SEPTEMBER 28 ― In 2016, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government raised the excise duty for locally-produced hard liquor by a whopping 150 per cent, from RM24 per litre to RM60.

I avoid using plastic straws at restaurants as I just drink straight from the glass. I carry a water bottle with me wherever I go because I get thirsty quickly and I don't like buying mineral water in plastic bottles. …

Read more: I use zero-waste stuff. I don't support banning plastic straws.

September 21 – My American friend Ken, a military veteran who did logistics work in the United States Navy, tried to explain to me what his job entailed, particularly in the Philippines and Japan.…

Read more: Asean must stand up for themselves

SEPTEMBER 14 ― My friends warned me to ensure that my African-American friend, Ken Porter, kept his passport on him at all times during his week-long visit to Malaysia and to have a 24/7 United States consular number on hand.…

Read more: Malaysia's flaws are her strengths