Author: Francis Paul Siah

A very controversial pardon

When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future. – Queen Elizabeth II I believe I am among the minority who are for the death penalty to stay. But I have also opted

End of Bersatu is nigh

Will more Members of Parliament from the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, particularly from Bersatu, turn rogue and support the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim?I think so. Not only do I think so; I’m almost certain that more of them will become turncoats. Why? Because

The ‘Sarawakian’ class – a class above!

One of the greatest obstacles to escaping poverty is the staggering cost of higher education. – Chris van Hollen, US senator I find the statement of the ‘Sarawakian’ class and ‘non-Sarawakian’ class by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian interestingly unique. Put together in a sentence, it is

Sarawakians want political stability

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest. – Benjamin Franklin, American statesman The majority of Sarawakians do not wish to see any more political coup and they are not interested to be involved in the political mess and chaos in Malaya.

Something is just not right in Penang DAP

In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way. –  Franklin D Roosevelt, 32nd US President To political observers, it’s not too difficult to sense that something is wrong in a political party, especially when its leaders start feuding in public. Factional

The UEC and Chinese independent schools

There are many reasons why the Chinese community in Sarawak are eternally grateful to the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem. One of them must surely be Adenan’s uncompromising stand to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in the state.It was in 2015 that the chief minister announced the

Why I respect Amanah and its leaders

To be a good leader, win minds; to be a great leader, win hearts; and to be an extraordinary leader, win souls. — Matshona Dhliwayo, Canadian CEO The National Trust Party (Parti Amanah Negara) is the youngest and smallest of the three original component parties in Pakatan Harapan. The party

Archbishop’s call to overcome fear and distrust timely

I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. – Susan B Anthony, American activist As a Catholic, I’m aware that it’s normally not the place for Catholic bishops and priests to comment on political

More Indian-based parties? What for?

I can say that I have a little experience in forming a political party in Sarawak together with like-minded colleagues. This took place about 30 years. Against that backdrop, it has been a rewarding time to be among the key leaders in the party although the struggle was tough and

Govt MPs crossing to PN unlikely

It is not necessary for all men to be great in action. The greatest and sublimest power is often simple patience. – Horace Bushnell, American theologian If I were a government MP today, the last thing I would do is to cross over to the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN). I