The latest incident in France should serve as a wake-up call to the republic to readjust its vision and ideals to meet the challenges of a globalised and pluralistic society.
A viable alternative is that the current method of general taxation is supplemented by a health insurance scheme paid for by a special or dedicated contribution.
Disabled people should also be seen as skilled workers; and should be accepted as part of the workforce who could contribute to the community and development of the country.
By advocating empathy in state policymaking, the Sabah state government would be seen as a caring (prihatin) government who is always down to earth, meeting the needs of the rakyat.