09/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 9, 2026

11

When networking feels like obligation I T started as a casual team bonding session. By the end, an unspoken expectation to a suggestion. A suggestion carries an assumption. Over time, the In contrast, when boundaries are absent, responsibility becomes uneven. Those who respond the fastest or most frequently are often the ones who end up carrying more than they should. These responses are direct and neutral. They do not damage relationships; they define them. One of the main barriers to this is guilt. M I N D T H E M I N D

“Not every suggestion needs expansion. Not every idea requires action. When expectations begin to surface, clarity can be introduced

assumption begins to feel like a commitment. Most people respond to this shift without noticing it. They remain agreeable, stay engaged and avoid disrupting the flow of interaction. In many Asian contexts, this tendency is reinforced by cultural values that prioritise harmony, respect and relational continuity. Saying no can feel inappropriate, even when there was no clear request. As a result, people begin to contribute beyond their scope. The issue is not networking itself; it is the lack of clarity within it. Not every interaction requires a contribution. Being included in a conversation does not create responsibility. Being capable of helping does not require action. A simple internal check can interrupt this pattern: Was this explicitly agreed upon or am I stepping in to fill a gap? That pause shifts a reaction into a decision. Clear boundaries do not weaken networks; they strengthen them. When roles and expectations are defined, collaboration becomes more efficient and respectful. R A J E N D R A

The discomfort that follows saying no often comes from internalised beliefs about responsibility and likeability. Declining a request can feel like rejecting a person, even when it is simply a limitation of scope. This distinction matters. A clear no protects capacity. It ensures that when a yes is given, it is deliberate and sustainable. Over time, this reduces the need to over-explain and builds confidence in decision making. Effective networking is not built on constant availability; it is built on aligned contributions. It allows for collaboration without creating silent pressure. Not every connection requires action. Not every expectation deserves to be carried. The decisions made in these moments, often quickly and without reflection, are what shape the mindprint carried into every interaction. DrPraveena Rajendra is the author of Mindprint: Engineering Inner Power for Growth, Purpose and Regeneration. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Residents call for better urban planning I AM writing on behalf of the residents of Aster and Begonia and the surrounding neighbourhoods in Forest Heights, to express deep concern over the Seremban City Council’s decision to cordon off the junction from Persiaran Forest Heights 2 into Persiaran Forest Heights 1. This unilateral move, made without consultation, bars motorists from making a right turn at a crucial junction and channels significant traffic through the narrow streets of Taman Dusun Setia. Taman Dusun Setia is a densely populated residential area with a surau , roadside food stalls, grocery shops and a mini market. Diverting high volume traffic through these streets increases safety risks for pedestrians, senior citizens and children. The roads were designed for residents, not as a bypass. Previously, residents attended a meeting with the developer, a City Council representative and the State Assemblyman for Senawang to request traffic lights at this junction. This request was dismissed on the grounds that another set of lights exists a few hundred meters away. Blocking access instead of implementing a proper traffic management solution unfairly burdens residential areas. A more practical solution is synchronised traffic signalling. Coordinating lights at both junctions could maintain traffic flow on the main road while providing safe access for residents. It is disheartening that such a significant traffic change was implemented without a social impact assessment or a town hall discussion with the affected communities. Our voices have been ignored in favour of a “quick fix” that penalises one community to benefit another. The residents of Forest Heights are ratepayers too. We urge the Seremban City Council to reopen the cordoned junction and engage in open dialogue with all residents’ associations in the affected areas. A solution must be found that manages traffic efficiently without compromising the safety and quality of life of Forest Heights residents. contribute had emerged. Nothing was directly asked and no formal request was made, yet the shift was clear. Research on workplace behaviour shows that people often take on responsibilities not because they were explicitly assigned but because they internalise expectations shaped by social and professional norms. In environments that encourage collaboration, individuals often step in, not out of agreement, but assumption. This is where a common dilemma begins. Networking is widely promoted as a positive practice, creating opportunities, building visibility and strengthening professional ecosystems. At its best, it is grounded in mutual value and clearly defined contribution. At its worst, it becomes a space where contribution is expected, even when it was never agreed upon. The line between the two is often unclear. In informal or relationship driven settings, expectations are rarely stated directly. A conversation leads to B Y D R P R A V E E N A LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

This pattern is sustained not just by external expectations but by subtle signals. Responding immediately, offering solutions without being asked or consistently stepping in can create a perception of availability. Over time, this becomes an expectation. Shifting this requires control over response, not withdrawal. Pause before agreeing, allow space between hearing and responding and keep communication measured. Not every suggestion needs expansion and not every idea requires action. When expectations begin to surface, clarity can be introduced without conflict. If someone says, “You can help connect this to your organisation”, a simple response could be, “I’d prefer to keep this separate for now”. If a conversation leads to repeated follow-ups, you can say, “I won’t be able to take this on but I hope it goes well”. When involvement is assumed, a clear reply such as, “I’m not in a position to commit to this,” helps set boundaries.

without conflict.

COMMENT by Dr Kuha Raj Arumugam

Young and at risk: Age is no shield against stroke IN the neurosurgical operating theatre, stroke is no longer seen only in elderly patients.

Increasingly, young professionals in their 30s and 40s are experiencing life-threatening brain emergencies linked to chronic stress, hypertension and untreated vascular risk factors. Severe stroke cases causing brain swelling or intracranial bleeding often require urgent neurosurgical intervention to prevent permanent disability or mortality. Stroke remains the third leading cause of death in Malaysia, with a significant and growing neurological burden nationwide. In 2019 alone, Malaysia recorded approximately 47,911 stroke cases, 19,928 deaths and nearly 443,995 people living with stroke-related disability. Epidemiological research also shows a worrying shift towards younger age groups. Stroke incidence among adults aged 35 to 39 increased by about 53.3% in men and 50.4% in women, reflecting the rising impact of lifestyle-related vascular risk factors. From a neurosurgical perspective, many of the most severe cases involve brain haemorrhage, malignant swelling or aneurysm rupture, conditions that may require urgent interventions or surgery to salvage brain function. National stroke guidelines emphasise that prevention and early treatment are critical as many patients show no prior warning signs. Increasingly, neurosurgeons are treating younger adults with complications related to uncontrolled hypertension and prolonged stress. Chronic workplace stress contributes to sustained elevation of blood pressure, poor sleep quality and metabolic imbalance. These factors increase the risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Burnout is becoming a major health concern across Southeast Asia. Recent peer reviewed research shows a significant proportion of working adults report psychological stress and fatigue linked to workplace demands, which indirectly increases cardiovascular risk. From a neurosurgical standpoint, patients

Stroke incidence among adults aged 35 to 39 increased by about 53.3% in men and 50.4% in women, reflecting the rising impact of lifestyle related vascular risk factors. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH THESUN

0 a ruptured or expanding aneurysm 0 hydrocephalus which develops following a stroke Rapid referral to specialised centres significantly can improve survival and recovery outcomes. Young professionals should never ignore sudden neurological symptoms, especially when combined with stress or known hypertension: 0 Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body 0 Difficulty speaking or understanding speech 0 Severe sudden headache 0 Loss of balance or blurred vision Immediate assessment allows doctors to determine whether emergency neurosurgical care is required. DrKuha Raj Arumugam is a neurosurgeon at Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

often come too late because symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or fatigue are mistaken for work stress rather than early neurological warning signs. Malaysia continues to face high levels of vascular risk factors. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading contributor to mortality, with hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol strongly associated with stroke risk. Elevated blood pressure can weaken blood vessels in the brain over time, increasing the likelihood of intracranial haemorrhage or aneurysm rupture. Many young professionals are unaware of these silent risks until severe neurological complications develop. Not all strokes require surgery. Neurosurgical intervention may be necessary in cases with: 0 intractable brain swelling 0 bleeding with significant mass effect

Michael Ng Seremban