Taking a measured approach to rigours of life

FOR Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, unwinding after a demanding day in politics does not require elaborate plans or expensive holidays. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm shower, the evening news, a few old songs and a meal shared with his wife.

In a light-hearted question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building here Wednesday, Pang offered a glimpse into his personal life, from his favourite music and holiday habits to his reflections on health and the importance of cherishing human connections.

Sarawak Tribune: After a long day at work, what is the one thing you enjoy doing to unwind?

Pang: After a long DUN session, when my driver takes me home, I immediately feel relaxed. I will take a shower and then watch television news to catch up on the latest developments.

After that, I listen to music on YouTube. Sometimes, my wife and I will look for something to eat and talk about what has been happening.

We are all human beings, and we face pressure every day. That is why I believe it is important to take a short break at least once a month, even if it is just a trip to Kuching or somewhere outside my constituency.

It is like a handphone. You use it every day, and eventually, you need to recharge it. We are the same. We need time to recharge, relax and refresh ourselves.

Thankfully, I can still sleep well. I usually go to bed before 11pm, and getting enough rest is one of the ways I replenish my energy.

Tribune: If you could take a week off from politics, where would you go and how would you spend it?

Pang: I would normally go to Kuala Lumpur for a few days. I prefer places I am familiar with, so I tend to return there rather than visit somewhere new.

The purpose is simply to relax and ease the tension. I do not necessarily go shopping or plan a packed itinerary.

I might have breakfast in the morning, sit in a coffee house and enjoy the day. Sometimes, I spend most of my time in the hotel room watching television, including the news and entertainment programmes.

If you ask me what I am doing there, I would say I am doing nothing. That is the whole point. I want to relax without having to go anywhere or do anything in particular.

Tribune: Is there one song you never get tired of listening to, and why?

Pang: To be frank, I like English oldies, especially songs by ABBA. I have been a fan of the group since my school days, and I still enjoy their music today.

Songs such as I Have a Dream and Fernando are among my favourites. Whenever I hear an ABBA song, it brings back memories and makes me feel relaxed.

I believe oldies never go out of fashion. Even younger people can enjoy these songs because there is something timeless about the music.

Tribune: What is one thing you have come to appreciate more as you grow older?

Pang: I have come to appreciate the time we spend with other people. Life is short, and we cannot take anything for granted, whether we are young or old.

Whenever I meet someone, whether at a coffee shop or a coffee house, I treasure the conversation. I will ask how they are feeling and whether they are keeping well because health is important at every stage of life.

Recently, I met a 53-year-old man who volunteered to appear in a music video for my campaign. We spoke at a coffee shop, and I learnt that he enjoyed playing basketball and badminton.

I advised him to be careful with strenuous activities, considering his age. Unfortunately, about two weeks later, I learnt that he had passed away after playing basketball.

I felt very sad because I had only just met him. His family later requested a copy of the video as a keepsake, so they could remember him as a father and husband.

That experience reminded me how precious every encounter can be. We may not know how much time we have with someone, so I believe we should treasure the conversations and moments we share.

For me, activities such as golf and tai chi are also ways to stay active while taking a more measured approach to exercise.

Ultimately, it is about finding balance, looking after our health and appreciating the people around us.