Phar Kim Beng

Can Japan learn from Malaysia too?

Can Japan learn from Malaysia too?

COMMENT | There are indeed many things Japan can learn from M’sia. Here are some.

Getting the discourse on education right - but don't panic (yet)

Getting the discourse on education right - but don't panic (yet)

COMMENT | For too many children, schooling does not mean learning.

Here's a better way to use Tabung Harapan

Here's a better way to use Tabung Harapan

COMMENT | Instead of paying off debts, spend it on civil society.

M’sia has to lead the charge against global debt tsunami

M’sia has to lead the charge against global debt tsunami

COMMENT | It is not enough that Malaysia tries to overcome its national debt.

Is Amanah ready to defend national interests?

Is Amanah ready to defend national interests?

COMMENT | Its leaders head three key ministries - defence, agriculture and health.

Mahathir: The comeback statesman who rocks

Mahathir: The comeback statesman who rocks

COMMENT | Like any top doctors, Mahathir believes in following the facts.

New foreign minister must have global savvy

New foreign minister must have global savvy

COMMENT| Who from Harapan is qualified for the post?

Overcoming limits of democracy in new M’sia

Overcoming limits of democracy in new M’sia

COMMENT | Malaysia should focus first and foremost on unity and its national interests.

Is Amanah the future of Islamist politics?

Is Amanah the future of Islamist politics?

COMMENT | Although Amanah is barely three years old, it won 11 parliamentary seats.

Can Look East be Look West too? Yes and no

Can Look East be Look West too? Yes and no

COMMENT | Look East can be a chimera since Japan combines both East and West.

How did Umno get it so wrong?

How did Umno get it so wrong?

COMMENT | While the reasons for Umno's defeat can be many, one reason stood out.

Will Malaysia Look East again?

Will Malaysia Look East again?

COMMENT | There have been massive changes since the policy was first introduced, but it is still very much viable.

How Malaysia can avoid the scourge of terrorism

How Malaysia can avoid the scourge of terrorism

Modernisation must take into account local nuances and ensure no race is left behind, if the terrorism scourge is to be avoided
Looking at competitive index is not enough

Looking at competitive index is not enough

Malaysia must maintain an innovative working culture, particularly in IT, if it is to be successful internationally.
Malay reserve lands: More than meets the eye

Malay reserve lands: More than meets the eye

If a nationwide official investigation, coupled with a sustained press campaign, is launched to account for 'lost` Malay reserve lands, many officials and business people would become jittery.
US election shows there is a majority

US election shows there is a majority

When all's said and done, it is now clear that the majority of Americans approve of George W Bush and are willing to embrace more years of the same neo-conservative policies.
Proton is not out of the woods, despite its tie up with Volkswagen AG

Proton is not out of the woods, despite its tie up with Volkswagen AG

National car company Proton has signed a deal with German car maker Volkswagen, however the partnership may not be sufficient to save Malaysia's ailing car manufacturer.
Why Anwar would not want a Royal pardon

Why Anwar would not want a Royal pardon

The decision by one group to seek a Royal pardon for former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim could set off a chain reaction that may not necessarily benefit his political career.
Bangsa Malaysia: Getting the policy right, not nation wrong

Bangsa Malaysia: Getting the policy right, not nation wrong

In creating a united Malaysia, emphasis must be placed on changing policy and focusing on the middle class.
Westminster system allows former PMs to speak out

Westminster system allows former PMs to speak out

Under the Westminster system of government, no clear role is set out for former prime ministers, thus there is no reason why Dr Mahathir Mohamad shouldn't speak his mind.
The four Rs of Malaysian politics

The four Rs of Malaysian politics

The political landscape of Malaysia is largely defined by the three Rs of race, religion and rent. It is now time to embrace the fourth: reform.
Manila, not Sulu sultan, to decide on Sabah claim

Manila, not Sulu sultan, to decide on Sabah claim

Disputes over land ownership in Sabah are a matter for the bureaucracy of the Philippines rather than for the sultans.
Anwars strategic challenge in Malaysia

Anwars strategic challenge in Malaysia

If Anwar hopes to transform civil society, he will have to discipline them to bow their heads and follow his vision, rather than merely lift their hats to him.
Islamic state concept too narrowly conceived

Islamic state concept too narrowly conceived

The al-Qaradawi's approach often reproduces the form of Islam that boils down to observing the prescriptions (the dos) and proscriptions (the don'ts).