As I write this column, I am travelling on a train from Paris to Amsterdam. One of the things I enjoy the most in my post-political life is being to travel freely without having to worry about a phone call with a complaint that a house has burnt down or there is a flood somewhere.

I AM often asked why I went into politics.

Many Malaysians, me included, expected a more consultative and cooperative form of government as Pakatan Harapan (Pakatan) dislodged Barisan Nasional (Barisan) – one that would give equal importance to form and substances and exercise its vast powers with restraint and in the best interests of Malaysians.

DESIGNING effective public policies in Malaysia is often a thankless job. I spent 10 years in government, intermittently, and one thing I realised pretty early on is that while a lot of effort is made to craft good public policies, it is almost never appreciated.

Last week, Malaysians were rocked by an interview given by the princess of the Reformasi movement to a Singaporean newspaper.

They say marriages are made in heaven, and that is exactly what PAS and Umno leaders said this week when they “consummated” their cooperation with a formal alliance they termed a “marriage.”

IT promised to be an interesting by-election, and Cameron Highlands did not disappoint.

Bridging the urban-rural divide is no easy task but nevertheless, one that must be carried out.