answering specific questions, which are difficult to answer. First, we note that the stock exchange here has issued its Enhanced Sustainability Reporting Requirements (ESR Requirements), and the timeline for compliance by PLCs. However, with respect tClimate-Related Reporting, Bursas ESR Requirements do not refer to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, which are currently being promoted for adoption by ACSR. A major part of global climate reporting will be based on IFRS S1 and S2. The rationale for this is based on two factors: Firstly, the European Union (EU) has its own European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). On 22 December 2023, EU issued its first set of 12 ESRS for all entities subjected to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The effective date for implementation of the said ESRS was 1 January 2024. Secondly, the United States has not adopted IFRS S1 and S2. Instead, on 6 March 2024, the Securities Exchange and Commission (US SEC) - the Federal Government agency that regulates the Securities Market - issued a final Rule to enhance and standardise climate-related disclosures. The said Rule is to be subsequently released to public companies including those undertaking IPOs, although we are not aware of the exact implementation date of the rule. Furthermore, under the Rule, public companies are not required to disclose Scope 3 GHG Emissions. From our understanding, Bursa requires Main Market-listed issuers to disclose climate reporting that corresponds with TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) recommendations from Financial Year End (FYE) 31 December 2025. In the case of ACE Market Listed Companies, disclosure of GHG Emission is required from FYE 31 December 2026 and after, but alignment to TCFD requirements is not mandatory. Instead, Bursa requires disclosure of Transition Plans from FYE 31 December 2026 and after. Here is where the challenges between Bursa and ACSR arise: 1. There is a difference between Bursas implementation dates and ACSRs. 2. Bursas ESR covers more than climate-related reporting; and is a good effort to get Malaysias PLCs ready for the impending implementation of International Sustainability Standards Boards (ISSB) Standards. 3. While IFRS S2 integrates TCFD Recommendations and Guide, it is not exactly the same. IFRS S2 requires more detailed information. What this means is that compliance with IFRS S2 would translate into compliance with TCFD, but not necessarily the other way round. Bursas Illustrative Sustainability Report dated 18 September 2023 guides PLCs to disclose Governance, Risk Management, Material Matters, Performance Targets & Indicators, which indicates a sizeable coverage of IFRS S1. Unlike other IFRS Sustainability Standards i.e. S2, etc., IFRS S1 is a foundation standard. It sets out the general requirements for how sustainability risks and opportunities are to be disclosed unless stated otherwise in the specific standard. There are overlaps between Bursas ESR and IFRS S1. However, it would be too laborious to identify the differences and omissions. ACSR has posed the question of whether Bursas ESR Requirements :- (i) TCFD-aligned disclosures should be changed to IFRS S2 for Main Market-Listed Companies. (ii) Transition Plan disclosure should be changed to IFRS S2 for ACE Market-Listed Companies. In our opinion, Bursas ESR should be good enough until such time that Listed Companies are ready to go deeper into Climate-Related Reporting. To avoid confusion in reporting under two different standards, i.e. Bursas ESR and ACSRs S2, we would recommend that ACSR work collaboratively with Bursa to streamline the two standards into one, so that PLCs have only one standard to follow. In this regard, we would recommend that the implementation of the single new standard should take place 6 months after the new standard is issued or as per ACSRs proposed deadlines stated in the Public Consultation Paper (No. 1/2024), or whichever is later. This will give time for the PLCs to learn and comply. PLCs need to disclose their GHG Emissions, which can be estimated by applying a formula. The calculation of the GHG Emissions requires an Emission Factor for each type of energy source (electricity, petrol, diesel, and etc). Currently, it would seem that there isnt a Malaysian Government Authority that has set an Emission Factor database that will be used by the PLCs in their GHG Emissions estimation/calculation. Without the said database, PLCs are using all kinds of Emission Factors largely sourced from anywhere they can find. This distorts the statistical data collected as the PLCs are using different Emission Factors, and it is not comparable between one PLC and another. ACSR will need to obtain the necessary Emission Factors (more than one for each energy source, e.g. Emission Factor for Electricity, Emission Factor for Petrol, Emission Factor for Diesel) and publish these standard Emission Factors to be used by all, so that all PLCs are consistent in their reporting. We note that ASCR has proposed a GHG Emission Scope 3 reporting (excluding Business Travel and Employee Commuting) with effective dates that are later than the rest of other requirements in IFRS S2. We commend ASCR on the above proposed additional relief. Nevertheless, we note the practical challenges for reporting Scope 3 as follows: - (i) The complexity of supply chain, which may affect the accuracy and reliability of the data. (ii) The capability and capacity of different parties in the value chain. (iii) The willingness of parties in the value chain to provide the necessary information, which may be deemed as confidential or commercially sensitive. (iv) Time needed to replace suppliers who are unable to provide the information. (v) Time and effort needed to track emission data across the value chain. In view of the complexity of implementing Scope 3 (excluding business travel & employee commuting), we are of the view that the implementation date should be changed from 1 January 2027 to FYE 31 December 2027, if not later. This is because PLCs that have FYE starting from 31 January 2027 could be under stress to comply, if the implementation date starts from 1 January . With all these explanations above, we are sure that there is a clear argument for why there should be a pause on the Mandatory Training program (MAP) on ESG for directors of PLCs, as announced by the regulators. A revision to the existing Mandatory Training Program 1 (MAP) to include a deeper understanding of E as well as S, is necessary before rolling out a second programme. The existing trained directors can be asked to attend an awareness session, which is something that can be easily conducted online. PLCs should be focused on building a sustainable business. Instead, the introduction of a new mandatory training programme, without sufficient clarity on reporting disclosures, merely forces a bill of approximately RM27 million on capital market participants. ( **Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen **is an experienced emerging markets fund manager and public board director with regulatory knowledge. She was the first female chair of the Malaysian Stock Exchange and the former CEO of AIG Investment Corporation (Malaysia), an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) trailblazer, encouraging organizations to become ESG sustainable, either as investors or as board members.)

of the day, 365 /366 days a year . It is, I could confidently say, mankind is in the darkest and most unsought period in the entire history of the universe! What is considered the worst in our existence, we have it today. The very worst imaginable! Scorching-oven -heat temperature , or Arctic- like cold is no longer something a novelty. Droughts, famines, torrential rains, uncontrollable floods and wild fires are reported everywhere. Then typhoons , hurricane, and tsunami . The people who bear the brunt are our loved ones, the innocent young children , who will end up getting CANCER, from the toxic haze/smog , pregnant mothers, the medically vulnerable, those with underlying medical conditions and problems, the vulnerable senior citizens. All in the dirtiest polluted countries have their lifespan shortened by at least 5 years and will be burdened by a lifelong lung related diseases and premature death. The medical bills are something even the rich may not afford! It is worst than a convict serving a life sentence, because the notorious convict can still be helped . Then we have the small countries gradually sinking, in the Pacific Ocean. Most polluted Bangkok and Jakarta are sinking. The latter has been relocated to Borneo, care must be taken that the environment is protected in this monumental exercise. Plastic pollution is acknowledged to be a huge global problem today. We all have the responsibility to see to it that huge amounts of plastic waste do not pollute our environment and any part of the planet earth, especially causing harm to basically all forms of living things eg. human beings and the fish we eat when the plastic waste finds its way to the rivers, the seas and eventually the oceans. Micro plastics are found in people. These tiny particles are in our blood and our lungs! Similarly , in bigger proportion in animals. The harm to our health is something which scientists are most concerned and are still studying. It is imperative that stringent law be enacted to stop littering, especially anything made of plastic to save our own health and the planet earth. It is rather sad to note that we have the expected adventurers like those who leave their countries to seek fortune! This group is not interested in a clean environment and, therefore , not helping at this most critical and challenging time in the entire human history. A million Climate Summits can be arranged, but if there is no genuine desire to gradually phase out coal and fossil fuels , and to go green resorting to renewable energy such as solar and wind, things will continue to get worse to a point when human beings will find that the planet is no longer habitable. But where can we go? Meanwhile, every attempt must be made to cut down on emission of toxic gases. Electric vehicles should help. A sustainable solution is needed. Then we have the natural disasters like earthquakes. To make things worse, the Covid-19 is still around. Then the 100% man- made turmoil, wars , conflicts of all descriptions are making life absolutely unbearable for every one in those troubled spots of the world. The people who suffer the most across the globe are the lower income groups as they simply do not have the means to relocate and they are the people who occupy the least desired areas in their respective countries. Earth Day is not just a day for you to do anything that is environmentally correct for one day, but for all to realise that we are at the crossroads, take the right direction to save not only ourselves, but, more importantly, our future generations to come. _(_**Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soo**n_ is Sarawak social activist, philanthropist, founder of St John's Ambulance Sarawak.)_

However, this will set it apart from previous South Korean governments, such as the Roh Moo-hyun administration, which strengthened its anti-Japanese stance as its approval ratings declined. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to hold the first Japan-North Korea summit in 20 years with Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un, and it is hard to imagine that Yoon Suk Yeol, who attaches great importance to Japan-South Korea relations, would oppose this idea. There is no doubt that efforts to strengthen cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea will continue as long as Biden is president of the United States. Coincidentally, at the Japan-U.S. summit in Washington on the same day, Kishida asked Biden for his understanding of efforts to hold a Japan-North Korea summit and received his approval. However, this is unlikely to have any particular impact on future Japan-North Korea negotiations. This is because President Biden has expressed support for Japans policy toward North Korea, and the Kishida administration has no intention of making excessive concessions to North Korea. Rather, what Prime Minister Kishida should do to make the Japan-North Korea summit a reality is to approach North Korea, be willing to take risks, and make efforts to convince public opinion at home. Getting the cooperation of the United States is just one way to improve the environment. North Korea has repeatedly issued statements rejecting dialogue with Japan, which is reluctant to make major concessions, and it remains difficult for Japan-North Korea negotiations to make progress even with the support of the United States and South Korea. Japan is not the only country with which North Korea refuses to talk. Kim Jong Un has called South Korea the number one enemy and has also cut off hotlines to Seoul. Three summits with former President Moon Jae-in have yielded no concrete benefits for North Korea. In addition, North Korea strongly opposes Yoon Suk Yeols hardline policy toward North Korea. Yoon Suk Yeol continues to maintain a hardline stance and completely denies that Moon Jae-ins dialogue with North Korea was a waste. When there is a change of government in a country with a presidential system, the policies of the previous government are often completely repudiated. South Koreas Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho said in an interview with Japans Sankei Shimbun that he would make the release of South Korean abductees and others held by North Korea a top priority. Up to now, attention to the abduction issue has focused only on the abduction of Japanese citizens. This is because the South Korean government has not taken the issue of abductions of its own citizens seriously. Both North and South have accused each other of abduction not only during the Korean War in the early 1950s, but also during the Cold War that followed. South Korea is now a dignified democracy, but in the past the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) (later the National Intelligence Service [NIS]) had conducted various operations, including the abduction of North Koreans, so they may have felt guilty about it. During the Cold War, the former foreign minister of South Korea defected to North Korea. The Ministry of Unification, which serves as the liaison to North Korea, has focused on economic and people-to-people exchanges between the two Koreas for many years. Conservative governments have been no exception. The Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations have a history of funneling large amounts of foreign currency to North Korea through the Ministry of Unification. However, if the head of the Unification Ministry were to take the initiative to strongly confront North Koreas human rights issues and make it clear that the shelved issue of abducted South Koreans would be made a top priority, a backlash from North Korea would be inevitable. Resuming the inter-Korean dialogue is hopeless. In February, Kim Jong Un vehemently accused South Korea of trying to overthrow the North Korean regime and dreaming of a reunification of the two Koreas. Conversely, the logic is understandable. From the point of view of the Yoon Suk Yeol government, there is no doubt that North Korea will resolutely prevent the overthrow of the South Korean government and North Korean-led reunification. Nowadays, North and South Korea are moving in parallel. If North Korea launches four missiles at South Korea, South Korea will launch four missiles at North Korea. Both countries are also focusing on launching reconnaissance satellites. North Korea has often used the phrases word for word and action for action. It is intolerable for the neighboring countries to be dragged into this situation as both the North and the South curse each other and build up their militaries. _(_**Atsuhito Isozaki**_is Professor at Keio University, Japan.)_

revolution as unparalleled and must be above and beyond the pale of the colonial government. In the case of Malaysia, for that matter, the US, the polity had to adapt to the laws and customs of the UK from the very start. Not surprisingly, Sukarno saw Malaysia as a "colonial creation" that was open to immediate attack during the Konfrontasi in 1962-1965. Malaysia can be firm against foreign power but it cannot crack down immediately on the people who was longing for freedom and prosperity. In the same context, the US embedded the right to bear arms as the second amendment in the bills of rights in 1786. To this very date, the US continues to suffer from an over abundance of powerful hands arms. Secondly, there is also the expectation that everything must be done from the top. But the very essence of the Madani administration is that the civil society must participate in ensuring social harmony too. The very fact that an open and outrageous criticism that the PM of Malaysia has not succeeded barely after 16.5 months of his five year tenure in office implies the existence of a free and open environment to speak up. In the case of the US, it is a given that the NGOs and civil society must do the same to keep the spirit of the American Revolution alive. But as can be seen from the failure of the US Congress and NGOs to agree from the start until at the six month mark after the Gaza Palestine genocide that Israel's policy of total and massive retaliation and destruction had crossed all manners and forms of the international humanitarian laws, leading to an on going famine in Gaza, the American NGOs themselves had failed. Within the context of Malaysia, multi racial coalition to speak up against one of the worst tragedies to have evolve from the Middle East, which can lead to World War III, is a sign that Malaysians do not understand the national and international obligations thrust upon them. This is what one can infer from a post-colonial hangover. How does it work ? First a simple clarification of the medical and physiological phenomenal would be of utmost importance. A hang over, in generic medical terms, refers to the after effects of heavy drinking from the previous day. Some of the most common symptoms would be headaches and a state of prolonged disorientation as the body/brain tries to purge itself from the excesses of prior inebriation in the entire blood system. It is not a pleasant feeling and many if not all who suffer from such heavy drinking, whether sporadically or consistently, have always tried to look for some curative remedies to rid themselves of the hangover. When applied to a country or some collective social entity, a post colonial hangover among the leaders and laity of the said body politics, refers *once again to* understand the limits of power, indeed, the limits to place some constraints on them without causing the government to wobble. To begin with, regardless of the political orientation of the critic of the Prime Minister or the office of the Prime Minister, there is that persistent tendency to ignore that the current administration is but a Coalition-Unity Administration in spite of the 2/3 majority in a chamber of 222 Members of Parliament. Prior examples in the European Union's member states show that more than half of them cannot last more than one full term of their government's very first tenure when measured from the starting point of 1945. The Coalition Government, in the context of the Western society, are actually extremely feeble and flaky. They can and do tend to crack very easily before the end of their tenure. In the case of Anwar Ibrahim, on the night of November 19 2022, he could not on his own secure enough numbers despite a spirited campaign to lead the charge of the opposition to end the excesses of UMNO/BN. Yet the results turned out that unless he worked with UMNO/BN to gain the necessary minimum of 100 seats in hand, the rest of the government cannot be formed with the two states in Borneo. Second in criticising the perceived delays of the present administration, the critic himself is unaware of the limits that had been imposed on it or any coalition government. They do make main governing principles and medium to long term policies. It is a continuous work in progress. Yes, they make some compromises. Some may not like them, and many do not, but in the halls of power, compromise is part of how to stave the Unity-Coalition Government from coming apart. Remember, if the administration goes on the initial euphoria of governing, without due consideration, it may alienate the majority. That can be very counter productive especially when the opposition alliance will not leave any stones unturned to bring down the unity-coalition riding in the twin evils of identity politics of race and religion. Indeed, when the administrative complete powers of the Prime Minister have been equitable from the very start, it stands to reason that every issue touching on religious and ethnic sensibilities can lead to a combustible debates. Participative democracy. On the stocking-gate, unnecessarily and unwisely, peddled by the leader of UMNO Youth, it was very clear that the matter should be handled by the internal hierarchy of UMNO/BN first. Yet Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi was not the target of public unhappiness. It was the Prime Minister who had asked the Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution and the police to handle the investigation that was deemed to have handled it in a more nuanced manner. The usual lambast against the Prime Minister was and has always been: where was the Prime Minister? Yet having taken a strong stance against the genocide of Gaza (rightly so), that the whole world now acknowledge is a massive war crime and genocide, still in motion, despite the UN Security Council binding ceasefire resolution, the Prime Minister has had to make sure that Malaysia's economic and other systems were not under any form of cyber attacks by the Unit 8200 of the ultra far right of the Apartheid Zionists Israel regime, to say the least. Besides, unlike the Coalition government of the previous epochs, all the current ones in the world are swimming, indeed threading waters, in the surfeit of misinformation or "alternative facts." When the Prime Minister is not instantly hands on deck to speak up, he is lampooned as not a success. Very simplistic. But little is said that the enforcement agencies were quick to know that this issue had indeed touched a sensitive nerve in the economic make up of the government. A post-colonial hang over gives everyone the belief that they can draw a quick and summary conclusion of the administration. But truly the phrase Rome was not built in a day is without a doubt a maxim that everyone has to understand. What more when the Prime Minister inherited a very broken Rome, that requires stages of careful and inclusive rebuilding with diligent focus on outcome and impact to the MANY! (**Dr Rais Hussin** _is the Founder of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research_).

these questions, I started my session on Why must a student focus in life, a topic I thought was most critical for the 5th Formers. I selected six students to appear on stage and was most impressed with their answers. Many of the students planned to pursue careers in business, with emphasis on their good language and people skills being their motivating factors. Recent years have seen growing concern within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding the inundation of consumer goods from China, facilitated by e-commerce (EC) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). In 2004, on the eve of ACFTAs entry into force, Chinas share of ASEANs total imports was 9.4%. This increased to 23.6% in 2023. However, the ACFTA is not a one-way agreement. Although ASEAN products can also benefit from exports to China, the result is that China has many products with a comparative advantage. I then asked, How many of you make your beds in the morning? A few acknowledged while the majority stayed silent. I then moved on to my favourite topic with the question Who among you washes the toilet at home? Do you leave the toilet clean for the next person? There was pin-drop silence among my audience. Why have the sad and shameful conditions of our school toilets remained the same? From my school days till today, government school toilets have been an issue of horror, shame and disgust. The current levels of health hazards placed by their conditions are just unimaginable. The issue of toilets is what I want to emphasise among my readers. 1. Ignorance: The way the school toilet issue has been handled all these years is similar to ignoring an elephant in the room. This is an issue that has been discussed repeatedly in forums either via online media or letters to the editor, among all parents in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA / PIBG), but never in our Parliament. The Minister of Education (MOE) must address this matter as it is of grave concern towards our childrens well-being and health, as well as holding up the status of an educational institution. Such ignorance is inexcusable, and we see this not only within the school toilets, but also several eateries and public lavatories in almost every part of the country. If we do not educate our children from young on how to care for the cleanliness of the toilet at home, it is for certain they will not have this understanding be it in school or anywhere else. 2. Early Education: Japanese children are often taught about cleanliness and hygiene in preschool and early elementary school. The MOE should look upon the Japanese concept and make it compulsory to ensure every child is trained to keep the toilet and surroundings clean, starting from preschool and continuing till the child leaves school. Every school principal must be held responsible for the cleanliness of the toilets, ensure that the cleaners are doing their job well, and the government must allocate a proper budget to every school to ensure that the equipment to maintain the cleanliness of the toilets is in good condition. 3. Demonstrations: Teachers and parents often demonstrate proper toilet cleaning and hygiene practices. Every teacher must be trained in this area of imparting and training every child in this benevolent practice. 4. Use of Visual Aids: There must be more materials like posters, illustrations, and educational materials used to show children the proper way to clean lavatories and maintain cleanliness. This must be done in all languages so that the vernacular schools too are included in this exercise. 5. Parent Teachers Association (PTA / PIBG): This committee must play a role not just in educational excellence, but hygiene awareness, too. They must adopt the toilets and ensure their children are mandated with a class duty roster to clean the toilets and the school compound. Cooperation and support among the principal, teachers and parents is vital in this issue. There is nothing wrong with our children learning to keep toilets clean or pick up rubbish be it at home and in school, or anywhere else. Cleanliness is a habit that everyone should emulate 6. Role-Playing: Role-playing games or activities are used to help children understand and practise proper toilet cleaning and hygiene. This must start in kindergartens and nurseries. Each child must be taught about cleanliness and hygiene, and their parents should be included in the role-play activity as well as ensuring that the habit is continued at home. 7. Parents: Parents are the first teachers of any child. Whilst teaching ABC and 123, teach toilet cleanliness and hygiene, too. From the age of three years, teach them easy household chores in a fun manner, and include proper toilet usage and its upkeep. The child becomes either a hero or a zero from home. 8. Media: Catchy songs and rhymes can be used to make learning about cleanliness fun and memorable. The radio, TV, and social media must drum up the pathetic state of our toilets so that there will be greater buy-in from all the stakeholders i.e. government ministries, parents, teachers, headmasters, corporate companies, toiletry suppliers. 9. Reward Systems: Some schools or households use reward systems to encourage children to keep toilets and their surroundings clean. We can elect student bodies to be in charge of toilet and school cleanliness, and reward them with merits; the school can assign the members of the Art Club or students good in art to beautify the toilet and school surroundings; the MOE can launch a hygiene campaign or competition among schools in every state, and reward the winning school with perhaps a trophy and certain budget allocation for the school funds. Such projects could further encourage and instill awareness among the school folks on the importance of toilet hygiene. 10. Community Involvement: Children may be involved in community clean-up activities, i.e. gotong-royong projects in the school and their home areas, that may instill a sense of responsibility for their surroundings. Schools should organise field trips to visit the landfills, transfer stations, and recycling centres so that the children will be made to understand what is cleanliness and its importance. 11. Emphasis on Respect: Our Malaysian culture places a strong emphasis on respect, which must include respect for public spaces such as toilets. Children must be taught to respect and maintain the cleanliness of public properties such as playgrounds, parks, town halls and toilets, and even pick litter from wherever they are so that we can reduce spending RM 2 billion on waste management every year. 12. Consistent Reinforcement: Parents and teachers must consistently reinforce the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring that children understand and internalize these values. Several generations have passed either oblivious or ignorant about cleanliness and toilet upkeep. Despite our government, public and private sectors maintaining the high cost of keeping our toilets and environment clean, we are simply casting pearls to swine, as most Malaysians feel that ignoring hygiene provides jobs for janitors and waste workers. During the last World Cup in Qatar, Japanese soccer fans delighted the world by picking up litter at the stadium after every match that Japan played in. We Malaysians should emulate such a habit and begin with our toilets, with the hope that this will instill and lead to the practising of good hygiene habits in our environment. **Ravindran**_** Raman Kutty**_ is an active social worker.

many products with a comparative advantage. On issues verging on international peace and security, not excluding international humanitarian laws, even genocide - of which one is in motion in Gaza - although the world has witnessed others in Myanmar, Darfur, Rwanda and countless others before, the United Nations Security Council is rendered hapless. Why ? As and when a binding resolution has to be passed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the veto power of the five permanent members in the UNSC have been wielded time and again to protect their crony states, even when they are actively pursuing a policy of wiping out either partially or in whole, another population - ethnic cleansing. The hot button issue of today is Gaza. The problem is it has been triggering countless terror stricken campaigns, as things stand, verging on the likes of Israel, bombing 1.7 million more Gazans, all of whom are concentrated in Rafah. Since the verdict of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on January 26, 2024, which the judges voted by 14 to 2, that Israel is involved in a plausible genocide and the United States being complicitous, the situation has gone from bad to worse. It was none other than former UN Ambassador of US during the Obama Administration, who has had to admit, what the world has long known, indeed, opposed, that Gaza is facing a triple assault of a no holds barred arms assault from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), deliberate choking off of at least 500 food trucks that are needed to keep the victims well fed and now mass starvation. Malaysia has spoken of the strategic and moral necessity of reforming the UNSC. Instead of allowing each of the five permanent members, therein, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the US from wielding their veto to protect their allies that have gone rogue in murdering tens of thousands without even wanting to countenance a second "ceasefire," such a formula be permanently altered in these forms. First and foremost, for a veto to work more effectively, to prevent an issue from degenerating into the worst specter of a killing spree by one state against the other, at least three vetoes are needed by the five permanent members to block the UNSC resolution. Secondly, the UN General Assembly, a simple majority from the 197 member states is also needed to approve of what the UNSC had approved of. Without these immediate reforms, the world will be careening to m

also benefit from exports to China, the result is that China has many products with a comparative advantage. In Thailand, local small and medium-sized enterprises are suffering from competition from cheap imports from China. What they are especially dissatisfied with is the low-value import scheme. If imported goods cost less than 1,500 baht (about $41), they are exempt from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) even without the ACFTA. In February 2024, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), an organization composed of three major business groups, petitioned Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to review these rules. In response to this, the Thai Ministry of Finance is considering lowering the maximum price at which goods are exempt from VAT or removing the VAT exemption provision itself. The ACFTA is central to any discussion on the prevalence of Chinese products within ASEAN. Depending on the item, Chinas sluggish domestic demand and intensifying domestic competition continue to drive exports overseas. A typical example is the battery electric vehicle (BEV). Thailand has concluded FTAs with 19 countries. Of Thailands total trade value using FTAs, ACFTA accounts for 28% of exports and 47% of imports. The Ministry of Commerce of Thailand has published the top 10 products using ACFTA (HS 6-digit), and according to it, the number one import in 2023 was passenger electric vehicles (HS870380), so-called BEVs. Under the ACFTA, Thailand is the only major ASEAN member state to eliminate BEV tariffs. As a result, the value of BEV imports from China has increased approximately 600-fold ($2.54 billion) over the past five years. Notwithstanding, every person warrants respect and his or her dignity must not be allowed to be impugned by misfortune, illness, or vulnerability or pure aggression. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that BEV imports through the ACFTA will begin to decline before long. This does not mean that Chinese BEVs are not accepted in the market; rather, it is because the stage is shifting from import to local production. In addition to the tax exemption for imports of Chinese-made BEVs under the ACFTA, Chinese companies are subsidised by the Thai Government for local sales from 2022 onwards, as a result of their commitment to future local production. Therefore, around seven Chinese companies will start local production between 2024 and 2025. For Thailand, FDI has long been welcomed as it is expected to have economic ripple effects in a variety of ways, including job creation, transactions with domestic industries, technology transfer, and the acquisition of foreign exchange earnings. This time, however, things are a bit different. Over the next two years, Chinese BEV companies will set up factories one after another, but there are almost no reports of business deals from auto parts companies in Thailand. What is certain is that the benefits available to Thai companies are currently limited, and there is growing dissatisfaction and concern within the Thai industry. Two characteristics of Chinese BEV companies may account for this. First, Chinese BEV companies chose Free Zones (FZs: bonded areas considered to be outside Thailand) rather than general industrial zones. Chinese BEV companies located in bonded zones are entitled to 0% import duty on BEVs imported into Thailand, as long as they add more than 40% domestic or ASEAN value-added and also carry out the designated essential production processes domestically. If this condition can be met, even if all remaining parts are imported from China, transactions and processing within the bonded zones will generally be exempt from import duties and VAT. No bond is required for duty-free import. On the Chinese side, there is no need to follow ACFTA procedures when exporting parts. Second, Chinese BEV companies, represented by BYD, generally have a vertically integrated business model. They have a high degree of in-house production, especially for core components such as batteries and motors, which limits the scope for outsiders such as Thai companies to enter the trade. Chinese BEV companies plan to export BEVs assembled in Thailand to ASEAN, Oceania, and, depending on the company, Europe. If a certificate of origin (CO) is obtained for BEVs assembled within the bonded zone, the BEVs can be exported duty-free as Thai origin to markets with which Thailand has an FTA, including ASEAN. The expansion of the BEV inflow, due to ACFTA, and BEV production practices in bonded areas are attributed to Chinese companies skillfully exploiting institutional design flaws in Thai regulations. If the Thai government does not revise its system, it could damage not only the automotive pyramid it has built over many years, but also the industries of other ASEAN countries through exports. On the other hand, Chinese companies need to learn from the past history of FDI. In the 1970s, anti-Japanese sentiment raged across Southeast Asian countries. The reason was Japans business practices, which tended to prioritize profits without regard to local conditions and led to Japanese companies being described as economic animals. Japanese companies have won the trust of local society by reflecting on this. Chinese companies should consider not only their own interests, but also their contribution to the economies and societies of the countries in which they operate. _(**Seiya Sukegawa**, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Kokushikan University (Visiting Professor, Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology))_

World Cerebral Palsy Day (6 October), Invisible Disabilities Week (1723 October) and many others. These events will usually have statements made by the relevant ministers, invariably illustrated by photo-ops of the ministers with persons with disabilities and some infographics or images on the respective social media pages of KPWKM, MOH and MOE. These days and events are critical to focusing the nations attention on the lived experiences of persons with diverse disabilities. And, they should continue. At the same time, we need to ask: what impact have they made on the rights and support services landscape of the disability community? Have they galvanised KPWKM, MOH, MOE and other government agencies to enlarge and improve the national services for persons with disabilities and the disability community? For voters and taxpayers, independent and regular audits of the performance of ministries and all government entities are long overdue. Malaysian voters and taxpayers have a right to access the results of independent assessments of the scope and effectiveness of government services, performance and annual/longer-term plans for persons with disabilities. With their care partners, persons with disabilities account for more than 30% of the population. With the rapid ageing of Malaysian society and the ageing-disability intersectionality, we must acknowledge that the 30% will further rise. Yet, the disability community is one of the most poorly served in the nation. Here are critical questions that KPWKM, MOH and MOE need to answer on plans that each has outlined for the disability community: 1. What has happened to the National Autism Council whose formation the Ministry of Health announced in July 2022? Does it take two years for its inception? Services for autistic persons are limited, with most services provided outside of government agencies. Autistic persons, and other persons with disabilities, face barriers throughout their life course, from inadequate access to timely diagnosis and support services to the absence of systematic, long-term efforts to reduce stigmatization and discrimination, especially for OKU card holders, thus discouraging many from being formally registered as OKU. 2. Could Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA) and the Chief Secretary to the Government explain why we have failed, after 35 years (since 1988), to meet a government policy target and promise of 1% civil service jobs for disabled persons? The current rate is 0.3%. Most telling is that the majority of persons with disabilities who attempt to apply for a job via SPA do not even get called for an interview. Discriminatory practices against OKU who have the necessary qualifications extend beyond recruitment to job security and career advancement for the very few OKU in the civil service. Why are such practices silently condoned and perpetuated? Why is there no leadership in ending the injustice of discrimination against qualified OKU in the civil service? 3. The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has a good Pelan Tindakan OKU 2016-2022. Could KPWKM inform the Malaysian people what it has achieved for the 10 Plan strategies, as well as many objectives and targets? After 2022, why is there no follow-up Pelan Tindakan OKU? Without a Pelan Tindakan OKU since 1 January 2023, how does KPWKM allocate resources for OKU? 4. The Minister, KPWKM, announced that amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008 would be tabled in Parliament in June 2023. Nine months later, we are still waiting for meaningful amendments to harmonise the Act with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that Malaysia ratified in 2010. Noteworthy is the 10th core strategy (under KPWKMs Pelan Tindakan OKU 2016-2022) to Implement laws in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Could KPWKM explain what it has done to include and reflect the CRPD in amendments to the Act? 5. The Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health, has a detailed Health Care for Persons with Disabilities Plan of Action 2011-2020. It would be good to know what has been achieved. In the case of MOH too, why has the Plan for the disability community stopped without a follow-up Plan and, in this case even earlier, at 2020? Is it customary that a plan or its follow-up takes years to be launched? 6. In the case of the development of the National Dementia Plan of Action whose custodian is MOH, the process commenced in 2019, with civil society inputs in 2022 for the revival of the draft Plan and again in March 2024, with no indication to the concerned public when it will be launched. 7. The Ministry of Education has a meaningful Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025 (MEB) which outlines that 75% of students with special needs should be enrolled in inclusive programmes by 2025. MOE recently announced that the MEB achieved success. And yet, those of us who work with children with disabilities know how limited inclusion into mainstream education still is. It is time to take stock of the real achievements on inclusive education by listening to the ground realities of the disability community. 8. Why are the reports of the work undertaken by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (MBOKU) and its subcommittees not made available on the KPWKM website for easy access by OKU and the entire disability community that includes parents, allies and all concerned with OKU rights? Celebrating disability days is good for awareness raising, their original purpose, but only if reinforced by comprehensive efforts that yield meaningful change in the lives of persons with disabilities at the household and community levels. Nice speeches, plans and ideas are of no value unless translated into reality on the ground. The disability community is languishing. Children with disabilities are not fulfilling their potential. Adults with disabilities are struggling for equitable inclusion in all aspects of mainstream society. Malaysia is ill-prepared for disability with rapid ageing. This is a system-wide failure that calls for an urgent reality check and corrective actions. The answers to the above questions are a telling measure of the state of societal wellbeing. https://okurightsmatter.com/

DAP in the last state election probably built up even more resentment that DAP has for the youth party. And from the way it sounds, it is hard to imagine how the two parties could work together again in the future. While Syed Saddiq said in his reply to Hannah Yeoh that his criticism to DAP was not meant to be personal, and he was simply standing up for principles, we know that any political partnership is based on pragmatism and opportunism. On the surface, it would seem that DAP and MUDA worked well together because of principles, particularly on building a multiracial party. DAP was often the most generous in giving winnable seats to MUDA to solidify the partnership especially when MUDA is a young party with no grassroots base. However this partnership would never work if it wasnt rooted in a deep pragmatism. Both parties knew that PHs popularity among Malay-majority urban and semiurban enclaves could be increased. And DAPs overreliance on PKR to deliver that segment might be too risky especially when PKR is seen as falling short of its obligations. To many insiders, MUDA could act as a replacement to PKR if they continue to perform successfully, and given Syed Saddiqs social media popularity, it looked very promising. Syed Saddiq was also willing to play that role. It knew that its party needed winnable seats and grassroots machinery support to prove its worth. And it knew that DAP was willing to provide them before it slowly trespassed into PKRs seats. That is why the seat negotiations was most vicious between PKR and MUDA, and also why PKRs youth groups are most upset with MUDA. It was also pragmatism that eventually convinced MUDA to leave the PH cooperation. It knew that its negotiations for PKR seats will never be smooth, and that it was better to contest against them. That was why MUDA decided to contest against PH in the state elections. Even though the reason for its departure was because MUDA was against corruption, it was most definitely pragmatism that drove them out. Additionally, everyone also knows that MUDA cannot hold the moral high ground with other parties. When Syed Saddiq first came into politics, the first party he joined was Bersatu because it gave him the fastest route to rise up the political ranks. If he was truly principled, he would have joined a multiracial party, but pragmatism drove him ahead. When PH government fell in 2020, Syed Saddiq appeared at Sheraton Hotel to negotiate for the main movers of the backdoor government. When the unity government was formed with Zahid Hamidi as deputy prime minister, Syed Saddiq was part of the government and only quit after. If it was truly principle that he stood for, he wouldnt have made these choices, but he did because it was the pragmatic thing to do. And that is the reality of most politicians. While Syed Saddiq will claim that his corruption case is not over yet, it once again does not give his claims for corruption credibility when he is also ridden with similar cases. This means that any future partnership of DAP and MUDA is probable depending on whether it is politically pragmatic at that time. If MUDA is able to prop up winnable Malay candidates to win at urban and semiurban seats, and that PKRs candidates are few and unpopular, then the DAP-MUDA partnership will happen without force. However, if PKR continues to expand its membership and trains good Malay candidates who promote a multiracial society with a Malay-Muslim emphasis, then DAP will not think of searching for another partner. That is not to say that the history between the two parties and Hannah Yeoh and Syed Saddiq does not matter. It doesthe conflict has angered the grassroots from both parties that undoubtedly feel betrayed and attacked. Hurtful is a mild way to put it. But if the moment calls for it, then the grassroots would have to accept it begrudgingly as well. Just as how they had to accept working with Mahathir and UMNO. Pragmatism drives political choices. Principle is used as a reason to justify choices, but do not for one second think that principle is enough. That is the most hurtful, but truthful, thing to hear. _(**James Chai** is a Think Tank Chief Researcher and Legal Advisor)_ Ng Lai-Thin The OKU Rights Matter Project https://okurightsmatter.com/

juga_. And anyway, according to Bung Mokhtar, KK Mart is NOT a Sabahan issue. HmmmI seem to track a pattern here about intelligence, shrewdness or pure stupidity. Now, for an academic like me to use the word stupidity, I must have run out of words in my academic vocabulary and have had to resort to my lower level and base vocabulary. Apologies all around. But, there is this curious thing in the Malay language. I can only think of four words to describe intelligence; cerdik, pandai pintar and bijak. But there are eight words to describe the opposite of intelligence: bodoh, bangang, bebal, bongok, bengap, biul, dungu, tengin. Bodoh would mean stupid as in not understanding a simple thing. Bangang would mean repeatedly making the same stupid mistake. Bebal would connote a difficulty in paying attention to improve oneself. Bongok is simply a frustrating word used by a person on another in exasperation or impatience of that person making a mistake. Bengap is just dumb. Biul I seldom use and it may connote an inability to learn. Dungu might be the same as dumb. Tengin is the highest level of stupidity in any person alive who can function in society. Now, does any of these words apply to Akmal Saleh? I do not think so. These words, however, do apply to most of his supporters including both highly educated ones or the SPM level ones. For Akmal, even the word bodoh-sombong which describes a person who is clearly stupid and too proud to admit it and thus continue on his stupidity. For Akmal Saleh, he defies any Malay word I know, unless the Dewan Bahasa people know things that I dont. Whichever the case maybe for Akmal Saleh who do not seem to comprehend the many advise given by cultured personalities as Anwar Ibrahim, the YDP Agong Sultan Ibrahim and the Yang Berhormat from the Unity Government parties, _semua sudah cakap_. All of us ordinary Malaysian with SPM or MCE Bahasa Melayu _pun boleh faham,_ but not Akmal. So, my question here would be, what would make him _faham_? How about, first, instead of _cakap banyak_, UMNO suspend him for defiance of the so called orders of the top as stipulated by the old cowboy of UMNO, Bung. Can UMNO do that? Of course it can. But I do not think that would also diminish Akmals defiance. Then, how about taking away his Melaka Exco position? Can UMNO do that? Yes, but will that stop him? No, I dont think so because he says that he would rather lose his position for defending his faith. How about the police charging Akmal Saleh for incitement? We ordinary Malaysians never studied law but we recognize pure incitement in many of his speeches. It is a surprise and a huge disappointment that the Chief of Police did not see any incitement. _Pelik binti Ajaib_. I am sure that if he were to be charged and stripped of all his earthly position, then perhaps that might create a capacity of comprehension in the mans brain and heart that what he has done is a serious dent to our efforts of social and religious harmony. I am doubly sure that if the police were to arrest those vigilantes and _kurang ajar ustazs_ berating Malaysians at factories, then these supporters of Akmal would eventually vacate his obvious defiance. Now, those suggestions could make Akmal end the boycott dont you think so? At best, I think it is a 50-50 shot. He may or may not change. Then what would change him to see things like honest Malaysians who love peace and tolerance? Only two things would guarantee this change in the man, of that I am sure. If the _rakyat_ boycotts the Hari Raya Open House by UMNO states, then that would signal the end of UMNO in Malaysia. And, to seal the fate of Akmal Saleh, what if the _rakyat_ delivers a total wipe out of UMNO and the old cowboy, in the coming Sabah state election? Now, that, my Malaysian brothers and sisters is how you may defeat a politician. First, use his own game and second, cut off his support base, UMNO the party. No amount of advice by anybody would change UMNO. Only the _rakyat_ can teach both UMNO and Akmal a lesson they will never forget. Malaysians may be both frightened and at the same time disgusted with Akmal and UMNO, but we have the only currency politicians understands; our votes and trust. (**Prof Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi**_is Professor of Architecture at a local university and his writing reflects his own personal opinion entirely.)_

vigilante groups, and firebombs. Properties have been damaged and although lives were at risk, fortunately no-one was seriously injured or killed. The police launched investigations. Although speedy progress was made in capturing the Israeli, who entered Malaysia, allegedly to assassinate a rival, what progress has been made regarding the domestic terrorists? Malaysia appears to be a breeding ground where foreigners come to commit crimes and then make a quick exit when their mission is complete. In 2017, Kim Jong-Nam, the older half-brother of the North Korean dictator, was assassinated. In 2018, the Gaza-born electrical engineer, Fadi Mohammed al-Batsch, a member of Hamas, was killed in Kuala Lumpur. Is Malaysia an easy target because both security and law enforcement are lax? Like it or not, we have two tiers of justice in Malaysia, one for the elite, and another for ordinary citizens, but the country also suffers double standards for police investigations. In some crimes, the culprit is caught within no time at all, whilst in others, the criminals remain at large despite CCTV cameras, witness accounts and forensic evidence. On 21 July 2023, lawyer, activist and champion of the Orang Asli community, Siti Kassim, was the intended target of an improvised explosive device (IED) or a bomb. The police launched an immediate investigation. At the time, the prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, failed to make a public announcement to denounce the bomb threat. He acted irresponsibly. A true leader would have said something, however brief, to allay the fears of the public and reassure them. Anwar knows that Siti is not just a little known individual, but is a respectable and well known critic of injustice, corruption, religious intolerance and the government. Anwars silence was puzzling. Members of the rakyat feared 'copycat' bomb threats especially from people who didnt agree with what they may consider liberal views, just like Sitis. Six months after Sitis life was threatened, on 10 January, the house belonging to the Beruas MP Ngeh Koo Ham, in Ayer Tawar, was torched by a petrol bomb. The resulting fire damaged three cars and his house-porch. Luckily, Ngeh and his wife were unhurt. Ngeh had courted controversy when he suggested the inclusion of non-Muslim experts in the special committee to review the jurisdiction of the Syariah court. A forensic team and K9 sniffer dogs were deployed to the scene, but what has happened to these police investigations? Has any progress been made? Have investigations stalled? To commit an arson attack against another person, just because of his differing views is unacceptable. Just like the bomb threat against Siti, lives were at risk and innocent people could have been hurt or killed. Did Anwar criticise the petrol bomb attack on Ngeh? Isnt he part of Anwar's coalition? Three months later, on 13 March, KK Mart and its owner, KK Chia, became an unrelenting target of the Umno-Baru Youth leader, Akmal Saleh over the sale of some controversial socks. Sadly, Akmals hubris has fanned the flames of violence and stirred religious fanatics within Malaysia to damage community relations and commit arson attacks. For reasons known only to himself, Akmal refused to acknowledge that his arrogance has fueled hatred amongst the population. He has worsened our security and threatened our economic stability. In three weeks, three shops were firebombed. In Bidor, Perak, then Kuantan, Pahang and shockingly, the third arson attack occurred in the religiously tolerant nation of Sarawak. The violence has spread to East Malaysia. Akmals message was crystal clear. As before, the police launched their investigations, scrutinised CCTV recordings, took witness statements and conducted forensic examinations. To date, no-one has been hauled in for questioning, nor have we been informed of the progress of these investigations. People fear for their safety. They are afraid of being injured whilst shopping in a KK Mart shop which may be petrol bombed. The business community is treading on eggshells, fearful that they could be the next target of religious vigilante groups. Workers in retail and the associated industries, like those working in socks factories, fear their future job prospects. The national psyche is affected because others ridicule us for allowing the security and reputation of the nation to be damaged over five pairs of socks No-one believes Akmals line that Chia knowingly touched on sensitive topics. No-one believes Akmal when he said that Chia had deliberately insulted Islam. Why would Chia jeopardise his successful billion ringgit enterprise over five pairs of socks? Akmal and other attention seeking and intolerant politicians should seriously heed the advice of the Agong, the Sultans of Perak and Pahang. Sadly, the ulamas are oddly quiet over the arson attacks. Concerned citizens earlier warned our leaders to nip the socks issue in the bud, and rein in the Youth leader. They failed to act, and allowed Akmal to let the genie out of the bottle.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The postponement reduces the reporting burdens for companies and gives them more time to prepare for the increased reporting requirements. Closer to home, the Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX) has recently introduced a new training provider, effectively ending the monopoly on accredited training programmes for directors. SGX has also taken the right step to widen the pool of training providers. Allowing any monopoly to exist is bad for any industry. Why are these moves by the EU and the SGX so important for other markets to consider? Firstly, we are seeing a great deal of resistance in the ESG space, which is no surprise given the complexities surrounding the requirements for disclosure, especially for the environmental pillar. One example is Exxon Mobils lawsuit against two activist investors, who had filed a shareholder proposal calling on Exxon to set targets to reduce carbon emissions. Shareholder resolutions calling on companies to take steps on ESG issues have drawn increasing attention. In Exxons case, the shareholder proposal had called for Exxon to set Scope 3 targets for reducing emissions. The EUs decision to delay sustainability reporting standards is recognition that companies need some time and space, not to mention the fact that global standards for disclosure have not even been set. The answer to the increasing resistance in the ESG space is to create awareness of some of the new changes that will come about. For now, it is sufficient to tweak the existing mandatory training programme to half a day of conversation. Public listed companies should be devoting their resources to sustainable business strategies and not on future potential areas of enforced rules. ( **Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen **is an experienced emerging markets fund manager and public board director with regulatory knowledge. She was the first female chair of the Malaysian Stock Exchange and the former CEO of AIG Investment Corporation (Malaysia), an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) trailblazer, encouraging organizations to become ESG sustainable, either as investors or as board members.)

forgive those at this time.That will lessen human sufferings .Those of Christian faiths will reflect on human sufferings, especially the plight of the poor, the destitute, the homeless, the terminally ill, the very sick and the most vulnerable. For instance, the suffering of people from cancer is unbelievable. The Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles lll and his daughter-in-law, Princess of Wales have most courageously announced their illness in order to create awareness of this disease. We pray for them and all cancer patients: healing and speedy recovery. To all, we say dont give up hope, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. And now unfolding before us, 24 hours a day, the horrors and atrocities of wars, aggression, conflicts everywhere. The sufferings they go through physically, emotionally are unbelievable. But even in their darkest hours, they have never given up hope. On top of all these, there is the Covid 19, we are now asked to live with it. Every single human being, whether born the poorest of the poor, the weakest of the weak, or incapacitated by serious illness, is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. But might and relentless aggression have made this impossible. Human dignity is certainly not relative to social status, financial standing , nor to physical or intellectual abilities. Notwithstanding, every person warrants respect and his or her dignity must not be allowed to be impugned by misfortune, illness, or vulnerability or pure aggression. It is, I feel, fundamentally wrong, unethical, and immoral, to persecute relentlessly all those who are already suffering in life. It is the duty of each and every one of us to uphold the fundamental principle of upholding human dignity at all times and in all situations. But, are we? Seeing the way some foreign countries are exterminating the entire population of a targeted nation, with ruthless maximum atrocities, then razed to the ground with not a building left standing . The foreign aggressor or bully to wipe off an entire people of a helpless country. No place is safe and no place to go. The treatment of those caught in all these unjustified wars, aggression or conflicts is undoubtedly, the worst! For the poor, the sick, the terminally ill, and the vulnerable without upholding their dignity is to be abhorred, and is without prevarication unacceptable in any circumstances. All men are born equal in the eyes of our Creator. A convict, a person with any serious illness, so called inmate of an institution, an unemployed, a pauper, the destitute, the homeless, the oppressed, the persecuted and the sex worker. Every day, not only at Easter, all should show kindness, compassion and empathy, all human attributes. Our hearts are not made of steel or stone, we are not monsters but are human and capable of giving love and affection and empathy in abundance in this most difficult and challenging world. Even animals are protective of their family, unless they happen to be some savage beasts or monsters. We all must play a role in helping to relieve all forms of human sufferings.Help to lessen them, not to intensify . At Easter all could reflect on our faith and beliefs. It is a good thing that all religions should get to know each other , and this will enable all not only to tolerate but to accept each other. The newly proclaimed King of Malaysia , Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, has been able to accept all religions in his Sultanate of Johor and thereby there is always peace and harmony in Johor. _(_Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon_ is Sarawak social activist,philanthropist, founder of St Johns Ambulance Sarawak.)_

life and property from those Malays who know not their own Prophet, their own God and their own religion that they are so bent in protecting. We ask that Malaysians show patience and act with kindness towards all Muslims. The greatest weapon against cruelty, bigotry and arrogance is simply forgiveness, patience and kindness. There exists no weapon in the arsenal and knowledge of man that can overpower those three acts of humanity. Gandhi had proven it and Reverand Martin Luther King. The real power of faith is in those three, not in threats, not in cruelty and certainly not in selfishness. As we enter the final third month of Ramadhan, said to be the 10 holiest and most sacred, many Muslims will be spending time in mosques throughout the night hoping for the Lai-latul-Qadr or the Night of Power. It is said that Allahs Mercy and Blessings would flow in this night till dawn and if one were to capture that night then all of our sins may be forgiven by Him. For my wife and I, we are two Muslims who will look first towards asking forgiveness from all Malaysians who have been tested grievously by the Stocking incident that has cost Malays to act beyond and against the norms, value and faith of Islam. As I watch the video of a man who was said to be an Ustaz berating a lone Chinese woman trembling with fear, I feel suddenly a dark gloom overcasting the celebrations of Hari Raya this year. The darkest gloom for me during Hari Raya was my first heart attack in 2018 when I did not know whether another one would end my life while I waited for my bypass surgery. But the gloom I felt after watching that video created a heaviness in my heart as I confided my feeling to my wife. She too said that she is embarrassed and felt ashamed to meet her doctors who are mostly non-Muslims and face them after the insults, threats and incitement of the past few weeks thrown by Malays against our fellow citizens. In this Hari Raya, I had planned to invite many non-Muslim friends to my house in Kajang. The thought had filled me with joy as I was healthy, and I can afford to do so in style. But when the stocking incident became worse to dangerous, I felt like dark clouds had encircled my house and I felt, for the first time, ashamed and embarrassed to come face to face with those whom have helped me in my life but that they are going through such a rough and uncertain time of racial, political and religious unrest. We can blame Akmal or UMNO but I know for a fact that most Malays are like Akmal and it is easy to rally a populist call for a short term gain at a cost of nation destruction. Both my wife and I do not have any political backing, economic strength or even social standing but all we have is the sincerity and sadness of our hearts at the way this issue has been blown out of proportion. I know that the asking of forgiveness from two insignificant individuals who are Malay and Muslim may not amount to much in the greater scheme of things but that is all that we have. I had wished and prayed that there would be many Malay professors, muftis and ustaz to back our call for ceasefire on this issue but none, save one mufti from Penang, did. We may still have a country, we may still have a parliament and we may still have our cars and houses, but without respect for each other, do we still have a nation? Thus, to all my colleagues at UCSI University, to all my teachers and friends in St. Marks Primary Butterworth (1969 to 1974), StMarks Secondary, Butterworth( 1975 to 1976), SMJK Hua Lian (1976 1980), to my physicians, salespersons, bankers, lawyers and police men, may the paths crossed testify to our beliefs in one another and also our forgiveness from and to one another. As Malaysia face a somber trial of faith and perseverance, let us use the power of patience, forgiveness and kindness to stem the tide of mistrust, cruelty and bigotry to still have faith in our nation, even if it means with just the small number in our hearts. I pray that all good Malaysians tell their children that these dark days of Ramadhan, that they saw two lights of hope, faith and joy from two simple Muslims who stand out against a majority of those who dishonor the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and also the words of our forefathers, bersatu teguh bercerai roboh. Salam Hari Raya and Lai-latul-Qadr to all Malaysians and maaf Zahir dan Batin. (Prof Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi_is Professor of Architecture at a local university and his writing reflects his own personal opinion entirely.)_

but the point is that Akmal should be held responsible for fanning this hatred. He failed to acknowledge the seriousness of his actions, he failed to show leadership, he failed to act responsibly and he endangered the lives of many people. KK Mart has severed ties with one of their suppliers. Workers in KK Mart and the factory which supplied it with socks, are anxious about the boycott which Akmal heavily promoted. A boycott will have dire consequences on their employment prospects. A boycott will result in reduced sales, possible shop closures and redundancies. There will be no Raya joy or Raya celebrations if a worker loses his job because of Akmals folly. A few days after Akmals dangerous hate speech, vigilante groups started to emerge and take the law into their own hands. They threatened those with whom they disagreed. Malay vigilante silat groups demonstrated their skills in a show of defiance, like a bully showing his victim how hard he can hit. Factory workers' lives were at risk when it was revealed that arsonists were targeting their factory. Personal details of key individuals were released on social media and KK Marts workers were verbally assaulted. So, when will Akmal desist? Will he only stop making incendiary comments when people are injured, or worse still, lives are lost? Will he cease when KK Mart and other associated businesses are razed to the ground? He is prepared to risk the safety of the nation and destroy our peaceful co-existence just because of five pairs of socks. How will he react when more serious issues affect the nation? Will the non-Malays get the blame again? Akmal is a cheap political opportunist who will sacrifice the harmony of our multicultural nation for his few seconds of infamy. By prolonging the issue, Akmal has sparked an arson attack, but even more disappointing is his denial to accept responsibility that his actions over the past ten days had dire consequences. He put the nation on tenterhooks. He rendered meaningless the true spirit of Ramadan. He put Muslims in a bad light and made others think of them as heartless, intolerant people. Last week, a few ministers, like the Transport minister, Anthony Loke, Housing Minister, Nga Kor Ming, and Tourism Minister, Tiong King Sing, unsuccessfully urged Akmal to move on especially after KK Chias apology. Most decent people would have graciously accepted Chia's gesture and act of humility, and moved on especially as the nation has more important issues to consider. However, the stubborn Akmal refused to budge. Former ministers, like Rafidah Aziz and Khairy Jamaluddin also urged Akmal to exercise restraint, as did Ameer Ali Mydin, the boss of Mydin hypermarket. Instead of acknowledging Ameers wise words and guidance, Akmal also turned on him. Akmal proudly boasted that he was willing to risk his position to defend Islam. He is too narcissistic to realise he is promoting mob violence. Most Muslims are aware that he wasnt defending Islam. He is a cheap political opportunist, who is willing to sacrifice the well-being of our multicultural nation for a few seconds of infamy. His dangerous rhetoric struck at our democratic values. He failed to put the interests of the nation first, but was only thinking about himself. He was desperate to portray himself as the defender of Islam and protector of the Malays. His choice of words like needing to teach KK Mart a lesson expose his true character. He is a bully. He accused KK Mart of deliberately insulting Islam. What proof did he have? As it is there have been many allegations of sabotage or business rivalry, especially as KK Mart was going public on Bursa Saham Malaysia. He glibly told KK Chai that after the boycott he could venture into other businesses. Is Akmal that daft? It takes many years, possibly decades to identify a niche and build a market and business. It takes a lot of investment, not just in money but also time and building good relationships with suppliers, traders, the local community and government departments. From the outset, why would Chai jeopardise his business empire? Our religious leaders refused to condemn this descent into mob-rule. Why? More importantly, the Prime minister, his deputy who is also the Umno-Baru president, the Home Minister, the Communications Minister, the Minister for National Unity, the Minister for Religious Affairs and the IGP lack leadership. All failed to promptly discharge their duties. Akmal was treated with kid gloves. Whilst our leaders sit on their hands, the country burns.

cesium, etc., and made into safe water at a sufficiently diluted concentration. On the other hand, gas is difficult to adsorb and does not pose safety problems unless the amount is large, so it is usually vented to the atmosphere. At the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, contaminated cooling water is also treated and discharged into the sea after its safety is confirmed. Gas has also been released into the atmosphere while ensuring its safety. The Taishan incident was not an accident, but a minor problem. However, radioactive materials normally contained in nuclear fuel, which should be contained in fuel rods, contaminate cooling water and are eventually released into the ocean and atmosphere. Chinese authorities have confirmed that the plant is safe. The ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, like Taishan, uses filters to remove radioactive materials from nuclear fuel, and is released into the environment after confirming that the amount is sufficiently low. Not only the Japanese authorities but also the IAEA have confirmed that it is sufficiently safe. In this way, radioactive materials from nuclear power plants are released into the environment after thorough safety confirmation. It is the same in China and Japan. Radioactive substances are naturally present in the environment. 0.08Bq/L of uranium is dissolved in seawater, and about 1Bq/L of tritium is contained in drinking water. We are surrounded by radioactive substances. Compared to these naturally existing radioactive substances, if the amounts are small enough, they will have no effect on the environment. In other words, both the Taishan nuclear power plant and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant release radioactive substances into the environment, but they have no effect on the environment. It can only be assumed that the Chinese government continues to spread false rumors as propaganda, even though it understands the scientific safety of ALPS treated water. In nuclear power plants, various radioactive substances are generated in the cooling water simply by operating the reactor. Normal water is typically used in nuclear power plants to cool the reactors. Water consists of hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O), expressed as H2O. Water also contains very small quantities of deuterium (D), which has a neutron attached to a hydrogen nucleus. The deuterium absorbs the attached neutron in the reactor to produce hydrogen-3, or tritium (T). Tritium is a radioactive substance that emits beta rays. In other words, the more reactors are operated, the more tritium is automatically produced. This tritium is an isotope of hydrogen and is difficult to separate. A nuclear power plant that uses heavy water as a coolant, such as the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in China, produces hundreds of times more tritium than normal nuclear power plants, because the hydrogen atoms in heavy water are all deuterium, rather than the common hydrogen-1 isotope. Tritium, which is produced in large quantities, is extremely thin and difficult to separate, so it has traditionally been released into the environment. For example, according to the China Nuclear Energy Yearbook 2022, 47 trillion Bq of tritium has been released into the sea from the Taishan nuclear power plant. The permissible amount is 140 trillion Bq, and it has been reported that there are no safety problems. At the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, which operates a heavy water-cooled reactor, the amount of tritium released is high, about 220 trillion Bq, but the permissible amount is 800 trillion Bq, so there is no safety problem. In addition to tritium, nuclear power plants also release radioactive substances such as carbon-14 into the ocean and atmosphere without being able to separate them. In particular, the Taishan nuclear power plant releases 12 trillion Bq of radioactive inert gas such as krypton-85 into the atmosphere, but the permissible amount is 145 trillion Bq, so there is no safety problem. As described above, nuclear power plants around the world continuously release radioactive materials into the environment in safe amounts. ALPS treated water is released after all substances other than tritium have been sufficiently removed. The annual release of tritium is less than 22 trillion Bq, which is lower than Taishans 47 trillion Bq. Carbon-14 is also about 0.001 trillion Bq, much lower than Taishans 0.4 trillion Bq. Again, radioactive materials are already present in the environment. Both China and Japan take into account the amount of these radioactive substances that originally exist and release them after confirming that they have no effect on the environment. There is no safety problem at all. _(**Koji Okamoto**, Professor, The University of Tokyo)_