I am saddened and disturbed to notice the word "allegations" in the write-up, "Cancerstory.com founder calls it a day" in the Straits Times of 31 December 2008.
The purpose of the interview was to announce the launch of my book, "What Killed My Dad? - Reflections on how to make your hospital stay safer", and it was not to raise acrimony or build a case for legal proceedings.
This intent was made clear in my book and verbally to the writer who unfortunately decided to pursue the angle of a more newsworthy story by implying or suggesting that I had made potential allegations of misconduct or negligence against the health provider. This is incorrect and untrue and I want to strongly deny this wrong impression or perception.
I was also taken aback by the writer's resourcefulness and initiative to contact the hospital concerned when she wrote that I did not name the hospital.
Being a community-spirited and law-abiding Singaporean, I do not want to become embroiled in any legal tussles, especially when I am publishing this book with the good intention of helping my fellowmen.
Owing to this unfortunate incident, I have decided not to post my book online. I sincerely apologize to the readers of the Straits Times and My Paper for failing to provide it online on 9 January 2009. The fact is that my father died of sepsis secondary to pneumonia and urine tract infection, and COPD.
The above letter will be posted on Cancerstory.com in order to explain for the non-delivery of free online version of my book.
w.e.f. 1 Jan 2005.