By Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Cities are the world’s economic engines. Also its biggest polluters. Globally, urban areas account for more than 70% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The rural-urban migration remains high. No sign of the phenomenon slowing. In Malaysia, our cities, from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru and Penang, are rapidly […]
Malaysia’s smart city dream is a sustainability challenge Read More »
Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka’ By Shazlin Razak Every time I speak English in public, I feel eyes on me. Some admire. Some judge. Some smile. Others sneer. When I speak it fluently, confidently, without fumbling, the assumption often follows: “She must think she’s more Western than Malaysian.” As a language lecturer with over
Not Westernised, just globalised Read More »
By Laverson Bagah and Suzana Ariff Azizan Shortage of sunlight in Malaysia is like a durian with no smell – unthinkable. The country’s equatorial location gives it consistent, year-round solar exposure, making it one of the most solar-rich nations in the region. On paper, we have everything we need to lead a solar revolution: consistent
Sun-rich, but opportunity poor? Read More »
By Haslina Muhamad The question of whether Malaysia should increase its retirement age is not new, but it has gained renewed attention following the government’s proposal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) to gradually raise the official retirement age in response to longer life expectancy and economic pressures. The logic seems simple: if we live
Living, not working, longer Read More »
By Mohammad Tariqur Rahman Discrimination based on one or another form of human identity or attributes, such as race, color, religion, and wealth, is a global phenomenon. At present, discrimination based on nationality, more particularly discrimination against the immigrant population, is on top of the agenda of political gimmicks in many countries. In fact, immigrants
Think justice beyond any selfish nationalistic contrivances Read More »
By Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim For decades, Malaysia’s economic story has been one of natural advantage. Blessed with rich natural resources, the country built its prosperity on the back of oil and gas, palm oil, rubber, and later, electronics and semiconductors. These sectors powered industrialisation, filled government coffers, and created millions of jobs. But
It’s time to bet big on innovation Read More »
By Nahrizul Adib Kadri It’s that time of year again: flags go up, hashtags come out, and we get a sudden urge to look patriotic. Suddenly everyone’s an expert in Pantone colour tones, flag and bunting display etiquette, and how to fold a Jalur Gemilang without creasing the crescent moon. And like clockwork, the same
Of honour and weathered spirits Read More »
By Ahmad Faiz Yazid The 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) outlines ambitious targets for 2026–2030: **4.5–5.5% annual GDP growth and a fiscal deficit under 3% by 2030**. It packages RM430 billion in five-year development expenditure (about RM86 billion per year) to drive these goals. Yet history reminds us that even large plans can stumble. RMK-13’s success
RMK-13 on watch: Execution, discipline, and delivery Read More »
The rise of sleep divorce in Malaysia By Julius Goh Liang Chye It started like many clinic visits. A middle-aged man, visibly drained, walked in with his wife. They were polite, even affectionate — but beneath the surface, something was cracking. “I forced him to come,” the wife confessed. She looked tired, not just from
When the bedroom splits Read More »
What the media industry tells us about ourselves By Syarfa Akila Matta Imagine standing in front of a mirror that not only reflects your image, but also echoes your voice to millions. That’s what the media has become today a mirror of society and a megaphone for voices, ideas, and, sometimes, manipulation. Once limited to
The mirror and the megaphone Read More »
