Malaysia’s constitution requires a general election to be called at least once every five years. However, the prime minister can also request for Parliament to be dissolved at any time within that five years. But should the calling of a general election be a surprise? The Nut Graph speaks to political scientist Wong Chin Huat for his views.
Najib Razak
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat:
By Ding Jo-AnnThe govt’s selective listening
By Gan Pei Ling
“The issuance of a licence to legalise sports betting is no longer an issue as a decision has been made. We always listen to the people’s wishes and put their interests above all.” PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, declaring after an Umno supreme council meeting that the government would not legalise sports betting. The […]
Malaysia’s economic outlook: Will we make it?
By Ding Jo-Ann
MALAYSIA’s once rosy economic outlook isn’t looking as rose petal-fresh as it used to anymore. In 1992, Malaysia transitioned from a lower-middle to upper-middle income country, surpassing most of our regional neighbours. Rich in natural resources and attractive to global investors due to relatively low production costs, Malaysia prospered in the early 1990s. But other […]
Government indecisiveness
By Gan Pei LingThe government seems unable to follow through with its plans; among others, to introduce a new petrol subsidy scheme and implement the New Economic Model.
Business council mum over Rosmah ad
by Jacqueline Ann Surin and Koh Lay Chin
PETALING JAYA, 21 June 2010: The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), which conferred the prime minister’s wife an award in New York in April, has remained mum about whether it was the party which placed a congratulatory advertisement in the New York Times (NYT) for her. BCIU president Peter J Tichansky did not respond […]
Government postponements
By Gan Pei Ling
From security guards’ wages to introducing the GST and new third-party insurance, the government seem unable to implement what it says it will when it says it will.
No reply for 14 June 2010
By Deborah LohTHE following Member of Parliament (MP) has not replied to the six questions under MP Watch: Eye on Parliament as of Monday, 14 June 2010, the end of a two-week deadline. His response will be updated if and when he replies.
Suhakam nails it
By Gan Pei Ling“The Malaysian government appears to be more interested in pursuing short-term political advantage rather than safeguarding rights,” says Human Rights Watch (HRW) deputy Asia director Phil Robertson. But the government begs to differ…
Rosmah ad placed on govt’s behalf
By Koh Lay ChinPETALING JAYA, 11 May 2010: A recent two-page spread in the New York Times, costing thousands of US dollars and featuring the prime minister’s wife, was placed on behalf of the Malaysian government. In an e-mail response to questions from The Nut Graph, the New York Times said: “The advertisement was placed by an ad […]
Strengthening PKR
By Ding Jo-AnnTHE knives have been out for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) since its candidate Datuk Zaid Ibrahim lost the Hulu Selangor by-election to the MIC’s P Kamalanathan. Analysis and commentaries have emerged calling PKR the Pakatan Rakyat (PR)’s “weakest link”. There have also been “unnamed sources” citing internal bickering, a weak election machinery, and lack of […]
