Beyond Hulu Selangor – In Search of A Vibrant Democracy

Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad

For the plethora of events that have recently unfolded, my silence has, perhaps, been deafening. Few have called in to say hallo while old friends have jokingly insinuated that I may be contemplating to cross over after Pakatan’s defeat in the Hulu Selangor (HS) by-election. I’m now challenged to come out with my commentary on HS and other recent matters.

First let me clarify my position on writing a ‘post-mortem’ of sorts. I have almost decided to only read post-mortems of others from now, and not to write. It may be best that way. Why? If you insist to know, I will tell you. The reason is simple. A post-mortem is done on the dead. A pathologist is almost always right but he is also always 24 hours late. On the other hand, a traumatologist’s acumen, working in the Accident and Emergency Department, is critical to save the lives of poisoned or traumatized patients/victims as he manages them in those most critical moments. A traumatologist acting in real-time treats the patient to ensure that his vital signs are alright and he is out of immediate danger.  Rather than simply explaining why someone died, a traumatologist if successful will help survive the ordeal.

I would prefer to assume the role of rescuer than that of recoverer. Better still, is to be amongst those who practise ‘preventive medicine’. They strategise for better health care for the community because it is their jobs to understand causes of mortality or morbidity as to proactively and preemptively provide measures to enhance health-care and well-being. Nonetheless, a pathologist is still important in medical practice.

I hope this clarifies my reluctance in doing a post-mortem, especially for a by-election  that was predictable before ‘death’ and where those in the position to do something about it, couldn’t or didn’t do much to avert the pitfall.

READ MORE HERE: http://drdzul.wordpress.com/