“There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.”
– Jill Churchill (1943-2004), an American author who wrote cosy mystery novels, best known for the ‘Grace and Favor’ series and the ‘Jane Jeffry’ mystery series. Her work often blends light mystery with humour and domestic life themes.
THERE is never really a convenient time to fall sick. But if there was perhaps one of the worst possible weeks for it to happen as a journalist covering state affairs, it would be during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
The week had barely begun when my body started quietly signalling that something was wrong.
On Sunday, it was just an itchy nose and occasional sneezing.
Harmless enough for me to dismiss it as allergies, exhaustion or maybe just the unpredictable weather lately.
By Monday, the sneezing developed into a cough and fever.
I still convinced myself it was manageable.
After all, DUN week is never a time when reporters willingly slow down.
For journalists covering state politics and policies, DUN sittings are among the most important events on the calendar.
This is where major Bills are tabled, policies debated and decisions affecting Sarawak’s future are shaped in real time.
The newsroom moves differently during DUN.
Reporters rush between interviews, monitor debates, rewrite speeches into angles and race against deadlines.
You do not want to miss any part of it.
So on Tuesday morning, despite already feeling terrible, I still got ready and headed to the DUN Complex.
Of course, I wore a face mask in the media room.
The last thing anyone wants is to spread germs in an enclosed room full of reporters, photographers and editors already working long hours under pressure.
But as the day progressed, my body simply stopped cooperating.
The coughing became worse, my energy completely drained, and even trying to focus on typing notes and following debates became difficult.
Somewhere halfway through the sitting, I finally had to admit defeat and tapped out.
For someone used to pushing through assignments and deadlines, stepping away during such an important sitting felt frustrating.
There is always that sense of guilt when you leave while everyone else continues working.
But sometimes, your body decides for you.
I was eventually given two days of medical leave.
Still, one thing I was truly grateful for was having colleagues who immediately stepped in and took over coverage without hesitation.
During hectic periods like DUN, teamwork quietly becomes everything.
Behind every byline is often an entire newsroom helping each other stay afloat – whether it is taking over interviews, monitoring debates or helping file stories when someone is overwhelmed.
Moments like this make you appreciate having colleagues you can rely on.
At first, I thought being on medical leave would at least allow me to properly rest.
But being sick as a mother to an active 10-month-old baby is a completely different experience altogether.
Before motherhood, falling sick usually meant staying in bed all day, drinking warm water and recovering quietly.
Now, recovery looks very different.
It means coughing while trying to figure out whether Rafael is merely imitating me with his fake cough, or whether I had unknowingly infected him too.
It means attempting to rest while he enthusiastically practises walking around the house at full speed.
Babies, after all, do not understand the concept of “Mummy is sick today”.
Life continues as normal for them.
And Rafael – energetic, curious and constantly on the move – certainly had no plans of slowing down simply because his mother was unwell.
Despite feeling unwell, there were still moments from Tuesday’s DUN sitting that stayed with me.
One of them was witnessing the tabling and passing of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026.
Personally, I think it was one of the more significant Bills passed during this sitting – not necessarily because it generated the loudest headlines, but because of what it represents for Sarawak’s future.
Food security is one of those issues people often take for granted until the world experiences uncertainty.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
Climate change and geopolitical tensions continue to affect food production and prices worldwide.
And rice, for Malaysians especially, is not simply another commodity.
It is a daily necessity.
The establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board signals a more structured effort by the state government to strengthen Sarawak’s role in managing and developing its own rice industry, while reducing dependency on external supply sources.
What stood out to me during the debates was the emphasis on long-term sustainability – from infrastructure planning and commercialisation to improving productivity in potential granary areas.
Of course, the real challenge will always be implementation.
Passing legislation is one thing.
Ensuring farmers genuinely benefit, improving irrigation systems and making agriculture attractive for younger generations are far more difficult tasks ahead.
Still, I believe it is an important step in the right direction.
Perhaps that is also why I felt slightly disappointed having to leave the sitting midway.
DUN sittings are exhausting, chaotic and mentally draining.
Yet there is also something uniquely fulfilling about being there physically to witness policies and debates that may shape Sarawak’s future for years to come.
As journalists, we sometimes become so consumed by deadlines that we forget we are also witnessing history unfold in real time.
Thankfully, after two days of medication, rest and several unsuccessful attempts at trying to “fully recover” while chasing after a highly energetic baby around the house, I am finally beginning to feel more like myself again.
And honestly, I am already looking forward to returning to work today.
Because as exhausting as DUN sittings can be, there is always that strange adrenaline that pulls journalists back in – the debates, the rush to chase angles and the quiet satisfaction of finally filing a story after a long day.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
