When my batchmates and I went to Putrajaya a few weeks back to conduct a health awareness programme, I remembered asking myself-who will conquer Putrajaya in the soon-to-come (now past) elections?

Fast forward to today. Just 2 days post-GE14 and many are surprised we are actually living under the administration of the Opposition coalition for the first time since Merdeka. As PM Tun M aptly said,  "We've never done this before."

Besides the obvious gains ie investigations on pressing matters of the country and abolishing GST, I am personally touched by the strong unity that Malaysians displayed since the election was announced. Most importantly, the rakyat now knows the power of its vote. The power of true unity by helping each other out, whether it's sponsoring students to go back to vote, carpooling, volunteering to be PACABAs, or voluntarily sharing information on social media to avoid spoilt votes. Even up till PH's victory, there were messages asking everyone to stay calm. And stay calm we did through it all, with no bloodshed. It was democracy at its best, with those supporting the defeated side respecting the views of the other celebrating half.

Now what's left to do is to hold the government accountable for what it has promised. After all, they are first-hand witnesses of the rakyat's power. Now, both sides will know that the rakyat will come out in full force to fulfill their rights. Consequently, both sides will work hard to ensure they offer solutions that best satisfy the rakyat. This can only mean good news to Malaysia's future.

Despite our wonderful display of democracy, we admittedly still have room to improve. The cyberbullying of those with different views should be discouraged. True democracy is when freedom of speech and the right to have our own respective opinions are respected. As Evelyn Beatrice Hall puts it, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".

I am looking forward to a new Malaysia-a Malaysia upholding human rights and driven by mature politics and transparency. Our nation truly deserves only the best.

Let the healing process begin. Malaysia boleh! 

Time flies.

On 5th May 2018, batch 2014/2015 had our last Pharmnight in DTSN.

As one of the lead singers and planners for the Rx4 performance, it was quite exhausting mentally and physically to bring together a performance within 2 weeks. But we pulled it off, together with flashlights and singing from the whole class at the end of the performance. The moment was magical, especially when juniors also waved flashlights at us from the back. I am super grateful that I was given a chance to perform one last time together with my coursemates. Despite the packed schedule with our rotations and all, we managed to squeeze time for practices. Am glad that we persevered through the practices and most importantly had fun together through it all.

Pharmaband aka The Poison Act was awesome! I am so proud of how the band has evolved and will continue to evolve in years to come, bringing FFar's musical talents to the forefront. Also loved how the 1st year juniors incorporated flash mob into the event seamlessly. Of course, not to forget the organizing committee's effort to bring the night to life. Good job to all juniors!

Being a night of awards, I am glad to see fellow coursemates going up stage in recognition of their efforts, whether it is good results or exceptional in co-curricular activities (PS: super proud of my bro Ze Song for winning the PMFFar Best Student Award and Anugerah Payung Merah-Kepimpinan!). Am also extremely blessed to be selected for the Anugerah Payung Merah-Kesukarelawanan. This is definitely a motivation for me to continue pursuing my purpose in life of serving others.

Besides that, being the "oldest" definitely has its perks such as honouring fellow batchmates as Fac King and Queen and Best Dressed. It was great to cheer each other on in the spirit of our batch's camaraderie, something that I personally will miss leaving this place in a month's time.

The night ended with a video and performance from us (Rx4), before leaving the stage to give flowers to the lecturers and staff. Although it is nothing elaborate, I hope they know we will definitely miss them the most when we leave in a month's time. Their guidance and support throughout the years of study have transformed us from noobies to future pharmacists, and that is no easy feat!

Before leaving, we took photographs with lecturers and friends that have become family in the past 4 years. #Pharmily

(PS: in no particular order of importance)















Pharmnight 2018 will definitely be a beautiful memory to reminisce in years to come. This marks the impending end of one chapter of our lives but also opens a new one. May we leave the faculty and university with good memories and with the conscious pursuit to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Dear Pharmily, see you on the other side!

Calum Scott's beautiful rendition of "Dancing On My Own" on British Got Talent 3 years back left me with a surge of emotions. From being a recruitment officer, he rose to fame and currently joins the elite ranks of soulful singers such as James Arthur.

But before the world knew him, he had to believe in his talent to present himself bravely in front of judges and a large audience. Was it scary? At one point in the audition, his hand trembled. Nevertheless, he persevered and eventually got the Golden Buzzer from the judges. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Of course, this is only a small piece of the pie. Most people do not achieve success the way Calum did, no matter how much effort and hope is invested in their dreams.

I'd like to believe though that at our core lies the innate voice whispering our life's true purpose. Maybe it takes years to brush off the dirt and find the gem of our purpose. Maybe the gem that we find in the end is different from what we expected.

But our dreams are always there, buried in the depths of our heart and waiting for us to uncover it.

Truth is, life is unexpected. We can only plan while He ultimately decides. But therein lies the beauty of being human.

Being human is to be hopelessly optimistic in the pursuit of our dreams. Being human is to sometimes tremble in the face of great opportunities, knowing that our lives might change for better or for worse. Being human is to put everything on the line, and simply pray for the best. Being human is embracing the good, the bad and everything in between. Being human is laughing and crying through it all. Being human is to be vulnerable and strong.

Most importantly, being human is to try. To give that voice in you a shot. To believe in yourself, even if the whole world insists otherwise.

And you may be pleasantly surprised to find that happiness is not based on how successful you are with your dreams, but rather with the decision of actively pursuing it regardless of the outcome.

PC: rawpixel.com (Pexels)