On Mother's Day, the first order of business is to renew our profound appreciation for the women who have protected us and reared us with their unconditional love.

Ghiang Pin-kung (江丙坤), Taipei's former top cross-strait negotiator, revealed late last month that he suggested to President Ma Ying-jeou that Taiwan should allow the mainland's China Central Television (CCTV) and Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television to broadcast locally to “correct its chaotic news media scene.”

With regard to investors' continued objection to the stock gains tax, President Ma Ying-jeou said on Wednesday that the government is willing to review its policy.

The controversy surrounding the Yoho Beach Resort has taken a ridiculous turn into a battle between different government bodies arguing whether the hotel in Kenting should be completely shut down or allowed to continue business partially.

Malaysia's ruling party kept power after what was billed as the first election in 56 years in which the ruling National Front was seriously threatened. Although the National Front's share of seats in the national legislature dropped to 133, and it lost the popular vote by 48 percent to 52 percent, it won governing majority. Claiming fraud, the opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, has refused to recognize the results.

In Taipei, an average of two out of every 10 first-graders have asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Despite strong evidence that the serious illness has now reached epidemic proportions in the country, the awareness of asthmatic conditions has remained low among parents, teachers and health authorities. That is unacceptable.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was labeled the “party of corruption” after President Chen Shui-bian, his family and top lieutenants were incriminated in a spate of graft scandals.

Almsgiving should be encouraged insofar as it serves its intended purpose, i.e. to help the poor and the needy, and it simply must not be taken for granted.

In an ever-growing virtual world, cyberwarfare is likely to overshadow ground wars in the near future. A recent example of the growing importance of cyberwar is seen in the escalating tension on the Korean Peninsula.

If Taiwan's adultery law makes you feel awkward, you should know that there is little chance to see any improvements in the near future. According to a new survey commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (法務部), 82 percent of Taiwanese support legal provisions against adultery, making the Republic of China one the few non-Muslim countries where an adultery conviction can earn you a jail sentence.