Allocations to states are supposed to level the playing field, not widen the gap.

THE state level Maal Hijrah celebrations this year were held at Masjid Tuanku Muhriz in Jempol. I first visited this mosque in 2011 and described it in my column as "a beautiful place of worship constructed in the Cordoban style, with a standalone tower in the courtyard and featuring Uzbekistani calligraphy, and quite different from the majority of mosques you will find in Malaysia today".

RESPONSIBILITY arrives in many different ways.

AT times of economic uncertainty and political turbulence (with internal party reconfigurations and new parties being announced, alongside excited talk of early elections, at least in some states), it can seem daunting to also fulfil the usual schedule of commemorative events and celebrations. Yet they are also a source of reassurance and a reminder that even when things are jittery, certain things still matter and are worthy of recognition.

The sitting of Dewan Waghih highlighted how Negri Sembilan's diverse and merit-based youth assembly can become a model for principled, values-driven leadership in Malaysia.

ON April 19, constitutional provisions worked perfectly and a leadership transition occurred. Various motions were debated, but in the end, decisions were accepted by all. There was a change at the top of the organisation, with one cousin departing and another cousin stepping in.

Anytime is a good time to discover what this southern state has to offer.

Trump's reckless and illegal conflict with Iran will continue to disrupt economies and societies for much longer than initially expected.

AS I write, the nation is awaiting with bated breath the actual date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The memory of the Raya Terkejut of 2022 / 1443 is still fresh in people's minds – the crazy traffic jams, the rush to collect family members, buy clothes and prepare food.

Amid the ongoing geopolitical disturbances, Malaysians can be thankful for the tolerance and harmony that we have built.

WITH mere days between completing my two-week trip across five cities in India and then travelling to Germany, my train of thought was interrupted.

I'VE just been in India for the very first time on a two-part trip.