Category: Opinion

Make climate action top priority

HOW did Malaysia end up with a rock-bottom Doomsday climate survival score of -10? We began our climate change series on Feb 19 in theSun, highlighting how public perception shapes climate priorities. In one survey, voters were asked to rank their concerns by priority; climate change and the environment came in at No. 15 –… Continue reading Make climate action top priority
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Finding real fix for Malaysia’s vape crisis

SINGAPORE, despite having some of the world’s toughest drug laws and a ban on vaping since 2018, is now facing a surge in drug-laced e-vaporisers. A recent report should give us all pause: vapes containing synthetic drugs like ketamine, MDMA, etomidate and even heroin are flooding into the country. Just this week, an officer from… Continue reading Finding real fix for Malaysia’s vape crisis

Satirical take on Rubio, Trump and Bessent on Asean

A FICTIONAL pick-up of a recent recorded exchange between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Rubio: Morning, Sir. Morning, Boss. Trump: Yeah. Am here, Ruby (Marco Rubio)! What’s this that is so urgent? And why do you want Scottie (Scott Bessent) too? I’m in the middle of… Continue reading Satirical take on Rubio, Trump and Bessent on Asean
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Satirical take on Rubio, Trump and Bessent on Asean

A FICTIONAL pick-up of a recent recorded exchange between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Rubio: Morning, Sir. Morning, Boss. Trump: Yeah. Am here, Ruby (Marco Rubio)! What’s this that is so urgent? And why do you want Scottie (Scott Bessent) too? I’m in the middle of… Continue reading Satirical take on Rubio, Trump and Bessent on Asean

From dial-up to glow-up

AH, the generation gap. That mystical space-time distortion where logic disappears, sarcasm kena tangkap polis and someone is always yelling “Where’s the remote?!” while sitting on it like it is a throne. Gather the whole Malaysian family and suddenly it is like shoving five drama channels into one Astro decoder. One atuk is reliving Konfrontasi,… Continue reading From dial-up to glow-up
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The emergence of Generation Z learners: Digital native’s vs Traditional didactic teaching methods.

In the modern educational landscape, the expectations and learning preferences of students have shifted significantly. With the emergence of Generation Z learners: digital natives who thrive in interactive, visual, and engaging environments: traditional didactic teaching methods often fall short in capturing their attention and sustaining motivation. This is particularly true in highly technical and skill-intensive… Continue reading The emergence of Generation Z learners: Digital native’s vs Traditional didactic teaching methods.

Time to connect the commute: Building a seamless transit system

THE recent move to allow the purchase of the My50 unlimited travel pass through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app is a welcome development. It offers added convenience, reduces queue times and reflects growing awareness of the need to modernise Malaysia’s public transport system. However, this should not be mistaken as a major breakthrough. At… Continue reading Time to connect the commute: Building a seamless transit system

Silent threat of adulterated vapes

THE emergence of adulterated vape products such as K-Pod, reportedly laced with dangerous psychoactive substances like ketamine, marks a disturbing escalation in Malaysia’s battle against evolving substance abuse trends, particularly among youths. While it is critical to confront this alarming development, it is equally important to recognise that not all who vape are engaging in… Continue reading Silent threat of adulterated vapes

True test of nation’s soul is measured through action, not slogans

MALAYSIA stands tall with its proud declarations – of harmony, faith and unity in diversity. Our national anthem speaks of blessings and loyalty. Our Rukun Negara lays out noble aspirations. Political speeches, religious sermons and school mottos echo values such as integrity, compassion and justice. However, somewhere between what we preach and how we live,… Continue reading True test of nation’s soul is measured through action, not slogans

True test of nation’s soul is measured through action, not slogans

MALAYSIA stands tall with its proud declarations – of harmony, faith and unity in diversity. Our national anthem speaks of blessings and loyalty. Our Rukun Negara lays out noble aspirations. Political speeches, religious sermons and school mottos echo values such as integrity, compassion and justice. However, somewhere between what we preach and how we live,… Continue reading True test of nation’s soul is measured through action, not slogans
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Rubio’s Asean mission undermined

THE public relations angle on the US Secretary of State’s website and Western media’s foreign affairs and business coverage of Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Southeast Asia was, unsurprisingly, predictable. His mission was to: Reaffirm US commitment to the Indo-Pacific by countering skepticism about President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach and to show that the… Continue reading Rubio’s Asean mission undermined

Rubio’s Asean mission undermined

THE public relations angle on the US Secretary of State’s website and Western media’s foreign affairs and business coverage of Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Southeast Asia was, unsurprisingly, predictable. His mission was to: Reaffirm US commitment to the Indo-Pacific by countering skepticism about President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach and to show that the… Continue reading Rubio’s Asean mission undermined
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Uphold Tun Sambanthan’s legacy

JUNE 16 marked the 106th birthday of Tun V.T. Sambanthan, a revered figure in Malaysia’s journey towards unity and nation-building. Tun Sambanthan once said: “While money fluctuates, morality endures and grows.” His words on compassion, unity and moral values remain deeply inspiring. His belief that “good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma” still… Continue reading Uphold Tun Sambanthan’s legacy

Building cyber-resilient workforce

IN today’s hyper-connected global economy, cybersecurity can be a strategic risk at the highest levels of leadership – not just a technical issue buried within IT departments. As cyber threats continue to grow in frequency, sophistication and impact, the need for a cyber-resilient workforce is no longer optional; it is a national economic and security… Continue reading Building cyber-resilient workforce

Building cyber-resilient workforce

IN today’s hyper-connected global economy, cybersecurity can be a strategic risk at the highest levels of leadership – not just a technical issue buried within IT departments. As cyber threats continue to grow in frequency, sophistication and impact, the need for a cyber-resilient workforce is no longer optional; it is a national economic and security… Continue reading Building cyber-resilient workforce
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How culture can shape unity

The Maasai show that a true binding narrative is rooted in daily life, in the repeated telling of what matters, not just spectacle. – PIC COURTESY OF DINESH NAIR LAST week, I journeyed to Africa. While its famous animals are a spectacle in their own right, I was equally interested – thanks to my anthropological… Continue reading How culture can shape unity

Amplifying China’s ‘soft’ power

AS Pop Mart’s Labubu makes its remarkable journey into toy shops and collectible showcases around the world, we are seeing further evidence of the rise of China’s soft power. The Labubu story first appeared in the Western media as relatively non-politicised articles and commentaries. Focusing on a consumer and fashion phenomenon, lifestyle editors shared the… Continue reading Amplifying China’s ‘soft’ power

Reimagining separation of powers

THERE has been growing public discussion about the vacant chief justice position following the mandatory retirement of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. Much of the attention has focused on the delay in appointing her successor. Some have gone so far as to call this delay a “judiciary crisis”. Others speculate that her non-extension was orchestrated to… Continue reading Reimagining separation of powers

Reimagining separation of powers

THERE has been growing public discussion about the vacant chief justice position following the mandatory retirement of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat. Much of the attention has focused on the delay in appointing her successor. Some have gone so far as to call this delay a “judiciary crisis”. Others speculate that her non-extension was orchestrated to… Continue reading Reimagining separation of powers
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Climate doomsday awaits Malaysia

WHAT is the level of governance efficiency in Malaysia? In a recent interview by theSun, young Malay voters expressed a strong preference for good governance and transparency, rejecting race-based policies. They emphasised the need to cut through bureaucratic red tape and believe that the work and performance of politicians are more important. Young non-Malay voters… Continue reading Climate doomsday awaits Malaysia

Malaysia, why so marah one?

EH, Malaysia, what’s going on-lah? One moment I’m sipping my teh tarik and the next minute, a fella on a motorbike is firing shots like he is auditioning for KL’s Fast & Furious: Pasar Malam Edition. And this is not even in some hidden back alley, mind you, but smack in the middle of afternoon… Continue reading Malaysia, why so marah one?
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Time to shut door on jallikattu cruelty

TRAVELLERS from around the world visit Malaysia to revel in its vibrant cultural diversity, remarkable food, stunning natural beauty and genuinely welcoming people. The idea of allowing a ruthless and deadly pastime like jallikattu in the country is abhorrent, which is violence defended under the guise of culture. But cruelty should be unequivocally condemned. There… Continue reading Time to shut door on jallikattu cruelty

Stop the silence: Protect children, not predators

RECENT headlines in Malaysia have once again reminded us of the disturbing reality of paedophilia and child sexual abuse. A few months ago, a prominent social media personality was arrested for allegedly grooming and sexually abusing minors. In another case, a male teacher was charged with repeatedly molesting his own students. Such cases shock the… Continue reading Stop the silence: Protect children, not predators

Beyond the checkered flag

LET us be clear – Cinema at its commercial core is just a movie. It is fiction born from imagination, designed to make profits soar. This remains the fundamental reality of movies made for the masses. Yet, as someone inclined towards the literary, I find myself compelled to look past the spectacle, to delve into… Continue reading Beyond the checkered flag

Stop the round-up of TNRM dogs

I AM writing to urge the Petaling Jaya City Council and other municipal councils across Malaysia to halt the practice of capturing stray dogs that are already being cared for under the Trap-Neuter-Release-Manage (TNRM) programme in Petaling Jaya and beyond. This approach is not only ineffective but is also disheartening for many local rescuers and… Continue reading Stop the round-up of TNRM dogs

True currency of legacy

MY sisters and I used to fantasise about receiving an unexpected inheritance from some long-lost wealthy relative. We would picture ourselves in black mourning attire – pillbox hats, gloved hands, dabbing tears with lace handkerchiefs – while a stern-faced lawyer read aloud the terms of our windfall. The reality, of course, proved far less cinematic.… Continue reading True currency of legacy

MEF calls for legal work rights for refugees, asylum seekers

THE Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) strongly supports the call to allow refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia to work formally under a well-regulated and safeguarded framework. Malaysia currently hosts over 185,000 refugees and asylum seekers, the majority of whom are of working age and physically able to contribute to the workforce. At present, refugees and… Continue reading MEF calls for legal work rights for refugees, asylum seekers

Tengku Maimun’s unmatched contribution

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for our eminent Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Che Mat as she concludes her mandated term with unwavering dedication, dignified decorum and distinguished service. Appointed in May 2019, Tengku Maimun served as Malaysia’s chief justice for six years and two months, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and judicial excellence. Her… Continue reading Tengku Maimun’s unmatched contribution

Deadly gap on our LRT platforms

EVERY time I take the LRT, I notice the same thing: no platform doors – just an open gap between passengers and the train tracks. It only takes one wrong step, one moment of distraction or one accidental push in a crowded station and that unguarded space can mean the difference between life and death.… Continue reading Deadly gap on our LRT platforms
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