Both the Malaysian missing in the Algerian hostage crisis have been confirmed dead. A disappointing news, after a week full of agonising wait anticipating good news.
Just to recall what happened: On 16-Jan, a group of about 30 militants who has inside intelligence of a 15-hectare site in Amenas gas plant in Algeria, ambushed and took hostage around 700 Algerians and 130 foreign workers at the plant owned by BP.
The foreigners had their hands tied with rubber cable-ties and mouths taped. Some were not so lucky - they were shot to death. Some hid and waited until they had the opportunity to make the run. None believe that they could have survived this.
It was later after more than 4 days siege, the Algerian prime minister announced that at least 38 civilians had been killed. Of that, we learnt that the death toll includes 2 Malaysian, Tan Ping Wee and Chong Chung Ngen.
I followed the news with great interest, mainly because i work in the Industry. Though never had the chance to work overseas and not able to relate to the safety and security of those working there, i could easily feel the pain of anticipation.. waiting for good news. And when there was no glimpse of hope it made me think, is it a worthy sacrifice if i have the opportunity to work in such environment.
Everyone knows of Iran, Ethiopia, Sudan or Iraq's political situation. It's where my company is heavily invested in. You would even recall the Somali pirates attack on MISC tankers, and where ransom had to be paid.
Is it worth the sacrifice? What will i do if i was given the same opportunity, and when my career might be on the line? How far would company go to reap profit if security of their staff could not be guaranteed? Should Petronas only focus on it's own backyard, or in a more matured emerging economies so that we will not be worried about putting extra bodyguards for its staff?
It's sad really. A tough week.
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