WHAT does Merdeka mean to most of us? The end of the British dominion? Street celebrations? Or just a holiday?

FINALLY, it seems like we are talking openly about that elephant in the room.

The killing of young Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara was a cruel act, and two people have now been charged with murder. But they aren't the only ones on trial. Our security system is under the microscope, too. 

The passing of Dr Thambirajah should inspire us to step up and stay his course.

MY vehicle road tax expires on Tuesday. So last week, I called an agency to renew my insurance and road tax.

A boy snaps in class, saying he comes to school only to see his girlfriend; and teachers face action for scolding a girl.

IT has been a week of days. We had Mothers Day last Sunday, followed by Wesak Day, Nurses Day and Teachers Day. All were celebrated – some with love and others with respect and compassion.

With Johor Darul Ta'zim sweeping all before it, the Malaysian Super League looks doomed to be a one-horse race with most other clubs running out of steam and, more importantly, money.

EVERY time national footballer Faisal Halim scores a goal for Harimau Malaya, you can expect him to clutch his chest, pull up his shirt and kiss the national crest there.

I WAS at a Ramadan bazaar in Petaling Jaya last week. It was late – I prefer to let the Muslims buy first – but there was still plenty of food.

In a world where women are discriminated against, one man sets an example.

LET me first make a confession. I am a bit of a recalcitrant. I suffered a retinal detachment and underwent an operation a couple of weeks ago. And despite the sage advice of the doctor, I still decided to go to Penang for Thaipusam.