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Showing posts from December, 2024

Reflection on Malaysia's prospects

As 2024 approaches its conclusion, I find myself deeply contemplating my views on Malaysia's prospects in the forthcoming years. The advent of the new administration led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim initially sparked considerable optimism and anticipation among the populace and stakeholders alike. Many believed his leadership would usher in a new era of reform, transparency, and economic revitalisation, addressing long-standing issues such as corruption, inequality, and governance inefficiencies. The promise of a more inclusive political landscape and a commitment to tackling pressing social and economic challenges generated a wave of hope that resonated across various sectors of society. However, as the months unfolded, these hopes and expectations appear increasingly unfulfilled. Anwar Ibrahim The initial enthusiasm has been tempered by a series of challenges that the administration has faced, ranging from political infighting within the coalition to the complexiti...

The Taliban’s perspectives on women’s rights in Afghanistan

RECENTLY, it was reported that a delegation from Afghanistan’s Education Ministry visited its Malaysian counterpart as part of an initiative to bolster Malaysia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan. This visit was said to be in line with Malaysia’s commitment to offer capacity-building support in health and humanitarian sectors, thereby aiding Afghanistan’s social development. The initiative by Malaysia to facilitate Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community is commendable; however, the Taliban’s actions in undermining women’s rights, particularly their denial of educational opportunities, have generated significant concern among many Malaysians. A brief history The dynamics between the Taliban and women’s rights in Afghanistan have been characterised by a longstanding history of stringent restrictions and significant curtailments of women’s freedoms. When the Taliban initially assumed control in Afghanistan in 1996, they enforced a radical interpretation of Islamic ...

Analysing terror attacks during Christmas season

Terrorism remains a persistent global threat, impacting countries across all continents and affecting a wide range of civilians. These attacks are often indiscriminate, targeting soft spots such as public spaces, religious gatherings, and cultural landmarks. One period of heightened risk for terrorist incidents in many countries, including Germany, is the Christmas season. Christmas markets, crowded shopping areas, and holiday festivities provide both symbolic and practical targets for extremists aiming to inflict maximum harm and instil fear. Terrorist groups, from Al-Qaeda and Islamic State to domestic extremists, have long understood the symbolic value of Christmas as a moment when society gathers to celebrate. These attacks are often designed to disrupt holiday cheer and create fear among civilians. This article will examine significant terrorist attacks worldwide, with a particular focus on those that occurred in Germany during the Christmas period, offering pertinent deta...