Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong

While we are still struggling with the unprecedented flooding, especially in the east coast states, which has displaced almost 200,000 people nationwide, it is heart-breaking to hear that the AirAsia flight QZ8501 from Surabaya to Singapore has crashed.

Some reports indicate the flight, with 162 on board, could have crashed into the sea.

With 2015 just a few days away, I could only gasp with disbelief when I first read the news.

Although flight QZ8501 belonged to AirAsia Indonesia, however, the effect is strongly felt because Malaysia-based budget carrier AirAsia owns a 49% stake in it. AirAsia is also the winner of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Award for six years consecutively.

This has been a challenging year for Malaysia at all points. What’s more, the memories of the incidents of MH370 and MH17 this year are still fresh in our minds.

Flight MH370 went missing on March 8 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board. Until today, the aircraft has not been found.

Flight MH17 was shot down in the Donetsk region in Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 passengers and crew on board.

Literally, it is not common for a country to encounter three major aviation disasters in a year.

The MAS management via its Facebook page expressed its support through the posting, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends of those on board QZ8501.”

This comes at a time when the country is still tackling the worst floods it has seen in recent history.

The flood misery has claimed 10 lives so far, with many more being displaced and suffering from the lack of amenities.  

Some friends, whose families live in northeast Malaysia, have lost contact with their family members for days.

While there have been criticism and anger against the government for being slow in giving aid, particularly after the release of photos which went viral on social media showing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak playing golf with US President Barack Obama.

On a brighter side, many groups, be they non-governmental organisations or the political parties, are reaching out to flood victims and appealing for more help.

At the same time, many Malaysians also started to form ad hoc groups to provide assistance for those in need.

This year has been a difficult one for Malaysia, having faced various devastating issues.

Months ago, the MAS as a way to pay tribute to the victims of both flights MH370 and MH17 tweeted, “Tough times do not last, tough people do #staystrong.”

The year-end is neither an end nor a beginning. Rather, it denotes an ongoing process. With all the past experiences, it is hoped that we have learned our lessons.

As the year draws to a close, may 2015 be a better year for the country and us. – December 29, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.