Your views
> Pleasant surprise
I was surprised to read that Point Defiance Zoo is one of the sponsors for the satellite-collaring programme for clouded leopards in Sabah (“On the trail of Sabah’s elusive clouded leopards, The Star, Nov 1). The zoo is in Tacoma, a small town in Washington state, US, that became part of Sea-Tac city (a suburb of Seattle) in 1990. As a Malaysian student at Pacific Lutheran University long ago, I enjoyed visiting the zoo and aquarium. It’s nice to know they are now playing a part in conservation here. – Old Lute
> Improve town planning
Kota Baru town is getting clogged with vehicles. The authorities should engage a qualified planner to conduct a survey to realign the road systems to ensure an efficient flow of traffic.
> Are they in cahoots?
Why do banks have customer service numbers when nobody answers? They regularly keep you on hold beyond five minutes. Do they get a cut from telcos?
> Meritocracy works
Korea has done well in luring back their talents from overseas. Look at their innovations and success. Meritocracy plays an important part. How successful are we?
> Signboards in Chinese
As more tourists from China are visiting Malaysia, Chinese should be displayed in signboards at the popular tourist sites. We must make them feel that they are our most welcomed guests.
> Misbehaving Datuk Seri
Respect must be earned, not demanded. If found guilty, this 29-year-old needs to be jailed, caned, do community service and stripped of his title to send a clear message to all honorific title holders that they should conduct themselves kindly and respectfully at all times. Otherwise, the title carries absolutely zero value. – Howard Oh
> Reconsider status
The Home Ministry has clarified in Parliament that controversial preacher Zakir Naik was not accorded special treatment when he was granted Malaysian permanent resident status. However, this should be reconsidered in light of a fresh 58-page charge sheet slapped on him by the Indian authorities. The charges include funding and inciting terrorism, being involved in money laundering activities, and making hate speeches in public. Watch him closely. – Beatle No.5
> Invalidity pension
Why is there no increase in the amount given to people under Socso’s invalidity pension? The current amount given is not even enough to buy monthly medication. Please help!
> Open season
All libraries and sports facilities in schools should be open and accessible to students during the school holidays to enable them to spend their time meaningfully. – Joe