MANY friends have urged me to write about an important topic concerning the protection of children, with particular reference to my home state.

In these antagonistic days, the whole nation would do well to find inspiration from the innovations of our predecessors.

MALAYSIA has not experienced a revolution or a full-fledged civil war in the modern era (although World War II and the Emergency were bloody). We did not wage a violent war of independence against colonial masters. Rather, we underwent a comparatively peaceful and consultative process to determine the institutions, laws and modes of government that were appropriate for us. We have not been the victim of serious economic sanctions, trade embargoes or blockades. We experience few natural disasters.

People should be free to express themselves. But when the exercise of that freedom disrupts the lives of others, it becomes a murky and divisive problem.

Cats can be more truthful and loyal than many human beings, teaching us something new about the universe in a way that no educational institution could.

Connecting histories and cultures within and beyond Europe yields interesting observations.

SOME days in the United Kingdom prior to visiting the easternmost and westernmost countries of the European Union have stimulated an update on Brexit.

Hopefully, proposals from civil society can help those who genuinely want to push what should be a positive agenda for the nation.

Exchange programmes continue to be a wonderful way for people of different backgrounds to keep informed, stay grounded and remain inspired.

FOLLOWING my last article referencing the Indonesian origins of the haze and the colonial legacy of modern borders, one reader further pointed out that, in light of Malaysia Day, Indonesia has once again managed to unite Malaysians in their reaction to outside incursions: except this time it is pollutants rather than soldiers.

The haze leaves Malaysians with a certain resignation as they are engulfed by helplessness and powerless to stop it.

EVERY National Day brings about lamentation, reflection and hope from commentators: our country should be better, the true vision of Malaysia has not been achieved, but if the right decisions are made, the promise of a glorious nation can still be fulfilled.