Old Malaysian Issues Are New, Again

Published on Feb 6, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Malaysia’s inability to settle longstanding issues that go to the core of the country’s make-up, following last year’s controversial election, is leading to a fresh crisis within a government found badly wanting over its ability to deal with race and creed, the economy and leadership of the country.Central to the latest bout of unrest is former autocratic Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. His persistent dabbling in politics and his own United Malays National Organization (UMNO) through firebrand Islamic nationalists has sullied relations within his own ranks.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

People Smuggler Jailed After 90 Lives Lost

Published on Feb 2, 2014 by Luke Hunt

With friction between Australia and Indonesia continuing to test relations it must have been with some relief in Canberra and Jakarta that an Indonesian court sentenced Javaid Mahmood, a 54-year-old from Pakistan, to seven years in jail for people smuggling.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Brunei Told New Penal Code Violates Human Rights

Published on Jan 29, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Brunei’s push to introduce Sharia law and deliver the extremely wealthy Muslim sultanate into legal territory more akin with Taliban thinking has been ruled incompatible with international human rights law by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Sultanate Warns Fresh Conflict in Sabah

Published on Jan 26, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Supporters of Filipino claims over North Borneo are again threatening to send armed men to the East Malaysian state of Sabah if Kuala Lumpur refuses to negotiate with Manila, raising fears of a repeat of the violence that erupted there almost a year ago.Read more from Luke Hunt at The Diplomat..

Vietnam Worse Than Syria in Jailing Reporters

Published on Jan 24, 2014 by Luke Hunt

Vietnam has made the top 10 list of countries that jail reporters for simply doing their job. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Vietnam came in at fifth spot and along with Thailand was one of the two nations from Southeast Asia to make the list in 2013.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..