ARE support letters by elected representatives and councillors necessary to maintain good public relations, or are they a political liability that are open to misuse and abuse?
The Star
Averting Selangor’s water crisis
By Deborah Loh
POPULATION growth and development certainly drives higher water consumption. In Selangor, when a water crisis will happen appears to depend on who you ask. But it appears that there is more political rhetoric behind answering the question and not enough science.
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?
Fear of the cross
By Deborah Loh
IS one vertical line against a horizontal one enough to make Muslims lose their faith? The latest warning to Muslims not to wear football jerseys with a cross isn’t the first time such fears are raised by some Muslims.
Hisham’s doublespeak
By Gan Pei Ling
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussien glibly declares the Barisan Nasional’s commitment towards diversity for all. Is that the truth of the matter?
Government indecisiveness
By Gan Pei LingThe government seems unable to follow through with its plans; among others, to introduce a new petrol subsidy scheme and implement the New Economic Model.
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 […]
Frequency and brutality of rapes alarming
By All Women's Action Society
ALL Women’s Action Society (Awam) is horrified by a report in The Star of a serial rapist who repeatedly assaulted six secondary school students over one year and used the mobile phone recordings of the rapes as threats. This comes barely a few weeks after shocking reports of a gang rape of a 14-year-old student in a school in Rawang by seven classmates.
Suhakam nails it
By Gan Pei Ling“The Malaysian government appears to be more interested in pursuing short-term political advantage rather than safeguarding rights,” says Human Rights Watch (HRW) deputy Asia director Phil Robertson. But the government begs to differ…
Who’s demolishing squatter houses?
By Ding Jo-Ann“… [I]f tractors from the Land and Mines Department demolish houses, such as was the case in Kampung Buah Pala in Penang, then it will not help the people. “Such action is an example of unfulfilled promises by PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) and thus, we must remind ourselves to prevent such an incident.” PRIME Minister […]
