THE Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifesto professes to improve Malaysians’ standard of living by raising household incomes and the minimum wage, and creating new jobs. But does it say enough about developing sustainably as a nation? What more needs to be included for the PR to truly be a viable and comprehensive alternative to the Barisan Nasional?
Can MBPJ’s promises be believed?
Ampersand by KW Mak
Buyers of an abandoned low-cost housing project were recently told that MBPJ would solve their woes by reclaiming the land, developing the project, and selling it at half price. This sounds like great news, but will it be so straightforward for MBPJ to save the day? Or will buyers be faced with more hurdles?
Covering the elections fairly
By Ding Jo-Ann
It’s rare to see Malaysia’s traditional press give the federal opposition, Pakatan Rakyat, a fair hearing. Ding Jo-Ann imagines what it would be like if our media produced fair and honest coverage of the political parties and their candidates during the next general election.
The problem with Malay unity
Shape of a Pocket by Jacqueline Ann Surin
One of the exhortations to Malay Malaysian voters as the general election looms is to vote the party that will ensure Malay and Muslim unity. When politicians, academics and royalty start to promote Malay and Muslim unity, are they peddling an ideal for the nation or a dangerous myth for the masses?
Malaysia’s electoral system
Sourced from MyConstitution’s Rakyat GuidesFREE and fair elections are essential to a democratic system of governance. Citizens have the right to choose who they want to govern them, and elections are a way for voters to hold those they elect accountable. Find out more about Malaysia’s electoral system in this exclusive essay.
Questions on the Selangor water crisis
by RefsaTHE Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government continues to battle it out with Syabas and the federal government for control over water resources. What are the key questions that need to be asked about the water issue in Selangor? Refsa maps it out for us.
Batu Caves condo cancelled: Who suffers?
Ampersand by KW Mak
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak promised to scrap the controversial Dolomite Park Avenue condominiums near Batu Caves if BN takes over Selangor at the next elections. Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim just announced that the Selangor government will cancel the project. But can such promises be kept? What will the ramifications be for the condominium’s buyers?
Environmental “hot potatoes” in 2013
As If Earth Matters by Gan Pei Ling
POLITICIANS today ignore environmental issues at their peril. The year 2012 year saw major environmental protests against controversial projects in Malaysia. What environmental “hot potatoes” will politicians have to deal with carefully this year, especially with the general election around the corner?
New Year resolutions for Pakatan Rakyat
Uncommon Sense by Wong Chin Huat
PAKATAN Rakyat’s People’s Uprising Rally, dubbed KL112 by some, passed without any major incidents last Saturday. Is Pakatan Rakyat (PR) any closer to winning power federally? What resolutions should PR parties be making if they want to stand a good chance of making it to Putrajaya at the next general election? Political scientist Wong Chin Huat writes.
Batu Caves condo: What they’re not telling you
Ampersand by KW Mak
A lot of accusations and allegations have been made in the recent case of a condominium development near Batu Caves. Who is telling the truth: BN or PR? And what else aren’t they telling us?
