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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.

Malacca election: Amid reformists’ gloom, some positives emerge

Here are some quick thoughts now that Barisan Nasional has cruised to a commanding victory in today’s Malacca state election.

Many who had hoped that the polls would reignite the momentum for reforms are feeling despondent. But there are some positives.

The first positive is that Umno-BN does not need Pas’ support to win. This means Pas’ bargaining power will be much reduced in the coming general election. Why would Umno want to allocate seats to Pas to contest in some Malay-majority seats when Umno would fancy its own chances in those seats? Full article on the Aliran website

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.