James Wong Wing On

Conspiracy theories are circulating over the founding of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLCAH), based on Chinese press reports of a meeting between one of its founders and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Subang air force base last Saturday.

Former critics are becoming defenders, while foes are turning into friends, as the power struggle in MIC heats up in the wake of ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's retirement.

Getting into the top office at an relatively old age, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is confronted with severe challenges from four major fronts, especially the many intra-party as well as inter-party factionalism within his own ruling coalition.

The grim reactions to Dr Mahathir Mohamad's remarks on the Jewish people signal political and diplomatic isolation for his administration in the international arena.

The memoirs of Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng have evoked an emotional response in Malaysia, which has yet to hold a rational debate on a critical period in its history.

Although the government's decision not to ban Chin Peng's memoirs is to be commended, its policy of not allowing the secretary-general of the Communist Party of Malaya to come home can, and must, be disputed.

Veteran journalist Said Zahari, who had served one of the longest period of detention under the Internal Security Act, speaks his mind on Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir Mohamad and Lee Kuan Yew.

According to veteran Malay journalist Said Zahari, the struggle for independence was multi-ethnic, and all Malaysians and Singaporeans, including Malays and Muslims, must also recognise the role played by the Communist Party of Malaya.

The memoirs of former Communist Party leader Chin Peng are part and parcel of national history. Without this, no account of Malaysia and Singapore can claim to be complete.

By meticulously researching declassified Western intelligence and constructing a fact-based framework for narration, Chin Peng's memoirs seem to throw a moral and intellectual challenge to his detractors and critics.

The former leader of the Communist Party Malaya immortalises his 'story' in a book that reveals how he transformed from a decorated war hero to the most wanted 'public enemy' in the eyes of the British empire.

MCA and Gerakan are now confronting their own crises of political identity. Umno's grand old strategy of 'divide-and-rule' to maintain a grip on them is also losing effect as the ruling party itself is in a state of flux and fragmentation.

The feuds between MCA and Gerakan are animated not only by historical animosities and current conflicts of interest, but also secret clashes of personalities at the top; the intervening Umno seems to have been trapped in a quagmire for a long time to come.

exclusive Legendary secretary-general of the Communist Party of Malaya, Chin Peng, has published his memoirs revealing an alternative and thrilling account of Malaysia's modern political history. "I have always been careful not to fall into the trap of romanticising the past," he says.

The ongoing feuds between MCA and Gerakan are caused by both historical animosities as well as current conflicts of interest. Umno, posturing itself to be an impartial peacemaker, is actually not as disinterested as it appears to be.

As the curtain begins to fall on his 22-year reign, a cult of personality centering around him is emerging. His achievements are often trumpeted in the media but there is a 'darker' side which is seldom discussed. These traits have helped him survive the many tempests in his career.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad? In his latest book, veteran historian Cheah Boon Kheng passes some bold judgements.

Although the bogus "Federal Special Forces of Malaysia" is said to be not a threat to national security, its 'accidental discovery' reveals vulnerabilities in the political and security systems in Malaysia.

Samuel P Huntington's 'clash of civilisations' has its shortcomings, especially its neglect of intra-civilisational conflicts evident in all societies both east and west.

Massive demonstrations for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong in recent weeks have shattered some of the myths linked to the concept of Asian values.

Despite its outrageously distorted, dangerous and irresponsible views of the world, Mahathirism, it seems, will outlive the retirement of Mahathir in October.

Mahathir and his cluster of old ideas of the world is confronting a new reality. Will Abdullah Ahmad Badawi inherit and defend, or abandon and discard them after October?

The huge turnout of guests at the wedding receptions held for Nurul Izzah, daughter of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, are indicative of his continuing popularity and political influence.