Say Sorry Lah

Journalist/Social Media/Activist Niki Cheong approached me and a few others about participating in the “Say Sorry” Campaign for Malaysia. Part of this campaign has stemmed from the recent hot topic about drug trafficker Yong Vui Kong seeking the Singaporean government for a 2nd chance. Although it has been known that drug trafficking is a serious offense for both Singapore and Malaysia, I’d say giving him a second chance to help people is much more effective than hanging him and making an example out of it.

Here’s a bit more info about Say Sorry Day:

A collective of individuals and organisations are coming together to declare Sept 5, 2010, as Say Sorry Day. Everyone – in Malaysia and beyond – is encouraged on this day to seek forgiveness from and grant it to each other.

That this is the holy month of Ramadhan makes Say Sorry Day even more significant, as Hari Raya Aidilfitri – held to celebrate the end of the fasting month – is deeply associated with the spirit of apologising and forgiveness.

However, this spirit is not just embraced by our Muslim brothers and sisters; it is also universally acknowledged and encouraged by all major spiritual traditions.

The inspiration for Say Sorry Day is a young Malaysian, Yong Vui Kong, who was only 18 when he was arrested for drug trafficking in Singapore. He is currently appealing for clemency, but he may still be hanged and not get a chance to redeem his wrongs.

Many Malaysians and Singaporeans have campaigned for him to be granted a second chance because they believe in forgiveness. Vui Kong has apologised and hopes to be given the chance to share his life lessons with others and help Singapore fight the drug barons.

His situation is extreme, and many people may not find themselves in the same situation. However, we all need forgiveness because we all do wrong; as the saying goes, “to err is human”.

Whether our transgressions are significant or minute, we all need forgiveness – sometimes we need to seek it, and other times we need to give it. It is this seeking and giving that frees us.

I made a shoutout in the video to my parents, who’ve always loved me unconditionally and selflessly. Only if I could give back the same way, sorry if I’ve ever been ungrateful. I love you both!Also, its a special day for me because it’ll be the 3yr anniversary since my grandma passed away. She was always encouraging, always charismatic and there are certain sacrifices she made in her life to provide for everyone. I feel most sorry that I didn’t see her before she passed away. Say Sorry before its too late! Ah Ma, your sweetheart misses you!