Malaysian Poll Set for May 5

Published on Apr 10, 2013 by Luke Hunt

ASIAWATCH — Long awaited elections will be held in Malaysia on May 5, officials from the country’s Electoral Commission said. The decision ends months of speculation and follows a decision by Prime Minister Najib Razak to dissolve Parliament ahead of the poll, which is expected to the closest election since independence in 1957. .   .

Rodwell’s ‘Ransom House’ Not Sold

Published on Apr 10, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — The southern Philippine seaside home of kidnapped Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell has not been sold, raising questions about the source of a $94,600 ransom paid to Islamic terrorists for his release last month. Read more from Al Jacinto and Lindsay Murdoch in The Age. .

An ASEAN Super League

Published on Apr 9, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — While Southeast Asian fans have a good deal of passion for football, the region lags behind the big boys of the continent when it comes to the beautiful game. Its national teams do not appear at the World Cup and are an increasingly rare sight at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup. Its clubs have never done much in the AFC Champions League either. Read more from John Duerden in The Diplomat. .

Nationalistic Threats

Published on Apr 7, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Nationalism was the powerful and revolutionary idea which inspired and mobilized the people of colonized countries in Southeast Asia to fight for their political independence after World War II. Then, post-colonial governments invoked it to unify their nations against real or imagined foreign aggressors. Read more from Mong Palantino in The Diplomat. .

Pakistan Gears-up for Poll

Published on Apr 5, 2013 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — It’s taken more than 65 turbulent years — but in May Pakistanis go to the polls in the first democratic transition in the country’s turbulent and bloody history. It will also be the first time a civilian government has served a full term. Read more from Terry Friel in New Matilda. .