RECENTLY, Red FM conducted a video interview for FHM ‘s Girls Next Door competition. The video was, in my opinion, sexist and explicitly derogatory towards women. I have tried contacting both the radio station and the magazine but to no avail. I left comments on their YouTube and Facebook accounts, and even tried emailing the […]
Linda Tsen Thau Lin (Batu Sapi)
By Ding Jo-AnnTHE following Member of Parliament (MP) has not replied to the six questions under the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project as of Monday, 13 Dec 2010, the end of a two-week deadline. Name: Linda Tsen Thau Lin Constituency: Batu Sapi Party: Parti Bersatu Sabah Years as MP: Since 4 Nov 2010 (won through a by-election, succeeding […]
Is the ISA the answer to human trafficking?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-AnnCorrected on 25 Oct 2010, 5.35pm THREE years ago, amid much fanfare to prove Malaysia’s credentials to the international community, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government enacted the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act 2007 (Atip). The law gives enforcement officers the power to arrest anyone they reasonably suspect of committing human trafficking offences, even without a warrant. […]
Freezing the toll hike – who pays?
By Gan Pei LingTHE prime minister announced during Budget 2011 that the toll rates for four PLUS highways would not be raised over the next five years. It has since been revealed that the federal government may have to pay PLUS up to RM5bil in compensation as a result. Does the government’s action really benefit taxpayers? What could it be doing instead to resolve the issue in the public’s interest?
Teresa Kok: “Divided by skin colour and religion”
By Jacqueline Ann Surin“WAIT till we get to Putrajaya,” Teresa Kok laughs. The three-term Member of Parliament for Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur says even though the Pakatan Rakyat swept into power in 2008 to form the Selangor government, it still faces discrimination. “We are still treated like the opposition,” Kok, who is also state assemblyperson for Bandar Kinrara […]
Harmonious spiritual practices in Malaysia
Compiled by Koh Lay ChinTHERE is much beauty and commonality in the diverse religious traditions that Malaysians devote themselves to. Iranian photojournalist Nafise Motlaq captures this in her book A Given Path: Harmonious Spiritual Practices in Malaysia. Nafise, who has been living in Malaysia since 2005 and is currently a PhD student at a local university, offers more than […]
In the shade
By Ong TouIF birds could speak, what would they say about the way we live that has resulted in increasing temperatures not just for humans but also for other Earthlings?
Leasehold or freehold: What’s the truth about Petaling Jaya land?
Ampersand by KW MakLEASEHOLD titles in Petaling Jaya (PJ) are a controversial topic. The expiration date of the lease and the high premium that needs to be paid to the Selangor government has caused revival of much of PJ Old Town, comprising Sections 1 to 4, to stagnate. In my research into the issue, I have found evidence […]
A short-lived joy in Baram, Sarawak
By Gan Pei LingIN March 2010, indigenous peoples from Long Teran Kanan, Baram in Sarawak were overjoyed when they won a 13-year legal battle against IOI Pelita Plantation. The Miri High Court recognised the Kayan and Kenyah communities’ native customary rights over the disputed land. However, their joy was short-lived. IOI Pelita Plantation filed an appeal against the […]
Is govt revenue haram?
By Ding Jo-AnnTHE Penang government has come under fire from Umno for allegedly distributing government aid for senior citizens from “haram” sources. But is Umno missing something in its own argument? And whether money from gaming activities was really distributed to Muslims or not, is such aid really “haram” in Islam?








