first Malaysian to foray into space, or the International Space Station to be more exact. And while the mission gets underway, there is a lone shooting star in our Malaysian sky that has caught the attention of all of us. I'm referring, of course, to 14-year-old Tee Hui Yi, who remarkably survived not one but two heart transplants, in two days.
Imagine how her parents would had felt when told that her body had rejected the first transplant - then in a most dramatic and unimaginable turn of event, the dedicated and efficient heart transplant unit in IJN announced that they are ready to perform a second transplant after the first one ended in hyperacute rejection.
What we are getting here is more than a case of voluntary organ donation and successful transplant.
Hui Yi is like a bright streak of light in the sky - she represents that hope that is able to overcome all odds.
After a long wait for a heart donor and in her anguish, she made a heart rending appeal to the nation through the mainstream newspapers. Overnight she had gained the deep sympathy of the public. There is nothing to be ashamed of by the use of the word 'sympathy' - it is one of the most enduring of universal value of ethics at this age of pluralism and modernity.
Throughout history, up to this modern age, each cultural and religious group still think that they are superior in terms of moral values. It is time, especially in our pluralistic society, that we get at some universal ethical values, that common human feelings and sentiments that we all share. Sentiments like kindness, patience, sympathy and benevolence - can bond us together as one despite our cultural and religious differences. It is said that it is either we learn to live together as one or we shall die together.
Sometimes, in our march for justice and unity, when all else fails including reasoning, we have to appeal to our most innate and respected universal sentiment, that is altruism. Here, I'm not talking about selective altruism which is helping those of the same social standing, your own circle of friends relatives or similar race. I'm referring to an altruism that is truly colour blind and reciprocal in nature.
This is in actual fact, a live demonstration of our social contract in action. This is that something that is so sorely missing for such a long time that we should be looking out for in the future. This is the passion that will propel our nation to be looked at by the international community as a truly harmonious society. For me, such an example is already a national success.
Thank you, Hui Yi, for showing patience and courage and for being that loving example where each Malaysian can pour out his or her heart and soul. Thank you, also, to the IJN team for showing again that true mark of service from the heart.
