FOR the week of 6 to 12 Dec 2008, Tamil newspapers focussed on disasters, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s controversial statement on vernacular schools, party defection and the storm over the land allocation for a Tamil school. Deadly hillslopes The tragic landslide at Bukit Antarabangsa dominated the newspapers with several papers carrying editorials on the matter. Makkal […]
Found in Translation
Soi Lek speaks up
Translation by Leong Lai MingFOR the week of 6 to 12 Dec 2008, the Chinese press highlighted the issue of responsibility over the Bukit Antarabangsa landslide and reactions towards Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim’s statement that minority races should give up their mother tongue. The Chinese press also looked at a brewing fishing-community strike. In a 12 Dec […]
PKR, EPF, single school system
Translation by Leong Lai MingFor the week of 29 Nov to 5 Dec, the Chinese media highlighted Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s congress, forms for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members to maintain their contribution at 11%, and the reactions towards Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir’s proposal for a single education system to promote unity. PKR congress On 1 Dec, Lum Chih Feng’s […]
A sacking, racial debate and smoking fatwa
Translation by Shanon ShahTHE sacking of Datuk Zaid Ibrahim from Umno; continuing debate on racial integration; and disputes over a new fatwa were among the issues raised by the Malay-language press from 30 Nov to 4 Dec 2008. Umno vice president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin foreshadowed Zaid’s eventual sacking in a statement captured on Sinar Harian‘s front page […]
Backlash against Mukhriz’s proposal
Translation by Sevan DoraisamyFOR the week of 29 Nov to 5 Dec, the Tamil newspapers focused on the reactions to the proposal for a single integrated education system; increasing the number of Indian Malaysians in the civil service; and the possibility of Datuk S Sothinathan becoming the MIC deputy president. The suggestion to close vernacular schools in favour […]
Fatwa, Islam and Malays
Translation by Cindy ThamThe fatwa on yoga and the concern that the Malays are divided just because they support different political parties were among the issues discussed by the Malay press from 24 to 28 Nov 2008. The National Fatwa Council announced the fatwa on yoga on 22 Nov, saying that a systematic practice of yoga that includes […]
MIC, the civil service and aid
Translation by Sevan DoraisamySPECULATION and analysis about the upcoming MIC elections in 2009 remained the focus of the Tamil press from 22 to 28 Nov 2008. On 23 Nov, Malaysia Nanban editor MS Malaiyandi analysed the party election by answering questions from readers. On former MIC vice-president Datuk M Muthupalaniappan’s bid to contest the MIC presidency, Malaiyandi said […]
Time to nationalise Plus?
Translation by Ng Boon HooiFOR the week of 22 to 28 Nov, the Chinese media highlighted the toll rebate incentive, the ongoing Pempena scandal; and Negarakuku rapper Wee Meng Chee being in hot water again over a YouTube clip. Oriental Daily‘s Liew Ching Wen reported on 24 Nov that because only 10% of car owners would be able to […]
Is Kedah PAS becoming Umno?
Translation by Ng Boon HooiFOR the week of 15 to 21 Nov, the Chinese media highlighted the Kedah government brushing aside the DAP’s opposition to its 50% housing quota; the fallout from the New Era College dispute; and the MCA’s new disciplinary board chairperson. Sin Chew Daily‘s He Kai Lin took issue with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan […]
MIC politics heats up
Translation by Sevan DoraisamyTHE battle for leadership positions within the MIC took centre stage in the Tamil press between 15 and 21 Nov 2008. MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu remained adamant about defending his position in the 2009 party polls and claimed he was ever ready to take on any challenge. “I will face the challenge,” […]
