Above All Else
“The direct contact was an accident,” said a tired Din to the COVID division officer on his laptop screen. “Lau was protecting himself from injury.” The officer looked unimpressed. “It is a crime for orang luar to touch orang dalam, or be unmasked in their vicinity. Mr. Lau is guilty of both.” “Yes, but – “ Din rubbed his face in frustration. “We quarantined before entering Mrs. Jaish’s house. Lau posed no risk of infection!” “In the eyes of the law, it doesn’t matter.” Din spoke without thinking. “Then the law is wrong!” There was a beat of silence. “Mr. Din,” the older woman said. “May I remind you what else is written in the law?” Din repeated the words that had been drilled into him and every Malaysian since birth. “Above all else,” he whispered, “health before self.” The officer nodded. “We have come this far as a nation because that is our priority,” she reminded him. “If we were to make exceptions and excuses, we would all be lost to COVID-19 by now. Surely, as a law-abiding citizen, you agree with this?” Din swallowed. “Yes, ma’am.” Something made him blurt out further, “But Lau will face prison for his crime.” A dismissive wave of the hand. “Only for a few weeks.” “That’s long enough, isn’t it?” Din didn’t say the unspoken words. Long enough for Lau to risk catching the virus in there. The officer caught Din’s gaze firmly through the webcam. “Above all else, Mr. Din.” And the screen went black.
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