PENANG MONORAIL: Improve existing system
I WAS happy to hear that the government has decided to shelve the Penang Monorail Project as part of the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

PENALTY SHOOT-OUTS: Perfect climax to conclude the game
I HAVE been following the debate on the merits of having a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner in a football match and I must say I found V. Thomas' suggestion that the team with the fewer yellow/red cards be declared the winner was absolutely outrageous.

PENSIONS: 40 per cent barely enough to cope with rising costs
I WAS surprised to learn that pensioners in Singapore and even less affluent countries like Sri Lanka are paid 100 per cent of their last drawn salary, while those in South Korea, Japan and China receive 80 per cent of their last drawn salary. In comparison, pensioners in Malaysia are given an unfair deal.

AGRICULTURE: Show private sector its gains
I REFER to the news report, "Giving agriculture a big push" (NST, June 14), where it was stated that only 15 per cent of the RM20 billion worth of investments expected from the private sector in the Ninth Malaysia Plan has been raised so far.

CRASH HELMETS: 'Serban' no substitute for safety
I AM baffled over the Kelantan menteri besar's claims that the thick serban offers the same protection as a crash helmet for a motorcyclist ("Nik Aziz: Serban same as helmet" -- NST, June 27).

LAWYERS’ BILLS: Question billing, disbursements
I REFER to the letter from S.M. Idris of the Consumers Association of Penang on lawyers' bills ("Watch out for that unnecessary charge" -- NST, June 25).

PARCEL POSER: We handle mail safely, securely
WE refer to the complaint from Ooi Ee Ling of Bayan Lepas ("It's so hard to make a complaint" -- NST, June 13).

MENTERI BESAR’S LOGGING PLANS: Very disappointed
I CANNOT find enough words to express my disappointment over Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak's decision to log the Ulu Muda forest reserve, which reflects nothing more than ignorance and apathy towards our natural environment.

MENTERI BESAR’S LOGGING PLANS: Think like a leader
KEDAH Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak has said that he wants to make money from God's timber gift in the Ulu Muda forest reserve. I strongly believe that if God has bestowed something on us, we should exploit its potential fully.

PENSIONS: Is it justified?
I SERVED Malaysia from 1961 to 1983 and retired as a Warrant Officer 1 with a pension of RM1,130.50, whereas a gold medallist at the Olympics will be receiving RM5,000.

CRASH HELMETS: Rethink exemption
I SUGGEST that the authorities rethink the exemption given to haji, hajjah and lebai from wearing crash helmets.

Judicial positions: We need to move swiftly
THE Judicial Appointments Commission recommended by the Lingam video clip inquiry is indeed laudable. Its objectives will certainly go towards the restoration of confidence in the judiciary, particularly in view of the revelations that surfaced in the Royal Commission of Inquiry's report.

Teenage prisoners: Send them for rehab instead
I REFER to your report "Teens should be put in rehabilitation facilities" (NST, May 22). Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen has expressed her concern that 3,000 children under the age of 18 are imprisoned together with hardcore criminals in our prisons.

Public transport: Start sorting out priorities
I WOULD like to commend the media and members of parliament for their recent attention to the public transportation crisis.

X-ray worries: Train and monitor personnel
ON the advice of a general practitioner, I recently had a diagnostic X-ray done at a clinic.

English schools: Don't give in to pressure
I REFER to the article entitled "Bring back English schools" by Zainal Ariffin (NST, May 21) who, among other things, said: "Bring back the English schools as an alternative to national schools.

Badminton: Federation needs to buck up
SOUTH Korea's surprise 3-0 drubbing of Indonesia in the semifinal of the recently concluded Thomas Cup in Jakarta brings to a close a brilliant era of 50 years of Indonesian badminton supremacy.

Perak bird sanctuary: Ramsar site equals tourism
I REFER to the report "Move to get Kuala Gula bird park on Ramsar list"( NST, May 22) saying that the Perak state government is to look again at a federal government proposal made six years ago to designate the Kuala Gula bird sanctuary as a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance).

Mahathir’s gambit: Govt should get on with business
I REFER to the letters "Umno should move on" (NST, May 23), "Best wishes" and "He has forgotten his call to the party" (NST, May 23) and others.

Pedra Branca: A blessing in disguise
SO Pedra Branca has been given to Singapore. I congratulate Singapore for convincing the International Court of Justice.

English schools: Not a smart move
AS a concerned citizen, parent and teacher, I find it disturbing to hear that the Education Ministry may revert to using Bahasa Malaysia to teach Science and Mathematics. I think this would be a step backward.

English schools: Avoid regression
PARENTS and teachers have expressed their concern over reports that the Education Ministry may be thinking of reverting to teaching Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia. It will be a sad day if this indeed comes to pass.

Chelsea visit: Keep politics out of sports
I REFER to the report “Green light for Çhelsea’s Israeli duo” (NST, April 28) and wish to congratulate Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar on his magnanimous decision.

Autistic children: Never doubt parents' love
I REFER to the report by Dr Amar Singh on the "Emergence of the 'new autism' epidemic" (NST, April 27).

Election billboard: Time to remove 'expired' billboards
THE March 8 general election is now behind us with the convening of Parliament. Yet the authorities and certain politicians are still clearly not up to the mark.

Malaysian football: Rot due to mismanagement
ONCE again, the spectre of corruption in sports rears its ugly head. And again, the culprit is that game Malaysians love so passionately -- football.

Windsor Castle duties: A costly and ridiculous move we can do without
I REFER to the letter from Lt (R) P. Nathan on the sending of Malaysian soldiers for ceremonial duties in Britain, "Windsor Castle Duties -- A waste of time and money" (NST, May 2).

After the March election: MPs, reps must give their all to post they hold
MANY changes have been for the better since the March 8 general election.

Unregistered children: Department ready to deliver info about newborns
I REFER to the letter from Samuel Yesuiah of Seremban on the plight of children without birth certificates and identity cards ("Help them get birth papers -- NST, April 29).

MPs at work: Speaker must play tougher role
WHEN MPs do not show a refined example to society, teachers and parents would find it hard to edify the children.

Rice production: Turning idle land into padi fields
FROM being a major producer of rice, Malaysia has reached a stage where it has to depend on the whims and fancies of rice-producing countries and rice traders in the region.

MPs at work: Extend coverage
I AM all for the live telecast of Parliament proceedings on TV, regardless of whether it is called a "circus" based on the activities of one day's sitting. In fact, the 30-minute coverage should be extended.

MPs at work: Bunch of clowns
AS a Malaysian, I am very ashamed of the quality of our MPs.

Windsor Castle duties: It's good for us
AS an occasional business visitor to Malaysia, I feel that Lt (R) P. Nathan is mistaken.

Real cops and fake cops: Bukit Aman must clarify
THE report of a group of "Hijackers using fake police badges" (NST, May 8) to stop lorry drivers before making off with their loads troubles me.

London duties: From Port Dickson to Buckingham Palace
I APPLAUD the letter by Tunku Abdul Aziz ("It's good publicity for Malaysia" - NST, May 7). The Royal Malay Regiment is the most senior regiment of the Malaysian army.

Parliament, live: True colours seen on screen
I HAD looked upon members of the opposition as people of great brilliance. This is because I did not have the opportunity to see them clearly in Parliament or hear their views as each time they tried to speak, they were jeered by members of the ruling coalition.

Rice shortage: Bernas should not blame others
IN the latest furore over the rice shortage and the growing concern over food insecurity, Bernas, the country's sole rice importer and distributor, has put the blame on private commercial millers ("Bernas: Go after private millers, too" - NST, May 8).

Autism report: Intention is to help, not hurt
I HAVE read the various responses to my report on autism, some very passionate, and I agree with some of them.

GM food: Report subject to peer review
WE refer to the letter by Mahaletchumy Arujanan "Think again on GM crops" (NST, May 1) and feel that it is necessary to clarify some of the misconceptions about genetically modified food therein.

Karpal's challenge: Ruler has certain prerogatives
I REFER to the report "Report Karpal" (NST, May 9) on possible action against Democratic Action Party chairman Karpal Singh following his questioning of the constitutional provision on the prerogatives of the Sultan as head of Islamic religion of the state and in matters relating to Malay customs and religion.

MCA prospects: Implement policies based on needs, not race
I AM impressed by Datuk Ong Tee Keat's remarks that the Malaysian Chinese Association needs to adopt a more multiracial outlook or face the risk of extinction ("MCA needs multiracial outlook" - NST, May 5).

Sports heroes: Succeeding despite odds
DESPITE a serious cartilage injury to her left knee, Wendy Chai, Malaysia's woman bowling sensation, came through brilliantly in the World Ranking Masters in Jakarta last week.

Tamil school study: Adopt action plan in all states
I REFER to your report "Study of Tamil schools' woes" (NST, May 7) on the Penang government's initiative to look into the problems faced by Tamil schools in the state.

Rice shortage: Think again
THE government should be cautious about going for 100 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production as the high prices and apparent shortage in the international market may only be temporary.

London duties: It's our dignity
THE matter at stake in sending Royal Malay Regiment soldiers for duties at Buckingham is not tourism but Malaysia's dignity. I doubt that Britain will accede to sending their forces to Malaysia for guard duties at Istana Negara.

London duties: Waste of funds
I THINK that the idea of having the Royal Malay Regiment to guard Buckingham Palace and Queen Elizabeth is ridiculous and a waste of Malaysian taxpayers' money.

Doctors' training: Was it all just poor planning?
I FIND it amazing that the human resources minister has announced that "the training period for medical graduates from foreign universities not recognised by the government has been reduced from three years to 18 months" ("Training period for doctors from unrecognised varsities shortened" - NST, June 19).

Civil service jobs: Fewer Indians applying for posts at IRB
WE refer to the report "MIC: Too few Indians in states' civil service" (NST, June 13).

Cost-cutting ways: Cut down unnecessary expenses
IN the wake of the recent hike in fuel prices, the government has made repeated calls to the people to change their lifestyles so as to cope with inflation and rising costs.

Penang traffic jams: Time to crack the whip
PENANG Island is now clogged with traffic, resulting in either traffic coming to a standstill or, at best, reduced to a crawl. The contributory factor is the total lack of enforcement of traffic rules by the police and other enforcement agencies.

Toilet training: Not so 'educated' in this area
AFTER reading the letter from J.A. of Subang Jaya (Boat shock for travellers" - NST, May 16), I can't help but recall my trip to Siem Reap , Cambodia, last year.

Badminton blues: Rexy is anything but the 'perfect one'
YOUR reporter Ajitpal Singh should perhaps have waited before pronouncing Rexy Mainaky as the "Perfect One" for Beijing ("Forget his shortcomings as Rexy's still the 'Perfect One' for Beijing" - NST, May 16).

Wildlife crime: Views of NGOs were considered
WITH reference to your report "Societies urge stiffer penalties on wildlife crimes" (NST, May 14), I wish to make some clarifications based on input from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.

Johor project: Please consider a different design
IT seems that the full environmental impact assessment (EIA) of Johor's RM2.7 billion Lido Boulevard project did not take into account the energy consumption of buildings.

MIC debate: Party has lost credibility in handling money
IT was amusing to read Calvin Sankaran's letter on the Malaysian Indian Congress ("Rich in society have not chipped in" - NST, June 11), where he says that my views ("Rethink the MIC request for funds" - NST, May 21) are "unfair, inaccurate and demeaning to party members".

Crude oil prices: Malaysia must initiate action
IT is time for Malaysia, as a major spokesman for the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Third World, to take the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) to task over the latest rise in the price of crude oil.

The lessons of the past: History appreciation a must
THE proposal that History be taught as a subject in primary schools should be weighed carefully.

Food prices: Increase is simply not justified
IN the wake of the fuel price hike, food businesses have taken the opportunity to increase prices.

Food production: Need to do away with subsidies
DR Ahmad Ibrahim of the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia, has highlighted the need for emphasis on GMC (genetically-modified crops) technology in nation-wide food production ("Seek new ways to overcome food crisis" - NST, June 18).

Fuel realities: A clearer picture now
I WOULD like to thank Kamarulzaman Ismail of Hulu Kelang for his letter ("Check your facts on the oil issue" - NST, June 19).

Penang Government function: Leaders' presence was to give advice
I REFER to the letter from Roland Khoo of George Town ("Show by example you're different" - NST, June 19).

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKEImprove public transport
THE escalating price of crude oil and the government's statements about the huge amounts of subsidies needed to keep fuel prices low had us all expecting a price increase.

EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS: Public has the right to know
I READ the news that three of the judges who were involved in the "Tun Salleh Abas" episode have received their "ex-gratia" compensation from de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

HEALTHCARE COSTS: Channel resources correctly
THE worldwide increase in fuel and commodity prices has led our government to review its practice of giving oil subsidies. The fuel subsidy has been reduced and Malaysians will have to spend more or learn to use less petrol.

SPACE PROGRAMME: Shelve it till the time is right
WITH the prices of essential commodities going up, there is no necessity to ponder over the purchase of a space module from Russia. Just defer it.

BLOGGERS’ AWARDS: A step in right direction
KUDOS to Putera MIC for having taken the bold step of acknowledging and interacting with bloggers by announcing the first Manya Bloggers Award 2008 to honour Indian bloggers.

USE OF ENGLISH: Yes, ministry is to be blamed
IBRAHIM Zakaria of Kuantan hit the nail on the head with respect to the use of English and the reasons for the decline of English-language proficiency in our schools ("Ministry is to blame for the decline" -- NST, June 3).

SMOKING AND EYE DISEASE: List dangers on the packs
MANY are unaware that smoking can cause loss of eyesight. Studies have shown that public awareness of smoking-related health hazards is high in cardiovascular diseases but not many are aware of its ill effects on the eye.

BANDAR MAHKOTA CHERAS CRISIS: They did the right thing
I REFER to R. Raman's condemnation of the residents of Bandar Mahkota Cheras for their reaction to the highway toll and barricade as well as his criticism of the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government's subsequent actions ("Pakatan reps could have done better" -- NST, June 6).

WASTE COLLECTION: Service no better after take over
THE disposal of waste in Muar has been taken over by South Waste Management for a number of years now. Prior to that, the disposal of waste was done by the municipal council and residents then had complained that the work was not done properly or regularly.

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKE: Reinstate ban
I UNDERSTAND the need to increase the price of petrol to what it is now. We have to adjust our lifestyles to the escalating cost of fuel and essential goods.

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKE: Abolish subsidies
THE pump price for petrol is RM2.70 per litre. It was RM1.92 a litre till Thursday. Earlier, the price was increased from RM1.35 to RM1.92 (a 30 per cent increase).

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKE: Use scooters
THE rise in the price of petrol should prompt us to explore other modes of transport.

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKE: Improve public transport
THE president of the Consumers Association of Penang was reported as saying that "other forms of transportation be introduced such as the motorised rickshaw commonly used in India and Indonesia" in the wake of the fuel-price increases on Thursday ("CAP: Don't use fuel hike to increase food prices" -- NST, June 5)

AFTER THE FUEL PRICE HIKE: Time to adapt
WHY are Malaysians crying foul over the fuel price hike? Didn't they see it coming? Is it Malaysia's fault that oil has reached US$138 (RM440) per barrel?

PSD scholarships: Where did I go wrong?
I WAS unsuccessful in my application for a Public Service Department scholarship and I simply cannot understand why.

Use of the songkok: It's cultural, not religious
I READ with great interest E.S. Shankar's letter on the wearing of the songkok ("Do not force anyone to use headgear" - NST, May 15).

AFRICAN STUDENTS: It's up to local girls
I AM surprised that no action has been taken against local residents in Mantin who attacked a group of African students found to be in relationships with local girls ("African students attacked for dating local girls" -- NST, May 29).

PUDU PRISON: Don't demolish our history
I READ with much interest and empathy your report on the dismay of some World War 2 veterans and the Heritage Trust of Malaysia on the proposal to demolish Pudu Prison ("War veterans want Pudu jail to remain -- NST, May 30).

LINGAM VIDEO: Let's take the neutral approach
THERE have been calls to have special prosecutors or to even "outsource" the prosecution in the wake of the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Lingam video clip.

TAN KEE KWONG’S JOB: His skills help the rakyat
I AM bemused at the furore over Gerakan leader Dr Tan Kee Kwong's decision to contribute his expertise to the Pakatan Rakyat state government on land issues.

UKM LAW COURSES: Company law a core subject
I AM saddened to read the statement by Datuk Gopal Sri Ram that Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia does not offer company law as one of its core subjects ("Judge: Many lawyers clueless" -- NST, May 26).

KL CITY PLAN: Development is a good word
I WISH to express my concern over press reports highlighting the grouses of residents against development in their area.

FUEL SALES: Quarter-tank rule a better bet
THE move to ban petrol stations from selling fuel to foreign-registered vehicles within a 50km distance from the Thai and Singapore borders will be a bonanza to locals living in those areas as it opens up an opportunity for them to make money.

PSD SCHOLARSHIPS: Tell us how they are selected
I REFER to your report on the disbursement of Public Service Department scholarships to Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras ("45 per cent of PSD scholarships go to non-Bumis" -- NST, May 29).

NATIONAL SERVICE: It's more meaningful if they volunteer for it
I SHARE the views of Rozanne Lee on how we should go about the National Service programme ("Don't force NS on the kids" -- NST, May 20).

THALASSAEMIA: Test your blood before you get married
IT is heartening to see that the Health Ministry is going all out to reduce and, hopefully, eradicate the incidence of thalassaemia major in the country ("Thalassaemia testing for students" -- NST, May 29).

TAN KEE KWONG’S JOB: Please buck up
I READ with interest the report that Gerakan leader Dr Tan Kee Kwong has been issued a show-cause letter to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for taking up a post with the Pakatan Rak-yat-led Selangor government to look into land-related issues ("Tan given show-cause letter" -- NST, May 30).

FUEL SALES: What about us?
I REFER to the proposal that foreign-registered vehicles should not be allowed to pump petrol in Malaysia within a 50km zone from the Singapore and Thai borders.

FUEL SALES: Retiree blues
I AM a Singaporean citizen married to a Malaysian.

FUEL SALES: Give concessions
IN respect of restricting the sale of subsidised fuel to foreign- registered cars, I laud the government for preserving what rightfully belongs to Malaysian taxpayers.

Model father: Still learning about life from him
MY father is a nonagenarian. He has been the "candle in my life", lighting up the gloom while melting away all through the years ever since I knew how to read and write.

Fire safety in houses: Install smoke detectors
I WISH to extend my condolences to Nazwir Shamsudin and Tengku Vivian Rosa who lost their daughters, Navita Irdayanti and Nurfatina Rezki, in a fire at their home in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi on June 11 ("Two sisters die in morning fire at home" -- NST, June 12).

After the fuel price hike: It’s going to be tougher making ends meet
BANK Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz was reported as saying that it was too early to see the impact of the recent fuel price hike ("Too early to assess price impact" -- NST, June 13). I beg to differ.

PSD study awards: Scoring straight As not only
I COULDN'T agree more with Ikmal Hamzah ("It's a privilege, not a right" -- NST, June 12). I've been reading about parents and children who have questioned the process of awarding scholarships by the Public Service Department.

EURO 2008 games: TV stations clear the air
WE refer to the letter by J.M. from Kajang ("Same match live on both channels" -- NST, June 11).

Internal security act: It's no longer relevant
LT GEN (R) Datuk Abrullah Samsudin's arguments in favour of retaining the Internal Security Act does not hold water in this time and age ("It plays crucial role in society" -- NST, June 5).

Tap water: Use ozone instead of chlorine
I REFER to your report "Drinkable water from tap" (NST, May 25). The efforts of Syabas to live up to the "filter test" by cleaning 13,000km of pipes through a process on a six-monthly basis is commendable.

Astro series: Commitment to provide quality shows
I REFER to the suggestion by S.P. of Batu Pahat on Astro's programmes ("Consider views of subscribers" -- NST, May 30).

Healthcare: Generic medicines will do
THE increase in prices of essential goods is a matter of concern for all.

Judge's revelation: Move on with judicial reforms
THE recent revelation by High Court judge Datuk Ian Chin about a former prime minister's alleged threat to the judiciary is no surprise at all, given the fact that the Lingam video clip debacle is only the tip of the iceberg.

Youth-group activities: Promote outdoor events, social interaction
I REFER to your report "Direct funding for youth groups from ministry" (NST, May 16).

Use of English: Gambling with kids' future
I COULD not agree more with J.M. Ding of Subang Jaya ("There's no valid reason to back-track - NST, May 15).

State clean-up: Probe land deals
AFTER the debacle in the recent polls, Negri Sembilan state Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has gone on a crusade to capture the hearts and minds of the people.

Use of English: In good stead
I WRITE in response to J.M. Ding's letter on the use of English to teach Maths and Science.

FUEL SALES: Bad for workers
WHILE we are considering banning foreign-registered cars from buying subsidised fuel in border areas, let’s not forget Malaysians living in Johor Baru and working in Singapore driving daily to and fro in Singapore-registered cars.

MENTERI BESAR’S LOGGING PLANS: How can he be so short-sighted?
IT'S funny how these words can come out of a menteri besar's mouth: "Kalau tak mampu nak makan, buat apa kisah pasal polisi alam sekitar?" (If you can't even afford to eat, what's the point of worrying about environmental policy?)