No IC and No Country!

 

We take for granted an ID card or IC. But when someone who has spent their whole life waiting for one, we may realise how fortunate we are! Imagine being born and raised in Malaysia, going to local schools, speaking the language, celebrating the same festivals …. yet being told, on paper, that you don’t belong. This isn’t a rare story. 

An anonymous individual shared a heartbreaking story that he was born in Malaysia but was never recognized as a Malaysian citizen. While others celebrate receiving their MYKid and then receiving MyKad at 12 years old, this person grew up holding only a birth certificate marked “Bukan Warganegara”. Despite being born in a Malaysian hospital, attending local schools, and speaking the same languages, he spent his entire life feeling like a stranger.

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com

Whenever some people talked about identity cards, this affected person (say, Ah Chong for this article) quietly shrank away from the conversation, afraid of the stares, the pity, or worse the judgment. For Form 3 exams, everyone presented their ICs, but Ah Chong had to hand over a wrinkled birth certificate instead. 

And yet, amidst all the frustration, there are moments of grace. In school, true friends stood-by him treating him as one of them, even helping to research ways to appeal for citizenship. As Ah Chong grew older, more kind souls appeared, “angels,” who gave guidance, encouragement, and hope. Even though the waiting continues, gratitude remains. Because he has learned that he is not alone, there are still many others just like him, born on this land but still fighting to be seen as part of it. 

This story isn’t about self-pity; it’s about resilience. Every case, every name, every effort matters. Of course, if you are a naturalised footballer for the national team, then things get done much faster! 

Reference:

 

No IC, No Country. The Reality of Being Born in Malaysia Without Citizenship, Jovy Jing, https://newswav.com, 22 October 2025

Two Women Lifted a Nation!

 

While sports headlines at home weigh heavy with controversy, two Malaysian women offered moment of pure joy. Shuttlers Pearly Tan and M Thinaah did more than lift the women’s doubles title at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan; they inspired. 

They turned every point, every rally, and every moment on court into a statement of purpose and pride for Malaysian sport. With every precise smash, clever rally, and unwavering display of teamwork, they showcased the best of sport — discipline, resilience, and the joy of playing at the highest level. They reminded Malaysians what sport can be at its most pure: honest, joyful, and capable of lifting spirits far beyond the scoreboard.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

That’s not the same for the national football team. The shadow of a scandal over the naturalisation of seven players hangs over them. 

In contrast, Pearly and Thinaah’s triumph felt like a rare moment of uncomplicated joy, a moment when the country could cheer without reservation, without worry, and without cynicism. Watching them play is like watching poetry in motion. Pearly’s fire meets Thinaah’s calm. One roars, the other steadies. One leaps, the other anchors. Their chemistry is effortless, built on trust, laughter, and a shared love of the game. It is this partnership that makes every comeback remarkable, every tight rally thrilling. Even under pressure, their smiles never falter. Even when the crowd is hostile, their focus never wavers. In them, Malaysians can see what dedication, discipline, and joy look like in action. 

The duo’s semi-final where they saved three game points, and the 54-minute final against the Japanese pair, reinforced their trademark quality: resilience. They do not crumble when the odds are stacked; they grow stronger. In a sporting landscape overshadowed by off-field distractions and fractured leadership, their example is quietly radical. It says that excellence does not require controversy. That commitment does not need drama. That joy, when genuine, is its own reward. 

This year has been extraordinary for Pearly and Thinaah. Three titles. Seven finals. World No 2 ranking. Runner-up at the World Championships. They have consistently transformed potential into performance, rewriting expectations for Malaysian women’s doubles and giving the nation glimpses of sporting brilliance reminiscent of Razif and Jailani Sidek’s legendary 1989 season. But it is not just statistics that matter. It is the way they carry themselves — with humility, poise, and a generosity of spirit that makes their victories feel like communal triumphs. 

Beyond skill and titles, Pearly and Thinaah embody something Malaysia needs right now: unity. A Chinese Malaysian and an Indian Malaysian moving in perfect rhythm, supporting each other and inspiring the nation, remind us that collaboration and mutual respect are always possible, even when headlines suggest otherwise. And who is their coach? Rosman Razak, an exceptional coach. So, clearly, we have it. If we work together, we can beat the world! Where others divide, they synchronise. Where others look at attire, they look at delivery. God is fair. He does not see the outward appearance but your heart. And that is what matters! When these two women (guided by their coach) lift their racquets, Malaysia lifts its chin. 

Reference:

Two women who lifted a nation’s mood, Frankie D’Cruz, FMT, 17 November 2025

Did Disposable Income Rise Nationwide?

 

Malaysia’s average disposable household income rose by 3.2% to RM7,584 in 2024, according to the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2024 Report. The median income rose by 5.1% to RM5,999. This represents 82.8% of total gross household income, indicating households’ ability to meet essential expenditure needs. The report also highlighted that this rise in disposable income was accompanied by a gradual improvement in income distribution. 

Households in the Bottom 40 (B40) group, comprising 3.28 million households, had income of up to RM5,858, according to the report. 

It also noted that the median household income in Malaysia reached RM7,017 in 2024, growing by 5.1% annually, while the mean household income rose by 3.8% to RM9,155. Income growth varied by state, reflecting diverse economic conditions, the report added. 

Six states recorded median household incomes above the national level, with Kuala Lumpur at RM10,802, followed by Putrajaya (RM10,769), Selangor (RM10,726), Johor (RM7,712), Penang (RM7,386) and Labuan (RM7,383). Penang recorded the highest annual growth rate at 6.4% between 2022 and 2024, according to the report. 

The report also noted that the B40 group’s share of total national income rose slightly to 16.7%, up from 16.3% in 2022. In contrast, the Top 20% (T20), who earned RM12,680 and above per month, saw their share decline to 45.1%, down from 46.3%. The Middle 40% (M40), earning between RM5,860 and RM12,679, made up a significant portion of the remaining income share. 

The Gini coefficient improved to 0.390 in 2024, compared to 0.404 in 2022, signalling a narrowing of income inequality. The national absolute poverty incidence decreased from 6.2% in 2022 to 5.1% in 2024, representing about 416,000 households. 

It all sounds too good! If you drill-down there are probably several issues by district, demographic distribution and intra-racial inequalities. Some think-tank should review the data and give a more balanced picture! 

Reference:

Disposable income rises nationwide, Rahimy Rahim, Khoo Jian Teng, Ragananthini Vethasalam, The Star, 9 October 2025

Silver Living for a Silver Generation!

 

Malaysia is nearing a demographic tipping point as its population ages, and the proportion of elderly citizens increases. The share of people aged 60 and above rose to 11.6% in 2024 and continues to climb. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the elderly cohort is expanding steadily over the next two decades. By 2030, 15% of Malaysians will be aged above 60 which classifies the country as an ageing nation. 

By 2040, older Malaysians will form nearly 17% or 6.4 million of the people exceeding 60 years of age. When 2050 comes, the gains in life expectancy will have pushed the country into an even older demographic profile and the lack of senior-friendly housing raises an urgent question: Where and how will seniors live? 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

For generations, the traditional expectation was for parents to live in their children's homes as they aged. However, shrinking household sizes, children moving to cities or abroad and increasing life expectancy make this model is less feasible. Instead, Malaysians will need a coherent, nationwide network of safe, affordable housing options that allow them to age independently, accessible and linked to care. Without that network, too many older Malaysians will face isolation or expensive, last-resort care. 

Purpose-built senior communities such as Sunway Healthcare Group’s Sunway Sanctuary in Bandar Sunway offers 235 serviced suites that blend accommodation with wellness programs, medical support, dining and social activities. Monthly rental starts at RM8,050, placing it within the luxury category. Meanwhile, in Cheras, Komune Living and Wellness, managed by UOA Hospitality Sdn Bhd, offers a mix of daycare and live-in options for seniors. Projects like Green Acres Retirement Village in Ipoh and Eden-on-the-Park in Sarawak provide resort-style retirement communities. These projects demonstrate good practice but also underline the problem: most are priced for the affluent.  

The real challenge lies in addressing the needs of the middle-income segment, which makes up most of Malaysia’s population and such sentiment is beginning to be noticed by developers. The demand is not just for more houses. It is about designing homes and building spaces that foster a spirit of togetherness and community for older adults as well as those in need of care and assistance.  

Private developers are eager but cautious when it comes to senior living.  While industry players are calling for clearer guidance and supportive policies to enable large-scale development of senior housing, regulation is gradually evolving. The government has taken steps to prepare for an ageing society.  

Regulation is gradually evolving. The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 calls for special housing for the elderly, including independent living and nursing care facilities. New public housing projects now require universal design features with ground-floor units prioritised for elderly and disabled residents.  

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has drafted a Senior Citizens Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament soon. If approved, it will establish a clearer framework for senior living, set safety standards and regulations, plus provide a foundation for public-private collaboration to thrive. 

Despite interest from developers, several barriers stand in the way with cost being a primary obstacle. Universal design and integrated care facilities raise construction and operating costs. Without targeted incentives such as tax breaks, land grants or funding programs may drive these projects to become expensive for regular retirees. 

It is evident that Malaysia cannot delay action. Without timely intervention, the gap between need and supply will widen and many seniors will end up in unsuitable housing or forced into costly private care.  While industry players are united and urge for clear legislation, government incentives must keep prices reasonable, a cultural shift also must happen among Malaysians to normalise senior living as a positive lifestyle choice rather a last resort. If pieces fall into place, turning a demographic challenge into a national opportunity then Malaysia’s housing market could be transformed into an active, healthy and dignified ageing population. 

Reference:

Malaysia’s silver generation needs senior living, Pavither Sidhu, The Star, 3 October 2025

The King Without a Tribe?

 

Every leader dream of being the chosen one! Anointed by destiny, embraced by his people, and immortalized by their faith. But sometimes, fate plays a cruel joke. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s prime minister ascended the throne without the blessing of his own tribe — the Malays. 

In the 15th General Election (GE15), Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) secured only about 11% of Malay votes. Then came the state elections in six states (PRN 2023) — a political reality check — where 83% of Malay voters chose Perikatan Nasional (PN) instead. Even in his own bastion of Selangor, PN swept 22 state seats and bagged a staggering 73% of Malay support. Across Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) were trounced. The army, the police, Felda settlers — all overwhelmingly Malay, all turned away. 

Source: https://www.wikiwand.com

Anwar, the reformist prophet once cast into political exile, now finds himself crowned at last — only to discover that his kingdom does not believe in him. For decades, Anwar was the voice of Malay empowerment within UMNO, the man who could quote both Imam al-Ghazali and George Orwell in a single breath. But as the tides of identity politics hardened, his multiracial idealism became a liability, his reform agenda mistaken for betrayal. The Malays — his people — drifted toward the comfort of green flags and simpler certainties. 

There’s an old Malay proverb that says, “Harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama” — a tiger leaves its stripes, a man leaves his name. But what happens when a man’s name no longer resonates with his own kin? Anwar’s struggle is no longer about policy or performance; it’s about belonging. He is Malaysia’s first “untribed” prime minister — accepted by the minorities, tolerated by the elites, yet orphaned by the majority. He talks of Madani values — compassion, reform, inclusivity — but the people he most wishes to persuade hear only the echo of alien tongues. The political home he seeks — the Malay heartland — no longer waits at the shore with open arms. He must understand their concerns and insecurities, namely: 

-cost of living;

-housing;

-employment; and

-the NEP and its relevance or otherwise

And he doesn’t have much time to gain traction with his tribe without losing minority support. The good news for him is that the opposition is also imploding. 

To be fair, Anwar’s dilemma is not unique. Leaders from Mandela to Nehru, even Churchill, all wrestled with moments when their people turned skeptical. But in Malaysia’s fractious landscape, being a leader without the backing of your own tribe is like being a general without an army. 

Reference:

OPINION | The King Without a Tribe — Anwar’s Mythical Struggle for Acceptance, Mihar Dias, Newswav, 27 October 2025

“I’m Bringing Home Your Favourite Dish”

 

A food delivery rider in Kuala Lumpur had almost completed his job for the day and was excited to go back home and see his family, but unfortunately, fate had other plans. The rider collapsed by the road when delivering his last order, after telling his mum that he was coming home with her favourite dish. When the authorities checked his phone, they found his last message to his mum, telling the elderly about the meal plan with her favourite dish. “I am almost done with my work. I’m coming back home tonight with your favourite dish.”

 

Source: https://www.wikiimpact.com / The Rakyat Post

According to a viral Threads post, the mum and the son were staying at a low-cost flat (PPR) at that time, and the rider slept only three hours every day, working day and night just for one purpose. He was earning extra income to fund the treatment of his mother’s kidney disease. Despite his commitment, the post mentioned that the deceased rider never failed to contribute a little by donating to the mosque, as the family found a receipt for a RM10 donation to the mosque, which he never missed doing every week. It is also said that during his funeral, the neighbours and many other riders were present, and some shed their tears over the loss.  

Delivery riders work very hard, incentivised perhaps by their income (including tips). Do we appreciate them? Rain or shine, they deliver. And in most cases they are Malays. So, who says they don’t work hard? I am amazed at their dedication. 

I was blessed to work in a bumiputra environment with both bumis and non-bumis as my colleagues. And they worked equally hard. Its leadership and a reward mechanism that benefits all. When the institution failed to recognise their contribution, many left and I too left! No regrets. My colleagues attained high positions even as CEOs of major organisations. And I am pleased. In many cases, they follow the culture they are used to. 

The real issues are skirted by most politicians - cost of living and income inequalities. In small ways, we are changing even though politicians play their games! 

Reference:

“I’m bringing home your favourite dish” – KL Delivery Rider’s Final Text to His Mum Before Collapsing & Dying, Azri Azizan, World of Buzz, 6 November 2025

Will Visit Malaysia 2026 be a Resounding Success?

 

The best measures of success for inbound tourism are arrival figures and tourism receipts. Arrivals are recorded at international checkpoints nationwide, where entries and exits can be by land, air or sea. 

Foreigners that arrived and exited the same day are termed excursionists, and those that stayed for at least one night in our country are tourists. Although all foreigners are welcome, visitors who stay longer naturally contribute more to our tourism receipts.

 

Source: https://www.malaysia.travel/page/visit-malaysia-2026

Take last year for example, 25 million foreign tourists spent RM102.2 bil in Malaysia, whereas 13 million foreign excursionists spent only RM4.5 bil. Combined, the 38 million foreign visitors contributed RM106.7 bil in 2024. 

So, what is the targeted number of visitor and tourist arrivals for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026)? The numbers have kept changing, partly because reporters and editors kept interchanging visitors and tourists freely when reporting arrival figures, which is a grave error for technical terms with distinct definitions. 

Early this year on January 6 at the launch of VM2026 at Hangar 6 of MAB Engineering Complex in Sepang officiated by the Prime Minister, the target then was to welcome 35.6 million tourists and generate RM147.1 bil in tourism receipts. 

In April, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said it is aiming for 45 million visitor arrivals. Later in September, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government is targeting 43 million foreign visitors this year and 47 million in 2026. 

The latest reported figures on ‘tourist’ arrivals to Malaysia is until August at 28,242,804, averaging 3,549,350 a month or 42,364,206 a year. Obviously, the figures are for visitor arrivals, not tourist arrivals as wrongly reported by a local English daily and carried by a Singapore newspaper. The ‘Visitor Performance to Malaysia’ posted by Tourism Malaysia is still until April. Until it is updated to August, the breakdown for visitor arrivals into tourists and excursionists is still unknown to the public. Likewise, there has been no disclosure on the number of foreign tourists and excursionists targeted for VM2026. 

Be that as it may, will VM2026 be a resounding success? Yes, hopefully, barring circumstances that are beyond our control, such as another pandemic, or war within the Asean region, or political upheaval in our country What other things could go wrong? The immigration officers’ lack of courtesy; the aerotrain breaks down; the airlines are not prepared for the influx; rude taxi drivers; translators in tour buses are incompetent; missing persons off Sabah; and a host of other things. So, try to sort those items we can control and leave the rest to fate or takdir? 

In the end, without connectivity, convenience, comfort and courtesy, natural attractions or man-made events, however good they may be, would not draw many other fellow human beings to Malaysia.

 

Reference:

Will Visit Malaysia 2026 be a resounding success? Well, yes but only if…, YS Chan, Focus Malaysia, 10 October 2025