“FREE media, pillar of democracy” is the theme of this year’s 2023 National Journalists Day, which will be marked tomorrow.

THIS month and the next are particularly festive times in Sabah and Sarawak, with two major events.

IT’S a national call to every citizen. Old or young, male or female, urbanites or rural folk, everyone has a chance to learn under the National Training Week (NTW) 2023 initiative – and there’s no payment required.

SCHOOL begins for most Malaysian students on Tuesday amid a still ongoing debate among parents, teachers, the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) about wearing masks again.

MALAYSIANS are foodies, through and through. We love our mamak shop and street food fare, our Michelin-starred fine dining and bottomless hotel buffets. And all our festivities revolve around food, of course.

WHY would the report on a plane crash be classified?

Next year will see the two countries marking 50 years of diplomatic ties. Puteri Hang Li Po would undoubtedly approve of how we have continued her legacy.

WE didn’t start the fire. We do, however, report on it. But some people seem to have forgotten this basic fact about the media, that we report on things that happen and things that people say, we don’t create those happenings and statements – and certainly not their consequences.

ON Friday in Parliament, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa very clearly laid down one important rule for her ministry’s personnel: Those seeking medical attention at government health facilities should not be turned away because of their attire.

THE struggle for gender equality has spanned centuries. Why then are women still grappling with inequality, sexism and bias?

ON Friday, the new Budget will be announced. It will be keenly watched given the ongoing narrative about the country’s financial health.

MALAYSIA is blessed, really.