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Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Reflections from a Chinese Malaysian who attended the 'Turun Anwar' rally
Letter to Editor I WAS one of those minority non-Malays who attended the 'Turun Anwar' rally last Saturday. Crowd size debates aside, it was a success. Peaceful, orderly, and held with purpose. But if we are being honest, something was missing, and it was not just the numbers. What stood out most to me was the diversity, or in this case, the lack of it. I have been attending rallies since the Bersih days. Back then, the streets were filled with Malaysians from all walks of life and different backgrounds. The vibes were euphoric and there was a festival-like atmosphere to it. You felt like you were part of something bigger. At 'Turun Anwar', that multiracial spirit was hardly there. As a Chinese Malaysian, I could not help but notice how few non-Malays were present. This is not a criticism of those who stayed home, but a reflection of how disconnected they feel from today's opposition. A key part of this disconnect lies with the opposition leadership. For a movement to feel national, its leaders must sound national too. Instead, we are left with someone who once openly declared himself 'Malay first'. That statement, though made years ago, continues to shape public perception. It is difficult to expect broader support when the top opposition figure still carries the weight of that remark. This is not a personal attack on Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but it is fair to say that many Malaysians do not see him as a leader for all. His passivity as head of the country's opposition bloc stood in stark contrast from the passionate leadership that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had portrayed when the latter was leading the charge to bring down Barisan Nasional. Anwar's fiery speeches and how he was victimised by state apparatus such as going to jail, captured the imaginations of Malaysians. As head of the opposition coalition, Muhyiddin was content with rehashing media statements. Sadly, most non-Malays do not relate to the eighth prime minister, especially with several court cases hanging over his head and a son-in-law who is on the run. The opposition needs someone who can bring all Malaysians together with credibility and vision. Malaysia deserves an opposition that is inclusive, forward-looking, and unafraid to lead. Until then, many of us will stay away from such rallies and for better or worse, opt for the lesser of the two evils. Unless, of course, a new figure steps forward to change the conversation. ‒ July 28, 2025 Sebastian Ong Cheras, Kuala Lumpur The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Malay Mail/Firdaus Latif
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Should motorcyclists be exempt from highway tolls?
Letter to Editor The recent horrific accident on the North South Expressway which claimed the lives of four motorcyclists should have served as another wake up call to all of us, but did it? Granted, drivers of cars, buses and other commercial vehicles are also guilty of driving recklessly and contributing to the frequent carnage on our highways, but they all pay tolls, while bikers seem to belong to a privileged group who are exempted. Why? Like other vehicles, aren't bikers also guilty of slowing down traffic flow, clogging highways and exacerbating traffic gridlock along some highways? Frequently too, don't some bikers put other innocent law-abiding drivers in danger by speeding and inconsiderately weaving in and out of traffic and cutting lanes? Perhaps, they may believe their machines are light and easy to manoeuvre, and difficult to track down in the event they commit a traffic offence. In fact, could they also have gradually developed a sense of entitlement? It's true, many bikers belong to the B40 group, and as such, the public tend to forgive and sympathise with them especially in the event of accidents, as they are obviously a vulnerable lot. But is it not also true that many car owners, including those who are well off, have now turned to using bikes in order to beat the traffic snarls in some major highways so that they can reach their destinations faster, and at a cheaper cost? That being the case, is it too much to make them pay a nominal toll charge for sharing the highways with other toll-paying folks? In fact, why should riders of big bikes, including superbikes that cost more than say, a humble Perodua Axia, be exempted from paying toll? Isn't that a gross injustice to the owners of smaller cars who may be more deserving? Moreover, isn't it about time bikers also learned to queue up patiently at the toll gates, and pay their dues. Actually, wouldn't it also indirectly put off some mat rempits from turning the highways into free racing tracks? In closing, surely most motorbike owners, including those who own superbikes, aren't so poor that they can't even afford to pay a nominal toll charge! As such, shouldn't expressway concessionaires be fair to their 'real customers.' Those who faithfully pay the toll charges, instead of those who don't even contribute a single cent for the maintenance of the highways? —July 27, 2025 Jeyakumar Joseph Sounderaj The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Kurnia
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Focus Malaysia
The Ballad of Kajang Prison – Of Bossku's solo birthday bash
HEMMED in by prison walls He cuts a forlorn figure Sitting on his bed of plank With nary a thought of joy To lighten his heavy heart. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melaka Daily (@melakadaily) Oh! How I wish to gaze the sky And breathe its air of pure freedom! Now he shakes his head in gloom To remember thus all those years Of unbridled power and kingly cash. Brought down by pitiless law He spends days and nights Ruminating his luckless fate When once life for him an endless Parties of birthday bliss. Birthday? Ah! Something clicks In his mind as he looks up To see on the grimy wall A note he scribbles reminding Him today was he born! Then footsteps he hears A warder outside his dingy cell A rattling noise he makes As he thrusts something Through a small opening. Happy birthday Bossku DS @NajibRazak may Allah SWT bless you always 23 Julai 2025#1Malaysia — BrotherBatu Return (@morasaki12) July 23, 2025 In the patch of light so dim He barely makes out a small Cake served on a banana leaf With some words scrawled Carelessly across the soft top. Hari jadi Bossku! He looks aghast At this spongy thing he thinks A cruel joke played on him For in all his festive gatherings Never did he bite a banana cake. 🤣🤣🤣 Birthday Najib la today(23rd July) Madani punya bodoh sebab ada boot lickers ramai sampai announcement pun pathetically timed🤣🤣🤣 — Rudelyawken (@rudelyawken) July 23, 2025 Oh! How he craves those yummy Butter cakes with all those Chocolate icing richly laid With small cute candles For him to blow come every year. Now with mournful eyes he stares This bare banana cake for him To usher in his 72th milestone With no friends or family members To share some watered-down fun. — Eric SeeTo Lim Sian See (@LimSianSeeEric) July 23, 2025 He bestirs a force uncontrollable Swelling up in him bringing Tears to his tired eyes His trembling voice on the verge Of giving vent to his feelings. He looks all around him As if seeking human companionship But only espies one lonely Figure standing before him 'Tis his shadow on the wall. Then the dam bursts his low Sound from his throat Breaks forth a song To his shadow he sings: Happy birthday to you! He lays himself on his rough bed Fixes his swollen eyes on the ceiling A birthday wish he must make Slowly he forms his words: To home! To early home! – July 27, 2025 Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Najib Razak/Facebook
Focus Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Open letter to Agong: Upholding the integrity of the judiciary in the appointment of top judges
Letter to editor WITH the utmost respect and loyalty, I write to Your Majesty as a concerned citizen deeply invested in the preservation of justice, rule of law and institutional integrity within our beloved Malaysia. The Judiciary stands as the final bastion of hope for justice, equity, and constitutional governance. However, recent developments have cast a troubling shadow over public confidence in this vital institution. Allegations of judicial misconduct, procedural irregularities and claims of external interference – whether substantiated or under investigation – have raised legitimate concerns about the health of our judicial system. In such a climate, the process of appointing top judges assumes even greater importance. The weight of this responsibility lies not only with those who nominate but ultimately with Your Majesty whose constitutional discretion serves as a safeguard against the erosion of judicial independence. Editor's Note: The Conference of Rulers is expected to decide and announce the appointment of the new Chief Justice today (July 16), according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It is respectfully urged that, in considering appointments to the highest offices of the judiciary, Your Majesty: Insist on transparent and meritorious selection: Candidates must be evaluated based on integrity, independence and a demonstrated commitment to constitutional values, free from political or external influence. Candidates must be evaluated based on integrity, independence and a demonstrated commitment to constitutional values, free from political or external influence. Encourage full disclosure: In light of recent allegations, it is vital that any concerns surrounding nominees be publicly addressed and cleared through transparent mechanisms before confirmation. In light of recent allegations, it is vital that any concerns surrounding nominees be publicly addressed and cleared through transparent mechanisms before confirmation. Uphold the constitutional spirit: The Judiciary must not only be impartial but be seen to be so. Confidence in judicial impartiality is crucial to national stability, investor confidence and the moral fabric of our society. Your Majesty's unique role as the protector of the Federal Constitution and symbol of national unity is especially vital in times of uncertainty. Malaysians look to the Throne not only for guidance but for assurance that justice shall never be compromised by expediency or hidden interests. May Allah continue to grant Your Majesty wisdom, strength and compassion in the service of the nation. Daulat Tuanku. Member of Public@CITIZEN Kuala Lumpur The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Images credit: Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar/Facebook
Focus Malaysia
15-07-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Should we continue to gamble with the safety of bus passengers?
RECENTLY, I wrote ' Main reason why professionalism is lacking in most commercial vehicle operations ', which was published on July 1. I attributed it to the government's policy of granting permits to many small companies over the past decades so that many can profit from the business of transporting goods and passengers. But small players lack the resources needed to provide high standards of service and safety. If safety is to be given top priority now, a two-prong approach is needed. The first is new permits for express bus (Bas Ekspres) and excursion bus (Bas Persiaran) should be granted only to companies that have the resources and commitment to operate at least a fleet size of 20 buses. Bas Berhenti-henti permits are to be issued freely, as there are few applicants, and so are Bas Pekerja and Bas Sekolah, as these buses are mostly operated by individuals. But they should not be allowed to be chartered for excursions, as it would be too risky driving on unfamiliar routes. Existing express and excursion bus companies operating with less than 20 buses are to be given not more than five years to merge or consolidate, or their permits would not be renewed. A medium-size or large operator would have the infrastructure to ensure that all operations staff, especially drivers, are well trained to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, and bus services are run efficiently and safely. Without a change in fundamentals, many bus accidents that result in horrific injuries or loss of lives will continue to occur, and various authorities would respond only with knee-jerk reactions. The powers that be will have to decide between using express and tour bus permits to promote entrepreneurship for many small players, or restrict the transport of passengers to companies with adequate resources to deliver professional service with safety as the core value. ‒ July 15, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The New Straits Times
