THE recent azan controversy was a missed opportunity for the Barisan Nasional (BN) to show how it can be a government for all Malaysians. It could have been a chance for the BN to lead instead of react, by fostering dialogue, understanding and respect among different ethnic groups and religions. But the government and some [...]

WHAT exactly is the fight between Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the state development officer Nik Ali Mat Yunos all about? Is it about public accountability or just a schoolyard fight between big boys?

A LICENCE has been issued to allow sports betting. At least, that is according to Tan Sri Vincent Tan, although according to our prime minister, no such licence has been issued. Bursa Malaysia has yet to take any action on the announcement because they, too, are apparently uncertain as to whether Tan or the prime [...]

“If the government continues at the rate of 12% [debt growth] per annum, Malaysia could go bankrupt in 2019 with total debts amounting to RM1,158 billion.” MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, on the need for the government to cut subsidies on fuel, food, toll, health and education, as well as [...]

THE Dewan Negara, or Senate, has long been perceived as a “rubber stamp” of the Dewan Rakyat or Lower House in Malaysia. In a Westminster parliamentary democracy, the Senate is meant to provide checks and balances on the Lower House. Indeed, healthy democracies thrive because of checks and balances. That the Dewan Negara in Malaysia [...]

“The committee is not a legal structure; it’s not a rigid structure. It’s a framework to provide exchange of ideas on religion. “We don’t want to call it an inter-faith panel, but a special committee to promote understanding and harmony among the various faiths. “The idea of the committee is for the members to hold [...]