There are major contradictions in the claim that the word ‘Allah’ belongs only to Muslims and Islam and does not apply to non-Muslims and other religions (JAKIM), and in the insistence that non-Muslims must convert to Islam to use the word ‘Allah’ (Perak’s mufti Harussani Zakaria). The contradictions are as follows. 1. If we disallow … Read more
Presently, a film entitled “Habibie & Ainun” is being screened all over Indonesia, a rather cloying depiction of the life of the former President of Indonesia, B.J. Habibie and his late wife. Quite co-incidentally, the film’s protagonist was also recently the object of scorn heaped upon by the former Malaysian Information Minister, Zainuddin ‘Zam’ Maidin. … Read more
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad published a piece called ‘Change’ yesterday in his blog. In it he asked why change governments. He then criticised the socialist ideology. He strangely claimed that “Malaysia has no ideology”. That is completely untrue. When Mahathir came into power in 1981, Malaysia was introduced to the neoliberal ideology. … Read more
As we begin a new year, a rash of old issues and challenges confront the country. Chief amongst them are racial and religious tensions and a rising sense of marginalization and alienation among our minority communities while at the same time the majority community feels threatened and insecure. Many of these problems are deeply entrenched. … Read more
The Court of Appeal will hear the appeal against the seizure and banning of Kim Quek’s book The March to Putrajaya – Malaysia’s New Era is at Hand on Friday (Jan 4). The hearing of this appeal, which is against the judgment given by High Court Judge Rohana Yusof (Appellate and Special Power Division) … Read more
Is Deepak Jaikishin a hero? Not in the eyes of those who believe a hero is one who gives his life for others. At best many see him if the comments in internet websites are any indication, as nothing more than a conniving businessman with a singular eye for self-profit. By baiting the public and … Read more
Bulan Disember 2012 mencatat sejarah yang menyayat hati apabila dua peristiwa pembunuhan dan serangan ke atas kanak-kanak berlaku di dua buah negara yang terulung di dunia, iaitu Amerika Syarikat dan China. Kenapakah peristiwa ini terjadi? Peristiwa di Amerika Syarikat dikaitkan dengan betapa mudahnya seseorang memiliki senjata api. Hak ini seperti tidak boleh diperdebatkan oleh kerana … Read more
Deepak Jaikishan names well connected lawyer in murder cover-up Perhaps the most crucial – and quoted – document seeking to tie Najib Tun Razak, the current prime minister of Malaysia, to a murdered Mongolian beauty named Altantuya Shaariibuu was a sworn declaration filed on July 1, 2008 by a Kuala Lumpur-based private detective named Perumal … Read more
As election day draws nearer, we will be asked for reasons as to why we should want to change the Barisan Nasional Government (BN). When the question is put to me, I tell people that there is no need to enumerate three, four or five reasons. One reason alone is sufficient for Malaysians to elect … Read more
The Malaysian Elections Reform Programme (MERP) is a citizen initiative for the promotion of free and fair elections. During an interview with ntv7 on 9 Apr 2012, Prime Minister Najib Razak assured us that elections will be free and clean. We have followed up with his assurances and a coalition of NGOs is putting forward … Read more