As Malaysia assumes the chair of Asean on 1 January, the nation faces critical choices at home and abroad.
Global tensions, regional turmoil and domestic challenges demand serious attention.
Global challenges
China and Russia’s rivalry with the US has intensified, with Brics being set up to rival Western hegemony.
Malaysia is treading a delicate middle path. It has joined Brics as a partner country, a prelude to full membership, while accepting Western investments.
In the Middle East, Malaysia has taken a principled stand to oppose the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which threatens to spill across the region.
Closer to home, Myanmar’s struggle for democracy poses a crucial challenge for Malaysia’s Asean leadership. The Myanmar military’s suppression of the people has forced thousands to flee, many seeking refuge on our shores. Hopefully, Malaysia’s leadership of the regional grouping can help bring about a democratic transition in Myanmar.
Economic crossroads
Within Malaysia, two years since Reformasi’s standard bearer Anwar Ibrahim took over government, we need to take stock.
Full article on Aliran website
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Before this Chinese New Year, the much awaited Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will go ahead with the groundwork starting in Bandar Sri Pinang. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar is expected to attend the project’s ground breaking ceremony on Jan 11.
The LRT train runs on elevated tracks, making it possible to “fly” over a multitude of traffic junctions and to manoeuvre with ease. An elevated LRT also minimises service disruptions caused by flooding, giving it an advantage over street-level BRT or ART.
We see hope in public transportation in Penang with the LRT. Tourists can take LRT to and from the airport.
The proposed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) highway in Penang has sparked fresh concerns among activists who warn that its construction could undermine the ridership potential of the state’s planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
The highway, which received environmental approvals in 2019 but never took off due to a lack of funds, is intended to connect Gurney Drive and Bayan Lepas via a 10km tunnel running through the Penang Hill range.
This year’s iconic Pesta Pulau Pinang is set to be the last held at the Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, as the venue will soon make way for the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line development.
Pesta will most probably be relocated to a new location in Prai as the visitors are mostly rural folks unlike the urbanised islanders.
SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd has secured the civil and structural works contract for the first segment of Penang’s inaugural Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
The joint venture consortium is 60% owned by Gamuda Bhd, with Loh Phoy Yen Holdings Sdn Bhd and Ideal Property Development Sdn Bhd each holding a 20% stake.
Will PAS ban government agencies from celebrating non-Muslim festivities?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=l0MEQMDC3ss
Our multi racial fabric is threatened by PAS.
We must oppose the racist stand of PN as we cannot count on Gerakan to influence PN!
Does the DAP practice multiethnic and multicultural principles?
Why has no one from other ethnic groups been appointed to the position of Chief Minister for nearly 50 years
Reverse the question, and ask it in relation to other states.
Melaka CM has never been a non Bumi. Why Umno has never entrusted MCA with MB post in the past?
I am not concerned about having Jawi in signboard. I am concerned about how our countrymen focus on irrelevant issues rather than the real issue facing this country. And the list is very long and it threatened the existence of all Malaysians. By all means go ahead, have jawi, have halal logo, no beers, blah blah blah and wait for doom to fall on all of us. And I can assure you type C will survive…but can you?
Yes, I am sure that Type C will survive. After Mao’s regime caused the deaths of millions through starvation, there are still over 1.4 billion people surviving on this planet, and we will also endure.
What kind of doom do you fear will befall us?
As for our fellow countrymen focusing on relevant and irrelevant issues, I assume you are referring to politicians. You’re right; if you find them unsuitable to govern our nation, vote them out in the upcoming GE16.
Happy New Year 2025 to Mr Anil and all readers. Semangat Baharu – Sejahterakan Malaysia
Happy new year to you Luca and all readers!
Laluan LRT Mutiara rangkumi 21 stesen, jajaran sepanjang 29.5km
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8Gj8Ty6dAVo
KL High Court grants leave to Ramasamy’s Urimai to challenge ROS on its registration By FocusM dd 27/2/2025, 1 hour ago.
https://focusmalaysia.my/kl-high-court-grants-leave-to-ramasamys-urimai-to-challenge-ros-on-its-registration/
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Assuming this may be what might take place: Urimai wins the court case, gets itself registered, contests a couple of seats in the next GE16, and wins one or two seats.
After the general election, the political coalition groups, likely the opposition, will probably ask Urimai to join them. Initially, Urimai will claim it wants to be an independent political party fighting for the rights of the Indian community and, in general, for non-Malays.
However, they will eventually realize that being an independent political party is leading them nowhere, and they may decide to join one of the coalition groups, ultimately resembling what the DAP is today. They will be told to see the bigger picture, toe the party line, follow the coalition rules, remain silent, and speak only when spoken to. We may also hear this statement again: ” Be patient, reforms take time. People need to buy into patience, as the country would not adopt the “French Revolution” style of subjecting those who disagree, to the guillotine.” A terribly outlandish statement, isn’t it?… Read more »
It also reminds me of the DAP’s 1995 Penang General Election slogan – ‘RoboCop for Chief Minister.’ I used to see those posters pasted in many parts of Georgetown at that time. I’m giggling now as I did back in 1995 upon seeing those posters.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2023/10/08/when-robocop-crushed-kit-siangs-dream-of-winning-penang/
” 9,737 births by unmarried girls recorded over last five years, Parliament told ” by Ho. JW, Tarrence. T and Gerard. G dd Thursday dd 27 Feb 2025
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/27/9737-births-by-unmarried-girls-recorded-over-last-five-years-parliament-told
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This is the fault of the parents for neglecting to properly educate and protect their children. When they fail to do so, the state must bear the burden of their neglect.
Meaning – when parents fail to fulfill their responsibilities to educate and protect their children, they ultimately bear the blame, while the state is left to address the consequences of that neglect.
” Four new water treatment plants in Selangor by 2030 ” by Sheila Sri Priya dd Thursday, 27 Feb 2025 https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2025/02/27/four-new-water-treatment-plants-in-selangor-by-2030 ======== ** “Air Selangor is actively replacing pipes, upgrading assets such as pump houses and tanks, improving distribution and reticulation pipes, enhancing water treatment plants, increasing water storage capacity by building new tanks and ponds, and planning the Water Grid Inter connectivity plan … had taken steps to reduce the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rate in order to minimize the loss of treated water … long-term solution included replacing 300km of pipes per year … starting 2034, this plan will increase to replacing 400km of pipes per… Read more »
>>> This is the Selangor state government working diligently to improve water management and infrastructure in their State.
The Chief Minister of Penang is also the chairman of the Penang Water Board.
Besides increasing the water and other infrastructure rates, high salaries, fees, allowances, etc, what other plans do they have to enhance water management and infrastructure for the State of Penang, like what Selangor has planned for their state .
” Dr Wee questions what is so wrong about addressing public concerns ”
dd Wednesday, 26 Feb 2025 12:11 AM MYT
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/26/dr-wee-questions-what-is-so-wrong-about-addressing-public-concerns
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[ “What is wrong with political party leaders speaking up for the people?” asked MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. ]
>>> There is nothing wrong in addressing public concerns which are beneficial for our Rakyat. Do carry on. Just don’t pick and choose. We, the Rakyat will appreciate it.
Lim Kit Siang: A Visionary Ahead of His Time ???
When someone describes an opposition political leader as a “visionary ahead of his time,” it reflects a subjective opinion that may not be universally accepted.
A person’s perception of a political leader can vary significantly based on their political beliefs, personal experiences, and the specific impacts those figures have had on their lives.
While some may see Lim Kit Siang as a visionary, others may have different assessments of his effectiveness or legacy.
( Hello shriek, this comment is free speech and expression. Can understand or not ? )
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2025/02/19/lim-kit-siang-a-visionary-ahead-of-the-times/
” PAS MP worries that AI can become ustaz ” by Zarrah Morden, Ili Aqilah & Haspaizi Zain dd Feb 17, 2025 1:21 PM
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/734781
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>>> Take note that AI is not human. It has no emotion. It cannot understand or ‘ feel ‘ human emotions. You can use it as a preaching tool to a point. The AI tool we now use is western based.
https://selangorjournal.my/2024/06/apply-islamic-scholarly-tradition-in-ai-adoption-pm/
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1046028/master-ai-technology-protect-local-values-anwar-tells-malaysians
Have PAS people forgotten the above statements from the unity government? (1)
>>>> Also note the AI is intelligent but not necessarily accurate. You must be fully knowledgeable on the subject matter of Islam if you wish to use it. The AI we now use is still in its infancy. There are various types of AI designed for various or different purposes. Get to know what is AI first before you ask silly questions.
” Anwar: Embracing new tech like AI starts with me ” by Zakiah Koya
dd 16 Jan 2024 2:12 PM MYT
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/16/anwar-embracing-new-tech-like-ai-starts-with-me
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” All civil servants and ministers too must complete the four hours and it will begin with me,” said Anwar. ….. He said he expects the relevant agencies and ministries to report in a month’s time how many Malaysians are actually able to master AI skills. ”
>>>>> So, unity government, what has happened to this directive ? Any follow up ? Or is it just another rhetoric ? …
” Tengku Zafrul refutes ambassadorship rumours, reaffirms Malaysia’s trade focus with US ” dd 17 Feb 2025 1:27PM
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/105017/tengku-zafrul-refutes-ambassadorship-rumours-reaffirms-malaysias-trade-focus-with-us
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If the rumors are true, you would make a better candidate for Ambassador to the U.S. than most.
” DAP’s externally controlled ‘deep state’ wants Guan Eng out, says group ” by K. Parkaran dd 17 Feb 2025, 02:14 PM https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/02/17/daps-externally-controlled-deep-state-wants-guan-eng-out-says-group/ ======== “We must not allow external forces to take control of DAP. If we allow this, DAP will lose its principles and its struggle for justice. ” Which DAP is he talking about? Are there two types of DAP, or is there just one — then and now? It has slowly been losing its principles and its struggle for justice since 2008, and even more so since 2018 and now it is mostly silent. This is what the political party… Read more »
There must be integrity, as well as a certain degree of shyness and shame, when showing one’s face in public.
Additionally, walking in and out of court does not improve one’s image or public standing, nor does it benefit one’s political career.
Disturbed – The Sound Of Silence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P7vSmlZEh8
” Apology not enough, says Umno Youth chief in urging legal action against corn seller in racist controversy ” By R. Sekaran dd Monday, 17 Feb 2025 dd 10:47 AM MYT https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/17/apology-not-enough-says-umno-youth-chief-in-urging-legal-action-against-corn-seller-in-racist-controversy ======== I suppose GE16 is in the air. Politicians are pretending to repair damages done. Pretentious politics or sincere with integrity ? First it was the Mrs of the current leader, then the daughter, a few individuals in between, and now, most recently, our Youth Chief from UMNO. He is saying or using all the right words in the above news statement and this is a first. Is he trying to please our Rakyat… Read more »
In contrast, the individual from Perkasa is seen to be taking a different approach. He seems to lack an understanding of political diplomacy. He is indiscriminately banging away at the non-Malays. In the last general election, this group faced severe losses, with many candidates failing to secure even their deposits. They have become increasingly unpopular with our Rakyat and they still are. Still stagnant, idling away in a 20th-century mindset. Inclusiveness and diversity … a 21st-century motto … are a total mystery to them. https://focusmalaysia.my/perkasa-in-criticism-of-dap-warns-against-efforts-to-equate-other-races-with-malays/ So, after the general election, can we expect a return to the status quo, as has been the… Read more »
Have observed that quite a few individuals who previously remained in the background are now emerging and making inconsequential statements in public.
It seems to be true what they say: politicians often lack shame…. I find myself questioning how these people can present themselves in public with such a mentality.
Tak malu lah diapa ini.
Some of these individuals have been dismissed or voted out in previous electoral contests. Furthermore, am left wondering whether the date for GE16 has already been determined, known only to a select few.
https://focusmalaysia.my/perkasa-in-criticism-of-dap-warns-against-efforts-to-equate-other-races-with-malays/
” Country’s score on global Corruption Perceptions Index remains same, says TI-M ” By Martin Carvalho and Ho Jia Wem dd Tuesday, 11 Feb 2025 1:09 PM MYT
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/11/countrys-score-on-global-corruption-perceptions-index-remains-same-says-transparency-international-malaysia
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” Malaysia’s score and ranking on the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 have remained the same compared to 2023, according to Transparency International Malaysia. ”
>>>>> Is the government providing misleading statements ? Is the government playing ‘ Tai Chi ‘ with us, the Rakyat ?
” ACC remains govt’s main pillar to maintain clean governance system, says Anwar ” dd Friday, 14 Feb 2025 12:04 AM MYT https://www.thestar.com.my/news/2025/02/14/macc-remains-govt039s-main-pillar-to-maintain-clean-governance-system-says-anwar ======== ” The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) is one of the main pillars of the government to maintain a clean governance system, thus saving the country from corruption, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. ” >>>> What have been MACC’s achievements since November 2022? Please outline their accomplishments for us, the Rakyat, to know. So far, we, the Rakyat, have not seen any positive outcomes in the fight against corruption. In the latest issue in Sabah, MACC has stated that… Read more »
“Azam lauds PM’s clear vision in eradicating graft ”
dd Feb 14, 2025 9:33 AM
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/734513
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” MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki has lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s clear vision for eradicating corruption in the country. ”
>>> Here, MACC states that our leadership has a clear vision. We, the Rakyat, ask: What is this clear vision? As far as we can see, since November 2022, nothing concrete has been achieved. Why would an independent justice body praise a political leader?
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/11/countrys-score-on-global-corruption-perceptions-index-remains-same-says-transparency-international-malaysia
” PM: Urgent implementation of English language enhancement initiatives needed ” dd 12 Feb 2025 11:06AM https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/104889/pm-urgent-implementation-of-english-language-enhancement-initiatives-needed ======== How effective are the current government officials in implementing ideas, suggestions, and policies, and how are the follow up on these matters by their leaders? The education standards are already significantly lagging far behind, likely due to unqualified individuals managing the education system and teaching. Many students seem to have lost interest in academic studies, finding subjects boring and seem to want to avoid exams. Instead, they prefer to enter the workforce directly—especially in Singapore, where the requirement is basic qualification and the Singapore dollar is… Read more »