Talkback

The purpose of the 1Malaysia Support For Housewives Programme is to create employment opportunities and provide assistance to housewives, single mothers, women with disabilities and those who are the heads of families.

The programme helps them by providing an alternative to supplement their families’ income without compromising their roles as housewives.

As of September, three military camps have been selected for the pilot -

- Sungai Besi Army Camp (47 Housewives)
- Wardieburn Army Camp (59 Housewives)
- Lumut Naval Base (47 Housewives)

To ensure that the programme continuously benefits the target group, it’s implementation includes having different approaches to each housewife according to her profile.

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Today on The Evening Edition, we took a look at the Auditor General’s report from the everyman’s point of view. We asked what you, an everyday Malaysian, can do to address the Auditor General's report? What checks and balances would you like to see put in place? How could we help to curtail the wastage and ensure it stops happening? What would instil a greater sense of confidence to the public? 

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Is rising the price of cigarettes enough of a deterrent to stop people smoking? Would you say that the price rise is too much; or not enough? Will it stop people from lighting up in the first place? And should we be looking at other alternatives? The Evening Edition covered the recent cigarrette hike and its impact on smokers this Talkback Tuesday.

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The fuel hike that has us paying RM2.10 per litre for RON95 is something that we’re adjusting to, although when the news first hit, many of us worried over how it’ll hurt our pockets. So imagine, if you will, how things would be like in the future when fuel prices are higher and we’d end up paying, say RM5 per litre. Will our reaction be ten times worse than it is now?

Perhaps the solution isn’t how else the government can help subsidise to help Malaysians, but how the country can help itself by looking at other sources of energy, instead of being completely reliant on fuels. United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon has said that renewable energy has the ability to lift the poorest nations to new levels of prosperity.

Tapping into renewable energy and efficiency practices isn’t exactly something that is top-of-mind for most of us but it’s a move that the government is working to introduce. The first of its initiatives that applies directly to us is the introduction of 0% tax incentive on Hybrid cars, and sales have surged since its announcement.

But ultimately, how do we move Malaysia towards becoming a nation ready to embrace energy efficiency options and understanding how it will help bring down the rising costs of living?

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The Badminton Association of Malaysia is not a happy house with the latest news of Rashid Sidek’s resignation as coach last week. Just 3 years ago, his older brother Misbun Sidek, coach of our number one player Lee Chong Wei, left in a huff as well with no reason from BAM for his departure.

Chong Wei lamented the departures of both his coaches, citing problems within BAM’s management. In an article in The Star last week, Chong Wei says, “This is really sad. I may be the world No. 1 but I still need a coach. I know that the players make all the difference on the court but the coaches do play a part. They (the coaches) spend the most time with the players and understand us – our ups and downs.”

And while the issue of finding coaches plague the BAM, the bigger question is what are we doing to produce more world-class badminton players? In the 80s and 90s, we had powerhouse doubles in the form of Razif-Jalani Sidek and Soon Kit-Beng Kiang. We were spoiled for choice in the singles category with Misbun Sidek, Foo Kok Keong and Rashid Sidek. Every Malaysian was familiar with the Indonesia-Malaysia rivalry in badminton and tournaments like the All-England championships, Asian Games and the Thomas Cup were household names that filled our papers and TV screens.

The one win that is still etched in many Malaysians’ memories is the one that took place in 1992, 21 years ago. It was the Thomas Cup, it was held in KL and we faced our greatest rival - Indonesia. On a thrilling night that had everyone at the edge of their seats, we defeated Indonesia 3 - 2. Will Malaysia ever get to see a win that big again? Who else can we count on besides Lee Chong Wei?

Today on Talkback Tuesday, we’re asking: Who do we have to continue Malaysia’s badminton legacy when Lee Chong Wei decides to step down?

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Over the weekend, our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that new strategies will be put in place to empower the bumiputera economy. The Prime Minister himself will be heading this soon-to-be-set-up Bumiputera Economic Council (MEB) which will replace the previous Bumiputera Agenda Action Council. In an article in The Star published last Saturday, there will be five main strategies as a continuation of the implementation of the bumiputera economic empowerment agenda.

So, we’re asking today: Do you agree with this country’s affirmative action policies? Do you agree with how it’s implemented?

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This Saturday, Malaysia will be celebrating its 56th National Day.

It’s been 56 years since our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed Merdeka 7 times amidst thousands in Stadium Merdeka. In his speech, he declares that “Malaya steps forward to take her rightful place as a free and independent partner in the great community of Nations”.

The struggle back then that went into gaining independence from the British, will always be something we’ll read about, admire and draw inspiration from. Sadly, those are the only times patriotism kicks in for most of us. Why do we need the past to evoke the feelings of love for our country?

On Talkback Thursday today, we’re asking: Do you think Tunku’s dream of a unified Malaysia is realised today, 56 years later?

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“Endless Possibilities”. That’s Malaysia’s new slogan that is set to be officially launched this September 17th, a day after Malaysia Day on the 16th. Said to complement the 1Malaysia concept, our Prime Minister had said that is part of Malaysia’s national branding.

Adding to that is the announcement by the Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek that the national anthem, the Negaraku, will be played in cinemas nationwide before the start of all movies. This will begin next Wednesday and will go on for one week. According to the minister, this move is meant to promote a patriotic spirit in the run-up to the country’s 56th National Day on August 31st.

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As we pick up pace to keep up with being a developed society, many glaring issues and communities that need help are hastily left behind. One of them is the disabled and special needs community. 2012 stats have shown that out of 29.33 million Malaysians, a total of 19.56 millions fall under the working aged group. And in 2012, the GDP stood at RM751,471 million - that’s RM38k GDP per able-bodied person.

Today we’re asking:  How serious are we in wanting to help educate children with special needs?

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The social media realm was red-hot with activity yesterday when The Star published an article titled “No Benefit in Being Fat”. In it, it says that fat people are lazy, have a low social standing, and just can't be trusted. Tee Lin Say, the writer, has since been berated on Facebook for her stupidity mostly, and her insensitivity.

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