BANGKOK, Thailand:Over the last 12 months, stalls have been opening up across southern Thailand to sell ketum leaves, syrups, and mixed drinks. In Thailand ketum is called kratom.
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia:Former ambassador and insightful political commentator Datuk Dennis Ignatius is correct in saying that Sabah and Sarawak “have tended to take a more detached view of the culture wars raging in Semenanjung”.
GEORGETOWN, Malaysia:As the state election is approaching, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow called on the leaders of the Pakatan Harapan coalition to beware of the "green wave" earlier this year. On the eve of Hari Raya, he announced an increase in funding for Islamic development in Penang to RM75.08 million this year. The DAP-led state government seems to think that building more mosques and religious schools will reduce their Chinese-centric impression and curry favour with the Malay community. Meanwhile, the Penang state government ignores the Malay-majority fishermen community and insists on promoting the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, depriving them of their livelihood.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia-The Young Talent Track and Field Selangor Launch and Run event was organized by Young Talent Track and Field (YTTF) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Kelab PJ. This event was also supported by Malaysian Hash Council and PJ Club Hash House Harriers. Sponsors for the event included redOne and Decathlon.
BANGKOK, Thailand-Parti Islam Se-Malaysia president Abdul Hadi Awang’s latest antics are causing a ruckus in Malaysian politics. Many are claiming these are the beginnings of an extremist uprising, out of disappointment of not becoming the legitimate federal government of Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR-Rare earths remain a critical and strategic resource that Malaysia must and capitalise on for its long term advantage and geopolitical returns, as any missteps or short-sightedness on the country’s part will invite a negative result.
By Collins Chong Yew Keat
BANGKOK, Thailand-The true winner of Malaysia’s general election in November was the Malaysian Islamic Party, the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS. PAS won 49 out of the 62 seats it contested in the 222 seats in national parliament.
PORT DICKSON, Malaysia-It was like going back to 'school' after four decades, since graduating as Armed Forces commissioned officers.
BANGKOK, Thailand--Prime minister Anwar Ibrahim recently made an impassioned plea for all muftis, religious leaders, teachers, and Ustaz to assist in the stability and harmony of the nation. Anwar is well aware of the clear and present danger religious zealotism poses to the stability of Malaysia’s democracy.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--The ringgit has fallen to its lowest value since the Asian financial crisis. The reaction from the opposition has been one of frustration and panic, raging against the finance minister.
IPOH, Malaysia--Ever fancied listening to smooth classical music while being surrounded by lush greenery and cool forest air while being comfortably seated at a premium resort? No you do not have to fly off overseas to enjoy such an experience.