Latest posts by Mong Palatino from April, 2012
Indonesia: New General Election Law
Colson discusses the possible political impact of Indonesia's new General Election law.
Malaysia: Occupy Dataran Merdeka and Education Protests
The April 28 Bersih 3.0 sit-down protest is expected to be the major political event of the month in Malaysia but students and Occupy activists have already put forward their demands ahead of time. Students marched in the streets against the 'anti-poor' student loan program while activists launched the Occupy Dataran movement to 'reclaim' democracy in the country
Malaysia Prepares for Bersih 3.0 Sit-Down Protest
The Malaysia election reform movement Bersih (Clean) has organized a Bersih 3.0 Duduk Bantah (sit-in protest) on April 28 at Dataran Merdeka. It's the same group which gathered more than 50,000 people in Kuala Lumpur last year in protest against the 'undemocratic' electoral exercise in the country
Vietnam: Agent Orange Victim and his Music
Meet Thanh Tung, a talented player of dan bau which is a traditional monochord instrument in Vietnam. Tung is also an Agent Orange victim who lost his eyesight at the age of twelve.
Malaysia: Religion, Academe, and Freedom
Hwa Yue-Yi tackles the issue of academic freedom and religious freedom in a Muslim-dominated society like Malaysia
Overhyped Elections in Myanmar?
The world rejoiced after Myanmar election officials announced the victory of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi in the recent by-elections in the country. But according to some netizens and political observers, the euphoria over the opposition victory must be tempered by the fact that the junta-backed party is still the dominant force in the local politics.
Business Prospects in Myanmar
Aim Sinpeng writes about the booming business prospects in Myanmar. Foreign investments have risen especially after the government has pledged to implement some key political and economic reforms
Thailand: Free Apps for Tourists
Thailand's tourism authority has launched a website where visitors can download apps for a wide range of smartphones to help them plan their stay in the country
Tracking the Location of Singaporeans in the World
Where Are We SG is a website which maps the location of Singaporeans around the world.
Myanmar: Sex Tourism Industry
Fifty Viss writes about Myanmar's sex tourism industry. The author also reviews past proposals on how to regulate prostitution
Myanmar: Transparency in Development Aid
Community Based Organizations issued a statement urging international donors to ensure that development aid would target Myanmar's marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Hashtags to Monitor Indonesia quake
An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5 hit Indonesia on April 11. The tremors were also felt in Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. A tsunami alert was issued in several countries but it has been lifted already. Netizens use the hashtag #thaiquake, #prayforsumatera, and #prayformalaysia to monitor the quake impact.
Myanmar: Suspended Dam Project May Reopen Again
The Democratic Voice of Burma reports about a leaked government document which suggests the reopening of a suspended dam project in Myanmar. The dam construction was suspended after it was actively opposed by local communities.
Indonesia: Promoting Sexual Rights
Irin tackles the difficulty of promoting gender and women rights in Indonesia. In particular, sexual violence victims are unable to seek redress because of ‘archaic’ laws and traditions in the country
Philippines: Netizens Unite to Save Pine Trees
Filipino netizens are using the hashtag #savebaguiopinetrees to protest the plan of a mall owned by the country's richest man to cut 182 pine trees in order to construct a parking lot in Baguio City in northern Philippines
Myanmar: Continuing Press Freedom Violations
The International Freedom of Expression Exchange lists five concerns that highlight the continuing press freedom violations in Myanmar
Overview of Buddhism in Vietnam
tomosaigon provides a brief introduction of the various Buddhist sects in Vietnam.
Vietnam: Videos About Hanoi
Travelfish recommends several YouTube videos about Hanoi, Vietnam. The list includes videos about Hanoi tourism, music, and food
