DESPITE all the madness in 2009, it was a year in which Malaysians saw positive changes on two important fronts: ethnic relations and good governance. A good example, notwithstanding the initial flip-flopping, is the federal government’s decision to revamp the racist and fascist content of the Biro Tata Negara courses after being forced to by […]
democracy
PKR’s internal problems
By Deborah LohAre the problems exaggerated? PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders maintain that all is generally well in the party, and that recent skirmishes are but “normal” for a party that has grown rapidly. It might be a hard message to sell to a sceptical public impatient to see Pakatan Rakyat (PR) deliver. For one, PR, which […]
Making minorities count
By Shanon Shah(source: drsitimariah.blogspot.com) “PAS for all” was an enchanting slogan indeed during the March 2008 general election. It was a sentiment that allowed for a warm partnership to develop between PAS and its eventual Pakatan Rakyat (PR) partners, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and DAP. It was also what convinced Malaysians of all races to vote for […]
The four faces of 1Malaysia
By Wong Chin Huat(Mooncake image by Mingwei / Dreamstime) DEPENDING on how you look at it, this article on national independence is either two weeks too late or 50 weeks too early. The two weeks after Malaysia Day on 16 Sept 2009, coupled with the Hari Raya mood, seemed peaceful and even boring by Malaysian standards. That is, […]
Confusing party with government
By Shanon ShahTan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh WHEN Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh was Dewan Negara president, the upper house of parliament started regaining just a little bit of its clout as a check and balance to executive power. In 2005, for example, senators resisted just being a rubber stamp for the controversial amendments to […]
Checking power in Malaysia
By Shanon ShahTan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh TAN Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh has had an interesting career in Malaysian politics. An Umno member, he was Member of Parliament (MP), first for the Arau seat in the 1980s, and then for the Kangar seat in 1999. The 1944-born medical graduate was appointed Deputy Speaker of the […]
“Democracy crucial to economic progress”
By Deborah Loh“Where is democracy, Mr Najib?” in different languages. (l-r: CIJ’s V Gayathry, JIM’s Zaid Kamaruddin, Wong, and Haris) KUALA LUMPUR, 10 July 2009: Slow democratisation will ultimately lead to economic and state failure, civil society groups said today in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 100 days in office. While praising Najib for […]
Ten KPIs for Najib
By Wong Chin HuatUpdated on 13 July 2009 at 2.10pm (Malaysian flag image source: vigilenzmd.com) THIS Saturday, 11 July 2009, will mark Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s 100 days as prime minister. Be prepared for the swamp of praises for Malaysia’s sixth prime minister and for his 1Malaysia vision. Three months ago, upon his succession, even his pinkish skin […]
Stars join call for Suu Kyi’s release
BANGKOK, 19 June 2009: Renowned stars Paul McCartney, Julia Roberts and top footballer David Beckham have joined other celebrities and millions of people around the world calling for the release of Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi on her 64th birthday today. To commemorate her birthday and almost 14 years in detention, protests and […]
Public petition against PAS resolution
By Deborah LohUpdated 4.30pm on 15 June 2009 PETALING JAYA, 9 June 2009: The National Human Rights Society (Hakam) has launched a petition urging PAS to retract its call for action against Sisters in Islam. Hakam president Malik Imtiaz Ghulam Sarwar described as “disturbing” and “anti-democratic” the resolution adopted at PAS’s 55th muktamar on 7 June for […]
