Najib Ready for Poll

Published on Apr 16, 2012 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — In Malaysia, opinion polls indicate Prime Minister Najib Razak’s approval rating is on the rise after scoring a string of political victories at home and abroad. Listen to more from Luke Hunt at Radio Australia.   .

Najib Primed for Polls

Published on Apr 14, 2012 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — In Malaysia, recent opinion polls indicate Prime Minister Najib Razak’s approval rating is rising after a series of political victories.  The prime minister’s political fortunes are fueling speculation he will soon call an early election. With Najib’s approval rating at an all time high of 69 percent, this week his government formally abandoned the dreaded Internal Security Act (ISA), which allowed for detention without trial. And at a recent summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) he succeeded in winning support for his Global Movement of Moderates to help combat religious extremism and terrorism. Luke Hunt reports for VoA. .

Thailand’s Terrorism Problem

Published on Apr 3, 2012 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Bombings in Southern Thailand on Saturday killed thirteen people and wounded over 300 in the cities of Yala and Hat Yai. The series of explosions targeted civilians in popular shopping districts, a McDonalds restaurant, and a tourist hotel. These bombings follow close on the heels of February’s much less destructive but widely reported Bangkok bombings, which were likely orchestrated by Iranian nationals. Faine Greenwood writes for the UN Dispatch. .

Class Clash

Published on Apr 3, 2012 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — “If a baht note blows out of your hand and down the road, for God’s sake don’t step on it,” the resident director of a nonprofit organisation advised a foreign volunteer, who had just arrived in the Kingdom, during a ‘dos and don’ts’ brief. “The King’s face is on the note. You cannot disrespect the King. You can go to jail.” The highly contentious issue of lèse majesté – a domestic law that prohibits anyone from criticising the monarchy – has returned with a vengeance this past year and has even gained international notoriety. Read more from Tim LaRocca in the South East Asian Globe. .

Aung San Suu Kyi Sweeps In

Published on Apr 2, 2012 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy look to have scored key victories in by-elections in Burma on Sunday. Luke Hunt reports for The Diplomat. .