We need empathy, compassion, and some calmness beyond Ramadan, says the writer.

The ludicrous things that are happening might sound familiar – but for once, it's nothing to do with us, says the writer.

Ceasefire in Gaza, world peace, intelligent policies, climate change solutions and no cruelty against animals – it’s not too much to wish for in the new year, right, asks the writer.

In a country like ours that has long been the crossroads of all sorts of people from all over the world, diversity should be celebrated, especially in these increasingly divisive times.

While Malaysian women could soon have equal citizenship rights under the Federal Constitution, the battle for equality for all is far from over, says the writer.

It’s simple, says the writer, and nothing to do with religion: child abuse is child abuse is child abuse.

This month as we celebrate our freedom from colonial rule, it might be worth remembering that we are never truly merdeka if there are still people around the world who are not, says the writer.

Art in many ways has no ethnicity but to stay alive, it needs support and as many people as possible to experience and appreciate it.

It’s a jumbled-up jungle out there, and all we need is consistency – especially from our leaders – to help us cope, says the writer.

We all have a doppelgänger – the person we present to the world and the person we really are. It’s only when people’s different personae clash that we need to be wary.

We should do as we preach and be kind to others, especially those taking refuge in our country, says the writer. There is nothing to lose.

Perhaps it would benefit us all if every time we felt hurt or insulted, especially this Ramadan, we took a moment and asked ourselves ‘What would the Prophet do?’, says the writer.