The Star Online: Columnists

Obamas brace for battle on health care reform

The First Lady uses a personal approach to reach out to the American public as President Barack Obama tries to convince Congress to accept the controversial plan.

Time to revise outmoded conditions

It is heartening to hear that the Catholic newsletter Catholic Herald still has its printing permit for next year.

Let’s pray for understanding

Disputes over the use of ‘Allah’ and the seizure of Bibles have contributed to ill will against the Government. Such action is seen as infringing on the rights of non-Muslims to profess their religion.

Too close for comfort

Storm clouds are gathering over Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat for appointing his ambitious son-in-law as CEO of the state subsidiary Perbadanan Menteri Besar Kelantan.

Replaying a sad song

After all these years and despite all the official denials, it is Vietnam all over again in Afghanistan.

Tropical appeal

From British women who love orang utans to retirees seeking ‘winter sun’ vacations, UK holidaymakers continue to favour Malaysia.

The invisible elephant

In the social roller-coaster ride from former premier Thaksin to the king’s health to the stock exchange, even talking about reports of rumours seems to be taboo.

Education for the real world

Government plans call for developing school pupils in other than academic pursuits, with less emphasis on exams, to equip young people better for life. But some parents still baulk at the change.

Speak up and be counted

Sometimes it takes an extreme act to wake us up to our rights and guard against extremism.

Mental challenge

Despite his struggles with schizophrenia, Albert Wang is a model of determination.

Marital break-ups

The continuation of a marriage cannot be imposed on a party that wishes to opt out. However, the children will have to be provided for and the matrimonial assets divided.

Seeing Sai Baba

Our columnist has a spiritual time in a remote village in India.

Writer’s block

Looking to creative writing tutors for inspiration can turn out quite futile.

Sunny side of down

It’s heartening for us that there are still nooks and corners in our country where issues of race and religion are totally irrelevant.

Kids switched to overload

Children may be quick learners, but every so often some will crack under pressure and the consequences are frightening and most distressing.

Shooting with the same script

While the police must be defended for taking firm action against ruthless criminals, their accounts of shootouts must also be seen to be plausible.

A bold new start, without illusions

US-China relations are important not only in themselves, but also for this region and the world.

Reform push must continue

A big debate is taking place in the United States on whether there is need to prevent financial institutions from being involved in both commercial and risky investment banking activities.

Ethics and expertise for sale

The news media is becoming seriously debased, as both print and broadcast outlets openly sell themselves to external political and commercial interests.

Origin of all sin

The purpose of our presence in this world is not simply to enjoy its pleasures, but to fashion it for worshipping God.

Understanding our basic rights

Most Malaysians still need to understand and practise the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Bar Council has helped to make a start.

Freedom to agree or disagree

Our own laziness and lack of self-belief are producing high-handed actio by some authorities.

New developments in old Shanghai

The daring exploits of Du Yuesheng continue with further progress in the drug trade, as he compromises the anti-opium commissioner and takes two more wives.

The price of convenience

Digital money is extremely convenient to have, but should a private company have details about how you spend your money?

Food for thought

Our columnist offers tips to help lessen the dreaded death of the mind.

Sense and sensibility

Oh, how difficult it is to be the voice of fashion reason.

The little hall that could

A humble structure down south offers a glimpse of the way forward for Malaysian administrative architecture.

Ancestral roots

What better way to celebrate our diversity and realise our tagline ‘Malaysia-Truly Asia’ than by rediscovering our origins?

Paying attention

Ways to encourage young children to stay focused on the task at hand.

Job hazard

YOU are what you eat. And what you put inside your mouth is really your call, so long as you know what’s good or bad for you. Unless of course, you’re chomping on unwholesome fare packed with calories and fat without even realising it.

The little things

Keeping your surroundings clean requires a simple paradigm shift.

Diabetes and pregnancy

Pregnant diabetics have to be vigilant as failure to control their blood glucose can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.

Whither moderation?

The arrest of a progressive ulama has plunged many Malaysians into further despair that this country is hurtling towards an implosion but it may prove a blessing in disguise.

My domestic stimulus

Our columnist makes his maiden parliamentary speech – in his living room.

No need to cheat

Denmark’s bold experiment may change how we view education and what we expect from it.

Cutting free

At some point, most people think about abandoning the security of their jobs and pursuing their dream. How do you know if it’s the right thing to do? And what makes that decision worthwhile?

Broaching discrimination

As a provocative film by a renowned German investigative journalist about ‘‘latent and blatant racism’’ in Germany plays in cinemas here, our columnist wonders whether it’s only race that needs addressing.

Can we flow into a single stream?

Improving the quality of national schools will solve that and provide myriad other benefits too.

The quest towards higher income

More, much more, has to be done in addition to a stronger currency policy.

Face reality, Malaysia's broadband nothing to shout about

LET’S face reality. Our broadband connection is nothing much to shout about.

Malaysia must include our own diaspora as well

There are no concise figures as to how many Malaysians are now living abroad. Some reports suggest that there are about 200,000 Malaysians living in the United States, 50,000 in Canada, 95,000 in Australia and more than 300,000 in Britain. Add to that the smaller number of Malaysians who are scattered all across the five continents and my guess is that there are more than a million Malaysians living abroad today.

Making a name in international sports

Success in sports is more than medals and wins. It is about making the nation proud, carving a global place of prominence for Malaysia and about inner growth through endurance and strength.

Question of Internet ‘filtering’ still unresolved

For some, Malaysia’s position on Internet censorship appears unclear, despite a law against such meddling.

Singers strike the right note

Malaysian Chinese singers are making themselves, and their country, known in China and Taiwan.