Category: CPI Press Releases

  Minister of Higher Education Khaled Nordin, in his speech announcing the establishment of the National Council of Professors, reminded Malaysian professors to not only be “super gurus” in focusing on their respective careers but to contribute their expertise and participate in national life. The recently established professors’ council comprising over 1,500 professors in the… Continue reading Docile academics and the case of Prof. Aziz Bari

Many Malaysians have forgotten how much we owe to Hindraf and its supporters for awakening the spirit of dissent and conscience of the people against the Barisan Nasional’s unscrupulous use of state force and power.  A little over three years ago, it was a Hindraf organized rally against the socio-economic and religious marginalization of poor… Continue reading The Short Memory of Malaysians: The Case of Mr. Khan

  A UK-based solicitor and lawyer – appointed by Hindraf Makkal Sakthi – is scheduled to meet with members of the Malaysian public this Sunday (Aug 14). His fact-finding mission is to help him better understand the situation on the ground and interview those participating in the Hindraf class action suit. This lawsuit against the… Continue reading Hindraf lawsuit to correct historical and recent wrongs

  We, the undersigned academicians, wish to express our concern at the deepening political crisis in the country. It is unfortunate that such a crisis is emerging out of a legitimate campaign, initiated by a large number of non-governmental organizations, to institute reforms through their campaign, Bersih, to ensure the conduct of truly free and… Continue reading Press statement by concerned academicians on the Bersih march

  The current ongoing public debate over the history syllabus and textbooks may represent the last opportunity for Malaysians to have their say on how history is to be taught to children in the national school system. During the past few months, various critics have focused especially on the history syllabus and textbooks currently in… Continue reading Last chance for a truly Malaysian history  

According to Bernama, the Election Commission (EC) has decided not to give accreditation to Mafrel (Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections) to be an independent observer in the Sarawak state election, polling of which is to take place on April 16. EC secretary Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria is reported to have said that this was… Continue reading Monitoring the Dirtiest Elections Ever

  Civil society groups and other concerned individuals should not be taken in by Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s statement that the Interlok issue has been resolved. In fact, not only is it not resolved but compliance will mean that Interlok could well be extended from its present Zone 2 (Klang Valley) coverage thereafter to Zone… Continue reading Interlok issue is not resolved 

As the drama over the Interlok textbook issue continues to unfold, it is important for Malaysians to understand the context and the stakes involved, and to make a stand. There are some defenders of the book who have argued that withdrawing or even just editing it will rob Malaysian writers of their artistic freedom and… Continue reading Interlok: Time to Make a Stand

  Dear Esteemed Malaysians, I am not sure if you have been following this issue which is not only causing concern amongst many Malaysians but it also has the potential to poison young minds through its insidious and divisive racial stereotyping and messages. I feel that, purely on educational and pedagogical grounds, this book with… Continue reading Letter to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers on Interlok as Literature School Text

I refer to a report by Washington financial watchdog Global Financial Integrity which found that Malaysia lost US$291 billion or RM889 billion through illicit outflows between 2000-2008. The report written by GFI economists Karly Curcio and Dev Kar, who is a former senior economist at the International Monetary Fund is deserving of attention from everyone in… Continue reading Investigate Why Malaysia Has Attained World Ranking in Illicit Outflows