Leadership Zones: From Control to Impact!

 

Where you lead from determines how far your team will go. Leadership isn’t a title — it’s a zone. Every leader operates from one, whether consciously or not. And understanding which zone you’re in can be the difference between control and impact. 

#1 The Control Zone:

“If I don’t do it, it’ll fail.” This is where micromanagement lives. Leaders here struggle to delegate and overcompensate through control. They equate success with doing everything themselves — but in truth, great leaders create more leaders, not followers. Control feels safe, but it limits growth — both yours and your team’s.

 

Source: https://www.linkedin.com

 #2 The Doubt Zone:

Doubt is part of leadership — but staying here too long leads to paralysis by analysis. Leaders in this zone often overthink, waiting for certainty that never comes. The mindset shift? “Doubt is data. Use it, but don’t drown in it.” Every decision, even imperfect, becomes a chance to learn. 

#3 The Reflection Zone:

Here, leaders begin to turn inward — observing patterns, learning from mistakes, and trusting their teams. “I document to improve, not to judge myself.” Reflection fosters self-awareness, but it must lead to action. Overthinking is the enemy of momentum — reflection is only valuable when it drives progress. 

#4 The Trust Zone:

“When I lift others up, we all rise together.” This is where leadership begins to mature. You delegate, empower, and communicate with transparency. You trust your team as much as you trust yourself. You lead with heart, not ego. At this stage, you’re not chasing visibility — you’re building something that lasts. 

#5 The Impact Zone:

The final stage. The rare zone. “True change doesn’t need a spotlight. My work speaks louder than my words.” Leaders here inspire through consistency, humility, and clarity. They don’t chase applause; they create systems, cultures, and legacies that outlive them. 

Leadership Growth Tip:

Ask yourself weekly: Which zone am I operating from? If you find yourself in Control or Doubt, don’t judge — just move one step forward. Growth is movement, not perfection. Because leadership isn’t static — it’s a journey from control to impact. And every level demands that you let go of a little more ego to make room for a lot more trust. 

Reference:

Leadership Zones: From Control to Impact, Jaideep Matto, Linkedin

Is Ambank’s Apology Enough?

 

A man believed to be homeless was abused outside a bank in broad daylight in Taman Maluri. This was not just an act of cruelty but a collapse of conscience. The video lasted seconds. The questions it raised will not go away easily. What followed was a familiar ritual in corporate Malaysia: indignation, a statement, and a careful measure of distance. 

AmBank said it was “deeply concerned and saddened”, clarifying that the uniformed guard seen in the video was employed by an external security company, and that the second man — reportedly a nearby cobbler — had acted out of frustration. It is both a legal and moral issue!

Outsourced or not, anyone stationed at a bank’s entrance represents that institution. A uniform is a symbol of authority. Responsibility does not evaporate when it is subcontracted. But the most disturbing element of this incident is not merely the assault itself. It is the vacuum that surrounds it.

 

Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org

If violence against a vulnerable person occurred in full view of the public, was a police report lodged as soon as the video surfaced? Have the assailants been identified by authorities? Have charges been considered, let alone filed? Or are we expected to quietly accept an apology as a substitute for justice? 

Assault is a crime, regardless of the victim’s social status. Being poor, homeless, or inconvenient does not strip a person of legal protection. Being sprayed with water, kicked, humiliated, and driven away is not “crowd control”. It is violence. If such acts go unpunished, it is not just one man being abandoned, it is the rule of law being quietly eroded. 

People stood by as a human being was degraded. One person chose to record instead of intervene. Others watched, waiting for it to end. The modern reflex is to document suffering, not disrupt it. But a camera lens is not a conscience. Virality is not virtue. Recording cruelty does not absolve us from the duty to stop it. 

When Tony Lian, the founder of an NGO that helps the poor, came across the video of the homeless man being kicked and humiliated outside a bank, he felt sick to his stomach. Lian was horrified at the degrading and inhumane treatment of the homeless man. 

Lian, who also runs two small shelters for the homeless, set out on foot to look for the man and walked along the shops at Taman Maluri in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He checked every corner until he reached another bank, some 600m from the first bank where the man had been kicked and hosed with water. It was there that he saw the man, who is in his late 30s, lying on the ground, emotionally drained. “I offered him a place to stay and he started to cry.” 

This is not only a story about homelessness. It is about hierarchy — who is seen as human and who is treated as a nuisance. It is about which lives command protection, and which are hosed down and kicked aside in plain view, without consequence. An apology, however well-worded, is only the beginning. Now come the questions that demand answers, not silence. 

Will AmBank move beyond damage control and accept real institutional responsibility? Will they fund homelessness? Will they cajole other banks to do the same? I don’t know why but many lie outside bank premises for the night! 

And will Malaysians choose to act instead of simply pressing “record”? Will the police act? Will the Social Welfare Department act? And will the bankers fund a worthy cause? 

Until those questions are answered with action, this incident is not closed. It is a blemish on our conscience. 

References:

An apology is not justice, Frankie D’Cruz, FMT, 25 November 2025 

“I offered him a place to stay and he started to cry”, Minderjeet Kaur, FMT, 25 November 2025

Indonesia’s High-Speed Rail: Financial Quagmire?

When Indonesia’s first high-speed rail line, the Jakarta–Bandung Whoosh, was inaugurated in October 2023, it was hailed as a triumph of progress and modern engineering. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) proudly rode the train alongside Chinese officials, marking Indonesia’s arrival in the club of nations with high-speed rail. 

Yet one year later, the celebration has faded into a sobering reckoning. The project, once touted as fully commercial and self-financing, has turned into a financial quagmire. Its mounting debt, sluggish ridership and dependence on Chinese financing have forced the Indonesian government to deploy its newly created sovereign wealth agency, BPI Danantara, to renegotiate the project’s debt with the China Development Bank (CDB).

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org 

The Whoosh project’s numbers are stark. Initially budgeted at around US$6.07 billion, total costs ballooned to more than $7.3 billion due to land acquisition delays, technical complications and pandemic-related overruns. The project’s operator, PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), has reported massive losses, with state-owned shareholders forced to inject capital to keep it running. 

Despite assurances that the project would be funded without sovereign guarantees, the Indonesian government now finds itself indirectly underwriting the costs. BPI Danantara’s intervention is an admission that the line is not commercially viable under its current structure. The agency’s task, renegotiating loan terms and restructuring repayment schedules, is as much about fiscal rescue as it is about face-saving. 

The decision to build the Jakarta–Bandung line, which is only 142 kilometres long, was flawed from the outset. First and foremost, the route is too short to justify the enormous capital outlay. Before Whoosh, travellers could already drive the route in about three hours or take a regular train in a little over that time. The high-speed line cuts travel time to roughly 40 minutes, but once the distance to the remote stations, Halim in Jakarta and Tegalluar near Bandung, is factored in, the actual time saved is minimal, if at all. The ridership potential, confined largely to weekend leisure travellers and upper-middle-class commuters, could never sustain the financial burden of a multibillion-dollar project. The result is a sleek train running at world-class speeds but burdened by unsustainable debt and limited utility. 

A far more logical and transformative project would have been the Jakarta–Surabaya line. Spanning almost 780 kilometres, it connects the country’s main economic artery through Cirebon, Semarang, Solo and Surabaya, cities that collectively account for over 60% of Indonesia’s GDP. A high-speed connection along this corridor would not just shorten travel time from ten hours to under four, it would fundamentally alter Indonesia’s logistics, trade and regional development patterns. It would stimulate new industrial hubs, reduce the cost of goods and integrate the economies of western and eastern Java. In contrast to Whoosh, which serves symbolism more than strategy, a Jakarta–Surabaya line would have real economic impact. 

The government has already indicated plans to proceed with feasibility studies for the Jakarta–Surabaya high-speed project, and this time, it cannot afford to repeat past mistakes. If Indonesia is to regain credibility after the Whoosh fiasco, it must start with a clean slate, free from the shadow of political favouritism and foreign dominance. 

The stakes go beyond economics. The Whoosh crisis has exposed how infrastructure can become an instrument of geopolitical influence. For China, Indonesia’s infrastructure boom under Jokowi has been a showcase of its BRI success in Southeast Asia, a region where the US and Japan have struggled to match Beijing’s scale and speed. 

The Whoosh experience should not be dismissed as an outright failure, but as an expensive lesson in sovereignty and foresight. It has revealed the dangers of political haste and the pitfalls of overreliance on any single foreign partner. Indonesia now stands at a crossroads: it can either repeat the past by rushing into another politically expedient partnership, or it can learn from Whoosh and design a model of infrastructure development that is economically sound, transparent and geopolitically balanced. 

The next chapter of Indonesia’s high-speed dream will determine more than the speed of its trains – it will reveal the pace of its political maturity. If Jakarta can resist the temptation of short-term wins and instead commit to long-term integrity, the Jakarta–Surabaya project could become not only a symbol of progress but a declaration of independence. 

Reference:

Indonesia’s high-speed rail a Belt and Road cautionary tale, Ronny P Sasmita, 4 October 2025, Asia Times

Enforced Disappearance: The Pamela Ling Case

 

Many may remember Pamela Ling who disappeared in broad daylight. A summary of the Pamela Ling case is as follows:

 

·      -On 9 April, on a working day, in broad daylight, an abduction squad using up to five vehicles abducted Pamela Ling Yueh from a Grab car, minutes before it was due to arrive at the Putrajaya headquarters of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

·     -There were at least eight perpetrators. After stopping the car, three of them removed Pamela from the car and took her away.

·    -Two of them were males, dressed in clothing with police markings. The third was a woman in police uniform.

·   -The perpetrators made off with the Grab driver’s identity card; this prompted him to report the abduction to the police.

Source: https://www.sinarharian.com.my

·        -There has been no ransom demand.

·       -Pamela, a 42-years-old Sarawakian resident of Singapore, is a businesswoman.

·     -She is married to Sarawakian businessman Thomas Hah Tiing Siu, who, in 2013, got the “Dato’ Sri” title from Pahang.

·    -Thomas and the Chief Minister of Sabah, Hajiji Noor, have been questioned by the MACC in connection with a bribery allegation.

·    -In January, Pamela was extradited from Singapore to Malaysia in connection with investigations by the MACC. She was remanded for questioning for three days and released on 11 January.

·     Pamela and her husband, parents to three children, are navigating “an acrimonious” divorce. During a previous visit by Pamela to the MACC headquarters, an MACC deputy director ‘encouraged’ her to quickly resolve her divorce from Thomas. 

It is important to note that the police have made statements about the number of witnesses interviewed and about findings from video recordings. In this respect, the police have done better than it did in the enforced disappearances of Raymond Koh, Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu. But the public remains wary. Because the evidence in those cases – gathered, sifted and assessed by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) – showed police complicity, lack of seriousness and lack of competence. Yet, the government failed to resurrect investigations into these cases. The government even continues to conceal the report of the “special task force” it cobbled together to investigate Suhakam’s terrifying findings. 

Suhakam concluded that Raymond, Amri, Joshua and Ruth were victims of enforced disappearance, which is defined as: 

“the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law.” 

Is Pamela also a victim of enforced disappearance? Until the government acts in the cases of Raymond, Amri, Joshua and Ruth, every abduction in Malaysia is presumed to be an enforced disappearance. The presumption will only be lifted if the police prove otherwise. 

In Malaysia, on a workday, in broad daylight, in a metropolis, a person can disappear by an abduction squad and never be found again. In the face of the indifference of the home minister, the law minister, the prime minister and the attorney general, what else can you conclude?

Perhaps, Grab Malaysia may begin selling rides in escorted vehicles. – Caged! 

Reference:

The reason Pamela Ling is presumed to be a victim of enforced disappearance, Rama Ramanathan, Aliran, 17 May 2025

No IC and No Country!

 

We take for granted an ID card or IC. But when someone who has spent their whole life waiting for one, we may realise how fortunate we are! Imagine being born and raised in Malaysia, going to local schools, speaking the language, celebrating the same festivals …. yet being told, on paper, that you don’t belong. This isn’t a rare story. 

An anonymous individual shared a heartbreaking story that he was born in Malaysia but was never recognized as a Malaysian citizen. While others celebrate receiving their MYKid and then receiving MyKad at 12 years old, this person grew up holding only a birth certificate marked “Bukan Warganegara”. Despite being born in a Malaysian hospital, attending local schools, and speaking the same languages, he spent his entire life feeling like a stranger.

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com

Whenever some people talked about identity cards, this affected person (say, Ah Chong for this article) quietly shrank away from the conversation, afraid of the stares, the pity, or worse the judgment. For Form 3 exams, everyone presented their ICs, but Ah Chong had to hand over a wrinkled birth certificate instead. 

And yet, amidst all the frustration, there are moments of grace. In school, true friends stood-by him treating him as one of them, even helping to research ways to appeal for citizenship. As Ah Chong grew older, more kind souls appeared, “angels,” who gave guidance, encouragement, and hope. Even though the waiting continues, gratitude remains. Because he has learned that he is not alone, there are still many others just like him, born on this land but still fighting to be seen as part of it. 

This story isn’t about self-pity; it’s about resilience. Every case, every name, every effort matters. Of course, if you are a naturalised footballer for the national team, then things get done much faster! 

Reference:

 

No IC, No Country. The Reality of Being Born in Malaysia Without Citizenship, Jovy Jing, https://newswav.com, 22 October 2025

Two Women Lifted a Nation!

 

While sports headlines at home weigh heavy with controversy, two Malaysian women offered moment of pure joy. Shuttlers Pearly Tan and M Thinaah did more than lift the women’s doubles title at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan; they inspired. 

They turned every point, every rally, and every moment on court into a statement of purpose and pride for Malaysian sport. With every precise smash, clever rally, and unwavering display of teamwork, they showcased the best of sport — discipline, resilience, and the joy of playing at the highest level. They reminded Malaysians what sport can be at its most pure: honest, joyful, and capable of lifting spirits far beyond the scoreboard.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

That’s not the same for the national football team. The shadow of a scandal over the naturalisation of seven players hangs over them. 

In contrast, Pearly and Thinaah’s triumph felt like a rare moment of uncomplicated joy, a moment when the country could cheer without reservation, without worry, and without cynicism. Watching them play is like watching poetry in motion. Pearly’s fire meets Thinaah’s calm. One roars, the other steadies. One leaps, the other anchors. Their chemistry is effortless, built on trust, laughter, and a shared love of the game. It is this partnership that makes every comeback remarkable, every tight rally thrilling. Even under pressure, their smiles never falter. Even when the crowd is hostile, their focus never wavers. In them, Malaysians can see what dedication, discipline, and joy look like in action. 

The duo’s semi-final where they saved three game points, and the 54-minute final against the Japanese pair, reinforced their trademark quality: resilience. They do not crumble when the odds are stacked; they grow stronger. In a sporting landscape overshadowed by off-field distractions and fractured leadership, their example is quietly radical. It says that excellence does not require controversy. That commitment does not need drama. That joy, when genuine, is its own reward. 

This year has been extraordinary for Pearly and Thinaah. Three titles. Seven finals. World No 2 ranking. Runner-up at the World Championships. They have consistently transformed potential into performance, rewriting expectations for Malaysian women’s doubles and giving the nation glimpses of sporting brilliance reminiscent of Razif and Jailani Sidek’s legendary 1989 season. But it is not just statistics that matter. It is the way they carry themselves — with humility, poise, and a generosity of spirit that makes their victories feel like communal triumphs. 

Beyond skill and titles, Pearly and Thinaah embody something Malaysia needs right now: unity. A Chinese Malaysian and an Indian Malaysian moving in perfect rhythm, supporting each other and inspiring the nation, remind us that collaboration and mutual respect are always possible, even when headlines suggest otherwise. And who is their coach? Rosman Razak, an exceptional coach. So, clearly, we have it. If we work together, we can beat the world! Where others divide, they synchronise. Where others look at attire, they look at delivery. God is fair. He does not see the outward appearance but your heart. And that is what matters! When these two women (guided by their coach) lift their racquets, Malaysia lifts its chin. 

Reference:

Two women who lifted a nation’s mood, Frankie D’Cruz, FMT, 17 November 2025

Did Disposable Income Rise Nationwide?

 

Malaysia’s average disposable household income rose by 3.2% to RM7,584 in 2024, according to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024 Report. The median income rose by 5.1% to RM5,999. This represents 82.8% of total gross household income, indicating households’ ability to meet essential expenditure needs. The report also highlighted that this rise in disposable income was accompanied by a gradual improvement in income distribution. 

Households in the Bottom 40 (B40) group, comprising 3.28 million households, had income of up to RM5,858, according to the report. 

It also noted that the median household income in Malaysia reached RM7,017 in 2024, growing by 5.1% annually, while the mean household income rose by 3.8% to RM9,155. Income growth varied by state, reflecting diverse economic conditions, the report added. 

Six states recorded median household incomes above the national level, with Kuala Lumpur at RM10,802, followed by Putrajaya (RM10,769), Selangor (RM10,726), Johor (RM7,712), Penang (RM7,386) and Labuan (RM7,383). Penang recorded the highest annual growth rate at 6.4% between 2022 and 2024, according to the report. 

The report also noted that the B40 group’s share of total national income rose slightly to 16.7%, up from 16.3% in 2022. In contrast, the Top 20% (T20), who earned RM12,680 and above per month, saw their share decline to 45.1%, down from 46.3%. The Middle 40% (M40), earning between RM5,860 and RM12,679, made up a significant portion of the remaining income share. 

The Gini coefficient improved to 0.390 in 2024, compared to 0.404 in 2022, signalling a narrowing of income inequality. The national absolute poverty incidence decreased from 6.2% in 2022 to 5.1% in 2024, representing about 416,000 households. 

It all sounds too good! If you drill-down there are probably several issues by district, demographic distribution and intra-racial inequalities. Some think-tank should review the data and give a more balanced picture! 

Reference:

Disposable income rises nationwide, Rahimy Rahim, Khoo Jian Teng, Ragananthini Vethasalam, The Star, 9 October 2025

Silver Living for a Silver Generation!

 

Malaysia is nearing a demographic tipping point as its population ages, and the proportion of elderly citizens increases. The share of people aged 60 and above rose to 11.6% in 2024 and continues to climb. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the elderly cohort is expanding steadily over the next two decades. By 2030, 15% of Malaysians will be aged above 60 which classifies the country as an ageing nation. 

By 2040, older Malaysians will form nearly 17% or 6.4 million of the people exceeding 60 years of age. When 2050 comes, the gains in life expectancy will have pushed the country into an even older demographic profile and the lack of senior-friendly housing raises an urgent question: Where and how will seniors live? 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

For generations, the traditional expectation was for parents to live in their children's homes as they aged. However, shrinking household sizes, children moving to cities or abroad and increasing life expectancy make this model is less feasible. Instead, Malaysians will need a coherent, nationwide network of safe, affordable housing options that allow them to age independently, accessible and linked to care. Without that network, too many older Malaysians will face isolation or expensive, last-resort care. 

Purpose-built senior communities such as Sunway Healthcare Group’s Sunway Sanctuary in Bandar Sunway offers 235 serviced suites that blend accommodation with wellness programs, medical support, dining and social activities. Monthly rental starts at RM8,050, placing it within the luxury category. Meanwhile, in Cheras, Komune Living and Wellness, managed by UOA Hospitality Sdn Bhd, offers a mix of daycare and live-in options for seniors. Projects like Green Acres Retirement Village in Ipoh and Eden-on-the-Park in Sarawak provide resort-style retirement communities. These projects demonstrate good practice but also underline the problem: most are priced for the affluent.  

The real challenge lies in addressing the needs of the middle-income segment, which makes up most of Malaysia’s population and such sentiment is beginning to be noticed by developers. The demand is not just for more houses. It is about designing homes and building spaces that foster a spirit of togetherness and community for older adults as well as those in need of care and assistance.  

Private developers are eager but cautious when it comes to senior living.  While industry players are calling for clearer guidance and supportive policies to enable large-scale development of senior housing, regulation is gradually evolving. The government has taken steps to prepare for an ageing society.  

Regulation is gradually evolving. The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 calls for special housing for the elderly, including independent living and nursing care facilities. New public housing projects now require universal design features with ground-floor units prioritised for elderly and disabled residents.  

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has drafted a Senior Citizens Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament soon. If approved, it will establish a clearer framework for senior living, set safety standards and regulations, plus provide a foundation for public-private collaboration to thrive. 

Despite interest from developers, several barriers stand in the way with cost being a primary obstacle. Universal design and integrated care facilities raise construction and operating costs. Without targeted incentives such as tax breaks, land grants or funding programs may drive these projects to become expensive for regular retirees. 

It is evident that Malaysia cannot delay action. Without timely intervention, the gap between need and supply will widen and many seniors will end up in unsuitable housing or forced into costly private care.  While industry players are united and urge for clear legislation, government incentives must keep prices reasonable, a cultural shift also must happen among Malaysians to normalise senior living as a positive lifestyle choice rather a last resort. If pieces fall into place, turning a demographic challenge into a national opportunity then Malaysia’s housing market could be transformed into an active, healthy and dignified ageing population. 

Reference:

Malaysia’s silver generation needs senior living, Pavither Sidhu, The Star, 3 October 2025

The King Without a Tribe?

 

Every leader dream of being the chosen one! Anointed by destiny, embraced by his people, and immortalized by their faith. But sometimes, fate plays a cruel joke. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s prime minister ascended the throne without the blessing of his own tribe — the Malays. 

In the 15th General Election (GE15), Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured only about 11% of Malay votes. Then came the state elections in six states (PRN 2023) — a political reality check — where 83% of Malay voters chose Perikatan Nasional (PN) instead. Even in his own bastion of Selangor, PN swept 22 state seats and bagged a staggering 73% of Malay support. Across Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) were trounced. The army, the police, Felda settlers — all overwhelmingly Malay, all turned away. 

Source: https://www.wikiwand.com

Anwar, the reformist prophet once cast into political exile, now finds himself crowned at last — only to discover that his kingdom does not believe in him. For decades, Anwar was the voice of Malay empowerment within UMNO, the man who could quote both Imam al-Ghazali and George Orwell in a single breath. But as the tides of identity politics hardened, his multiracial idealism became a liability, his reform agenda mistaken for betrayal. The Malays — his people — drifted toward the comfort of green flags and simpler certainties. 

There’s an old Malay proverb that says, “Harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama” — a tiger leaves its stripes, a man leaves his name. But what happens when a man’s name no longer resonates with his own kin? Anwar’s struggle is no longer about policy or performance; it’s about belonging. He is Malaysia’s first “untribed” prime minister — accepted by the minorities, tolerated by the elites, yet orphaned by the majority. He talks of Madani values — compassion, reform, inclusivity — but the people he most wishes to persuade hear only the echo of alien tongues. The political home he seeks — the Malay heartland — no longer waits at the shore with open arms. He must understand their concerns and insecurities, namely: 

-cost of living;

-housing;

-employment; and

-the NEP and its relevance or otherwise

And he doesn’t have much time to gain traction with his tribe without losing minority support. The good news for him is that the opposition is also imploding. 

To be fair, Anwar’s dilemma is not unique. Leaders from Mandela to Nehru, even Churchill, all wrestled with moments when their people turned skeptical. But in Malaysia’s fractious landscape, being a leader without the backing of your own tribe is like being a general without an army. 

Reference:

OPINION | The King Without a Tribe — Anwar’s Mythical Struggle for Acceptance, Mihar Dias, Newswav, 27 October 2025

“I’m Bringing Home Your Favourite Dish”

 

A food delivery rider in Kuala Lumpur had almost completed his job for the day and was excited to go back home and see his family, but unfortunately, fate had other plans. The rider collapsed by the road when delivering his last order, after telling his mum that he was coming home with her favourite dish. When the authorities checked his phone, they found his last message to his mum, telling the elderly about the meal plan with her favourite dish. “I am almost done with my work. I’m coming back home tonight with your favourite dish.”

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com / The Rakyat Post

According to a viral Threads post, the mum and the son were staying at a low-cost flat (PPR) at that time, and the rider slept only three hours every day, working day and night just for one purpose. He was earning extra income to fund the treatment of his mother’s kidney disease. Despite his commitment, the post mentioned that the deceased rider never failed to contribute a little by donating to the mosque, as the family found a receipt for a RM10 donation to the mosque, which he never missed doing every week. It is also said that during his funeral, the neighbours and many other riders were present, and some shed their tears over the loss.  

Delivery riders work very hard, incentivised perhaps by their income (including tips). Do we appreciate them? Rain or shine, they deliver. And in most cases they are Malays. So, who says they don’t work hard? I am amazed at their dedication. 

I was blessed to work in a bumiputra environment with both bumis and non-bumis as my colleagues. And they worked equally hard. Its leadership and a reward mechanism that benefits all. When the institution failed to recognise their contribution, many left and I too left! No regrets. My colleagues attained high positions even as CEOs of major organisations. And I am pleased. In many cases, they follow the culture they are used to. 

The real issues are skirted by most politicians - cost of living and income inequalities. In small ways, we are changing even though politicians play their games! 

Reference:

“I’m bringing home your favourite dish” – KL Delivery Rider’s Final Text to His Mum Before Collapsing & Dying, Azri Azizan, World of Buzz, 6 November 2025