Most Malaysians would know by now about the missing plane (MH370, Boeing 777) that was flying from KL to Beijing. It has been two days and the plane has not been found. The only signs were oil slicks in the ocean and authorities from around the world are trying their best to search for any signs of life or wreckage. Malaysia Airlines had told relatives of the missing passengers to fear the worst. There is no sadder news than to be told your loved ones might be dead whilst not really knowing if it’s true. You can’t grief and yet you can’t rest. 

When I first heard the news, I felt really disheartened and sad because firstly, any plane that has gone missing is terrible news and there are 239 people on board. Regardless of which country the plane flew from, I felt sick to my stomach because I know out there in the world, relatives and friends are engulfed by worries and anxiety as they wait for further updates regarding their loved ones. Secondly, it didn’t help knowing that the plane is from my home country and that I have also taken Malaysian Airlines more than 50 times in my life. It could have been me on that plane or worse still, it could have been my parents as they do tend out to fly out to China for vacations and trips. Thirdly, as a man who wants to be an aerospace engineer, this news makes me think about what happens if I become one of the engineers responsible for the plane one day and this happens. Don’t get me wrong. This news is not about me. It’s about the perception that I have at that point of time.

The news appeared as major headlines across the world and it’s as though you could hear everyone talking about it simultaneously. I do not know anyone on that plane but I do know lots of people that know people on that plane. That’s how big the news was. Status updates regarding it on Facebook and Twitter came out in droves. Most status updates are genuine kind ones asking people to pray and keep the passengers in mind. What really ticked people and me off were the complete douchebags who tried to grab attention by blaming the plane crash on the government, religion and some go as far as to say because the plane is a ‘Malaysian’ product, therefore, it crashed. This kind of attitude is not only highly insensitive but stupid and idiotic. This news is no laughing matter and yet people do. If you have nothing good to say, don’t say it at all.

Statistically, flying is actually the safest mode of transport but I can tell you most people fear flying because of the perception of it, the perception that plane can go down any time and spiral in flames. Car crashes, accidents, murders, bombings and fires happen everyday and many die but most never make the headlines on news or grab people’s attention. Why? It’s because it happens everyday and therefore there is no anomaly and therefore not worth mentioning or not ‘big’ according to the media. When things like the plane accident happen, it gets to all of us because it reinforces our perception that flying is dangerous and that you can do down any time.

Life is fragile and we all know it. Well, most of us any ways. Some of us think we are immortals and that we can live forever. We can do whatever crap we like and we can get away with it. You want the truth? The crap you do over your life will catch up with you one day. We are not immortals. No, we don’t live forever. We are going to die one day and become ashes. That as much is true. For some of us like me who are religious, we believe that there will be judgement of our life in front of God. For the rest of us, we just stop existing altogether and be forgotten soon. Most of us are unable to accept on a daily basis that we can go any day including today. I read in a book once and I hold it close to my heart because it speaks volumes of our actions. “Only when you are ready to die, would you be ready to live.”

When you live that way, you look at things differently and you try to be a better person. Knowing that we did good, if we go, we go with peace and solace. We know we left a footprint for others to follow. Don’t abandon that ability. Deep down, you are inherently kind. Don’t deny yourself that. Be the good person you know you can be and make a difference in this world. 

On a final note, I pray for all the people out there in the plane. I really hope that they all survived. Until they are found, I refuse to give up hope that they died. I pray for all their relatives and friends that they will stay strong during this time. Life is fragile. Love your family and friends while you still can. Don’t ever give up. Not on yourself. Not ever.