Author Archives: Tricia

Why Everything is Political

Why Everything is Political There is a tendency for people to complain in loud groans how everything is oh-so-political these days. The fact is that, yes, everything is in fact political. Especially so in a country like Malaysia where decision-making … Continue reading

Posted in Civil Society, Economics, General Politics, The Cause | Leave a comment

Keep solid waste local

Solid waste management – to keep it under the local councils, or to privatise it to a national and long-term concession holder? My piece in Penang Monthly in August 2011 argues against privatising it. Keep solid waste local The centralisation … Continue reading

Posted in Public Administration, Selangor | Leave a comment

When we begin to doubt

When the RCI on Teoh Beng Hock’s death was released, I was appalled at its findings, especially certain paragraphs which others have now described as “bad fiction”. This was my piece in theSun on 27th July 2011 on my analysis … Continue reading

Posted in General Politics, Selangor, The Cause | Leave a comment

Effecting Real Change: Political or Non-Partisan?

One of the most hotly contested issues surrounding Bersih 2.0, Bersih 3.0 and the movement was whether it was political or not. I think this is reflective of how we individually feel – how do we help the nation best, … Continue reading

Posted in Elections, General Politics, Reflections | Leave a comment

Local democracy alive and kicking in Pakatan states

Although civil society is disappointed that Pakatan states didn’t implement local elections in its first term, nevertheless there were achievements to this end: local village, mosque committee elections and more – first published in the Penang Monthly’s July 2011 issue. … Continue reading

Posted in Elections, Public Administration, The Cause | Leave a comment

Assimilation vs. Integration

First published in Selangor Times in July 2011, a topic that always seems to be current in Malaysia. Assimilation vs. Integration Last weekend, I was invited to speak at an event organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports together … Continue reading

Posted in Ethno-Religious Politics | Leave a comment

Manage Water Demand instead

The water issue is constantly being played out in the media. I’ve written numerous articles on water, and here was the first one published in theSun on 29th June 2011. Manage Water Demand instead  In the Malaysian water story, two … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Selangor, Water | Leave a comment

Reversing the brain drain requires a paradigm shift

In this piece, I explored what roles state governments ought to play in reversing brain drain and attracting talent. It’s not enough to rely on the Malaysian Talent Corporation. First published in the Penang Monthly in June 2011. Reversing the … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Education, Selangor | Leave a comment

Putting the ‘Islam’ in Islamic Finance

A little bit off-topic from my usual writings on politics and administration, this article was based on my attending the 7th World Islamic Economic Forum in Kazakhstan. It’s good to be exposed to all sorts of issues. First published in … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Religion | Leave a comment

Water deal makes Malaysians RM6.5b Poorer

Published in Selangor Times in June 2011, which is almost two years ago now. But it’s relevant to look back and remember the details of how the Federal Government took over the bonds of the Selangor water companies totalling RM6.5 … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Selangor | Leave a comment