LAST Friday, Oct 10, was World Mental Health Day. I wrote on my Instagram, We are walking wounded. I hesitated before posting it as the phrase felt too blunt, almost confrontational. But over the past two years, I have asked hundreds of people what they think when they hear these words, and nine out of 10 quietly agreed. If I say, We are the walking wounded, what do you feel? Many nod in recognition, some look startled while others go silent eyes glazing over as if those words touch something ..

SOMETHING is deeply wrong with the world our children are growing up in. And the scariest part is they are beginning to mirror it. It began with the horror in Malacca: four teenage boys allegedly raped a 15-year-old schoolmate in a classroom after school hours. Two of them reportedly recorded the assault on their phones. The school has since expelled the students involved, following nationwide outrage and a promise to review school safety and discipline. Before we could even process that, ..

JUST as words can heal, they can also wound. Have you ever replayed someones remarks for days questioning your feelings, judgement or even sanity? This could be a sign of gaslighting a manipulative tactic designed to make you doubt your memory, ability or perception. Gaslighting is not the same as bullying. While bullying is overt and aggressive, gaslighting is subtle and insidious. It distorts reality and creates confusion, often leaving you unsure about what actually happened or whether you ..

Q: Do you think it is a good idea for our son to wait a year after completing secondary school before enrolling at a university? He is quite responsible and has specific plans for his studies and future but he wants some time off. We are concerned about him losing momentum. How should we approach this? Focus on the Family Malaysia: It sounds like you have done a wonderful job in raising your son. From what youve shared, he seems like a responsible, intelligent and goal-oriented young man. Given ..

WITHIN the sphere of modern education, the problem of skills gap has continuously emerged as a significant problem one that is affecting individuals, employers, industries and the entire economy. Graduates leave the education system with credentials but not with the required knowledge and work experience. The main negative outcomes include unemployability and diminished job readiness. To address this, educational management must play a key role in closing the gap by aligning academic learning ..

OVER the past month, since Merdeka, I have noticed something that has unsettled me more than I expected stranded Jalur Gemilang flags along highways and drains. Some were torn and half-buried in puddles. They were once raised proudly from car windows and stalls, fluttering symbols of love for the country. Now, they lie forgotten. It may be a small thing but to me, those abandoned flags say something about how we treat what we claim to love. We celebrate with passion, then move on. We raise ..

SCHOOLS are meant to be places for learning, character building and the nurturing of humanity. Yet, the reality today is deeply unsettling. Cases of student stabbings, rape and bullying that injure peers are not just sensational headlines; they are warning signs that our education system is hurting from within. We are no longer merely talking about academic performance or school rankings but also about the very soul of education that has lost its direction. When students become perpetrators of ..

SETTING: A gilded sitting room in Mar-a-Lago. President Donald Trump is scowling at a tablet while Melania sips a glass of mineral water, looking impassively out of the window. Two close friends are around. Trump: ( Slams the tablet onto a velvet cushion ) Its a disgrace! A total and complete disgrace. A rigged deal, just like the election. The Nobel people are a bunch of losers. Melania: (Without looking over) Again, Donald? You talked about this all night. Trump: How can I be quiet, Melania? ..

A youth leader from an Islamist political party in Penang was recently reported to have said that leadership of Muslims should be reserved for Muslims. He was referring to a particular constituency in which the majority of voters are Malays. Has he perhaps wandered into a fog of confusion? Is he suggesting that a leader from a minority group cannot lead the majority in a nation? If so, Britain offers a clear counterexample. Rishi Sunak, a Hindu and leader of the Conservative Party, served as ..

I REFER to theSun report dated Sept 15, MPs divided over night business concept, which discussed proposals to expand Malaysias night-time economy by looking to models in Amsterdam and Sydney. Such ideas can boost tourism and enliven cities after office hours. While the objective of stimulating the national economy is commendable, we must ensure that in the rush to promote the night economy, our existing small traders and hawkers who have long been the backbone of the peoples economy are not ..

THE governments decision to raise the upper consultation fee cap for private general practitioners (GP) to RM80 while maintaining the outdated lower cap of RM10 is concerning and raises questions about its potential impact on the sustainability of private primary care services in Malaysia. For over three decades, private GPs have operated under an outdated Schedule 7 fee structure that does not reflect rising inflation, regulatory compliance costs, staff wages or medical indemnity premiums. The ..

LETS not kid ourselves, darlings. The average Malaysian office worker deserves a national award preferably one that comes with a spa voucher and a lifetime supply of paracetamol. Every day, they sit there replying to emails with the serenity of a monk while inside they are screaming louder than your auntie when she realises her Shopee parcel has been delivered to the wrong taman. And when the stress bubbles over, where do they go? HR? Oh, please. HR is about as comforting as a Dear valued ..

THE message for this World Heart Day was clear: Dont Miss a Beat. It is more than a slogan; it is a wake-up call for every Malaysian to take charge of the health of their hearts before its too late. Heart disease is Malaysias number one killer, claiming over 20,000 lives in 2022, and alarmingly, nearly one in three deaths occur in adults under 60. Many of these lives could have been saved if risk factors had been detected and managed earlier. Too many people wait for a warning sign, such as ..

THE world is entering a new era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Countries large and small from China to New Zealand and Singapore have adopted national AI strategies to seize opportunities and manage risks. Meanwhile, Malaysia has yet to do so. Yes, we have a roadmap but a roadmap is not a strategy. In a race as fast-moving as AI, standing still means falling behind. AI is not just another tech buzzword; it is a game changer. It is transforming education, manufacturing, healthcare, ..

WHEN we think of socioeconomic inequality around the world, the images that often come to mind are familiar: a child from a low-income family denied access to quality education, overcrowded schools and hospitals, pothole-ridden roads, and communities left behind by the digital divide. Yet, behind these visible symptoms lies an invisible force one that quietly siphons national resources, distorts development priorities and entrenches inequality. Economists call this phenomenon rent-seeking. The ..

A RECENT Forbesarticle introduced a term many of us may not have heard before quiet covering. While the phrase may be new, the behaviour it describes is all too familiar, especially for Gen Z professionals entering the workforce. Unlike quiet quitting or quiet cracking, which involve disengagement or emotional strain, quiet covering is about hiding. It is when employees suppress parts of their identity how they dress, speak, think or express themselves to conform to workplace norms. It is ..

IF anyone tells you that work-life balance exists, they are either lying, deluded or living secretly as a monk somewhere in Genting Highlands. For the rest of us in the trenches working-class professionals with kids, mortgages and a perpetually half-empty fridge it is not balance; it is juggling, often with one hand on a unicycle over a pit of crocodiles. And yet, somehow we keep going. Take my mornings, for instance. My seven-year-old wants a full breakfast: chicken, rice, toast and water ..

AS Malaysia edges closer to 2030 along with its ambitions of becoming a high- income, innovation-driven nation one uncomfortable reality continues to obstruct our progress: education. Few would dispute that a major risk to the nations future is a botched education system. And not many would deny that our education system reform needs bold, visionary leadership. Yet, progress remains slow and the struggle continues. For too long, education leadership in Malaysia has been about managing the ..

THE tragic death of a nine-year-old student who fell into an uncovered sewage pit at a school in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan, has rightly raised serious questions about school safety standards in Malaysia. We commend the Education Ministry for launching an investigation and promising strict action against anyone failing to follow safety SOPs (standard operating procedures). However, the most important step now is to look beyond this incident and ensure that all schools comply with the mandatory ..

THE word help used to mean something simple a gesture extended from one human to another. It implied kindness, sincerity and goodwill. But today, the meaning has become hazy. Help has been rebranded, repackaged and in some cases monetised beyond recognition. Recently, a message made its rounds: a seemingly heartfelt invitation to a special session, promising to help others grow and succeed. It began warmly, speaking of purpose and shared journeys. Yet, by the end, the offer of help had quietly ..

MULTIMEDIA is no longer just about attractive visuals and catchy sounds in the rapidly changing digital world; it is also about intelligence, immersion and interaction. We are seeing a change in multimedia features as technology develops further, moving beyond the conventional static images and passive videos into a dynamic ecosystem where augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence and ultra-high definition formats come together to create a more immersive, personalised and engaging ..

WHEN our first home computer arrived, it felt magical, like having a piece of the future in our living room, carefully covered and treated like treasure. My elder brother guarded it seriously, warning me not to touch it because it was precious. Still, I would sneak over in his absence, daring to press a button or two, thrilled by the soft glow of the screen. Over time, the once-admired machine became part of our everyday life. It was primarily used for essential tasks such as creating basic ..

THIS climate change, its the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world, in my opinion. US President Donald Trumps speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 23. Western commentators often point to what they claim to be the key, if not foundational, role that Western nations have played in setting up a new green-based world order. This is because the post-WWII international system has been dominated by institutions like the UN, World Bank and IMF, which were largely designed by ..

EVERY day, we read about scams and fraudsters cheating and swindling people out of their hard-earned savings. Often, these scammers and fraudsters are unknown to the victims. Victims often receive random calls from scammers posing as police officers or court officials. Using fear and intimidation, the scammers pressure them into transferring money into unknown accounts. Out of fear and confusion, victims make hasty decisions, only to lose their hard- earned savings. Meanwhile, the scammers ..

THE Mat Rempit issue continues to be a pressing social problem. Despite repeated enforcement actions by the authorities, illegal street racing and the accompanying social ills show no signs of disappearing. This is not merely a law-and-order problem; it is also a reflection of deeper social challenges that require long-term solutions. Enforcement must continue but we cannot rely on punitive measures alone. To find a lasting solution, several steps should be considered: Holistic intervention: ..

STOP writing about the Middle East or we will throw acid in your face and your sons. Such was the threat shouted through the front door of our New York City apartment, where my mother and I lived in the 1950s. There was also frequent pounding on the door at 3am with further threats and obscenities. My mothers offence? Being one of the first female journalists to cover the Middle East, a region barely known at that time to most Americans. My mother Nexhmie Zaimi was born in Albania, a former ..

IN Malaysia, climate action is too often mapped out on paper but rarely anchored in law. From the 2009 National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) 1.0 to its successor, the 2024 NPCC 2.0, both documents outline strategic objectives, pathways and actions aimed at supporting the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. However, neither NPCC 1.0 nor NPCC 2.0 carries any statutory force. Although NPCC 2.0 built around five strategic thrusts and catalytic initiatives reflects a deeper ..

ADOI , anak-anak semua rejoice! Apparently, you can now pass with 20%. Yes, dua puluh peratus saja that is right you can practically spell your name wrong and still get a Good job, keep it up! If this sounds like satire, its not; its Malaysia, 2025 edition where exams are starting to look more like self-esteem workshops than assessments. And if you think Makciks exaggerating, just look at the theSuns front page on Sept 30, where the nations collective jaw is still on the floor. (Pssst... its ..

IN the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysians have become more aware of lifes uncertainties. Many have taken steps to strengthen their safety nets they start reviewing insurance policies, building emergency funds or seeking professional financial advice. This growing interest in risk management is a positive trend. However, it also brings a hidden challenge: in the quest to protect our future, some may unknowingly overspend on insurance, stretching their budgets too thin and ..

DEATH is the one appointment every one of us will keep. It is the only true certainty, the immutable finale to the human story. Yet, despite its inevitability, it remains a potent source of fear, a ghost-like presence that haunts our collective consciousness. This fear is often magnified when death arrives not as a quiet closing but as a sudden, violent shock. Recently, the world watched in horror of how over forty people, who gathered for a political rally in India, lost their lives in a ..

EDUCATION is not only about academic achievement but also about nurturing the holistic development of children. Schools shape the future of young people, yet many students face challenges that extend beyond the classroom, such as poverty, abuse, neglect, truancy and mental health difficulties, hindering childrens ability to learn and thrive. While school counsellors provide essential guidance and support, their scope is limited to counselling and academic advice. To address the growing ..

MALAYSIA has made commendable strides towards enhancing waste management and promoting recycling. However, despite these efforts, the countrys recycling rate hovers around a modest 31% (as of 2024), underscoring significant challenges in achieving sustainable waste management. One critical issue is the absence of clear recycling information on product packaging, which impedes consumer participation in recycling and exacerbates environmental pollution. To bridge this gap, the Housing and Local ..

Q: How can we help our four-year-old overcome her fear of sleeping in the dark? We have tried almost everything establishing a bedtime routine, using a night light, reading books and singing songs but nothing seems to work. Focus on the Family Malaysia: Being afraid of the dark is quite common among young children. At this age, their imaginations are growing rapidly and they can struggle to separate fantasy from reality. Your daughter is likely going through a normal developmental phase, and ..

DURING an impromptu coffee break, I found myself talking to my mentor about how headstrong I could be. She then shared her experience of having a relative in the armed forces, before putting a question to me: Why are the children of ex-servicemen always so rebellious? I was not sure whether she was being serious or whether the question was rhetorical, perhaps even meant to tease me. Nonetheless, I offered what sounded like an explanation or perhaps just a rationalisation. I told her that we ..

HEART disease, pacemakers, kidney failure, chronic diabetes, strokes and autoimmune conditions are serious illnesses, yet people often speak about them openly. But mention a terminal illness and the tone changes. Patients conceal their diagnosis even from close friends, hiding the pain and the decline for as long as possible. Only after death do loved ones discover the truth, leaving them shocked and bewildered. Why do some people keep a terminal illness secret from those closest to them? After ..

THE Education and Health ministries recently banned 12 categories of food and drink from school canteens everything from candies, chocolates, nuggets to instant noodles and sugary iced drinks. On paper, it looks like a bold step to curb childhood obesity and promote healthier eating. As a parent of a Year Four boy, I welcome the intent. But heres the truth every Malaysian parent knows: banning junk is the easy part. The hard part is getting children to eat wholesome food without groaning, ..

AT a recent forum, I asked the audience: How many of you would choose not to buy a car in the future, even if you could afford one? Half the room raised their hands. I looked at them and said, You must be from Klang Valley. Because in Klang Valley, people have options. They can choose from three LRT lines, two MRT lines, a BRT service, KTM Komuter, the KLIA Express, a monorail, Rapid buses and even on-demand DRT vans. But in towns like Nibong Tebal, Jitra or Kampar, life is a different story. ..

WORKPLACES have undergone significant transformations in recent years. Rapid technological advancements, economic shifts and changing demographics have reshaped the way people work and what they expect from their employers. They have also influenced talent management strategies. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Developments (CIPD) Asia Employee Benefits Report 2025, developed in partnership with AIA, increasing employee satisfaction and retaining current employees were the ..

IN a classroom in Malaysia, a boy with autism sits quietly, avoiding eye contact and struggling to participate in group activities. Yet, when a drum is placed in his hands, his face lights up. He begins to tap out a steady rhythm and soon his classmates join in. For the first time, he feels connected to the group, not through words but through music. As Malaysia advances its commitment to inclusive education under Budget 2026, inclusion must be understood as not only about access but also ..

IMAGINE stacking 3,500 Petronas Twin Towers by weight. That is how much food the world wasted in 2022: a staggering 1.05 billion tonnes. In Malaysia, we throw away 17,000 tonnes of food every day, and almost a quarter of it is still edible. That is enough to feed three million people three meals a day even as households struggle with rising grocery bills. Food waste is not just about tossing out leftovers; it is a triple threat to our economy, environment and food security. Globally, food waste ..