Work Hazards

Not an easy matter...

Work in Sri Aman can be classified as hazardous in some way. It was only yesterday when some group of people barge in my office and started to hurl abusive words against one another. I do not know for what reason they came in here. It sounded like it has something to do with land development and compensation. They were seeking some higher authorities to settle their grievances. The two seperate parties claimed to be right and accuse the other of being wrong. My staff including myself just observe their antics not knowing what is it that they want. I was lucky that our three drivers and groundsmen who were outside the building came in just in time just in case things got of hand. I allowed our senior clerk, Mr. Micheal Edward, who was an authority on land matter and compensations to discuss with the two different parties. My hint to Micheal was to let these guests of ours seek some legal consultation. Neither am I in the position to talk to either parties because I do not want to be seen as siding anyone. What more they came in without any papers to prove their claims. I do not want my office to turn into a boxing ring and besides we do not even know what the hell they were quarreling about. I did manage to hint to our tea lady to hide the various sharp objects in the office just in case tempers flare.

Mr. Micheal (in blue) tries to calm down the disputing parties - it could have turned into a nasty scene as they were chasing one another in the room earlier on

After some civilised discussion the two parties left seperately amidst insulting words to one another. I would not know what is going to happen outside the office compund but nothing came out in the news today, thank God for that. Land development or any kind of development, the tendency for disagreements are a norm. Which is why proper discussions and negotiations must have already resolved the matters before any kind of work starts. Greed sometimes is the cause of some disputes. That much i can say. Gosh, i hope I make it through this week in one piece. Weekend is just around the corner.

Comments

Endun Belalai said…
Very interesting! Had similar experience but with foochow speakers; beauty of it was ... after they have quiet down; I told them I will call a translater in! By the time they repeat it, the tone was calmer and nicer! :D Look at sebugey blog to see some pictures of your mom .. and dad!
cyrildason said…
Land issues are always very sensitive, and I guess that is why politicians would always exploit that same issue in Sarawak.

Btw, when are u running for some MP post?? :P
PPS said…
'Greed sometimes is the cause of some disputes.'

Greed is always the cause of most if not all disputes. That's one of the many 'hazards' in our 'industry'. You'll never know what will come next. Just keep the 'door' open. 'Hazards' comes in and go, leaving behind experience for the person who listens....