THE people power phenomenon sparked off by the Zara Qairina Mahathir tragedy has yet to recede but the temperature has come down a bit and the storm is no longer threatening to blow those in power off their feet.

A perfect storm looms over the approaching Sabah election as public sentiments continue to simmer over the controversial death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl.

The Chinese vernacular press went to town last week with reports on several incidents that were seen as causing embarrassment to the community.

FOR some Chinese intelligentsia watching on, the protest rally last week was more than just about putting pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It was another reminder of the racial divide that has shaped the politics of the country.

The opposition is borrowing from the Pakatan playbook of employing street rallies to undermine the image and standing of the prime minister.

SOME said it would be a secret meeting but how can it be a secret when the attendance list comprised so many division leaders of Umno?

The former PKR deputy president has become a newsmaker as he stirs public awareness on the need to defend the independence of the judiciary.

Despite the wave of discontent among the common folk over a string of issues, Anwar is still the people's leading choice going by his 55% approval rating in a recent survey.

Those asking Malays to come together have been around for decades during which they beat the unity drum when it suited them.

THERE is something heart-breaking about the Teoh Beng Hock family's relentless pursuit of answers.

PICTURES of a well-known "Tan Sri" from Penang being led from a police car in handcuffs and wearing the dreaded orange tunic sent shivers through the business community in the state.

Many in PKR are not only expecting a lot from their new deputy president but they also see her as their next president and perhaps even the first woman prime minister.