20/02/2026

FRIDAY | FEB 20, 2026

10

Under One Roof

Spring-cleaning marriage ‘cobwebs’ Q : My husband and I agree that overall our marriage is in good shape. But we know we can probably do better. What are some simple things we can try?

Every relationship could use a good spring cleaning from time to time. Taking a few moments to sweep away the dust and cobwebs can leave you breathing easier and your marriage

Focus on the Family Malaysia: We like the analogy presented by author Kim Wier. This is the time of year when we think about “spring cleaning” around the house. It is a concept that applies to marriage as well. Kim understands that cleaning the house is necessary due to her allergic reaction to the dust in the air. She also realises that marriages can often be, in her words, “plagued by irritants”. Pressures at work, raising children and financial stress can all lead to petty annoyances that, over time, can grow into serious relational problems. To keep things fresh, Kim offers three simple suggestions: 0 Declutter: Agree on at least one thing you can cut out of your schedules to minimise stress. Also, work on eliminating grudges towards each other or someone else. If you need to work through deeper hurts, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 0 Polish: As Kim says, care for yourselves “like you did when you longed to catch each other’s eye”. Commit to focused communication as well – face to face, with no distractions. 0 Make room: Take time for just the two of you – even if it means squeezing in a five-minute walk here and there. If one of you is travelling, talk by phone or video call. Every relationship could use a good spring cleaning from time to time. Taking a few moments to sweep away the dust and cobwebs can leave you breathing easier and your marriage stronger. Q: Now that my adolescent son has his driver’s licence, how can I adequately prepare him to drive? I am more than a little

stronger. – AFPPIC

apprehensive about him becoming a driver at such a young age. Focus on the Family Malaysia: Most teenagers do want to learn how to drive safely. This is a time to influence a young driver’s behaviour for life, passing on skills and knowledge that may save lives many years in the future. First, be patient. Helping your son learn to drive may be a nerve-wracking experience for you but it is even more so for him. Give directions calmly and clearly, and be generous with encouragement and praise. Second, it is important to model safe driving habits yourself. Observe traffic laws and be courteous of other drivers. For better or worse,

patterns or habits, don’t let him have the keys. He needs to learn that driving is a privilege, not a right. Your first priority is to keep him and others on the road alive and well while he learns to drive safely and skilfully. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

children imitate their parents. Third, consider granting driving privileges on an incremental basis. For example, initially allow your son to only drive in the day, then progress to driving at night with adult supervision. This allows him to gain experience while reducing some of the risks. Fourth, emphasise basic safety rules, like strapping on seat belts. This is another area where your example speaks louder than words. And your son should never drive if he is drowsy or otherwise impaired. Let him know that he can always call you for a ride to avoid being in a car with an impaired driver – whether himself or someone else. Finally, if he refuses to correct unsafe driving

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com

Establish RCI to ensure transparent investigation THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) expresses concern over recent developments regarding the establishment of a special committee to investigate allegations involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, following reports published by Bloomberg on Feb 12. human rights of the citizens. In the battle against corruption, it is imperative that those entrusted to combat this evil practice must not only be beyond any suspicion of wrongdoing but must be perceived to be whiter than white.

trust in the process. Suhakam further emphasises that appropriate interim administrative measures may be necessary to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the investigation. Such measures should not be perceived to be punitive in nature but are intended to preserve public confidence and ensure that the inquiry proceeds independently and without interference, pending its conclusion. In this regard, Suhakam supports the call for Tan Sri Azam Baki to be placed on garden leave while the RCI carries out its investigation as this would help prevent any real or perceived influence over the investigative process. Transparency remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and an essential component of the rule of law. The public should be informed of the mandate, powers and progress of the inquiry, subject to legitimate confidentiality considerations. Open and accountable processes strengthen institutions and reinforce public trust. Malaysia’s commitment to combatting corruption must be aligned with its human rights obligations. Where allegations involve those entrusted with enforcing anti-corruption laws, the response must be robust, independent and beyond reproach. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia

Investigations should not be confined to a narrow set of issues but should encompass all serious allegations that have entered the public domain, including those relating to alleged share ownership and reported allegations of collusion. A fragmented or selective approach risks creating perceptions of partiality and undermining the credibility of the process. Institutional independence is equally critical. The composition of any investigative body must avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Public confidence depends not only on the fairness of the process but also on its appearance of fairness. Clear separation between investigative and prosecutorial functions, together with safeguards against undue influence, are fundamental principles of natural justice. In this respect, Suhakam is of the view that the proposed investigative body should not be chaired by the attorney general. Instead, it should be led by an independent and respected retired senior judge, such as Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who is widely recognised for her judicial integrity. The membership of the investigative body should also be broadened to include a respected representative from civil society organisations to enhance credibility, transparency and public

“Open and accountable processes strengthen institutions and reinforce public trust. Malaysia’s commitment to combatting corruption must be aligned with its human rights obligations.

Whilst the establishment of a special investigation committee or task force is acknowledged, concerns arise where such a body lacks clear statutory authority and necessary investigative powers. An inquiry that does not have the power to compel the attendance of witnesses, require the production of documents or secure relevant evidence risks being viewed as limited in scope and effectiveness. In matters of significant public interest, these limitations may erode public confidence in both the investigative process and its outcome. In light of this, Suhakam calls for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) under the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 (Act 119), rather than a task force without coercive powers. An RCI is vested with the authority to summon witnesses, examine them under oath and compel the production of documents. Such powers are essential to ensure a thorough, independent and transparent examination of all relevant allegations. The scope of the inquiry must also be comprehensive.

Suhakam does not take a position on the substance of the allegations. Nevertheless, we emphasise that corruption, as well as any perception that it is not addressed with seriousness and accountability, carries profound negative human rights consequences. It undermines equality before the law, weakens access to justice, diverts public resources away from essential services and disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalised communities. The integrity, independence and credibility of anti-corruption institutions are, therefore, indispensable to protect and realise human rights. It cannot be denied that corruption is rampant in this country and is cancerous. Disgracefully, even high-level ex political leaders have been hauled to court, convicted and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. The sad truth is that – and this is of great concern to Suhakam, a body entrusted to promote and defend human rights – the higher the level of corruption that prevails in our society, the more it undermines the