With yesterday (September 16) being Malaysia Day, many are sharing stories of unity and harmony among the races in Malaysia to celebrate the patriotic day.
A celebrity doctor, too, shared a heartwarming throwback story that started off rather dishearteningly.
Dr Samhan took to his X page to recall how a Muslim patient in labour had refused to allow a Chinese doctor to assist her with her childbirth.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
“I don’t want a kafir (infidel) Chinese doctor to greet my child!” the patient yelled.
He wrote, “They (medical personnel) were silent as they looked at each other. Puan A was screaming in pain but she insisted on a Malay Islam female doctor to welcome her child.”
The nurses had to tell the patient that they only had 2 doctors on duty at that time, a Chinese female doctor and a Malay male doctor. At that point, even the patient’s husband tried to convince her to allow the female doctor to assist her.
“Puan A stood firm in her position that a non-Muslim should not welcome the birth of her child. They (the medical staff) were frustrated and her husband panicked. Puan A held onto her husband’s hand tightly,”
“Her forehead was wet with sweat but she still insisted. Dr. Lim walked over to the patient’s bed and held her hand,” he explained.
Dr. Lim then told the patient, “Ma’am, I am here to help. I’ll help you, yes? Your child needs you now.”
At that point, the patient decided to let the Chinese female doctor assist with her childbirth and her husband also told her to allow the medical staff to do their jobs.
In the end, the child was born and the doctor said something that made everyone in the room smile.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
“Assalamualaikum, welcome to the world,” the doctor said to the baby with a little giggle, which caused those in the room to also laugh.
Dr Samhan went on to explain the important reason as to why he is sharing this incident with the public.
“At that critical moment, there were no longer any differences between races or religions. The health and life of the baby was more important than anything else. I am retelling this story, the story of when I was a HO (house officer) and I think it is important to share with everyone,”
“Malaysia Day is not just a celebration of national unity. It is a reminder that, in important moments like childbirth and sickness, we are all the same. We are all Malaysians who depend on each other to live a healthier and happier life. Happy Malaysia Day. I am proud to be a Malaysian!” he said.
We truly love how this story ended in such a heartwarming manner.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Young M’sian Doctor Allegedly Takes Own Life Due to Workplace Bullying at Sabah Hospital
