Latest posts by Jerrenn Lam
Malaysia's ‘Toxic’ Politics Are Similar to ‘Game of Thrones’, Says Prime Minister's Brother
"The future terrifies me: I just can't see how our institutions can recover, how our political atmosphere can become less toxic, how our international reputation can be repaired."
Only Months After MH370 Disappears, Plane Crash in Ukraine Sends Malaysians Reeling
A Malaysia Airlines flight attendant highlighted on Instagram and Twitter the loss of lives on both flights: "Within 4 months I lost almost 30 friends."
Malaysian Opposition Lawmaker Charged with Sedition over Satirical YouTube Video
A Malaysian opposition lawmaker was charged with sedition three months after she posted a YouTube video poking fun at the govenrment and some of its policies
Malaysian Plane Carrying 239 People Reported Missing
Flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing lost contact with air traffic controllers, with the authorities being unable to locate the aircraft since. The flight was carrying 239 people
Fuel Price Increase Divides Malaysia
Critics fear it would lead to higher cost of living while some believe the increase is reasonable given that Malaysia has one of the lowest fuel prices in the world
‘What Else Do the Chinese Want?’ Election Headline Enrages Malaysians
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak blamed Chinese voters for the slim majority of the administration party in the general elections. He called it the 'Chinese Tsunami.' Then, a Malay newspaper ran an article titled ‘Apa lagi Cina mahu?’ (What else do the Chinese want?), immediately causing backlash in Malaysia
Will Malaysia's Ruling Party for 50 Years Continue to Dominate Elections?
Malaysians are preparing for the 13th General Elections which will take place on May 5. A resounding theme in the campaign has been the prospect of change, or ‘ubah’ (Malay). Will the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which has been in power for the past 50 years, continue to dominate the polls?
What Malaysians Expect in the General Elections
With the 13th General Elections drawing closer, many Malaysians have turned to the internet for news and other information, as well as posting their thoughts on the election. Malaysians are mostly concerned about the economy, the rising cost of living, as well as more government transparency
Will Malaysian General Elections Bring Change?
The Malaysian Parliament was recently dissolved by Prime Minister Najib Razak paving the way for the 13th general election in the country. Will the ruling party, which has been in power in the past half century, continue to dominate the election? Or will people vote for change?
Malaysians Support Army Offensive Against Sabah ‘Terrorists’
Members of the ‘royal army’ of the Sultan of Sulu arrived and occupied some parts of Sabah in North Borneo last month to assert their claim of the territory. After three weeks, the Malaysian government sent its troops to expel the 'terrorists'. Most Malaysians have expressed their support to the military offensive to drive out the invaders
Malaysians to Psy: “Don't Perform for Corrupt Ruling Party”
Global pop sensation Psy has been invited to perform at an event in Malaysia hosted by Prime Minister Najib Razak and the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, but instead of being welcomed, many fans have turned to his Facebook page pleading him not to attend and perform at the Chinese New Year event.
Search for Missing Boy Unites Malaysia
News about the disappearance of six-year old William Yau triggered a widespread campaign in Malaysia to help find the kid. Netizens helped in spreading news about the case. There was an outpouring of grief for William’s family on social media when the death of the boy was confirmed by the police on January 28
Malaysians Gather for the ‘Uprising of the Citizens’
Tens of thousands joined the ‘Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat’ (Uprising of the Citizens) rally in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia organized mainly by Opposition forces. The rally highlighted the campaign for clean elections, free education, and environment protection.
Petronas’ Deepavali Ad Angers Malaysian Indians
In conjunction with the Hindu festival of lights, Deepavali, Malaysian oil company Petronas aired a controversial advertisement on YouTube that enraged many Malaysian Indians as it allegedly portrayed Indians in a bad light.
Malaysia: Parenting Guidelines on How to Spot Gays and Lesbians
A parenting seminar in Penang, Malaysia became controversial after it issued guidelines for parents on how to detect symptoms of homosexuality. The guidelines were allegedly endorsed by the Ministry of Education. According to the guidelines, gays often wear V-necks and sleeveless tops
Malaysia: Furor Over Alleged National Flag Redesign
Is it time to change the flag of Malaysia? The opposition is accused of proposing a flag redesign while the country is celebrating its Independence Day.
Malaysia Says It Set World Twitter Record on Independence Day
Malaysians sent 3.6 million twitter messages using the hashtag #merdeka55 during the August 31 Independence Day celebration. Malaysia believes it set a new world twitter record for the most number of twitter messages sent in one hour.
Malaysia: Government Vows to Review Web Censorship Law After Protest
Responding to the blackout protest organized by netizens, the Malaysian government has vowed to review a controversial amendment in the law which critics say would restrict internet freedom in the country.
Malaysia: Selangor State Faces Water Shortage
Selangor, Malaysia's richest state, could be facing a water shortage crisis soon after its water concessionaire announced that water rationing might be necessary because of lack of clean water reserves. The state government, however, is accusing the company of using the issue to gain more profit.
Malaysia: Bersih Demonstrations Around the Globe
While the Bersih (clean) demonstrations were going on in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week, similar gatherings were being organised by Malaysians overseas. The global protests supported the demand for a more democratic electoral exercise in Malaysia
Malaysia: Thousands Joined Bersih 3.0 Protest
Thousands of Malaysians gathered in the streets in support of Bersih 3.0, a campaign for electoral reforms. But police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd. Hundreds were arrested. Netizens share their Bersih stories