The spirit of this nation is embedded within the walls of structures from the past.

ONE of the saddest episodes in recent upheavals to me was the "kuil haram" issue, with all its painful social, religious and political connotations.

For me, trust in a politician begins with their history.

I WATCHED the Reformasi demonstrations on TV in 1998, witnessing how citizens protested, first against an unjust incarceration and then broadening their calls to demand political reform. They began advocating for greater democracy, for a more just society rather than one in which a leader controlled the institutions of authority with an iron hand.

As National Day approaches in stormy times, it is important to remember the people and values that bind us together.

WHEN I became a father, I realised that the safety and well-being of my child, and later five children, would be my topmost priority. It wasn't the As or Bs of education that I prioritised, I only wished that they would be safe and healthy (and that they would love reading as much as I do).

WHEN I penned an article and also spoke in a video extolling the five great characteristics that I admired about a politician who recently reached a centennial presence, I was surprised at the many negative comments I received.

The columnist believes Malaysians have reached the limits of 'free speech'.

SOCIETY views housing as a critical requirement for all people.

I HAVE been an academic for almost 40 years now. I have served in both public and private universities, those that are among the best in their categories of public and private.

I HAVE read widely about many religions, and one thing comes across clearly and without any ambiguity in all those books: all religions nurture the idea of helping fellow human beings whatever the faith they practise.

FOR the longest time, the race riots that began on this day 56 years ago and shook a still fledgeling nation to the core was a taboo subject.