Open Journal System Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
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Indie Writers’ Thoughts On Malaysia’s Political Reality: Lukacs’ Realism Analysis
No full textABSTRACT
The study of realism has now received a lot of interest after being rejected and marginalised for a while by literary activities in this country. As a trend that is still in its developing phase in this country, there are still not many studies conducted using this theory in total found in Malaysia. Therefore, this study is presented to fill this existing gap, as well as to measure the enrichment of the literary studies corpus in this country. This study examines the thoughts of Indie writers on the Malaysian political situation, which was analysed from four selected Indie novels, namely Aku Rindu 90’s (2012), Surat-Surat Untuk Kaherah (2013), Kunang Pesisir Morten (2015) and Budak Kelas Belakang (2018). This study was conducted using Lukacs’ Realism criticism framework (1963, 1978, 1989, 1990) with three objectives as targets are to identify the existence of Indie writers’ thoughts towards improving Malaysia’s political situation, to present the impact of Indie writers’ thoughts on Malaysia’s political situation and lastly to rectify the community’s negative perception towards Indie works. This study eventually succeeded in identifying Indie writers’ thoughts that have an impact towards improving Malaysia’s political situation, which can be used as evidence to change the community’s negative perception of Indie works.
ABSTRAK
Kajian realisme kini semakin mendapat tempat selepas beberapa ketika pernah ditolak dan dipinggirkan daripada kegiatan kesusasteraan di negara ini. Sebagai sebuah aliran yang masih dalam fasa kebangkitan di negara ini, masih tidak begitu banyak kajian yang dijalankan menggunakan teori ini secara total ditemukan di Malaysia. Justeru, kajian ini hadir bagi mengisi kelompangan yang wujud ini serta sebagai langkah pengayaan korpus kajian sastera di negara ini. Kajian ini mengupas pemikiran penulis Indie terhadap situasi polititk Malaysia yang dianalisis daripada empat buah novel Indie terpilih, iaitu Aku Rindu 90’s (2012), Surat-Surat Untuk Kaherah (2013), Kunang Pesisir Morten (2015) dan Budak Kelas Belakang (2018). Kajian ini dilakukan menggunakan kerangka kritikan Realisme Lukacs (1963, 1978, 1989, 1990) dengan tiga objektif menjadi sasaran, iaitu untuk mengenal pasti kewujudan pemikiran penulis Indie ke arah menambah baik situasi politik Malaysia, mengemukakan impak pemikiran penulis Indie terhadap situasi politik Malaysia, dan akhir sekali bagi membetulkan persepsi negatif masyarakat terhadap karya Indie. Kajian ini pada akhirnya berjaya mengenal pasti pemikiran penulis Indie yang berimpak ke arah penambahbaikan situasi politik Malaysia yang dapat digunakan sebagai bukti bagi mengubah persepsi negatif masyarakat terhadap karya-karya Indie
Tax Structures and Economic Growth: A Study of Asian Countries
No full textThis study aims to analyse the impact of total tax revenue and its structures on GDP per capita growth in 31 Asian countries. We estimate the results using the Static Panel Fixed Effects (within) regression with Driscoll and Kraay’s Standard Errors. The results suggest that increases in total tax revenue, taxes on income, profit and capital gain (direct taxes), and taxes on goods and services (indirect taxes) are associated with lower GDP per capita growth in Asian countries. In contrast, this study finds a significant and positive impact of taxes on property (other taxes), while labor taxes show an insignificant but positive impact on growth. We conclude that property taxes have a positive potential to sustain and promote higher growth, and the policymakers should consider to reduce both taxes on income and goods and services to encourage productivity and generate more consumption, which can stimulate economic growth in Asian countries
Musharakah as a Funding Solution for Nigerian SMEs: A Viewpoint
No full textThe sustainability and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to the economic development every nation, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria, where access to conventional financing is often limited. This study explores the potential of Musharakah, a profit-sharing partnership model rooted in Islamic finance, as a viable funding solution for SMEs in Nigeria. Through a comprehensive analysis of Musharakah\u27s framework, the study demonstrates how this model aligns with the financial needs and ethical considerations of SMEs within the region\u27s socio-economic context. By reviewing data collected from SME owners, financial experts, and Islamic finance practitioners, the study assesses the potential impact of Musharakah on SME growth, financial inclusion, and overall economic stability in Nigeria. The findings indicate that Musharakah not only provides a flexible and ethical financing option but also fosters a more collaborative relationship between financial institutions and entrepreneurs
Theorizing the Halal Brand Association toward the Participation in Family Takaful Product: An Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour
No full textThis study examines the pivotal role of halal brand association (HBA) in influencing consumer participation in family takaful products through the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The research conceptualizes HBA as a critical variable impacting key TPB predictors—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—leading to increased participation in family takaful products. A qualitative approach systematically reviewed literature from reputable academic databases to develop a theoretical framework. The findings reveal that HBA enhances consumer attitudes, aligns with social expectations, and strengthens perceived behavioral control. Academically, this study contributes to the limited research on HBA in the takaful industry, providing new insights into consumer behavior in Islamic finance. Practically, it offers strategic guidance for Islamic financial institutions to leverage halal branding as a competitive advantage. By aligning financial products with Islamic ethical principles, this research underscores the dual importance of religious compliance and social responsibility in fostering consumer engagement and loyalty
Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning for New Product Launch: Evidence from CocoGlow Milk Drink
No full textThis study analysed the market positioning for new product launch to achieve market viable product (MVP) which is a mini-launch of the CocoGlow Milk Drink. A sample of three hundred young and old adults between 18 and 55 years old was taken for this study. Data were obtained through questionnaire administration to individuals residing in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos state. Out of the three hundred (300) samples, 250 copies of the questionnaire were filled and returned. However, 8 copies were not properly filled and were therefore excluded from the analysis. In all, 242 copies of the questionnaire were validly filled and used for the data analysis. It was found that substantial portion of the respondents is aware of the benefits of consuming CocoGlow Milk Drink. The study also revealed in the survey, 93% of the respondents have interest in drinking CocoGlow Milk Drink. The results also showed that 32.6% of the respondents are willing to become distributors of CocoGlow Milk Drink. It is recommended that Facebook, Instagram, SMS and Whatsapp should be mainly used as they are the most preferred channels by majority of the respondents
Advances in spermatogonial stem cell research: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis
No full textSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are an exceptionally rare group of testicular cells that give rise to all subsequent male germ cells, the basis of spermatogenesis and male fertility. The SSCs have shown great potential in livestock breeding systems, medical applications, and genetic conservation of endangered species. In this study, we used bibliometric analysis to assess worldwide research trends in the SSCs area based on publication outputs, co-authorships among authors, and affiliated countries. A systematic review was performed to discuss: 1) current drawbacks in developing the SSCs culture system, 2) current progress in SSC transplantation in various species, and 3) potential applications of the male germline stem cells. Results of the bibliometric analysis on the Scopus database showed a total of 2171 research articles issued between 1965 to 2023. With a consistent annual publication of more than 100 articles, it was suggested that a strong interest in SSC research started in the last 11 years. About 54% of the total global publications were contributed by researchers from the United States of America (USA) and China, leading the other 59 countries/territories. The studies highlighting and discussing SSCs from the present future and prospects are useful to researchers, academicians, and policymakers
Effect of Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer and Glyphosate Application in Brassica rapa var. chinensis
No full textNitrogen fertilizers and herbicides are used in excessive and disproportionate quantities to increase crop yields. However, apart from being taken by the crops or weeds, these agrochemicals above the threshold level pollute the soil. Thus, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the physical growth and oxidative stress of Brassica rapa var. chinensis (Bok choy) when exposed to different rates of nitrogen fertilizer and herbicide (glyphosate). The soil was treated with urea fertilizer at 0.0 kg N ha-1 (T0), 70.0 kg N ha-1 (T1), 80.0 kg N ha-1 (T2), 90.0 kg N ha-1 (T3), and 115.0 kg N ha-1 (T4); with 0.5 kg ai ha-1 glyphosate.
The height of B. rapa significantly reduces with the application of glyphosate at N-treated soil at 80, 90 and 115 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the root length of B. rapa was significantly reduced at all urea and glyphosate treatments (T1-T4). Nevertheless, shoot fresh weight was observed to be less susceptible; with stimulated growth (p<0.05) was recorded at all single application of urea except at 80.0 kg N ha-1 (CT2 and T2). The leaf diameter of B. rapa was greatly promoted at all single urea application but reduced with the application of glyphosate, with smallest diameter was recorded at T2. However, no significant effects on chlorophyll contents were detected across treatment combinations. Glyphosate alone caused the highest injury level to the leaf membrane seven times higher than the control, with the root recorded with the lowest injury level. The root membrane leakage showed a higher injury level at T1 and T2, two to three times higher than the control, respectively. Therefore, this study suggests that B. rapa gave various responses to urea and glyphosate toxicity when applied both by single and a combination of treatments. B. rapa was found to be more sensitive to glyphosate efficacy when urea was supplied at 80 kg N ha-1 than other fertilizer concentrations
Strategies in English to Malay Translation of Metaphor, Hyperbole, and Imagery in Selected Passages of the Novel The Fault in Our Stars
No full textFigurative language, including metaphor, hyperbole, and imagery enriches literary narratives by adding depth and nuance. Translating such figurative expressions poses significant challenges due to the implicit and culturally rooted meanings they often convey. This study analyzes the strategies used in the English-to-Malay translation of selected passages from John Green\u27s novel ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by employing a descriptive qualitative approach. The research adopts the translation techniques framework proposed by Vinay and Darbelnet (1995), examining how these methods facilitate the transfer of meaning and stylistic effect from source to target text. Findings reveal that mainly literal translation and borrowing are used to render figurative language in the Malay version of the novel, with less frequent use of modulation and transposition. The study underscores the importance of choosing appropriate translation methods tailored to the figurative device and cultural context to preserve the intended meaning and sense. These insights have some implications for translators working on English-to-Malay literary texts and contribute to the broader understanding of translation strategies in figurative language transfer
Empirical Assessment of Social Media in Mobilising Voters during the 2023 Presidential Election in Nigeria
No full textSocial media platforms are increasingly being adapted into mainstream communication systems and are useful in politics, healthcare, social movements and more. Whether it is information dissemination or mobilisation and advocacy, the platforms are considered to be largely utilised in twenty-first century. The objective of this study was to examine social media platforms as tools for voter mobilisation during the 2023 presidential conducted in Nigeria. It was anchored on the uses and gratifications theory. The researchers adopted the cross-sectional descriptive research design relying on survey as instrument of data collection. The mixed-techniques of online survey link and in-person administration techniques were leveraged to carefully distribute the survey to a determined sample of 587 respondents from the population of 9,259,968 following the multistage sampling procedures which include purposive, stratification and simple random stages. The Statistical Packages for the Social Science (SPSS) version 26 was relied upon for analysing the survey data. Findings of the study showed that there was use of social media platforms during the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria and that Facebook, X, WhatsApp, Instagram were the most prominent. The study also demonstrated that there was a greater use of the platforms during the period. Furthermore, the study also showed that social media platforms were effective tools for mobilising voters to participate in the electoral process in the 2023 presidential election. The researchers concluded that the platforms are now greatly utilised due to their importance and recommended that political parties and their candidates leverage the access and use by younger voters to use social media in future elections to mobilise the electorate. 
From Marginalization to Militancy: Understanding Banditry through the Lens of Governance Failure in Nigeria
No full textThe persistence and escalation of banditry in Nigeria—particularly across the country’s Northwest region reflecting a deep-seated governance failure that has eroded the state’s legitimacy and capacity to provide public goods. Far from being isolated acts of criminality, the widespread violence attributed to armed bandit groups exposes the structural weaknesses of governance manifested in institutional decay, socio-economic exclusion, and rural neglect. This study interrogates the link between governance failure and the evolution of banditry, arguing that the phenomenon represents not merely a security challenge but a systemic outcome of political, economic, and institutional dysfunction. Drawing on qualitative data generated from key informant interviews and focus group discussions conducted in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States, the research applies the theoretical lenses of Failed State Theory and the Political Economy of Violence to explain how state incapacity and structural inequalities have fostered violent non-state formations. Empirical findings reveal that the erosion of state presence in rural communities, elite corruption, youth unemployment, and the weakening of traditional governance institutions have collectively created conditions for the transformation of local grievances into organized armed militancy. Bandit groups have gradually evolved into quasi-political actors, establishing informal governance systems, imposing taxes, and controlling local economies in spaces where state authority has receded. The paper contributes to existing scholarship by providing contextually grounded evidence from community-level narratives, which are often missing in broader analyses of insecurity in Nigeria. Theoretically, it bridges the gap between structural governance failure and the informal political economy of violence, demonstrating how both reinforce each other in perpetuating instability. Policy-wise, the study advances an alternative framework that transcends militarized countermeasures by emphasizing inclusive governance, rural economic revitalization, justice sector reforms, and the reinvigoration of traditional and community-based institutions. It concludes that sustainable peace and security in Northwestern Nigeria require rebuilding state legitimacy through equitable service delivery, transparent leadership, and participatory development