Two issues in Malaysia have recently gained prominence in the international press – a foreign model being sentenced to receive six strokes of the cane for consuming alcohol; and the desecration of a cow’s head to protest against the location of a Hindu temple.
Both issues have brought shame to our beloved nation and have drawn ridicule from the international community. If we want to attain the developed nation status we not only have to develop in terms of wealth and prosperity but also spiritually and intellectually.
Caning for Beer & Cow Head Protest
September 1st, 2009Karpal Singh in the limelight
February 13th, 2009Karpal Singh is a veteran of the Malaysian legal and poliical scene. He comes across as a man of integrity, always upholding his principles and always in pursuit of the truth. Now he is at it again, taking on everybody, friend and foe, over the controversial change in the state government of Perak. It is very easy and tempting to please and appease those around you, but it can be a really tough challenge to stick to your principles and pursue the truth in this world of hypocrites.
Political turmoil in the Silver State
February 13th, 2009The political situation in Perak makes a mockery of the democratic system in Malaysia. Party-hopping and political bulldozing are an insult to the humble voter. We need more noble statesmen and less of these mere politicians to bring some respect back to Parliament and the State Assemblies.
Kugan Ananthan – It’s Murder
January 24th, 2009The Attorney General has reclassified Kugan’s death as murder – tried and executed in the police lockup. Now we’ll have to wait patiently to see if there is any system of justice in our beloved land. Let’s hope that this is not going to be another case for feet-dragging.
Bloodshed in Gaza
January 2nd, 2009The Palestinians try to show their might by sending a few rockets into Israel. The Israelis respond with the might of their jets and missiles. Innocent civilians get killed and maimed. Among the deadly explosions you hear desperate cries for unity and justice. Who are the victors? Who are the losers?
Why not channel all these energies and resources towards achieving progress, development and prosperity? Why let millions suffer just to let a few realise their selfish personal agendas?
Landslide in Bukit Antarabangsa
December 12th, 2008Another man-made disaster – 14 bungalows buried; 4 dead; 1 missing; and 15 injured. Revives memories of the Highland Towers collapse of December 1993. Now it’ll be talk, talk and more talk. There’ll be lots of finger-pointing. Then there’ll be reports and more reports. But can’t something be done before disaster strikes? Can’t the rakyat’s safety take priority over some people’s selfish financial gains?
Terrorist assault on Mumbai
December 1st, 2008First they crashed planes in New York, then they blew up cafes in Bali, and now they’ve gone berserk in Mumbai. Cowardly bandits brandishing guns and hurling grenades at innocent unarmed civilians. These are delinquents (mostly juvenile) channeling their libidinal energies towards fulfilling the ill-conceived personal agendas of some mentally unstable individuals. God – whatever name you may call Him by – must surely be utterly ashamed of such satanic individuals.
Irene Fernandez acquitted: an icon of integrity
November 25th, 2008Irene Fernandez, the champion of migrant workers’ rights, has finally been acquitted after a 13-year battle. Her court case has been a ‘comedy’ of errors – the accuser getting accused; non-proceeding court proceedings; missing statements; notes destroyed by computer viruses; incomprehensible court documents; and finally a surprise surrender by the prosecution. Justice has finally been meted out, but how will Irene reclaim her 13 lost years?
Yoga and Islam
November 23rd, 2008A ruling has been passed banning Malaysian Muslims from practising Yoga because of the fear that Hindu elements in Yoga might erode the faith of the Muslims. It’s a shame that a large portion of the Malaysian population will be deprived of the benefits to be derived from this ancient practice which is based on universal truths. What next? And who is the ultimate loser?
Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum
November 22nd, 2008One Somali pirate ship down, how many more to go? Kudos to the Indian navy for their no-nonsense approach. No compromise with criminals whatever name they go by.
