I spoke to a couple of PKR people following the elections closely.
One of them based in Johor Bahru said Barisan Nasional would win 31 of the 56 seats if the turnout does not exceed 65% of the votes.
Which is the bigger ‘national embarrassment’?
I am not sure which is the bigger “national embarrassment”.
Flood on the ‘highest highway’ in Malaysia!
This short highway cost several hundred million ringgit for the city council to build. That’s comparable to the annual income of the Penang Island City Council.
Paving paradise … again
Today, I was horrified to see an popular park in Penang being ‘upgraded’. This involves knocking down old concrete structures and building an even bigger one, and as if that was not enough, pouring concrete over a large patch of open space (for what, I have no idea).
Happy new year, everyone!
Wishing all of you a very happy Lunar New Year. This real family spirit (as opposed to the top-down version) is possible on the ground when manipulative politicians are not around to divide and rule.
When did the ‘rot’ in Malaysia first set in?
Of late, many political observers have expressed alarm about how deep the “rot” has seeped into many aspects of Malaysian life, including the country’s institutions of governance.
Save Assumption School petition hits 10,000 signatures
I am not sure why the Ministry of Education is so intent on closing down Assumption School in Butterworth. We should be enhancing our existing schools – not shutting them down!
MACC crisis: So who do we believe now?
The Securities Commission – which says MACC chief Azam Baki controlled his own share trading account?
Or Azam Baki, who had earlier said his share trading account had been used by his younger brother Nasir to buy shares in 2015?
The struggle is the Light
Not infrequently, some wonder aloud if there is any hope for Malaysia. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? If we don’t see light at the end of the tunnel, is there any point in persisting with the struggle?
Never lose hope: Despite a dark 2021, the people will prevail
As we usher in the New Year, the situation in the country remains fluid, even after a second change of government in three years.
Let us never forget how Parliament was suspended for such a long time under emergency rule during the year. Along with other NGOs, Aliran challenged this suspension in a legal suit – and the matter is still before the courts.
When Parliament finally reconvened, the Mahiaddin Yasin-led government fell apart – only for a fresh coalition to be cobbled together, this time led by Umno’s Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Najib’s guilty verdict: Restoration of judiciary must continue
Today’s verdict in the SRC International trial finding Najib Razak guilty of all seven charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering is an important decision with far-reaching political implications.
Appeals court upholds guilty verdict in Najib’s SRC trial
The Court of Appeal judges have delivered their verdict and agreed with the key findings of the High Court. They have also found that Najib had full dominion over SRC and loans funds overseas had been diverted.
The judges have upheld the High Court’s guilty verdict and sentence of 12 years’ jail and RM210 fine. But there is a stay of execution pending appeal to the Federal Court.
Still, the verdict has been widely welcomed.
Even before Malacca election, People Power wins
How? There were several issues drummed up in the run-up to the polls.
- The ridiculous brouhaha over the Timah whisky
- Restrictions on alcohol sales in Kuala Lumpur
- Former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s ridiculous attempt to get a house and a large tract of land – worth a total of RM100m – supposedly in recognition of his services as a former PM.
Storm in a Timah cup blows over
Now can we get on with more important business? That seemed to be the general reaction of many upon learning that the cabinet has allowed the whisky maker to continue using the name Timah for their product.
Yes, Timah just means tin ore, as anyone could have told the bigots that. And no, Timah is not short for the name of the Prophet’s daughter, Fatimah.
It is amazing what a couple of state elections – in Malacca and Sarawak – and a looming general election can do to get rid of this non-issue. After all, how wa the government going to explain this ridiculous controversy to voters? Full article on the Aliran website
Visionary sustainable mobility expert Eric Britton, friend of Penang, dies
Eric Britton, a leading sustainable mobility expert and editor of World Streets, who was closely following Penang’s mega-transport plan, passed away on 31 October.
Never again! Operation Lalang anniversary
Today is the 34th anniversary of Operation Lalang, the crackdown against critics and dissidents under the administration of Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Never again should the country be subject to the use of such draconian laws that violate basic human rights.
It’s raining kembung in Penang!
This is ground zero of the proposed 4,500-acre land reclamation site off the southern coast of Penang Island, where the state government plans to build three artificial islands.
Grabbing 51% stake in local freight forwarders will erode business confidence
Have you read Aliran’s media statement on this? How will this move affect business confidence?
Aliran calls on the government to drop – instead of merely deferring – its requirement that local logistics and freight forwarding firms must have 51% bumiputera equity interest.
Better, cheaper, faster alternatives to Penang tunnel and third bridge
Penang Forum has just released this statement:
It is with great relief and validation that Penang Forum notes the wise and mature decision by the Penang state government to revise their plans for an undersea tunnel.