Yap Mun Ching

Burmese deputy FM to meet Mahathir over Suu Kyi

The international pressure has finally convinced Rangoon to take steps to defuse tensions following the arrest of democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. The deputy minister has been charged to visit top Asian leaders to clarify matters.

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Scarred for life - an immigrants tale

Since a new immigration law was introduced last year, undocumented immigrants have been arrested by the thousands and slapped with prison terms and whipping. One of them relates his ordeal.

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Razali steps up pressure for Suu Kyis release

UN special envoy Razali Ismail is stepping up efforts to gather Asian support for Suu Kyi's release after his own persuasive efforts met with little success thus far

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Regional anti-terrorism centre opens its doors

A year after the idea was mooted by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the Southeast Asia Centre for Counter-Terrorism is ready for business.

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Controversial Spore water book highlights future development plans

A fresh controversy over the Malaysia-Singapore water talks has shed light on several key development plans slated in the two countries. These plans are likely to provide fodder for future quarrels.

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Inter-religious meet marred by Muslim groups boycott

Last month, the Bar Council finally held a long-awaited workshop to discuss its initiative to start an inter-religious council. However, differences and misunderstanding among various groups need to be ironed out first.

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Public security deteriorates, politicians want swift govt action

The Canny Ong case had caused outrage over rising crime rate in the country, particularly in and around Kuala Lumpur. Several politicians say the home ministry and the police show little sign of taking responsibility.

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Nine Burmese demonstrators charged

Burmese asylum seekers, who were arrested last week, face stiff sentences, including whipping, if found guilty of immigration offences.

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Three Burmese protesters released

Police have allowed three of the Burmese protesters to go free, but three more remain under remand to facilitate investigations..

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Questionable basis for prosecuting Muslim GRO, says SIS

A Muslim advocacy group wants answers as to why a particular female guest relations officer (GRO) is facing criminal charges under syariah law.

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Suhakam to review other detention without trial laws

After documenting a year's worth of human rights abuse cases, Suaram shares its findings with Suhakam and hopes for constant engagement between them.

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Razalis relevance questioned in Burma peace process

UN special envoy for Burma Razali Ismail's failure to secure the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has led to not inconsiderable frustration among her supporters. Some have called for his resignation, but is it time for him to go?

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28 Burmese refugees granted asylum

Fearing persecution, a group of Burmese refugees decided to invade an UN agency in a desperate bid for asylum. A year and a half later, they look forward to new lives abroad.

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Six held for staging demo outside Burmese embassy

The risk of arrest, detention and deportation has not stopped a group of Burmese nationals to demonstrate in Kuala Lumpur for the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

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UNHCR sees a surge in applications from Acehnese

Although the authorities have said there has been no influx of refugees from Aceh, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is receiving asylum applications in record numbers.

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Suu Kyi being held under ISA-like law, says UN envoy

UN special envoy Razali Ismail is the only foreigner who has seen Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi since her detention more than two weeks ago. He tells her side of the story in an interview with malaysiakini .

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Utusan PBB kecam Asean kerana berdiam mengenai Burma

eksklusif Utusan khas Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu (PBB) Tan Sri Razali Ismail mengecam Asean kerana tidak mempunyai keupayaan politik untuk mengubah keadaan di Burma, terutamanya lanjutan perkembangan terkini di negara itu.

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Local council elections cant solve problems: Kayveas

The public outrage provoked by recent scandals involving appointed local council officials has brought discussion back as to whether such posts should be filled through elections instead.

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Rohingyas fail in attempt to seek asylum at US embassy

Frustrated Burmese Rohingyas tried this morning to bring attention to their plight as asylum seekers in Malaysia, but landed in trouble instead.

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UN envoy lashes out at Asean inaction over Burma

Even as Asean ministers meet from today in the Cambodia capital of Phnom Penh, the regional body's credibility is at stake over how members deal with the Burma situation.

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Islamic-state blueprint: PM post reserved for Muslims

The prime minister post will be reserved for Muslims, hudud law will only apply to Muslims while non-Muslims remain under the present criminal penal code, and there will be a non-racial affirmative action programme - these are some of the policies under PAS' Islamic state.

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Opposition Youth leaders protest police involvement in Umno activity

As political parties gear up for the general election, Opposition political parties appeal for fair play in the use of government machinery.

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US steps up pressure for Suu Kyis release

The pointed reluctance of many Asian governments to comment on the detention of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has prompted the US government to act.

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Razali wants Suu Kyi released within two weeks

United Nations special envoy for Burma Razali Ismail secured first access to detained Burmese democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi today, but his task is by no means complete at this juncture.

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