Monday, 30 March 2026

Author: Datuk Dr John Lau Pan Heng

Lifelong learning: The journey never ends

IN today’s fast-changing world, the belief that education ends in our twenties is long outdated. Lifelong learning – the continuous pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional growth – is now a necessity. It sharpens the mind, fuels the spirit, and gives life purpose Sarawak holds many inspiring stories, and

RM100 – A kind gesture, but is it enough?

THE recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to distribute RM100 in cash aid to 22 million people is a clear acknowledgment of the growing cost-of-living pressures faced by Malaysians. While this short-term relief may offer temporary comfort, it raises important questions about effectiveness, sustainability, and whether it

Rethinking JPJ licence suspension policy

THE recent move by Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) to suspend the licences of commercial drivers involved in road accidents until investigations are completed has sparked heated debate. While the policy’s intention is clearly to reduce road crashes and instil greater accountability among drivers, its execution raises serious concerns about

Bringing our brains home

LAST Friday, we walked into a community hall in Kuching and overheard a conversation filled with pride – families sharing stories of their children’s successes. It warmed the heart yet spoke volumes. You’ll find proud parents, vibrant cultures, and inspiring stories of achievement … just not always here. From doctors

Vaping: A silent epidemic in the making?

IN recent years, vaping has surged in popularity across our country and the world, touted by some as a “safer” alternative to smoking. But beneath the cloud of fruity-scented vapour lies a growing public health crisis – one that is targeting our youth, addicting a new generation to nicotine, and

Promoting community policing in student dormitories

WE were shocked, saddened and depressed to learn of the tragic death of a female physiotherapy student from Kuching in Cyberjaya. It has sent ripples of sorrow across the university community and beyond, as a promising life was cut short in an incident that highlights the vulnerabilities faced by students

SST expansion: Will ordinary Malaysians bear the burden?

THE recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) on the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), effective July 1, 2025, has sparked public concern – especially among citizens already struggling with the rising cost of living. While the government argues that the revised SST will improve fiscal

Matriculation meritocracy: A fine line between excellence and exclusion

IN a significant move that has reignited debate over fairness in our education system, the Ministry of Education recently announced that only students who scored straight A+ or A in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) would be automatically offered places in the matriculation programme. This change marks a notable tightening

Is it time to raise the retirement age?

RECENTLY, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), proposed raising the mandatory retirement age for Malaysian civil servants from 60 to 65. The proposal has sparked national debate. On May 22, 2025, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim called for a comprehensive

Four Square Farming: A possible game-changer for Sarawak’s agriculture

HAVING been born and raised on a farm, agriculture has always been a part of me. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how to build a sustainable future for my family by implementing the Four Square Farming concept.  This week, I will discuss about a possible game-changer for our agriculture, Sarawak,