Stories about Malaysia from February, 2011
Malaysia: Rally against ‘racist’ book
A rally was held by Malaysian Indians in Kuala Lumpur to protest the continuing use of Interlok novel in schools. The controversial book, according to protesters, discriminates against the Indian community.
Malaysia: ‘Guidelines for Celebrating Religious Festivals of Non-Muslims’
The Malaysian Department of Islamic Development has posted on its website the ‘Guidelines for Muslims Celebrating Religious Festivals of Non-Muslims,’ issued by the National Fatwa Committee for Islamic Religious Affairs.
Malaysia: Suicide a Rising Problem
Malaysia has recently been gripped by an alarming social issue: suicide. It is estimated that an average of 60 suicides every month are being committed in Malaysia. A young Malaysian even posted a suicide note on Facebook.
Brunei: Rare coins
Tiger Lim from Brunei uploads some rare coins which were used in Brunei and Malaysia in the 1920s and 1930s
Malaysia: Amending the law to censor internet?
Malaysia’s government is considering tightening its already strict laws on printing to include online publications as well. The announcement immediately drew huge criticism from the online community who believe that the Internet should not be controlled.
Iran: Protesters interrupted a State sponsored concert
Here is a film showing Iranian protesters interrupted an Iranian government sponsored concert in Malaysia.
Malaysia: National language and patriotism debate
Jebat Must Die from Malaysia writes about the online debate between prominent political bloggers about the use of the national language in the country and its link to nationalism.
Malaysia: Unemployed college graduates
Greg Lopez, writing for the New Mandala, tackles the issue of unemployment among college graduates in Malaysia.
Malaysia: Anti-mega tower Facebook page expands advocacy
The 1M Malaysians Reject 100-storey Mega Tower Facebook page, which was set-up last October, has gathered almost 300,000 followers. It has also expanded its advocacy by including public accountability issues.
Malaysia: “Today we are all Egyptians”
Malaysiakini gathers online reactions in Malaysia after the people of Egypt succeeded in forcing the resignation of Hosni Mubarak.
Global: Thoughts on interfaith harmony and world peace
In this, the first, World Interfaith Harmony Week, people from all faiths have been getting together to forget about differences and promote religious tolerance and dialogue based on the mantras "Love of God and love of one's neighbour" or "love of the good and love of one's neighbour". Worldwide bloggers share views on why this dialogue is so important – and why it is not impossible to achieve it.
Southeast Asia: Reactions to Egypt protests
Using the #egypt hashtag, let’s read what twitter users in several Southeast Asian countries have been tweeting in reaction to the ongoing Egypt protests
Bangladesh: Asian University Of Women Blossoming
Marina Mahathir, daughter of the ex-Malaysian statesman Mahathir Mohamad, visited the Asian University For women in Chittagong, Bangladesh for the second time in three years and reports its progress.
