Why Not?

Two old tin mines, now both urban enclaves, and two issues. In one, there is a protest over religion. At the other, there is a hue and cry over a musical concert. Are we really that intolerant? No, not really.

Over 300 children died in accidents in the first three months. Some parents are deliberately putting their children in harm’s way.

Religion should be used to unite, with the beliefs and values we share, and not to divide using the things in which we differ.

Malaysian Indians seem to be on the warpath – against themselves. It’s frightening these days to read reports of men being slain around the country.

Does professing your love for someone of another religion make you waver in your own? Some claim that is so. But this writer begs to differ.

What’s in a hug? Much more than meets the eye, say researchers. It’s therapeutic, soothing, eases stress and chases away your cares. But as we have seen, it can touch a raw nerve or two.

IT was the morning of Dec 25. I was at a relative’ house where prayers – Hindu ones – were being held. Outside, festivities were in the air. It was Christmas, after all.

The rise of anger and hatred in the country is very worrying. But the rational views of an eminent group may, with support, quell the storm.

AS we sat in the taxi on the way to the Los Angeles airport, we – my friends from Mazda and I – listened as the driver grumbled.

The rise of intolerance in the country is quite startling, from banks to mineral water getting flak. But in the midst of it all, there are those who are preaching tolerance and love, of course in the name of religion.

What is Penang’s ban on foreign hawker food cooks about? Is it an affront to the foreigners who can cook just as well as anyone else or is it a bane for hawkers who want to make an easy buck while sacrificing quality?

SOME years ago, a bunch of friends came visiting from Penang, one of them an army officer, complete with a batman and all.