THE Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ)’s recent ruling disallowing businesses that serve alcohol from hiring Muslims has raised many questions. Is it a law? A guideline? Just advice? Has it been rescinded? Who enacted the law that the ruling is based on? Why wasn’t it enforced before? And why the furore now?

WHAT political game is Datuk Zaid Ibrahim playing? In May 2010, he announced that he had no intention of running for a leadership position in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and wanted to “focus on strengthening Pakatan Rakyat”. He reiterated that message in August. The PKR supreme council member has now announced he will contest a position. What made him change his mind?

THE most logical and obvious solution to addressing pregnancies out of wedlock – sex education – still seems to escape our decision-makers and politicians, whose suggestions have not just become increasingly ridiculous but also highly punitive.

THE home minister expresses “regret” over the “Allah” ban. But any attempt to rationally address the issue of protecting the legitimate rights of all Malaysians is quickly shut down by the Umno-led government.

WHAT are the nation’s economic figures telling us? In comparison, what are our political leaders saying about our economic outlook?

POPULATION growth and development certainly drives higher water consumption. In Selangor, when a water crisis will happen appears to depend on who you ask. But it appears that there is more political rhetoric behind answering the question and not enough science.