That’s what made it so difficult for Zachariah when he heard the news that his “partner-in-crime” was found dead by the police on Monday, after falling from his 12th-floor condominium in Bandar Kinrara, Serdang.
One thing Johan said that struck me like an arrow through the heart was, “It could have been me.”
But then we never know. We always assume that things are okay because people with personal problems or depression hardly ever reveal much to others.
Sanjiv, also a talented musician, was retrenched from his piloting job a few months ago but those close to him didn’t realise the extent of his stress.
Johan, while friendly with everyone, is not generous with words when describing and assessing people. But in Sanjiv, he said he has lost a wonderful friend. That says a lot about the great guy Sanjiv was.
Zachariah told Malay Mail that he was gutted when he found out what had happened and still cannot imagine that his bright-smiled friend would ever take his own life.
“It was a really big, terrible shock. We were very, very close and had so many good times together. We spoke a few weeks ago and everything was fine. He was normal and we were even making plans to go out one of these days,” said Zachariah.
“On Sunday night he was with some of his former pilot crew members, and they were shocked as well when they heard because when they parted ways he seemed fine and even said that he would catch up with them soon.
But the next day it happened.
“That’s the big question mark that’s hanging. He never showed any signs of depression or sadness. That’s the thing that is so hard to accept.”
Sanjiv, 35, used to work as a pilot for AirAsia, before being let go during the MCO, and was also an extremely skilled musician who could play seven different instruments as well as a qualified music instructor at Music Mart in Petaling Jaya.
Zachariah said that while he is devastated by Sanjiv’s passing, he is determined to remember his old friend for all of his positive traits, saying that Sanjiv was always a kind friend and intelligent musician.
“He was a real go-getter. Since he was young, whenever he puts his mind to something, he really does it,” said Zachariah.
“He spent one year in Germany and could speak fluent German by the end of it. He studied and graduated in IT and then pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. After three years at AirAsia, he became a captain, but he would still perform gigs with us.”
He added that Sanjiv was also very professional and disciplined when it came to his work.
“All his friends at AirAsia said that Sanjiv was a real pro, who lived to work. And he really cared about his job too because whenever he has an upcoming flight he’ll tell me he can’t come out for drinks. But as soon as he has some time off, he will call me out,” said Zachariah.
Zachariah also said that Sanjiv used to love spending time outdoors and would go road cycling with his friends every weekend.
Edwin Nathaniel, APU leader and also a good friend of Sanjiv’s, fondly remembers how Sanjiv took over his sister Sujatha’s place in APU all those years ago.
Last Tuesday my son Johan Alam came home and sat with me and his sister in the hall. Then he cried.
He had just returned from the wake of Sanjiv Daevin, 35, who had fallen to his death a day earlier.They became pals more than 10 years ago when they were course mates at Malaysian Flying Academy in Malacca.
One thing Johan said that struck me like an arrow through the heart was, “It could have been me.”
“Why didn’t Sanjiv call someone?” Johan asked. “Yes, he lost his job but life was still fine for him.”
But then we never know. We always assume that things are okay because people with personal problems or depression hardly ever reveal much to others.
When Johan and his friends left the wake after paying their respects, they agreed that it is absolutely vital for them to keep in touch regularly. They also agreed to talk to each other if any of them has problems.
Sanjiv, also a talented musician, was retrenched from his piloting job a few months ago but those close to him didn’t realise the extent of his stress.
Sanjiv had even been to our house those days. He would even car pool with Johan once a while to go back to Malacca.
They went separate ways after flying school and hardly contacted each other then on.
We need to be more alert to what our loved ones (including friends) are going through and be ready to listen and help.
Johan, while friendly with everyone, is not generous with words when describing and assessing people. But in Sanjiv, he said he has lost a wonderful friend. That says a lot about the great guy Sanjiv was.
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