Archive - 24 November 2002

DAP calls for a national youth service commission to study the recent proposal by the government to impose a compulsory six-month national service for youths above 18, saying that the program must not be allowed to "generate into a disservice or Barisan Nasional service".

The opposition questions the government's abrupt move to implement the language switch claiming that there must a "hidden agenda" in it. PRM deputy president Rustam Sani says that people are opposing the policy and are also suspicious of the government's real agenda.

A 23-year-old snake charmer with four years of experience died after being bitten by a king cobra during a performance, a report said Sunday.

Opposition to the language saga continues in Kuala Lumpur as Tamil groups hold a peaceful march and a talk in protest of the move. Police try to stop the groups, but this time, the protesters seem ready to handle the cops. The law enforcers were politely told to register if they wish to participate.

Asia needs to air its corporate dirty linen in public, even if that means losing face, if it wants to clean up the standard of its business practices, according to prominent Asia watcher Michael Backman.

The community activity in Pa Daeng, home for those with HIV/Aids, is unique. The people are not hostile to those who are "diseased". Their efforts have become a model to follow.

Bank Negara Governor Dr Zeti Akhtar Abdul Aziz said the central bank will not set the number of banks the country should have or force further mergers following the creation of 10 big banking groups.

Analysts have warned that Malaysia's sluggish property market would remain weak in the near future with the government saying a shocking RM10 billion (US$2.6 billion) worth of office space remains unoccupied.