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New Straits Times
03-08-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
NST visit inspires young writer, thanks to two editors' kindness
VISITING the New Straits Times (NST) office for the first time remains one of my most vivid and cherished memories. It was a day when curiosity and determination led me to the man behind the "Letters to the Editor" column, to which I regularly contributed. That meeting would go on to deeply inspire my writing journey. I parked my motorcycle beside Balai Berita, the building that housed the NST. The entrance was modest but carried an air of history and importance. Upon entering, I was greeted by a receptionist whose warm smile immediately put me at ease. I told her I was there to deliver a letter to the editor of the "Letters to the Editor"; she told me to look for Zainon Ahmad, affectionately known as Pak Non. She said that his office was next to the editorial team and told me to take the lift to the third floor. The lift's wooden panels gleamed under soft lighting, exuding a classic, almost nostalgic charm. The gentle hum of the machinery was accompanied by the faint scent of aged wood and polish, a reminder that this building had witnessed decades of journalistic history. Stepping out into the third floor, I was immediately enveloped by the vibrant energy of the newsroom. The editorial room was vast and alive with activity. Journalists sat at their desks, some typing furiously on computers, others tapping away on typewriters, the clatter blending with bursts of laughter and animated conversations in corners. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint rustle of newspapers and the occasional ring of telephones. It was about 5.30pm, the most intense hour for the editorial team, yet the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I approached a man who was focusing on his computer screen, and asked for Zainon's office. He pointed towards a room with a wooden panelling and a glass window that allowed one to see inside. Looking through, I saw a man. He had neatly combed hair, slicked back with hair cream, a goatee that framed his face and an untrimmed moustache. His thick, black-framed spectacles sat low on his nose, giving him an air of scholarly seriousness mixed with approachability. As I introduced myself, his eyes widened in surprise. "I thought R.K. Ravindran was a retired old man," he said, laughing heartily. "My God, you're so young to be writing letters!" That warm, genuine laughter broke the ice instantly. I told him about my involvement with the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia and my passion for writing. Then, almost playfully, he asked if I could speak Tamil. When I said yes, he began speaking fluent Tamil, and I was completely taken aback — a Malay man conversing effortlessly in another language! It turned out he was from Kedah, just like me, and had grown up in the estates. That shared background created an instant bond between us. Our conversation flowed easily for about 15 minutes. I took the opportunity to ask why my letter about the Bukit Jalil estate had not been published despite sending it three times. I handed him a copy, and after reading it quickly, he explained candidly: "The estate has some of our regular advertisers who bought parts of the land, so it's a sensitive issue." He suggested I speak to his boss, who was in a room nearby. I thanked Pak Non profusely for publishing all my other letters without fail and made my way to his superior. The woman at the door greeted me warmly, asking the purpose of my visit. When I mentioned Pak Non's referral, she opened the door to a man seated inside. He was handsome, wearing a crisp white shirt and tie, with spectacles perched precariously on his nose. He looked up and asked for my name. After reading my letter in a few seconds, he asked what I wanted him to do. I explained the dire condition of the estate and my hope that the letter could be published to raise awareness. He made no promises, but assured me that he would try. We shook hands and I left. That was P.C. Shivadas. Walking back through the editorial room, I was struck by the sense of purpose and camaraderie among the staff. Though I didn't know anyone else then, I felt a deep connection to this place — the very newspaper I had grown up reading. To my surprise and delight, within three days, my letter was published prominently. I called Zainon and Shivadas to thank them. Their support and encouragement made me feel valued and inspired me to continue writing. Pak Non remained a close friend until his passing. He was a man who loved his teh tarik at the Hilton Petaling Jaya and carried a gentle spirit beneath his sharp journalistic mind. Shivadas, too, remains a legend in my life, embodying patience, love and care. Looking back, those moments at the NST office were more than just visits: they were life-changing encounters with two great stalwarts of Malaysian journalism. They weren't just editors, they were also mentors who inspired me to cherish the beauty of our world, our people and the power of the written word to make a difference. Their kindness and integrity left an indelible mark on me and my writing. Stepping into the NST newsroom was more than just entering a building — I had stepped into a world where truth, passion and humanity converged, shaping not only a newspaper but also the lives of those it touched. I am one of them. Although Pak Non has since passed, and Shivadas has left the NST, I offer my salute and deepest thanks to both of them.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Reflecting on an enriching journey with NST
IT has been a rather hectic week or so, with our longest-serving prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, turning a still-sprightly centenarian on July 10, and this newspaper just two decades shy of its bicentennial on July 15. My own official start with the New Straits Times was when I became its regular columnist. The exact date escapes me, but I know it was right around the turn of the century. Given that I had been an occasional contributor to the Letters to the Editor before that, I can confidently say my association with NST has easily passed the quarter-century mark! The newspaper industry, generally, has since changed almost beyond recognition, in particular within the past quarter century. From writing out my articles longhand and sending over the final pieces by fax, I now tap out my articles from my laptop and forward the final copy via Whats-App to my editor almost instantaneously. Similarly, newspaper readers the world over have largely migrated from reading hard copies to doing so online, though not necessarily from online versions of what is sometimes derisively labelled as "mainstream" media. Social media is now the main purveyor of news or what passes for news these days, so much so "fake news" has been added to the news lexicon. It is all rather sad when oftentimes now, friends need to ask around if what they read online is true. We may have generally rejoiced that news now mostly reaches us "unfiltered", but how do we avoid falling victim to unscrupulous, if highly creative, news "manufacturers" and propagandists pure and simple? "Buyers beware" is widely accepted by us as consumers, but we have never had to apply that to the news we consume. Until now, that is. Filtered news brought to us by traditional news outlets comes through a rather cumbersome and expensive process. When we receive such news, we know that it comes from verifiable sources that carry the old-fashioned burden of caring about their credibility. Sure, each traditional news source carries its own political biases, but such biases are about as old as human civilisation and, in any case, are not unknown to readers. Media freedom does not mean media free of political predilections, only that such predilections are given free rein, if not within one media outlet, then at least in any given media eco-system. Personally, I feel privileged to be given this opportunity to be part of the NST family, not just to express my own views but to feel part of a kindred spirit that generally holds to a certain view of the world around us. As in almost anything, this wonderful journey of a quarter century has come with varied challenges over the years. Through it all, I have dealt with many editors, all of them invariably courteous, considerate and friendly. As the NST navigates through the rough patch that the advent of social media presents and adapts — as it must — I am confident that, as with all intrinsically good things, we shall overcome. We will then see the current state of technology-driven news-gathering and -presentation for what it actually is: a mere passing phase we will eventually outgrow. Happy 180th anniversary, NST!
San Francisco Chronicle
30-06-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: What the SCOTUS ruling on judges will let Trump do to the founding ideals of the U.S.
Regarding 'SCOTUS deals huge blow to judges' power to rein in Trump in birthright citizenship case' (Politics, June 27): Six justices of the Supreme Court delivered a scathing opinion, ruling to limit the powers of an independent judiciary to protect the rights of all citizens. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent, 'No right is safe in the new legal regime the Court creates.' What an irony that this week we celebrate our country's birth — founded on the principles and values of freedom, liberty and justice for all — while the occupant of the White House plots his next move to destroy those ideals. Alyson Jacks, San Francisco Cars and transit needed Regarding 'Three ideas to save S.F. Muni that have nothing to do with cutting service' (Open Forum, June 23): Joe DiMento blames San Francisco's transit crisis on 'public subsidies for private cars.' That's misleading. Drivers already pay registration fees, parking fees and gas taxes — much of which funds roads and transit. Everyone wants Muni to succeed. But ridership is falling, routes are shrinking and the budget gap is growing. Blaming cars distracts from real issues: ballooning labor costs, outdated infrastructure and a transit system that hasn't adjusted to post-pandemic patterns. Dismissing residential parking as a luxury ignores reality. Many who rely on street parking aren't driving luxury SUVs — they're working-class people who live far from reliable transit. Taking away affordable parking doesn't help Muni; it just punishes people with few choices. This shouldn't be a war between drivers and riders. We need smart investments to improve public transit — not a crusade against curb space. Let's be honest about equity. Eliminating low-cost parking doesn't hurt the wealthy — it hurts the working class. Muni needs stable funding and practical reform, not scapegoating. That's how we build a city that works for everyone, not just the car-free few. Marie Hurabiell, executive director, ConnectedSF and InspireSF So much narcissism Every day, I read the Chronicle's Letters to the Editor, and I'm struck by the theme running through them all: me, me, me, me, me. I want a park, and screw whoever it inconveniences. I want this or that and am damned well going to take it from someone else or make them pay for it. I demand that someone paint their house the color I want. I don't want some eyesore torn down, so I'm going to fatuously label it 'historic' because my opinion trumps everyone else's. What a depressingly intolerant and self-centered part of the world we live in. Andrew James, San Carlos Faith in humanity restored After 44 years in the Bay Area's cutthroat commercial real estate business, I've become a bit cynical about my fellow man. However, my outlook shifted recently. I was driving on El Camino Real in Burlingame, a busy, four-lane road known for aggressive drivers. As I was dodging traffic, the driver in front of me suddenly braked, pulled across our two lanes, put on his emergency flashers, got out of his car and waved all four lanes in both directions to a stop. Who or what did he hit? Road rager? No, he noticed a mother duck and her five ducklings on the side of the road, fretting to cross the busy boulevard. Like a crossing guard, he held up his arms while mama and her brood crossed El Camino Real single-file in his care. In those 90 seconds, no motorist honked, yelled or flipped the bird. We all watched intently, quietly and admired this hero. It was a moment of glorious humanity in our darkening world that restored my faith in my fellow human. I get a catch in my throat just thinking about this heroic act. He reminded me that we all have the instinct to do the right thing, and that anyone, anywhere and anytime can be a hero. David Klein, Burlingame
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Letters: Legal aid's vital role in ensuring justice; a resounding Easter message
Luca Fairgray's final name suppression appeal was heard by the Supreme Court. Photo / NZME Letters to the Editor An appropriate legal test I have just finished Charlotte Grimshaw's unsettling The Mirror Book. I admire Charlotte for her courage and tenacity. One of her messages is that we need to actively defend institutions from being undermined by those with totalitarian or populist tendencies. I then turned to the leading
