KJ

Somehow, when you turn 65, you begin to look at life somewhat differently. Some say 60 is the more important timing cut-off, because after that one is turning towards the third phase of life. Regardless, for me it appears that 65 is the final phase for this life of goodness which our Great God has […]

When I was younger, I thought my classmates were my only best friends. Then at the Royal Military College (RMC) I had all 100 of of my batch as classmates and best friends; regardless of race or geographical origin. I called them all my brothers and told my family that I had found my other […]

Some years ago, a student and her friend started an innocent rumour, and somehow the mainstream media, too, was confused about the facts or evidence. Even the information minister was then guilty of misinformation or disinformation more than information about that subject. What then happens in reality is that misinformation and disinformation exceeds information and […]

What did it take for each one of the Group of 25 (G25) members to read, consider, and then agree to sign their famous statement? I ask because while there is obvious moral courage in their actions, especially if one has never tried such steps of moral audacity in challenging existing culture and norms. Taking […]

My good friend and professor of anthropology at UKM, and founder of a number of research institutes, loves to say that as long as Malaysians are enjoying their talking war; there will not be bloodshed. I have come to believe him and this theory. Malaysians love to talk rather than walk; especially talking within family […]

I think it was about 10 years ago that I decided to stop flying the Merdeka Flag on Aug 31; and only flew it on Malaysia day instead, i.e. Sept 16. My reasons were simple. I realised that the Aug 31 Merdeka day had particular meaning only to the Malayans; but the Malaysia Day had […]

First the home affairs minister signs and issues a gazette which states basically that the Bersih T-shirt with the words and letters ‘Bersih 4\’ are banned . Yes, you heard right, BANNED! And yes, anyone in possession of the T-shirt would be jailed. Can you imagine why a minister would sign such a notice the day before […]

About 10 years ago, I sent a proposal to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to undertake a study on why Malays appear insecure as a community and too often seek and need assurances not to accede to such inherent fears. It was my request for support from the Nippon Foundation to fund the study and travel […]

The late Dr Tan Chee Khoon used to write a column in The Star , ‘Without Fear or Favour’, which carried his byline. My column today is therefore to appreciate all who care and support Oriental Hearts and Minds Study Institute’s (OHMSI) efforts to honour the incredible legacy of this man. OHMSI is hosting the inaugural Lecture […]

Marina Mahathir asked a good but simple question: why do the red shirts need to march? Please notice I said need to march and not want to march. Wants are driven by deeper and unfulfilled human needs and usually defined by a person’s worldview and aspirations. Needs are inherent to the human spirit, soul, and […]