| Dina Zaman writes to find answers. Sometimes she doesn't. If she's not spending too much money on books, it's household items. She would like everyone to be happy. |
A necessary conversation
May 05, 2013MAY 5 — Being out of KL even for a few days provides for greater clarity. May 5 was just less than 48 hours away, and thanks to budget airlines, one can come back home for a few days to vote.It was a conversation with my nephew and niece when I was back that made me realise that things have gone worse for schoolchildren. We chat a lot about a lot of things … Read More
Selamat mengundi!
April 24, 2013APRIL 24 ― A friend and I were up on the highest level of the Thean Hou Temple, in Seputeh, two weekends ago.We were up there for two reasons: my friend, a social worker wanted calm, and I was there for my research. Instead, we sat on a bench and looked up at the sky, while a porcelain figure of the Goddess Kuan Yin poured water from a fountain attached … Read More
Terengganu is all set for the polls!
April 17, 2013APRIL 17 ― Someone asked me about politics in Terengganu. I said, it’s still very grassroots, and it will remain laidback whether Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat governs it. There is some progress, but that progress is contentious.About a month back, I was assigned to observe how Umno Terengganu fared, and what their preparations were for the coming … Read More
How to survive?
April 03, 2013APRIL 3 ― The past two weeks were spent attending a number of forums on the state of the Malaysian economy post GE 13. How will Malaysia face an economic transition?And there were a lot of promises. I was privy to a research report that said the following: Pakatan Rakyat has plans to stimulate local investment and domestic demand and attract foreign … Read More
Two days in KT
March 13, 2013MARCH 13 ― A quick trip back to Terengganu is always welcome, even if it’s for work. Kuala Terengganu was preparing for the prime minister’s visit. Barisan Nasional flags were everywhere we turned, and they’ll stay there until the general election.My cab driver was the regular old pakcik, who drove as slowly as his age, and kept up a very speedy … Read More
Talking about sex, baby, and the economy
February 27, 2013FEB 27 ― We were hungry that weekend, and wanted to have Thai food in Kampung Baru. The restaurant we wanted was closed, Chinese New Year. Every other decent place was closed too. But we wanted to eat, and drove around we did.My friend pointed at the many warongs, and restaurants dotting the roadside of Kampung Baru and Chow Kit. What did the number tell … Read More
A short memoir of former slaves
February 20, 2013FEB 20 ― Once in a while, I’ll catch up with a few friends who, like me at one time, worked for VVVVVVVVVIPs.When we worked for these people in power, we survived on little sleep and whatever that was left of our sanity. We barely lasted a year; it was never the work, it was dealing with the personalities. But I suppose that’s how powerful people become … Read More
On the campaign trail
February 06, 2013FEB 6 ― The ceramahs have begun all across the country, as politicians and political parties begin campaigning for support and votes come the 13th general election.These ceramahs require massive reserves of energy, as the long hours on the road, the meet-the-rakyat sessions, rushed prayers at nearby suraus, and critical meetings on the road can take a … Read More
The rebuttals
January 23, 2013JAN 23 ― “I think it’s time Christians started telling both sides (of the story), look, listen stop bullying us. We are an even more important vote bloc than Hindraf and all we’re asking for is to be left alone.” ~ Emmanuel Joseph, a Malaysian.A number of friends had reservations upon reading my last op-ed and feature article. Clearly, Dr Chandra Muzaffar … Read More
The Christians are coming!
January 16, 2013JAN 16 ― Dr Chandra Muzaffar who spoke at the “Pathways Institute Seminar: Leadership Amidst Controversy” recently said, “It will be the Malaysian Christians who will make an impact at the upcoming general elections.”There is a political awakening among them, and many feel sidelined and discriminated against, he said. The Allah issue is just but one of … Read More
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