My Silent Tribute to Clifton

I guess alot of people who knew him already know now of what happened.. it was all over the news. For me, I first knew about it through reading Beatrice's Blog.. I always frequented her blog to read about what's happening in her life and to see her gorgeous photos.. she's not as humorous/bitchy as Xiaxue, but I guess her blog has an interesting element to it.. I read it at work on Friday actually, and never could I have expected that what I read was about Clifton's death. Initially, when I saw the title and the pictures (haven't gotten to read the content yet), I thought he fell sick or had an illness or something..but I was shocked to read that he has already passed away.. and what's more, it's of heat exhaustion. I never knew a person could die from that..

Clifton was my facilitator (FAs are basically like a Group Leaders' "leaders") in Magus for Orientation Training Camp '07 and then later Zilra for the Freshmen Orientation Workshop/Camp '07..

Although I didn't really know him personally, it doesn't take much to tell that he's really a good person. (basically, just by how a person acts/through the vibes a person is giving out, you'd just know he's a good/person to stay away from- unless of course the person is putting on a mask..) as an FA (endearingly, Zilra nicknamed him da tou because he has a big head!), he's supportive, really cheerful and a sunshine-y person. he's a crapper and a very game (ON) person, and honestly, for a guy, I found him to be quite cute/good-looking. I remembered once he was kinda lecturing us to buck up as GLs, but because he was so cheerful all the time, it was rather weird to see him so serious. so we really kind of "woke up" from the leturing and tried harder in giving our best. but even so when he was lecturing us, he wasn't being a mean or unreasonable, you could really tell that he is concerned and wants the best from us..

To me, Clifton and Terence were the best FAs one could get. I think Clifton had alot of fans.. alot of people respected them and when many knew about his death, people who have worked with him (friends, teachers, GLs, even freshies!), whether close or not close, flooded his friendster account with their condolences, and wrote about him in their blogs/nicks, esp after it was on the news. On msn, I saw his profile online. I think it was his family who signed and leave it on to notify his friends where the wake will be held. When I knew about it at work I asked Ethel if she knew him and she said she know who he is. she was shocked too. I asked her why wasn't it on the news yet (as it happened in the course of duty) and she said maybe they* like to coverup and may not report it everytime. but I guess that's not the case because it was reported later. I was kind of shocked to see the local newspaper confirming it the next day.. it was in the news, on the channelnewsasia site, everywhere..

I think many Singaporeans think Singapore is very safe, very organised, almost perfect. but over the years, especially recently (after Mas Selamat's escape/the dragonboating incident), we know that there's no such thing as perfection and that things may go wrong.. you'll never know what happens next. So I think it'd be at our best interests to always stay vigilant and for the government to strive for excellence and continual reviewing/improving. I hope that in view of these recent incidents, the government can step up and look into things. I do applaud and appreciate the efforts the government has been putting in their various campaigns, and am supportive of them, but I also do hope that after these incidents, investigations and preventive measures can be taken to ensure the welfare of their soldiers, etc and not let such things happen again. I know it's hard to govern a state, but I think surely, we can do better! Jiayou Singapore!!! you can do it! common! the government, you have such talented people!

gah.. I miss TP so much.. the Zilra times and all..
Although I am not close to the Zilra family, and never really felt like I belonged, nevertheless, looking at the pictures, it just brings back the memories.. I never regretted joining as I learnt alot and it was a memorable experience.

Here's to the fun times..I miss you Clifton, you and Zilra, will forever be in our hearts.

Rest in Peace, dear friend, Clifton..
I hope you stay cute, happy and cheerful always, wherever you are =)
RSAF has commissioned you as an officer, a Second Lieutenant!
Your dreams of being a pilot has come true!

Clifton Lam Jia Hao
1987*-2008
(sorry about the mistake for his year of birth. I had thought he's the same age as me =/)

No doubt, you are a great person, and an excellent example of the human spirit. you will definitely be missed by all of us.. we love you ! Right now, I just pray that your family, girlfriend and friends will be alright, and that they stay strong..