A TUMULTUOUS year has come to a close and a new year and a new decade have rolled in. While we reflect on the many blessings that our nation continues to enjoy, let us also be conscious of the challenges ahead.

We have made great strides in protecting basic human rights and freedoms, but there are always threats to counter. We fight best when we fight together.

If lawmakers don’t correct the Act’s disproportionate and arbitrary provisions, hopefully the courts will.

THE Federal Constitution is our nation’s fundamental law. It is the apex of our legal hierarchy of rules and is of superior validity to all laws – whether passed by the Federal Parliament, State Assemblies or local authorities.

We need to mend bridges, tear down walls and revive the spirit of 1957 and 1963.

THE pre-eminence and official position of the Malay language is deeply entrenched in our Constitution. Article 152(1) prescribes that the national language shall be the Malay language and shall be used for all official purposes.

SIXTY-TWO years into independence, knowledge of our supreme Constitution’s glittering generalities is woefully lacking in our society.

AS we commemorate 56 years of the formation of Malaysia, it is necessary to strengthen the bridges of friendship between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak. It is necessary for the people of both regions to rededicate themselves to the spirit of accommodation, moderation and compromise that made possible the transformation of Malaya to Malaysia.

A lot more has to be done to improve human rights in our country. Malaysians need to band together to subdue undemocratic forces in a democratic way.

THE hallowed institution of our Parliament turns 60 in September. On April 24, 1959, the then Federal Legislative Council met for the last time. On Aug 19 that year, independent Malaya held her first general election, and on Sept 11, the first post-independence Parlia­ment was summoned to session by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Universities must build character and provide all-round development, not merely prepare people for employment.

Our columnist shares his parting words of advice to students. There is no magic wand to grant success, he says. To do well, you need discipline, positivity and a good heart.