This is a selection of stories by our schoolmate Yong Soo Heong from his column in New Straits Times. He is a former chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Bernama. Read more about him here.
Of wet blankets and sour grapes (Dec 30, 2022)
‘The South China Morning Post, which tracks Malaysia's political developments closely, ran an uplifting editorial recently with the headline: “Anwar is the right leader to put Malaysia back on the right track”. It opined that the outcome of the electoral impasse could be positive for the country, which now has a multiracial government led by a prime minister with Islamic credentials when it comes to fending off extremists.’ Read full story here
Let’s hope unity govt lasts the distance as people are tired of political manoeuvring (Dec 5, 2022)
‘Malaysians have suddenly become good at maths, especially when it concerns the numbers 222, 111, 81, 73, 30, 23, eight and zero. You hear that “this doesn’t add up”, “they cannot be put together”, “what if there is a need to subtract when someone pulls out?” and “how long do you think these numbers will hold?” We’re not talking about a simple maths test. The stakes are higher...’ Read full story here
Do not let the Fourth Estate’s work go to waste (May 27, 2022)
‘In a world that’s plagued by tremendous cynicism as a result of widespread corruption and scandals, it’s pertinent that watchdog journalism be supported with greater gusto and hailed as an important step towards making public officials, businesspeople and others to be more accountable. By being the Fourth Estate after the executive branches of the government, legislature and judiciary, the media has a major responsibility to the masses.’ Read full story here
Some need to learn empathy for good of country (Apr 26, 2022)
‘It’s a time for self-reflection, especially during this special month [of Ramadan] — you live in palatial homes, drive luxury cars, tote designer handbags and yet mistreat workers while still yearning for roti canai and teh tarik at 10 sen each in the 21st century? Come on. Get real.’ Read full story here
Establish citizens’ assemblies to hold politicians accountable (Apr 9, 2022)
‘I’ve been thinking about how to make those victorious politicians accountable for their actions or inaction (those whom we rarely see after they’ve won). We ought to institutionalise a proper feedback channel like a citizens' assembly to air our thoughts to lawmakers. The deliberative democracy model that's being practised in the Ostbelgien German-speaking region of eastern Belgium is worth adopting so that we won't be fooled once every five years.’ Read full story here
Boosting Penang's musical heritage as an attraction (Mar 9, 2022)
‘PHoM’s [Penang House of Music’s] archival efforts reflect Paul [Augustin’s] mission about building Penang’s (and subsequently Malaysia’s) musical repository for posterity to benefit future generations. Such noble endeavours could also complement the work done by local universities as PHoM’s treasure trove is constantly sought after by researchers on the state’s illustrious local musical journey.’ Read full story here
We should seriously study, legislate a future generations law (Sep 10, 2021)
‘The far-sighted Welsh law [2015 Wellbeing for Future Generations Act] requires public bodies to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change. This legislation has been attracting interest from other countries as it offers a huge opportunity to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations. Do we dare take such a giant step for the wellbeing of future Malaysians?’ Read full story here.
Time to act firmly against underachievers, saboteurs (Jul 14, 2021)
‘Dear prime minister, please act firmly against these underachievers and saboteurs. Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. You know you have made the right decision when there is peace in your heart. The rakyat await.’ Read full story here.
Malaysia needs to clean up recruitment practices (Nov 3, 2020)
‘The time has come for Malaysia to clean up its act. How long must Malaysians deny or pretend that conditions for low-level migrant workers are “all right”? How can we allow our reputation to be sullied by these repressive regulations or conditions? What if we faced more sanctions from developed nations? We can't consume all the rubber gloves and palm oil that we produce, can we?’ Read full story here.
Fake news purveyors say they are journalists too (Oct 24, 2020)
‘As a journalist for a number of decades, I’ve always abhorred that kind of labelling. True blue journalists may take a certain stand, stance or bias but certainly won't stoop so low as to produce something that's not real. That’s the domain of fiction writers or mercenary writers imbued with a mission. By and large, journalists in mainstream news organisations have been steadfast in their profession. But sadly, fake news is now a new menace in the public space as their purveyors also proclaim themselves to be journalists too and taint the noble profession in the process.’ Read full story here.
Time to act on investigative reports highlighted by the media (Sep 30, 2020)
‘In my view, news organisations don’t go pursuing bad happenings for them to be sensationalised. These news items are for real, had taken place and warranted attention so that action can be taken for the benefit of the people. Media organisations play a central role in recording events and promoting greater awareness about pertinent issues that affect our lives day in and day out as today's news will stand as historical facts for the future.’ Read full story here.
Sleepless in Kuala Lumpur under the MCO (Apr 29, 2020)
‘As for my hot-spells in the kitchen, they made me appreciate more the people who toil in close and stuffy confines daily to bring us yummy dishes on restaurant tables without fail. And what I had whipped up to feed me and my son had been fairly decent, nothing close to any Michelin star, but enough to leave me starry-eyed after each meal that I managed to do it!’ Read full story here.
Saving our frontliners (Apr 21, 2020)
‘The words of a prominent senior official at the Health Ministry on the state of the healthcare system are telling: “We are currently underfunded, understaffed, underpaid, overworked, overstretched and with facilities overcrowded with patients. We all need to try harder to improve the public healthcare system to increase the funding, to increase the number of healthcare workers, to improve the salary scale and availability of jobs and posts in our healthcare facilities, all of which are beyond the control of the Health Ministry.” Need we say more?’ Read full story here.
Myriad reasons why we need media council (Feb 15, 2020)
‘The media council is not only about monitoring journalistic transgressions, taking punitive action or providing arbitration. It’s also about speaking for the local media with one voice besides helping to shore up journalism standards where other bodies may have been found wanting. It’s really about having a body to breathe fresh air or fire into an industry that may have lost its sense of direction or vigour.’ Read full story here.
A better safety net for senior citizens (Jan 22, 2020)
‘There needs to be a serious push to get more people to have better financial literacy to fend for themselves during old age. This is also where the Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) can also evaluate into providing a wake-up call, especially for people in denial of their financial reality, or even effecting higher incomes for more Malaysians.’ Read full story here.
KTMB issues are man-made (Dec 12, 2019)
‘Penang Institute had suggested a less radical approach in reviewing RNAA, and for RAC to return the ownership of rail assets to KTMB. It should not charge the latter for the use of railway tracks or rolling stocks to reduce operational expenses. A more radical approach would be to return the ownership of the tracks, stations and land back to KTMB, so that it may monetise some assets to subsidise ticket prices.’ Read full story here.
Penang mediators nip problems in the bud (Oct 18, 2019)
‘Penang JPs opened its doors for mediation services in April [2019] at the government-owned Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang, where people with petty disputes may seek help on every weekday. The response has been terrific as more than 40 volunteers are on standby to offer mediation services, said Ong, who is pleased that they had been able to resolve conflicts not only at the bureau but also in other places, like places of worship and at work.’ Read full story here.
Missing the woods for the trees ver lucrative durians (Sep 24, 2019)
‘Durian orchards have also become a major tourist draw. Overseas tourists have jumped on the durian trail to savour the “real creamy thing”. That’s one side of the story. Cultivation is another. It’s an all-year-round toil before you can reap your rewards. Interestingly, not everyone is on the same page. Strangely, they’re in places where they should know best.’ Read full story here.
When there’s no water, there’s no life (Aug 15, 2019)
‘We need to be cognisant of the current disincentive where people don’t treat water with greater respect because tariffs are relatively low. When tariffs are low, we tend to waste water needlessly. According to an old adage, people won’t know the real worth of water until the well is dry. Getting people to have access to clean water calls for big investments. It’s not a small business. But the money expended for such endeavours must be well-spent.’ Read full story here.
The elderly need a more efficient support system (Jul 3, 2019)
‘Do we have plans in place to train more people to properly care for the elderly? Where do the elderly turn to if their offspring or relatives are unable to care for them? These are pressing issues which the government has to act on if nothing yet has been done. Gerontology has to be put into sharper focus if we’re to address the well-being of the elderly.’ Read full story here.
Explore new paradigms on work culture (Apr 9, 2019)
‘The efficiency of the public sector as a facilitator when dealing with national development cannot be overlooked. Government employees, be they in uniform or otherwise, must take cognisance that they are part of a system that serves as an important catalyst in pushing Malaysia’s aspirations to be a more developed country by facilitating efficient and effective implementation of government policies.’ Read full story here.
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