On May 30, the world commemorates World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day. MS is one of the most common central nervous system diseases that affect over 2.8 million individuals worldwide today. And that is why World MS Day brings together people and organisations from all over the world to promote awareness while bringing us closer to a world free of MS. It is a day to celebrate worldwide unity and optimism for the future.
Bloodshed; a high price to pay for peace and democracy. There are times when anger is righteous and its sole purpose is to push for better change. However, the events of 13th May 1969 prove to be a crude example of an unjust outburst of anger from disgruntled citizens of a multicultural nation trying to achieve harmony. Painted as a taboo, barely touched on in Sejarah (History) textbooks, the events of the darkest day in Malaysian history deserve to be remembered as a lesson in tolerance and respect towards every race in this country.
An unwanted gaze, an unpalatable whistle, an unsolicited remark. These seemingly ‘minor’ annoyances are familiar to a large population of Malaysians and can be much more severe than appearances may imply. Though often going unreported and unnoticed, sexual harassment — the act of conducting oneself in an unwelcome and sexual nature towards another to demean their dignity — is much more prominent than expected.
Pepper spray. Penknife. Wedged keys between white knuckles. Eyes trained low and hurried steps. These are a list of basic things the average woman has memorized close to muscle memory. These are the things women are trained to understand and adopt as a means to survive in a world where violence and assault are about as common as tripping on your own two feet out of crowded spaces. However, it seems that these perpetrators of violence against women extend beyond just creepy strangers on the street. Sometimes danger lurks nearer than one might believe. Or worse, it might just be the least suspected or most trusted ones that end up washing their guilt-stained hands with bleach. Such is the tragic case of the killing of Gabby Petito.
“If you eat too much sugar, you’ll get diabetes!” Almost every child has been warned of this at least once when the child tries to indulge in desserts. Without sugarcoating this illness, diabetes was named when they discovered “sweet urine” also known as “diabetes mellitus”. Sugar is addictive but there are also many other causes of diabetes.
Welcome, dear readers, aspiring entrepreneurs and fellow shopaholics. Undoubtedly this pandemic has opened a multiverse of online platforms to catch up with favourite brands and hottest trends. Outlets at one’s fingertips is an understatement for what entrepreneurs have to offer is far more greater than what meets the eye. The same could be said for the instant spur of Malaysian online brands that are garnering attention for both quality and singularity.
For many families, citizenship for their newly born children is hardly a matter that requires much cause for concern. However, in recent years, many Malaysian families have spoken up about the institutional barrier that they face in attaining what is considered as their children’s birthright: Malaysian citizenship. These barriers that exist in the form of policies have existed for 64 years, and have mainly affected Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses, including those who reside overseas. With most facing injustices like family separation and difficulties accessing residence, education and healthcare for their children, this issue has been largely considered as one of gender discrimination, with Malaysian women’s children being denied citizenship rights that their male counterparts are provided with. Nevertheless, recent events have provided these affected families with the hope that institutional changes will be implemented.
Near the beginning of August, Wu Yi Fan, also known professionally as Kris Wu, a Chinese-Canadian actor, singer, record producer, rapper, and model, was arrested by the Beijing Police on suspicion of sexual misconduct against young women. The news expeditiously circulated on social media, even overshadowing coverage of the Tokyo Olympic Games, prompting a debate over sexual consent.
For years the excuses of humour and sensibilities have been thrust around as a means of justifying inappropriate remarks regarding sexual harassment and assault. These harsh statements masked behind attempts at comicality become even more complex to disassemble when they are employed by authoritative figures such as educators, making its recipients inclined to remain silent due to the imbalance in the power dynamics as well as the risk of severe consequences. Nevertheless, recent revelations have proven that many actions can be taken in order to combat these injustices and silence is no longer an option in the face of rights transgressions, especially once solidarity is achieved.
Disclaimer: Warning, you may find objectionable or possibly offensive content to exist in this article. The aim of this article is to cover the recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan only. As writers of Echo Media, our investigation of the current occurrences through multiple credible websites has been the source of this article. Hence, speculation of conceivable doubt is of your own risk. For further information, such as the origin of the Taliban, please refer to the attached list of additional references. Thank you for your time.
With the Taliban’s longstanding war, now comes a reprise. Many Afghans have since fled the country through possible means they have access to; generally through airports despite the raging Covid-19 precautions, in panic. On the basis of the US that declared retreat (by the end of August) since the signing of an agreement reducing US military control over Taliban troops. Originating insurgency spreading city to city by day.
