-
South East Asia
Challenging Duterte: Maria Ressa and the Philippine Media
With her sharp mind, unflinching attitude and acerbic humor, journalist and businesswoman Maria Ressa has built a news brand in the Philippines that is at the center of a struggle for the future of free expression in that country. Not one to back down from a fight, Ressa is just…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Duterte optimism of 2019
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte expressed that 2019 will be a better year for the Philippines, as he encouraged Filipinos to “learn from the past” so that the nation can move forward confidently. He made this message as the Office released his official statement to media last Jan. 1, 2019. Duterte…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Singapore and Populism
A newspaper columnist who deigned to lecture government ministers for speaking over the head of common folk was, in turn, chided for appealing to populism that is anathema to the ruling People’s Action Party, as it smacks of politics of free lunches. “Ministers, please speak plainly to people” was the…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Seizing Malaysia’s Moment
Malaysia’s historic May 9 election was dramatic, sweeping and unprecedented. A ruling party in power with seemingly impregnable advantages was ousted through the ballot box. There was no extra constitutional uprising, as in the Philippines in 1986, no military coup as in neighboring Thailand, no rioting and turmoil as in…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Anti Fake News Law: A Hindrance Towards Democratization and Development
Malaysia has passed and gazetted an Anti-Fake News Act 2018 on 11th April to curb and monitor false information, slander and lies spreading on social media and news portals. This law says any one found guilty of spreading, speculating or creating fake news would be jailed for 6 years or…
Read More » -
South East Asia
The Menace Of Fake News
Last April, the office of the Indian Cabinet Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ms. Smriti Irani, issued a directive. It lay down new guidelines punishing journalists for publishing fake news. Understandably, there was fierce and widespread criticism from the journalists. “These norms are an attempt to intimidate and muzzle the…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Indonesia: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks
Amnesty International Indonesia today condemns in the strongest terms the 13 May bombings in three areas in Surabaya, the church areas in East Java. At least 10 people died and more than 41 were injured in Sunday’s bomb attacks. The deliberate targeting and killing of women, men and children going…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Will Najib Get Voters’ Support in the June 2018 General Election?
The 14th Malaysian General Election will be held any time before June 2018, as recently announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak. Right now, the buzz around the country surrounds netizen’s comments on the General Election through social media platforms. Comments and hot criticism of the government and opposing factions came…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Singapore COUNTRY REPORT: Professional Ethics Still a Media Imperative
In the internet age, some people brush aside the need for conventional full-time journalists or media organizations to give us our daily news. “That is already passe,” said a former reporter colleague of mine, surprised to hear that Asia Journalist Association (AJA) accept mainly working journalists. “Nowadays, a journalist is…
Read More » -
South East Asia
Three Hotel Associations Signed an Agreement Allowing Muslim Employees to Wear Scarves
Following the pronouncement of Malaysia as an Islamic state almost three decades ago, many things changed within the national community: from lifestyles, cultures, and right up to an increasing awareness towards Islamic values. Such values included the wearing of traditional headdresses (scarves or long dresses that cover the body from…
Read More »