NO ONE will dispute that butterflies are beautiful creatures. As we all know, this insect goes through a number of metamorphic changes before becoming a butterfly. It starts off life as an egg before hatching into a larva. Interestingly enough, during this stage, it is not the beautiful insect we see flying around in gardens…
Labour Day, celebrated annually the world over on 1st May, is a recognition of workers’ contribution towards nation-building and economic development. No doubt, the significant role played by workers in all industries cannot be measured in terms of ringgit and sen. The public holiday on the first day of May is only a small expression…
RECENTLY, it was announced that the age of retirement for public servants had been raised to 56. With this increase, it is hoped that experienced public servants would continue to give their services to the public. Looking at Malaysia’s demographic data, we see that Malaysians now live longer than they did a few decades before.…
ECONOMISTS are of the view that capital today is embodied less in land, factories, tools and machines. Instead it is increasingly relying on the knowledge and skills of workers. Many argue that in addition to skills and knowledge, a great portion of human capital has to do with people’s ability to co-operate with each other.…
DURING a discussion with the writer, a diplomat friend raised some very interesting issues pertaining to the so-called “third wave of human civilisation.” The third wave is also referred to as the Biotechnology Age. Whether we realise it or not, we are currently in the Age of Information. Doubtless, some parts of the world are…
MANY years ago, a student friend mentioned to this writer that the best way to know whether a friend is a true friend is when one is in need. At that time, one will find the answer, oft-times a painful one. Perhaps the age-old adage “a friend in need is a friend indeed” rings true…
MAN must understand properly and fully his own nature, his mission and ultimately his responsibility in this world, in order to continue to progress. This is the basic understanding man must have for the betterment of his life and for the good of the entire society. In the Quran, Allah says: “He began the creation…
THE month of Ramadan is here again. With the beginning of the first of Ramadan, Muslims all around the world begin fasting. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and hence it is a must for all Muslims to observe this act of worship. Most of the time, Muslims look at fasting only…
THE Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia’s (IKIM’s) first branch was officially opened by the Sultan of Pahang on Nov 14. It marked another milestone for the institute. The branch in Kuantan will serve the east coast of the peninsula, and it looks set to begin an important chapter for Ikim. Ikim was founded in 1992…
THE FUTURE in Islam means opportunities. Every Muslim is to look at the future for greater opportunities to improve oneself and society in all aspects of human living, including economic betterment. They should plan and try to shape a viable future. This can be achieved by being more creative in searching for new ways of…
