Firstly, condolences to the family of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, the Bernama cameraman who died of a gunshot while on duty in Somalia. I have read so many tweets on arwah from his friends and collegues, and he was known to be a good, cheerful and honest person. Al Fatihah.
However, there's another unfortunate issue that has cropped up, I.e.: that arwah did not have the proper insurance coverage provided by his employer. This bit of info has spread really fast on social media, and has caused distress and outrage among the general public.
If this is in fact true, it's a tragic situation, no doubt. Life has to go on, but what about arwah's family?
BUT, there has been no official statement on the matter. As I'm writing this, hours has passed since it was mentioned on social media, and because of the replies and retweets on twitter especially, it has been taken as a "fact" by most people.
But then again, this is the problem faced by the majority of organizations (and the government) in this age of social media; the underestimation of its impact and the lack of response to hot-button issues.
"News" these days is not just what's reported in the papers or on TV, but the conversations created on social media, especially when such conversations are participated by credible users and commentators.
And we've seen how this has impacted issues. By the time a statement is issued and published by the papers, perception has been formed and the delayed-response will be labeled as "spin" and/or a coverup.
So, I'm hoping those responsible would clear the air on this particular issue. And again, condolences to the family of arwah Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.
* It was a great relief to everyone when reports came out that arwah was in fact insured. At the very least, we know his family would be taken care of. Read it HERE
