It is plain to see that many institutions have been sullied by political interference, beyond what the founders of the country imagined.

After more than a decade of being a columnist, the writer readily admits a shift to being more pragmatic in accepting public policy possibilities after being too ideological in the past.

ONE of my most memorable overseas trips – “missions” they still call it – while working at the World Bank in Washington DC 15 years ago was back home to Malaysia.

IT is always a pleasure to address members of our armed forces, an institution about which many Malaysians have misconceptions.

AS the movement control order eases throughout the country, with promisingly stable reductions in daily Covid-19 cases and much optimism amidst our inoculation drive (apart from anti-vaxxers and sceptics), everyday life is beginning to resemble the “old normal”.

AT UKEC’s 4th Malaysian Student Leaders’ Summit (MSLS) in 2010, I spoke on empowering youth and lowering the voting age to 18. That has now been achieved through an Act of Parliament, though apparently some wish to undo that unanimous parliamentary decision.

I JUST finished reading a remarkable book, written by a former holder of one of Malaysia’s constitutional offices with responsibility in shaping the law. Having served in the legal arena for many decades, he left the role under circumstances that have impacted the evolution of law and politics in our country.

AS Malaysians know from personally experiencing the 14th general election in May 2018 and the Sheraton Move in February 2020, changes in the executive branch can cause unrestrained euphoria and doleful mourning in equally hyperbolic measure. Supporters proclaim the dawn of a hopeful era; detractors declare the end of the world.

THE new year was welcomed by humankind on the smallest scale for any new year’s countdown in generations, judging by images of cities around the world at the stroke of midnight. (It is a personal tradition to watch the London fireworks when I wake up, but this year’s edition was more explosive for its overt political messages than its actual pyrotechnics.)

Some of us may be excited about a ‘normal’ 2021 but best to remind ourselves to not squander the sacrifices made and continue to be careful.

A troubled year is coming to a close but bear in mind the importance of seizing the opportunity to change for the better and ensuring that the right lessons are instilled in the next generation.

Although Malaysia has improved its Budget transparency score, much still needs to improve.