MALAYSIA’S 52nd anniversary of independence is upon us. 2009 has thus far already been tumultuous for our nation, with political infighting, rising criminality, mysterious deaths in custody, delayed whippings, and by-elections galore. We’ve also seen crowds running in the face of teargas canisters. State assemblypersons under a tree, in full regalia. Clandestine camera phone stills […]
Archives for August 2009
Who wants 1Malaysia?
By Marion D'CruzI REALLY do not want 1Malaysia. The idea scares me. And I certainly do not want unity as suggested by the powers-that-be. In fact, “unity” is really an extremely dated, superficial and abstract concept — a “nice” word that means nothing in real terms. “Unity in Diversity“, “mutual trust and respect” — these are all […]
The Nut Graph‘s Merdeka Awards
By The Nut Graph teamIT’S Ramadan, yet another by-election has passed, and we are now on the eve of the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman. For The Nut Graph, this moment is tender and special, because the Merdeka month this year also marks the first anniversary of our publication. And so, we have […]
Merdeka
By The Nut Graph teamTHIS year, Merdeka falls on a Monday. Obligatory flags have been going up on most streetlamp posts and in most public spaces. Yet the number of cars sporting miniature Jalur Gemilang is notably sparse. It seems reasonable to believe that the fanfare surrounding Malaya’s 52nd independence anniversary will be muted. What has happened to the […]
Can Malaysians practise civility?
By Shanon Shah(Source: GuelphMercury.com) “CONFLICT is prevalent in all multicultural settings,” says Associate Professor Dr Alberto Gomes, an anthropologist at Australia’s La Trobe University. Quoting studies by other researchers, Gomes says it is common for different groups to have stereotypes about, or even dislike, each other. This question of conflict and civility between different groups is relevant […]
Soi Lek takes a break after being sacked from MCA
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Aug 2009: Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, who was sacked from the MCA yesterday, wants to take a short vacation with “family and friends” and rest. Writing in his blog, the former party deputy president did not indicate if he would appeal within 14 days. Neither did he comment on speculation […]
The tattooed Bidayuh
By Shanon ShahTHE Malay-language entertainment industry knows Tony Eusoff, 32, as a rising television and film actor. Tony’s talent, however, extends beyond acting. At the 2006 Boh Cameronian Arts Awards, he was nominated for Best Solo Performance (Voice) for his vocal chops in Five Arts Centre’s musical production, Encore. What is less known about Tony, though, is […]
When the by-election dust settles”¦
By Deborah LohRANDOM, general observations about covering by-elections since March 2008: There has been a lack of substantive campaign issues. Umno always plays the race and religion card, and thinks prosperity and development are the only things that will make everyone happy. Of the eight by-elections in the past 18 months, I think the Kuala Terengganu by-election […]
Can PAS manage victory?
By Wong Chin HuatPAS supporters on nomination day, 17 Aug 2009 (Pic courtesy of theSun) THE Permatang Pasir by-election was an unquestionable success for PAS and the Pakatan Rakyat (PR). PAS’s share of the total votes cast, excluding spoilt votes, went from 66.39% in the March 2008 elections to 65.50% — a drop of barely 1%. The reduction […]
Penans want to view task force report
By Zedeck SiewA Penan mother and child (Pic courtesy of Sofiyah Israa @ Flickr) PETALING JAYA, 26 Aug 2009: The parents of young Penan women allegedly abused by logging company employees want to access and view the Penan task force report that the government refuses to make public. “[The parents] have asked for the task force’s report,” […]
