Aliran Monthly, Vol 24 (2004): Issue 10

---

Please support our work by buying a copy of our print publication, Aliran Monthly, from your nearest news-stand. Better still take out a subscription now. If you prefer to read our web-based edition, please support our work and make a donation.

---

The cover story by Francis Loh looks at the lack of issues deliberated at the recent MCA general assembly. It goes on to discuss how the MCA has changed its role to a purveyor of goods and services while encouraging a withdrawal from politics. He calls on the MCA to return to the struggle for democracy and human development.

The accompanying story by Tan Lee Ooi reviews the recent debate in the Chinese media on just this issue, which probably was not noticed by Malaysians who do not read the Chinese press and websites.

In the wake of George Bush�s presidential victory, which will surely lead to an intensification of US unilateralism in global affairs, John Hilley considers the possibility of Islam and European Union emerging as countervailing forces to US hegemony. The implications for Malaysia are also considered.

We present Aliran�s representation to the Parliamentary Select Committee set up to solicit feedback on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. Alarmingly, these amendments seek to grant more powers to the police including the power to intercept communication and to arrest terrorist suspects without warrant.

A J Patrick, the former deputy president of the MTUC, argues that retired and serving public sector employees under the EPF scheme deserve better treament.

Do not miss Anil Netto's report on Anwar�s home-coming visit to Penang. Anwar chose this occasion to highlight the problem of corruption and lop-sided development priorities in the country.

Get your copy now! Available at leading bookshops and news-agents. Or better still, subscribe now.