The Court of Appeal’s ruling in support of the government’s ban on non-Muslims using “Allah” was not unexpected. Dr Wong Chin Huat spells out the judgment’s far-reaching implications and posits that Sabahans and Sarawakians are the ones who are now poised to show Putrajaya what Malaysia needs most.
Columns
A place for affirmative action
Work in Progress by Hwa Yue-Yi
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has announced a new set of affirmative action policies under the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment (BEE) agenda. Does Malaysia need race-based development policies?
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: The two faces of Najib and Umno
By Ding Jo-Ann
OUR Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his government seem to have had a personality change. From human rights, 1Malaysia and helping Chinese Malaysians, Najib has re-introduced detention without trial, harped on Bumiputera empowerment and blamed Chinese Malaysians for BN’s poor election performance. What’s going on? The Nut Graph asks political scientist Wong Chin Huat.
Malaysia’s compromised electoral system
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
Our electoral system is in a mess, the People’s Tribunal organised by Bersih 2.0 heard recently. How did it get this way and who is responsible for our compromised electoral system?
Ulama Perempuan
Asam Pedas oleh Norhayati Kaprawi
APAKAH benar ulama perempuan sesuatu yang bertentangan dengan Islam? Bukankah terdapat lebih dari 8,000 perawi hadith wanita? Mengapa jarang diwar-warkan pada umat Islam? Mengapa isu kepimpinan wanita masih diperdebatkan di kalangan dunia Islam di era millenium ini?
Wishing for another 13 May
Shape of a Pocket by Jacqueline Ann Surin
There are groups who seem to be spoiling for another 13 May to happen in Malaysia. Whether they are politicians from Umno or non-state actors, the signs are mounting that another racial clash is what these individuals and groups want to have happen. What are these signs?
Changing land titles: Of ‘long stories’ and anomalies
Ampersand by KW Mak
ONE of the great mysteries of urban development and local governance is how land titles change. Such is the case of a plot in Taman Aman, Petaling Jaya. Former MBPJ councillor KW MAK traces the issue.
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Beyond election petitions
By Jacqueline Ann Surin
POST-GE13, both BN and PR lodged election petitions against the polls results in several seats. Why bother with election petitions? And what else do citizens need to be aware of and be vigilant about if Malaysians are to get a cleaner and fairer electoral system come GE14?
Navigating online offences
The Digital Circus by Bernice Low
ONLINE activities have become increasingly subject to criminal investigation in Malaysia. Conversely, old-fashioned offline activities like coffee shop talk remain relatively free of prosecution. Why is this happening? And what do online users need to know?
Surviving the sedition season
Work in Progress by Hwa Yue-Yi
It seems sedition season is upon us again, with accusations flying back and forth about insulting religions and destroying national unity. Our leaders seem intent on engaging in divisive rhetoric, but how should Malaysians respond?
