Category Archives: On the Beat

The most obvious was the theatrical display of representatives from the 60-or-so legal and  human rights groups. Some of  them demanded preferential  treatment, that they be given  priority over other Malaysians. They insinuated that without  their presence, the trial would  […] Continue Reading

These street protests have, in  fact, taken on a more ugly dimension with people getting hurt and  property damaged. As expected, both sides have  pointed fingers at each other. The  police have said the gatherings  were illegal and that the […] Continue Reading

While NGOs have long been a  feature of other countries which  emphasises civil society, they continue to be viewed with suspicion  here. They are perceived, rightly or  wrongly, as being antagonistic and  confrontational towards the Government. They are seen to […] Continue Reading

Another report, in the same Oct  15 issue, carried a story about  singer Rafique Rashid with his latest spoof on the country's political  events. Both pieces gave the impression  that Malaysians were now defying  authorities and were finally willing  to […] Continue Reading

In conservative Malaysia, such allegations are viewed seriously. Morality aside, the political implications are enormous. The expression of anger and disbelief by his supporters are understandable in such circumstances. And now, the sacked Deputy Prime Minister has appeared in public […] Continue Reading

Interestingly, while Anwar and  his supporters have all questioned  the fairness of the local media, the  other side has hit out at the foreign  media for their sensational reporting and for jumping to conclusions  and inaccurate assessments. Objectivity, unfortunately, has  […] Continue Reading

The world's most powerful man,  we now realise, does not seem to  care that cigars are for blowing  and nothing else. The blow-by-blow account in independent counsel Kenneth Starr's  report on Clinton's sexual encounters has, no doubt, dealt a deadly  […] Continue Reading

The schoolboy had experienced  probably the most spectacular  opening of the Commonwealth  Games, bringing back some of its  lost shine. Malaysians who caught the dazzling opening on TV were joined  across the globe by a record 800  million viewers. It […] Continue Reading

Just a year back, Anwar was regarded as the Prime Minister's heir  apparent. He was a man who could  do no wrong. But over the past one  month, it became clear that he had  found himself on the wrong footing. […] Continue Reading

Last week, the media pressed  Anwar for his reaction on talk of  his impending resignation. That prompted a smiling Anwar  to ask : “I cannot understand why  people keep on talking about my  resignation.'' This is not the first time […] Continue Reading