Quotes For You

  Pulau Batu Puteh, known as Pedra Branca in Singapore, is a small rocky outcrop located at the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait. Despite its modest size, this island has been the center of a prolonged dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over its ownership. The history of this contention sheds light on colonial legacies, sovereignty, and international diplomacy. Pulau Batu Puteh's strategic location made it significant as a maritime navigational aid. In 1851, the British colonial administration constructed Horsburgh Lighthouse on the island to assist ships navigating the busy trade routes. During this time, the region was under the British Empire's control, with Malaysia's Johor Sultanate maintaining nominal sovereignty over many territories. In 1953, the Singapore colonial government, then under British administration, sought clarity from Johor's government regarding Pulau Batu Puteh's status. A letter from Johor’s Acting State Secretary indicated that J...

  RinggitPlus released the results of the 2024 Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS) yesterday , an annual study examining Malaysians’ financial habits, challenges and outlook.  This year’s results found improvements across multiple key indicators, with signs of upward swings for financial security and well-being – but also underscored a continuous growing need for enhanced digital financial literacy nationwide. Fewer Scam Attempts, but Vigilance Remains a Priority In 2024, more than one-third of Malaysians (38%) reported encountering fewer financial fraud or scam attempts compared to last year, with the overall number of those who experienced such attempts dropping to 86% from the whopping 94% reported in 2023.  This marks a significant improvement, proving that the anti-scam awareness efforts driven by Malaysia’s governing bodies are bearing fruit. Indeed, 56% of respondents credited the nationwide Jangan Kena Scam awareness campaign for helping them avoid falling...

The Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue ( AMEC ) is delighted to announce that its Democracy & Transparency Initiative has beenaccredited by the British Electoral Commission (EC).  This prestigious recognition marks the first time a Malaysian think tank has been authorized to observe British elections, underscoring the global significance and growing influence of AMEC's work in promoting democratic values. AMEC, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is honored to be trusted by the UK for this important role.  This invitation highlights the UK's recognition of AMEC's expertise and commitment to democracy, transparency, and fair governance.  It speaks volumes about the respect and confidence placed in Malaysian institutions to contribute to international electoral processes. Leading this high-profile mission is Mr. Muad Mohamad Zaki, Director of the Democracy & Transparency Initiative.  Mr. Zaki is a notable Maldivian political figure who...

MEASAT Global Berhad (MEASAT) – Malaysia’s premier satellite solutions provider, has signed an agreement with Sun TV Network Limited (Sun TV), one of India's largest media conglomerates, to support the distribution of 37 TV channels via the MEASAT-3d satellite.  These channels broadcast in seven languages, will reach over 140 million households in India and extend to audiences in the Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.  “MEASAT is honoured to be selected by Sun TV to distribute their channels across multiple regions reinforcing our position as Asia’s preferred broadcast partner.  "With the state-of-the-art MEASAT-3d satellite at the 91.5°E hotslot, we are ready to deliver high-quality, reliable transmission services for one of India’s top broadcasters.  "This collaboration strengthens MEASAT's industry presence and recognition in India, enabling us to expand our services to meet customer demands,” commented Ganendra Selvaraj, Chief Commercial Officer, MEAS...

Illustrative image: Anna Tarazevich / Pexels Edelman Malaysia unveils the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer findings, revealing Malaysia's ascent into the top echelons of global trust rankings despite ongoing economic challenges.  The report, conducted from November 3rd to 22nd, 2023, surveyed over 32,000 respondents across 28 countries, including more than 1,000 from Malaysia, providing a robust snapshot of public sentiment on trust, innovation, and governance. Malaysia has experienced a significant trust renaissance, with an overall Trust Index Score of 68—a notable 6-point increase from 2023.  This places Malaysia among the top 10 most trusting nations out of the 28 surveyed globally.  The surge in trust reflects growing confidence in the stability and democratic governance under the new unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; the government has seen a remarkable 13-point increase in public trust since last year.  "Malaysia's rise i...

The reading culture among Malaysians is in dire straits. As of 2022, the average Malaysian spends less than three hours per week engaged in reading activities.  This figure pales in comparison to the 10-hour average in India, nine hours in Thailand, and eight hours in Indonesia. A 2005 interim study by the National Library of Malaysia revealed that Malaysians, on average, only read two books per year. Although this number increased to 15 books by 2014, it still falls significantly short of the 40-book average in developed nations. Are we too preoccupied with daily tasks to spare time for reading?  While we find ample time to scroll through social media platforms like TikTok, excuses abound when it comes to picking up a book. It's time to leverage the advancements in information and communication technology (ICT) to revitalize our dwindling reading habits.  Whether it's enjoying e-books on smartphones during commutes or listening to audiobooks during rush hour,...

As anticipated, PH candidate Pang Sock Tao emerged victorious in today's Kuala Kubu Bharu State Assembly by-election. Securing an impressive 14,000 votes, she surpassed her closest rival, Khairul Azhari Saut (PN), who garnered 10,331 votes, along with Nyau Ke Xin (Independent) with 188 votes and Hafizah Zainudin (PRM) with 152 votes. A key contributing factor to PH's unwavering support in Kuala Kubu Bharu is the array of promises made throughout the campaign trail. Voters are confident in Sock Tao's ability to tackle pressing issues such as economic revitalization, social welfare, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, PH's previous triumph in the Selangor State Election has bolstered voter trust in the political coalition. National concerns, including the legal challenges faced by PH leaders, have also swayed voters away from PN candidates. Moreover, there's apprehension that developmental initiatives could stagnate if the opposition were to secur...

Kuala Lumpur's traffic nightmare is worsening, leaving commuters frazzled and frustrated. Blame it on the surge of high-rise developments mimicking Hong Kong's urban landscape. These projects pack hordes of residents into already overcrowded areas with scant public amenities. Result? Skyrocketing private vehicle usage, intensifying gridlock on highways and arterial roads in and around KL. And as if that's not enough, these Hong Kong-inspired skyscraper communities conveniently ignore the need for efficient public transport. With LRT or MRT stations miles away, residents are left with no choice but to clog the roads with their cars, making traffic congestion a daily ordeal. To tackle this mess, local authorities and developers need to wake up and smell the exhaust fumes, collaborating on sustainable housing projects and decent public transit options. It's about time we ease the stranglehold on KL's traffic and give its residents a breather – literally.

Pang Sock Tao has been entrusted with the task of defending Pakatan Harapan's (PH) stronghold in the Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly By-Election on May 11. On the surface, the former Press Secretary of Nga Kor Ming seems to hold an edge over the other three candidates: Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Nyau Ke Xin (Independent), and Hafizah Zainudin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia). Kuala Kubu Baharu has long been known as a DAP stronghold since the 13th General Election (GE13), with the late Lee Kee Hiong successfully retaining it until GE15. Additionally, the presence of the Selangor state government and the PH-BN coalition government at the federal level gives Sock Tao an advantageous position. However, Sock Tao's history of outspoken criticism against UMNO and BN could trigger protest votes. She has frequently targeted former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, particularly regarding the court cases he faces. To some extent, her outspokenness has alienated g...

Khairy Jamaluddin, a political figure who has captured attention in Malaysian politics, is increasingly seen as a potential candidate for the Prime Minister's position. With a solid political background and extensive experience, Khairy, known as KJ, stands out as one of the most prominent individuals capable of leading the country. One factor that could boost Khairy's prospects is his wide-ranging political experience. As a former Member of Parliament deeply entrenched in politics for a considerable period, Khairy has showcased leadership and efficiency in various roles he has undertaken. This background affords him a profound understanding of Malaysian political dynamics and the ability to adapt to changes. Furthermore, Khairy is acknowledged as a politician with a progressive vision for Malaysia's future. Dedicated to innovation, sustainable economic development, and social equality, the former Member of Parliament for Rembau has championed agendas pertinent t...

  MEMORANDUM FOR: XXXXXXX SUBJECT: Geographic Intelligence Memorandum on "Malaysia" -- CIA/RR GM 62-2 REFERENCE: xxxxxxx dated 25 April 1962, same subject 1. Your comments on subject report, which was produced on short notice at ONE's request, have been noted. The following paragraphs refer to the several points of content questioned. 2. UK rights in Singapore . We agree that the GM 62-2 statement, "... the United Kingdom... will retain the right to use the Singapore military base." should be regarded as subject to Federation leaders' permissiveness and local popular attitudes. These limitations, however, apply to the British situation presently -- the British could not, for instance, use Singapore against the Indonesians in New Guinea. Similarly, we felt that the residual sovereignty possessed by the host country is a limitation on freedom of action that is generally appreciated. The report announced by Prime Minister Rahman xxxxxxx 3. Malaysia Solidarity C...

  Introduction The federation of Malaysia* was formally inaugurated on 16 September 1963. Comprised of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah (North Borneo), it has a total land area of about 129,000 square miles (slightly larger than the state of New Mexico) and a total population of more than The area and population of the individual components are as follows: Malaya and Singapore are the more advanced components of Malaysia. Malaya, with a relatively cosmopolitan elite of wealthy Chinese, Indian, and Malay businessmen, has the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia; it is the world's leading producer of natural rubber and tin. Singapore, whose population is 75 percent Chinese, is the major entrepôt port in Southeast Asia. Sarawak and Sabah, on the other hand, are characterized by their relatively underdeveloped economies and their very diversified populations, large segments of which are primitive tribal peoples. In all the components the population is characterized by its r...