Hard times are upon us and the Education Ministry has ordered schools to cut costs. But what of the push for international accolades?

Ethnic relations in the country have been worsening since 2006 but through the haze hope flickers in the eyes of our young ones.

There are problems in the country, problems we all need to face as one – not one race at a time. Unity and mutual respect is what is really needed.

Malaysia can toast the birth of a baby to the pandas, both eight years old, at Zoo Negara. But the birth to an 11-year-old and to other such young ones is something that needs to be stopped.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was not a politician, but he was a true leader of men and a great success story. He was a poor kid who became a role model for leaders around the world.

So what if a bunch of louts makes noise outside a mall? It’s just a 100 or so of them. We must shut them out. And listen instead to the many good ones in our midst. The real Malaysians.

With the festive season upon us, we must keep in mind that if we do not waste food, no one will go hungry.

Clothing aside, it is about time some adults grow up and see young athletes for what they really are – young people with potential to go far.

It’s true the four arrested for baring all at Mount Kinabalu acted disrespectfully but let’s not give credit to this bunch for the quake.

The tales of the suffering have been told, the gross negligence, exposed. Now, it’s time to go after the trafffickers, camp guards and the officers whose palms were greased before this monstrosity happened.

The Arakkans of Hindu mythology were evil demons. But even they will be put to shame by the evil that is being perpetrated on those who now live in what was once the kingdom of Arakan.

Two old tin mines, now both urban enclaves, and two issues. In one, there is a protest over religion. At the other, there is a hue and cry over a musical concert. Are we really that intolerant? No, not really.