THE recent azan controversy was a missed opportunity for the Barisan Nasional (BN) to show how it can be a government for all Malaysians. It could have been a chance for the BN to lead instead of react, by fostering dialogue, understanding and respect among different ethnic groups and religions. But the government and some […]
Koh Tsu Koon
Guan Eng vs Nik Ali: A chronology
By Ding Jo-Ann
WHAT exactly is the fight between Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the state development officer Nik Ali Mat Yunos all about? Is it about public accountability or just a schoolyard fight between big boys?
Gambling licence: Why stop there?
Reductio ad Absurdum by Chang Kheng Hoe
A LICENCE has been issued to allow sports betting. At least, that is according to Tan Sri Vincent Tan, although according to our prime minister, no such licence has been issued. Bursa Malaysia has yet to take any action on the announcement because they, too, are apparently uncertain as to whether Tan or the prime […]
Going bankrupt: One government, two views
By Gan Pei Ling“If the government continues at the rate of 12% [debt growth] per annum, Malaysia could go bankrupt in 2019 with total debts amounting to RM1,158 billion.” MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, on the need for the government to cut subsidies on fuel, food, toll, health and education, as well as […]
Strengthening Dewan Negara
By Gan Pei Ling
THE Dewan Negara, or Senate, has long been perceived as a “rubber stamp” of the Dewan Rakyat or Lower House in Malaysia. In a Westminster parliamentary democracy, the Senate is meant to provide checks and balances on the Lower House. Indeed, healthy democracies thrive because of checks and balances. That the Dewan Negara in Malaysia […]
Interfaith body: Then and now
By Shanon Shah“The committee is not a legal structure; it’s not a rigid structure. It’s a framework to provide exchange of ideas on religion. “We don’t want to call it an inter-faith panel, but a special committee to promote understanding and harmony among the various faiths. “The idea of the committee is for the members to hold […]
The relevance of Gerakan
By Koh Lay ChinTHE words come often, and ruthlessly so: Irrelevant. A waste of time. A joke. These are currently used to describe Gerakan, and its members know it. Once, it claimed its place as the “Voice of Reason” within the Barisan Nasional (BN). But since the 2008 general election, the party has seen its fortunes and influence […]
Gerakan to discuss party constitution amendments
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Oct 2009: The Gerakan national delegates conference on 31 Oct and 1 Nov 2009 will discuss amendments to the party constitution, said party secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow today. “As announced by the president, we will be proposing a few amendments to the party constitution, one is to amend the appointment of office […]
Gerakan to review Huan’s suspension?
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 July 2009: Will the Gerakan central committee (CC), which is scheduled to meet tomorrow, review the decision of the party’s central working committee (CWC) to suspend vice-president Huan Cheng Guan for three years? That is, at least, what Huan and his supporters are hoping for. Huan said he has submitted a five-page […]
Calls for independent body to probe Teoh’s death (Updated 18 July)
Updated 1.50pm, 18 July 2009 KUALA LUMPUR, 17 July 2009: Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has called for the setting up of an independent body to facilitate investigation into the death of Selangor state executive councillor’s aide Teoh Beng Hock yesterday. Koh, who was shocked and disturbed over the incident, said there […]
