Debunking Another MIA Claim

Published on May 8, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Almost four decades since the Vietnam War ended with the capitulation of Saigon, the issue of troops missing in action (MIAs) and the possibility that some American and allied soldiers remained behind as communist captives still evokes passionate debate. Many loved ones understandably hold to the hope that just maybe theirs could still be alive. The authors of An Enormous Crime went to great lengths to explain how successive U.S. governments and corrupt Vietnamese officials failed miserably to address the vexing and complicated issue. Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .

Najib Holds on, Just

Published on May 8, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Malaysia’s ruling powers have extended their unbeaten grip on power following Sunday’s elections. However, their performance was far from convincing, leaving Prime Minister Najib Razak vulnerable to a future challenge. Meanwhile, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has refused to accept the result amid widespread allegations of cheating. Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat. .

Punting on Bokor’s Colonial Charm

Published on May 5, 2013 by Luke Hunt

ASIAWATCH — Architects and historians say a conglomerate’s US$1 billion plan to build a gaming centre on Bokor Hill could mean it losing its unique French heritage, Luke Hunt Reports. Hidden in the clouds on a mountain overlooking the provincial capital of Kampot in Cambodia’s south sits a relic of a long-gone French colonial era. For decades a Catholic church, possibly the oldest in the country, remained abandoned here as wars were waged for decades on the flat lands below. Under the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge, churches _ alongside all forms of religious life _ were anathema and systematically destroyed, believers persecuted and clergy exterminated by the Communists. In Phnom Penh, the 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral became the first building....

ASEAN Finds Common Ground

Published on May 3, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — At the latest summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei leaders provided a refreshing change to the infighting and bickering which characterized the 12 months since April 2012 when Cambodia – with some dabbling from China – was host. Divisions remained, however, and agreements on touchy subjects like how to handle overlapping claims and best deal with Beijing in the South China Sea were as elusive as ever. Read more in The Diplomat. .

Malaysia Govt. Spends Up Ahead of Poll

Published on Apr 30, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — The two key States of Sarawak and Sabah are crucial for both major parties leading up to Malaysia’s election. The eastern states have traditionally been a stronghold of the ruling coalition, but it’s expected there will be a significant swing towards the opposition. Watch more from Liam Cochrane at Australia Network News. .