LIKE any Indonesian sinetron (TV drama), the contest for the highest post in the nation is full of suspense and intrigue, replete with stories of disloyalty and betrayal. Take the case of two of the candidates, Ganjar Pranowo and Prabowo Subianto.

INDONESIA made an audacious decision that will change its politi­cal construct, perhaps for the better.

THE media landscape has changed for the worse, especially for newspaper companies. The last decade has been a challenging one. Media companies are losing revenues. Many of these companies have folded, the rest are struggling to keep afloat.

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Mohd Kamal Hassan was an intellectual with impeccable credentials. He was known for his academic excellence and leadership. A giant among men. His demise on Thursday morning due to complications related to recent surgical procedures was a big loss to the nation. But his legacy will live on.

We may be heralding a new era in our political construct and the political culture is changing for the better.

THE country’s 15th General Election will showcase candidates vying for the coveted 222 spots in Dewan Rakyat. More will be contesting for state seats with the exception of Sarawak, Melaka and Johor, or other states that have decided not to dissolve the state assemblies.

Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from the stories in Sejarah Melayu. Corruption can lead to the downfall of a state, or country.

THERE are those who believe a general election could solve all our political woes – that we need one to decide once and for all to vote for the party or coalition to run the country.

More female leaders needed at key institutions as they have proven to have superior qualities

Malaysians spend too much time on social media and it’s about time we reflected on how best to embrace technology without sacrificing our health.

OUR Parliament is still a male domain, perhaps even the last bastion of “maleness” while the world outside has changed drama­tically. It is no surprise that misogyny still reigns high and mighty. Hardly 11% of our representatives are women.

The outcome of the general election affects us all, but holding one is not easy, and is costly too.