Ode to a friend

My conviction to continue fighting all hill and hillside development was further strengthened with the demise of my friend, Yoges, in the recent Bkt Antarabangsa landslide tragedy. She was a lovely person who was truly devoted to her family and her young children. So it came as no surprise when I heard that she died while sheltering her children from the onslaught of the landslide. My heart goes out to her husband, whose devastated face in the newspapers superficially gloss his inner despair of losing his loving wife; and to her boys and little girl whom she used to talk about with so much joy and love.

The sadness that I felt when I first heard of the tragedy has now turned to anger. Anger at those who played a part in making this tragedy happen and anger at those who did nothing when made fully aware of the dangers of hillside development. Why do we only voice our concerns and opposition when we or someone dear to us is impacted? By that time, it would be too late.

Lets all rise together now and stop the development of hills and hillsides. Lets start with saving our Tmn Melawati hill.

Sharanjeet, TMRA member