The GST & YOU
15 min read
The likelihood is very high that the National Budget being tabled on October 25 will introduce the country to a Goods and Services Tax (GST). This move is drive...
Reforming Education
11 min read
Man of Mathematics was the title of the book, a parting gift from Mr Paul Pommel, my father’s secondary school teacher who finished his term as a Peace Co...
Budget 2014 Changes that don't add up to a reform
12 min read
The 2014 budget was formulated with two prior events in mind: the election in May 2013 and Fitch Ratings’ downgrade of Malaysia’s credit ratings out...
A chat with Tan Twan Eng
7 min read
It was in early December last year when we met the award-winning writer of The Gift of Rain and The Garden of Evening Mists, Tan Twan Eng, who...
Out of Gas Weighing Our Energy Options
11 min read
As fossil fuel resources become increasingly expensive, energy-exporting countries have to realise that in order to meet domestic energy demands, they will have to become net energy importers. Malaysia, while a major global energy exporter, may have already crossed that line.
It’s Time We Got to Know You, East Malaysia
10 min read
Malaysia Day has not been celebrated with much gusto in Malaysia for many years now, and it was no different last September 16. The festivities were perfunctory… but there was one pretty special exhibition in KL.
Karpal Singh: Will For Justice
14 min read
The funeral rites for Karpal Singh ended with family members scattering his ashes in the sea off Green Hall, Penang, but the national soul-searching to understand his legacy and to commemorate it has just begun.
Exporting Grey Matter: What is the Brain Drain Costing Us?
15 min read
Can there really be any benefits to the persistent brain drain out of Malaysia? The numbers seem to say so. But knowledge and skills are intangible commodities that are the basis of innovation – commodities that we are rapidly losing as more and more high-skilled Malaysians emigrate.
Is the Nursing Profession in Good Health?
12 min read
In February, an Air Asia advertisement caused an uproar among the nursing community – and for good reason.
My Oh My George Town! Public spaces need publicity – and polish
8 min read
Much emphasis is placed on George Town’s historic buildings. Their architectural styles, unique features and building techniques are the subject of many...
Making federalism REAL
17 min read
Malaysia Day celebrations.Many West Malaysians will find it mind-boggling for Malaysians one day to celebrate three national days: August 31 as Merdeka Da...
Malaysia’s special role in the South China Sea
13 min read
Malaysia has a stake in the South China Sea dispute—and not just where territory is concerned. As ASEAN Chair next year, there are opportunities to take advantage of and complications to avoid.