Aliran Monthly, Vol 25 (2005): Issue 1

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The cover story by Mustafa K Anuar reflects on the PM�s call to Malays to look for towering figures in their community who could inspire others. Since few Malay idols have been identified, Mustafa wonders whether we are looking in the wrong places. And why not look beyond the Malay community?

An accompanying piece by P Ramakrishnan calls for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into the workings of our Judiciary, nowadays sheared of the people�s confidence it once enjoyed.

The back cover story focuses on the plan to privatise our water resources. Charles Santiago argues convincingly that access to safe drinking water is a basic need, indeed a fundamental human right, and should not be turned over to private hands to generate profits. He proposes that we look closely at the Penang Water Authority, which though adopting a �commercial outlook with social obligation� strategy, has come out tops.

Don�t miss the Heart-to-Heart centre pages - a moving account by Hwang Li of her visit to Aceh. Incredibly, the Acehnese are drawing upon their inner strength and hope to rebuild their community.

Finally, take note of the announcement that the price of AM at news-stands in Malaysia is now RM4 per copy with immediate effect. (It is RM30 annually for subscribers in Malaysia.) Yet we need you to rally behind us.

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