You don't need to seek inspiration from too far abroad. Sometimes, the laypeople around us are just as good. I first read about Dr. Porntip from the Malaysian media, through her punk-rock hair-style several years ago. She was in town to conduct a forensic duty.
Her second book - No Bones Unturned is simple and down to earth. A fantastic read and I finished it within hours after borrowing from the library.
 |
| Credits to NLB Clementi for making this book available |
~~~
This book provided insights of a forensics scientist. Dr. Porntip was able to explain how she helped solved crimes and mysteries through forensics. From conducting investigations on defaced bodies, to looking for bones in a landfill, to identifying human flesh from septic tanks, Dr. Porntip has worked in the harshest of environments. These are not tasks for the faint-hearted (including myself). She made many enemies. For a few years, she helped develop DNA data base in the south of Thailand, where insurgencies were rift. The blockbuster revelation of doubting Teoh Beng Hock's death made her quite an enemy of the Malaysian government, and threatened diplomatic ties.
What attracted me was her views of life:
When I was young, my father taught me a valuable lesson: To pick up broken glass fragments on the ground if I see them while walking along a path. "Pick them up, wrap them in paper, and throw them away carefully. Because if not, someone else might get hurt. To leave the glass fragments on the ground was a sin. Although I was not the one who shattered the glass, I could be guilty of leaving them behind as a danger for others.
Several people think that I have had a life that is fraught with hazards and crises. Some may say that I suffered miserably from having performed bad deeds. However, I see myself as having had a life where I have been trained to face dangers and obstacles.
When I reflect on my working life, I realize that I am someone who lives to work. I do not place a high value on income, rewards or position, but it is fun that I get to work. The work that I do helps to solve a problem or improve a situation. Perhaps my enjoyment of my work comes from my nature of disliking anything that is routine and tedious.
My chosen profession is interesting to me also because it is not a popular choice of work, which means that there are fewer people for me to come into conflict with. There is a Thai proverb similar to the saying "too many cooks spoil the broth". There are very few doctors interested in forensic science, so we do not "spoil the broth".
During my time in the government service, I never 'ran' or 'danced' in order to rise in position. I never felt sad over failing to get any position. Wherever I was, I would look for work to make myself happy and try hard in overcoming challenges. I was like this throughout my time as a government officer (for 35 years).
What makes my mind able to be calm is the dharmic principle I adhere to: "You reap what you sow; dharma will protect those who protect it."
~~~
Her first book - The Dead Do Talk seems to be more elusive. I would need to head to central library and read it in the reference section. I am determined to do so.
