Democratisation beckons even in Sarawak, where Muslim Melanau strongmen have held sway for a few decades. As civil society and access to information expands, it could trigger a tsunami big enough to sweep away not only these strongmen but also the entire Sarawak BN, predicts Faisal S Hazis.
Darini Rajasingham Senanayake discusses the challenges facing post-war Sri Lanka as it tries to move from a focus on national security to human security.
Francis Loh observes that more and more Malaysians are demanding both development and democracy. The deepening of democracy in Malaysia requires the consolidation of a two-coalition political system.
Malaysia is still lagging behind in the introduction of essential laws to uphold the people’s right to information, points out Hamid Ibrahim.
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On a lighter note, George Aeria tells us what we must do the next time any of us has to report to the police or MACC.
Malaysians must strive for a new non-racial future for all. Failure is not an option, says Zaid Ibrahim.
In the light of the recent Abolish ISA rally, during which close to 600 people were arrested, Hishamuddin Yahaya takes comfort in the assurance that people power will ultimately win the day. Don’t underestimate their commitment and tenacity, he says.
The Najib administration seems to be very much into KPIs. To help the premier, a string of civil society activists has laid down ten benchmarks for Najib’s next hundred days. Economic reforms alone, they point out, will not work if the political environment suppresses the people’s democratic rights.
In our cover story, Francis Loh observes that more and more Malaysians are demanding both development and democracy. The deepening of democracy in Malaysia requires the consolidation of a two-coalition political system.
Towards this end, civil society activists have laid down ten benchmarks for Najib’s next hundred days. Economic reform, they point out, will not work if the political environment suppresses the people’s democratic rights.