THE Sulu militants who invaded Sabah on 9 February 2013 now appear to be on the run after being attacked by Malaysian armed forces. But why did it take three weeks for the Malaysian government to take decisive action to deal with the invasion? And what impact will this episode and the government’s response have on the coming general election?
Columns
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?
Playing by the rules
Ampersand by KW Mak
Is the Menara Warisan Merdeka project playing by the rules? Just how many other development projects are not playing by the rules either? Perhaps this is why local councils and developers seem reluctant to hold genuine public consultation with residents and stakeholders.
Learning from green movements in the US and China
As if Earth Matters by Gan Pei Ling
There are valuable lessons that local environmental groups, and our state and federal governments, can draw from the US and China. Two documentaries tell us what they are.
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?
“Allah” issue: The battle over Bahasa
Work in Progress by Hwa Yue-Yi
The “Allah” issue is likely to spark partisan jockeying and deep division until we build consensus on a fundamental question. Is our national language of Bahasa Melayu – or is it Bahasa Malaysia – the language of all Malaysians or does it just belong to those who profess Islam and practice Malay customs?
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.
New year resolutions for the BN
Uncommon Sense by Wong Chin Huat
IT’S a new year and the countdown to the next general election has begun, expected within the next 100 days. What new year resolutions should political parties be making to perform well at the impending elections?
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?
