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.
A history of local elections in Penang Part I: Democracy Comes Early
13 min read
Fifty years ago, in March 1965, local elections were suspended throughout the newly founded Federation of Malaysia.Those were turbulent times in many ways, no...
A history of local elections in Penang Part II: A legacy to protect
12 min read
In response to the increased dynamism evident in Malaysian politics today, and in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of local elections in Penang and...
One Heck of a Hill
12 min read
A bright future awaits Penang Hill, and keeping the balance between old-world charm and new innovations is the key.
The Ringgit and Sen of Festivals
11 min read
Festivals are always a draw, attracting people looking for fun and inspiration. But fun costs money, and balancing the bottom line well is what turns them into events that can run year after year.
A City’s Status and its Civil Society
12 min read
It’s not easy getting a Unesco listing. Apart from the rigorous assessment criteria, the nomination process can be highly political – tourist income, public recognition and federal funding drive state governments to compete with one another for endorsement.
The Unity Fetish
10 min read
Building a nation involves sustained emotional stimulation, while building a state is more of a legal and technical matter. Balancing the two is the key to social stability and dynamism.
Local Elections as the Foundation of Democracy Part I: The Athi Nahappan Report Revisited
8 min read
It is not an exaggeration to say that we always have local governments. In the most traditional form of government in Malaysia, there were local chieftains governing sub-regional units such as “daerah” and smaller ones such as “kampung”.
The Athi Nahappan Report revisited Part 2: Local elections are part of a larger reform agenda
13 min read
The most cited recommendation of the Athi Nahappan Royal Commission of Enquiry must be the restoration of local government elections. Today, half a century late...
Crisis ahead for private higher education – and solutions
13 min read
Graduating students of the Penang Medical College (PMC). Private university enrolment is expected to grow at 5.6% per annum and overtake the public sector in...
Butterworth Beckons: A Bright Future Awaits East Penang
13 min read
It lies just 3km across the North Channel from George Town, but for most island side Penangites, Butterworth is a world away.
