HAD history not intervened, Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim might have been a footballer. Of his youth, Khoo said he would have been content getting a simple job as long as he could have gone on playing soccer competitively even though there was no money in the sport back in the 1950s. […]
history
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Reimagining Malaysia
By Ding Jo-Ann
UNTIL recently, Malaysia had been celebrating independence with parades and banners proclaiming the number of years that have passed since 1957. This inaccuracy has been brought to light over the past few years as more people begin to understand the significance of 16 Sept 1963, when Malaysia was formed. People and politicians alike have now […]
Speaking up for Arts-Ed
By Natasha Khanum
THE idea that all us are out to “hina Melayu” is so last decade. By blaming Arts-Ed for bringing out “isu perkauman”, the Gabungan Bela Hak Insan has stooped really low in order to spread its own political ideologies. According to the Gabungan, they were “merely pointing out errors” in the My Balik Pulau newsletter […]
In defence of diversity
Shape of a Pocket by Jacqueline Ann Surin
WHAT comes to mind when Malaysia‘s political leaders declare that Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity? Do we believe the claim that is being made? And if yes, do we believe that they too, believe in these pronouncements they make and that they will do anything to defend Malaysia’s diversity? There is ample evidence that […]
Remembering the Perak crisis
By Ding Jo-Ann
IT’S been almost two years since Barisan Nasional (BN) wrested the Perak government from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) but does anyone still care to remember? And how would we choose to remember it? If, as the saying goes, “History is written by the victors”, then the history of the Perak takeover would probably go like this: […]
Of buildings, songket and talent
By BFM89.9
https://www.thenutgraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2010-11-13_The-Incident-Room_Creativity-and-Innovation-in-Design.mp3 IN this interview with BFM89.9, Veritas Design Group principal Lillian Tay and Yayasan Tuanku Nur Zahirah chairperson Suryani Senja Alias talk about what needs to be done to nurture and keep creative talent in Malaysia. On building designs and architecture, Tay says that “buildings have to serve a purpose and give it life beyond […]
History a pass subject, but whose version?
By Ding Jo-AnnAt Umno’s recent 61st general assembly, the prime minister advised the nation to stop questioning Malaysia’s “social contract”. This was swiftly followed a clearly political decision requiring SPM takers to pass History from 2013. But whose version of history will this be?
A letter to a son about Merdeka
In A Nutshell by Andrew Khoo
FIRST of all, Benjamin, let me say, “Congratulations!” I know you have worked hard over these last three years, endured many challenges and faced many tests. Learning lots of new stuff may be exciting, but I know it is not always easy. So I am proud of you, son, for having graduated today. It may […]
Demolishing Pudu Jail: Erasing our history
By Badan Warisan Malaysia
BADAN Warisan Malaysia has for the past several years been advocating against the demolition of Pudu Jail. We have been led to understand that a small concession has been made to preserve a small section of the wall flanking the main gate, although we do not have any details about this particular plan. This token […]
Resisting the force-fitters
By Nick ChooRafidah Abdullah (all pics courtesy of Rafidah Abdullah) AFTER graduating from University of Malaya with a Bachelor of Laws degree, Rafidah Abdullah entered the entertainment field as one of the original presenters of 3R, an infotainment programme for young women. She began writing scripts for 3R and went on to write for other television programmes […]
