A gem of an island


AFTER my return to Bangladesh last month, I’ve just visited Sri Lanka, where the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) has partner think tanks working on economic issues and advocating policy change.

They were very keen to learn about the growth of civil society in Malaysia, and I shared how Ideas grew from a tiny outfit, with people being hostile, and then skeptical, and then eventually understanding (if begrudgingly) our objectives, to now a healthy team being engaged by policymakers, bureaucrats and academics.

The Star 6.6 DEAL: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Sri Lanka , stability , economy

Next In Columnists

Sex does not have an expiry date
The polls are the thing
Johor polls – birth of a new order?
Let’s choose maturity over malice
‘Two Rulers’ bombshell in Negri Sembilan
Tamil pride meets prejudice
FAM weakness is own folly, we need a change now
The Beautiful Game ... or the bloated game?
It’s now or never for FAM to opt for reform
Defensive and defeated how Arteta’s caution cost Arsenal the CL

Others Also Read