Just when the Covid-19 pandemic dissipated, it made a comeback. The horrifying headlines dogging the 2020-22 pandemic years resurfaced at the tail-end of the year.
The difference, this time, is that it was managed better, with know-how and wisdom.
Unlike the early months of panic and paranoia when Covid-19 first reared its ugly head, this new variant is being treated more like an irritating flu rather than a life-threatening plague.
Despite five-figure accumulative infections, lockdowns were ruled out, but make no mistake: this new variant is still lethal for certain people with comorbidities,
so most Malaysians sensibly wore face masks without any need for official mandates.
The pandemic taught us new things. It superseded petty socio-political grievances and, at its worse, flattened our morale, economy, dignity and fortitude.
While the danger of the pandemic was largely heeded, due respect for fellow humans took a dip. Malaysian politicians' penchant for going at each other's throats, whether in the Dewan Rakyat, on the campaign trail or in social media, knows no bounds.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's first cabinet reshuffle, made shortly after the death of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was domestic trade and cost of living minister, survived such flak.
The prime minister took the opportunity to do a much-needed "course correction" by shifting his team and restructuring some ministries.
While politicians bicker, a charismatic patriot played out the typical Malaysian story — small country, big ambitions.
Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh's Oscar for Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards was celebrated in the country. She won the award for her role as Evelyn Quan Wang in the sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All at Once, a first for an Asian and a tough act for any Malaysian to follow.
Even in our moment of cinematic pride, tragedy struck: a private jet crashed on Aug 17 onto the Elmina interchange of the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, killing 10 people on board. But nothing was as tragic as the murder of 6-year-old autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matiin at the Idaman Apartment complex in Damansara Damai, Sungai Buloh.
Police investigations have hit a deadend, which does nothing to burnish their reputation at a time of plummeting public confidence.
But they scored points by giving no preferential treatment to one of their own — Alor Star–based Deputy Superintendent Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, who has been charged with the murder of a schoolboy motorcyclist.
The socio-political landscape is about to shift again: Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor will ascend as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31, replacing Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang as he completes an eventful five-year reign, which was memorable for sorting out a political impasse.
With the new king, we also face a world shaken by strife and uncertainty, and perhaps a stronger resolve to counter the insanity in Gaza, for which we unapologetically stand steadfast with the Palestinians.
