Anil Netto

Syngenta - the world's largest agribusiness firm - embarks o­n a public relations offensive to erase the stigma associated with paraquat and hosts a 'media roundatable for journalists in Penang.

The People's Alliance for Peace Malaysia which is lobbying citizens to oppose the impending war o­n Iraq, appears to have left out established local human rights activists in their campaign.

Sudden as it was, the police raid o­n malaysiakini surprised few, viewed against the current political scenario and the ruling goverment's record where press freedom is concerned.

The government expects to introduce teaching Science and Mathematics in English in stages next year as part of a national initiative, but before that happens the government must find a face saving solution for its leader and for the dominant ethnic parties that make up Mahathir's administration.

Journalists in Southeast Asian nations with a history of oppressive rule are keeping an eye on attempts to clamp down on new-found media freedom.

The successful campaign which led to the banning of paraquat in Malaysia has inspired activists in other countries who want to see their lands free of harmful substances.

Pressing issues of the day are not making it to the news as the government is curbing public debate in preparation of the impending general election. The losers, as always, are the Malaysian public who are left in the dark.

It is only a matter of time before Malaysia opens its doors to foreign workers again, says a labour activist. Their absence — sparked off by tough new laws — is already being felt in numerous aspects of daily life.