NO sooner after social media celebrated the best moments of 2023 and prayed for stability in 2024, the “Dubai Move” emerged: another alleged power grab in Malaysian politics supposedly brewing.

THE Palestinian ambassador, Walid Abu Ali, was present at the Christmas reception hosted by the British High Commissioner, Ailsa Terry, and as the choir sang carols referencing Jerusalem and Bethle­hem, now in Occupied Palestine, the combination of Santa hats and Palestinian keffiyehs worn by certain guests made perfect sense.

I’VE enjoyed attending graduation ceremonies in this end of year period: as a year with highs and lows comes to a close, it’s uplifting to meet young people optimistic about pursuing their dreams.

EVENTS rooted in cultural traditions or religious practices, or a combination of both, play a central part in the lives of Malaysians.

IT’S been a busy few months for squash in Negri Sembilan.

One can only hope there is enough decency among politicians to apply the lessons of history and create a lasting peace following the Middle East conflict

There have recently been some interesting proposals to improve our democracy.

THE 10th Tunku Ampuan of Negri Sembilan and the 10th Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia, Tunku Ampuan Najihah Almar­hum Tunku Besar Burhanuddin passed away on Sept 8.

ALL around the world we have seen how different narratives address the various crises of political instability, economic uncertainty, rising inequality and low wages. As we have seen in Malaysia in recent elections, political parties employ a mix of ideological arguments, populist slogans and dominant personalities to get their message across – and of course we have seen how the “3Rs” of race, religion and royalty have been weaponised in both directions.

The decisions politicians make will profoundly affect the future of and for our youths.

After Hiroshima, divisions remain over the morality of developing and using weapons of mass destruction.

The importance of our country’s stability is necessary to ensure continued recovery and investors’ confidence, and execution of needed reforms.