Category: Contributors

It is said that in both good and bad times, two professions always flourish – the accountant and the undertaker. But there is a third, seldom mentioned profession which is even more versatile especially when times become worse. We are talking about those in the gambling industry, i.e. operators of casino, lotteries (both legal and… Continue reading A disease deadlier than AIDS

A Malay boy – in his middle or late childhood years – was captured on video attempting to stomp on the gory cow head during the protest against a Hindu temple by Muslims in Shah Alam. The boy displayed a simultaneous attraction and repulsion to the act, and viewers were left with an indelible image… Continue reading Seeds of racism: A look at national identity from child developmental perspective

  It is established theory in political sociology that potential ‘class conflict’ is endemic to democratically elected governments. Applying theories of imperialism and colonialism, I have shown in my Oxford doctoral thesis that in the case of Malaysia, the manipulation of British colonial policies of indirect rule, and divide and rule resulted in ‘intra-class conflict’… Continue reading To our political leaders: Stand up and be counted on this reform agenda

This article is a response to ‘I wish to remain a Malay’, a translation carried by CPI on March 2.   I am always been proud to be a Malaysian, but unlike Kadir Jasin I don’t need to apologise for this. However, like Pak Kadir, I too am embarrassed when some Malaysians showed their tidakapathy… Continue reading I wish to remain a M’sian – KTemoc replies Kadir Jasin

  Malaysia was formed as a federated state where power is shared between three levels of administration, i.e. Federal, State and local governments. Under this arrangement, the state governments have control over management of religion, land, natural resources and water. However, in reality, state governments in the country are practically left with very little fiscal… Continue reading GST and federalism: Is the govt playing fair in taxing the people?

Many have asked as to why I wrote, ‘Isu Sebatan – Islam atau Politik’ in Bahasa Malaysia [“BM???] rather than English. There are two reasons for this.   Firstly, there are many other more capable writers who can express the same issues (and who have done so) in English. Secondly (and more importantly), writing in… Continue reading Caning women – Islam or politics?

  Manmohan Singh ialah Perdana Menteri India yang ke-14 yang kini telah masuk penggal kedua pemerintahannya. Di kalangan pemerhati politik, ramai yang terkejut ketika beliau dilantik kali pertama sebagai perdana menteri pada tahun 2004. Tatkala Parti Kongres India memenangi pilihanraya umum pada tahun tersebut, calon popular bagi jawatan perdana menteri ialah Sonia Gandhi, balu kepada… Continue reading Mengapa PM dan presiden Umno mesti orang yang sama?

  Before 1750, the whole of Southeast Asia was sparsely populated; except for large trading cities and in pockets of settlement where intensive wet-rice cultivation was practised. Population growth was deterred by frequent warfare and raiding, resulting in movement and decimation of the population. The population of Melaka at its peak was estimated at between… Continue reading A plural peninsula or Tanah Melayu? (2)

The other day, as I brought a group of Indonesian friends to visit Kuala Lumpur by train, I explained to them that KTM stood for Keretapi Tanah Melayu. They were quite amused by the term Tanah Melayu, hearing it for the first time in their life. Tanah Melayu was the term Umno leaders insisted as… Continue reading A plural peninsula or Tanah Melayu? (1)