Many Singaporeans of Indian descent and some with Malay descent occupy high places in the government
Yes but this is done intentionally by the ruling Chinese to create an image and impression of SG as ‘multi cultural’. The system is not truly meritorious with access to opportunity obviously limited if you are non Chinese.
I agree that military rule and the new incumbent in the monarchy are significant challenges for Thailand’s ability to negotiate the future. The South is also unquestionably a challenge, but not, it seems to me, of the same scope. Yes it is the case that Southern separatists have occasionally expanded the field of battle to include other non-Malay southern cities and Bangkok. But only once or twice in what is now 12+ years. Each time one wonders, has the strategy changed? Will they now attempt to create the same frequency of terror outside of the South that they have managed in their home region? Each time, so far, the answer is ‘no’. That they don’t is surely related to capability — if they could, they would? But they can’t. Lack of money, lack of sanctuary residential areas in which to base cells, undeveloped leadership infrastructure. Whatever those factors are, they have to change first, and while that might happen someday, it seems oddly out of proportion to me to set that possibility up as an equivalent to what is happening with the military in government and the monarchy.
Thanks for reading our blog Linda, and glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the Houtman Abrolhos – truly an incredible part of Australia. It is surprising how little known the Batavia story still is, especially in the eastern states. Natali
Thanks for supplying the photos I tried to get but ended up missing, like the fort and the rectangular site of the wreck. We have just flown to Wallabi Island with Josh (the same one?) and had the most incredible day. Weather was perfect and we both pinched ourselves to make sure it was real. We both have been fascinated by the story of the wreck of the Batavia for years, saw the hull and portico in Fremantle ten years ago and now the site of all the action. Truly the most wonderful experience of our caravan trip around Australia.
Scroll down the unodc link and you can see that Pavin is correct. Try this quote from that very page: “Crime prevention and criminal justice reform UNODC promotes the use of training manuals and the adoption of codes of conduct and standards and norms that aim to guarantee that the accused, the guilty and the victims can all rely on a criminal justice system that is fair and grounded on human rights values. A strong rule of law will also instill confidence among citizens in the effectiveness of the courts and the humanness of the prisons.”
One of the missions of the UNODC is to address the issue of crime prevention and criminal justice. Here is what it says on its website:
“Crime prevention and criminal justice reform: UNODC promotes the use of training manuals and the adoption of codes of conduct and standards and norms that aim to guarantee that the accused, the guilty and the victims can all rely on a criminal justice system that is fair and grounded on human rights values. A strong rule of law will also instill confidence among citizens in the effectiveness of the courts and the humanness of the prisons.”
If lese-majeste is not listed as “crime” that causes a huge impact on human rights, the Princess will even have to work harder to push for the reform of this anachronistic law which prescribes its violators as criminals. You are distorting the mandate of UNODC as well as her mandate at this organisation. As a “legal scholar” and now “Goodwill Ambassador” of the UNODC, the Princess can never fully work to tackle just drugs abuse or terrorism, and continues to turn a blind eye on something even more serious, like lese majeste, which has generated a devastating effect on the human rights situation in Thailand.
“UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.”
which states that:
“UNODC was established by the UN Secretary-General to “address the interrelated issues of drug control, crime prevention and international terrorism in all its forms”. To fulfil its mandate, UNODC has a three-pillar work programme:
Research and analytical work (e.g. the annual World Drug Report).
Normative work to assist member states in the implementation of the drug conventions.
Field-based technical cooperation projects.”
It is still a shame, especially as Pavin would distort the mandate and charter of the UNODC for his attacks based your own personal biases.
notdissapointed: perhaps you could have read the announcement of the princess’ appointment before leaping to comments sounding like they come from one of the junta’s cyber-security officers. Here’s one bit of it about appointing “Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand as Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia to raise the profile of, and support for, development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, and that contribute to justice reform.”
Don’t always try to distract from the appointment to putting forth your pet grievance. Possibly you hadn’t notice that it is from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and was given to “help” “to raise the profile of, and support for, development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, and that contribute to justice reform”. Once again, it is from the Office on Drugs and Crime whose focus you will admit, is possibly, perhaps, on Drugs and Crime. Your grievances regarding the LM laws and your many attempts to deride Thai Monarchy, which stems from your own personal and NM’s biases; makes this article shameful in its attempt to force fit your anti-monarchical and LM views on an unrelated subject.
When searching Laotian names over twenty-years ago, I learned Vajiralongkorn was an ancient Laotian name used by Laotian royalty. It is NOT original to Thailand.
Excellent discussion. But John Blaxland confused Buddhism with Hinduism. Eg. despite a beggar being seen as a beggar because of past life misdeeds, those who show Buddhist compassion towards, eg. a beggar, receive great karmic merit. The Thai Royal Family has shown immense compassion towards the less fortunate. A reflection of the Royal Family’s immense karmic merit.
John Blaxland’s contribution can also be questioned on other grounds. Such as : 1) the military as bulwark against corrupt politicians. Unfortunately, much of the military is / has long been – every bit as corrupt as the politicians. 2) “fracturing of Thai State”. Indeed the military has grounds for fearing this – but THEY are the ones who often fracture the State, with their 18 (approx.) coup attempts (12 successful), since 1932. And 3) the military’s current heavy, rigid re-centralisation increases the risk – and sentiment for – regional fragmentation.
[…] Consuming orphans in a Jakarta mall (Ray Yen/New Mandala) – Konteksnya adalah acara berbuka puasa bersama anak panti sebagai acara CSR di sebuah mall, tapi saya kira perasaan eksploitatif yang dialami penulis bisa terjadi pada acara ulang tahun atau yasinan yang seringkali juga melibatkan anak panti. Ada rasa bersalah karena keluarga besar saya beberapa kali juga melakukan hal serupa meski niatnya baik. […]
The article dwells on the supposed passivity and victimhood of gay men in Indonesia in light of the recent well-publicised incidents. “Fatalism” is an unnecessary generalisation about gay people in this country and overlooks the many actions (by bi/gay/ trans Indonesians) over decades to raise awareness of diverse sexualities (and genders) and to engage with government, religious groups and the broader public. The “fatalism” of Indonesian gay men in the article is offered as a jarring counterpoint to the apparent active, liberated LGBT subjects of North America. The article ignores the complex national context and the ways in which Indonesian men negotiate and enact their sexuality.
Great summary Roxanne. Thanks for sharing.The University of Yangon is going through exciting changes and a whole generation of young people are becoming ready to take on all the challenges and opportunities that come with that. It is great to be part of this.
Hi Salam Hyro…
I am touched by your article. Yes, now there is a full pledge war declared in Marawi, the acclaimed Islamic City of the country. The horrible event in Marawi has a resemblance to what happened here in Zamboanga City–the Zamboanga Siege as everyone read it over the media. until today, the ills of the Zambo-attack are yet to cure…The attackers wanted a repeat for Zamboanga Part 2 that often intimidate people of Zamboanga. Hundreds of detainees still waiting for justice. Mistrust is build among tribes specially Tausugs by the chavacano and the assimilated sama among others.
To share my though, I see weaknesses on our institutions: The government (Making prime our defense institution-AFP), The non state Islamic Institutions (ulama and religious groups) and our local government institutions
The government that which process is centered on military might should be critical in fighting Islamic Culture and Religion that it did not see what it is doing now. Although it is not a religious war but it can lead onto.
The government hope get small victories through military actions driving out the Maute militants from Marawi to reconstruct the city- that is the shortest sight that our government do every after the war, then some LGUs are allured to corrupt rehabilitation funds.. That small victory our AFP hoped for is a temporal solution to conflict.
Both insurgents and the AFP are immune to protracted war and consequently, defy the idealism of dying for Philippine Flag for the AFP and Jihad Fishabillllah for the Islamic Militants.
The protracted war is sen qua non to INSTITUTIONAL RIDO. Asked one wounded soldier saying he wants to get back to war zone to revenge his falling comrades? Ask one maute fighter he never heed killing soldiers in revenge of his brothers and family members died in the battle front or jailed by the AFP.
Our Islamic institution, the family of Ulama is also weak to establish moderate Islamic doctrines, poor leadership, poor communication strategies to impart peace driven khutba. Different Islamic School of thoughts allow extreme dynamic norms that lead to violence.
Our education Institution has no hold of inventories of Islamic Scholars abroad, most of them if not all are not sanctioned by Deped nor Ched and even our DFA..scholars come and go and has no academic record as if they are not part of this country. Can this not be included in the policy determining action by our NCMF?
Back to Marawi, I bid once in our Bantay Bayanihan that our government should have a NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY… our defense department is more of reactionary that solely base actions on intelligence reports than pro-active analysis on what to come given the ready variables at hand.
The sum of these is the battle cry of the Bangsamoro Right to Self Determination. The Bangsamoro can only solve their own problem when they are given the chance to solve them without any idea coming from non Moro. They can police their people by themselves applying what is acceptable and human to Islam.
The AFP is just becoming more arrogant because fighting is their mandate and they want to prove it to the people and their boss AFP Chief of Staff President Duterte that they are worth to be called soldiers of the Philippines no more no less….there is only MEDAL OF VALOR…no MEDAL OF PEACE for the dead or dying SOLDIER.
Salamat Eid Mubarak…..
Whereas what was written may become even more true with every Ramadan, I find that there are those like myself and my volunteer friends of community service tend to shy away and do less at Ramadan, allowing such short spurts of charity to do their share. We still have 11 months of doing good without the need to promote any good name or brand. So I have personally stop criticizing those are doing orphan outreach programs only at Ramadan, because I accept the overflowing donation at Ramadan, and spread them over the rest of the year! Let’s strike a balance when we can, even if it were for charity!
Hi Miss Maranan! Oo diba? This call to “professionalize” seems to me as just a disguised way of “regulating” and suppressing this platform for expression. Even the Anti-Fake News Act of 2017 which is now being proposed can be used to limit journalistic practices. Sure, fake news is a concern and the bill may be really well-intentioned but resorting to legislative measures is not the best way of dealing with the matter.
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Confronting ‘Chinese privilege’ in Singapore
Many Singaporeans of Indian descent and some with Malay descent occupy high places in the government
Yes but this is done intentionally by the ruling Chinese to create an image and impression of SG as ‘multi cultural’. The system is not truly meritorious with access to opportunity obviously limited if you are non Chinese.
Review of Powers of Exclusion
[…] Review by Keith Barney (2012). New Mandala […]
Thailand’s triple threat
I agree that military rule and the new incumbent in the monarchy are significant challenges for Thailand’s ability to negotiate the future. The South is also unquestionably a challenge, but not, it seems to me, of the same scope. Yes it is the case that Southern separatists have occasionally expanded the field of battle to include other non-Malay southern cities and Bangkok. But only once or twice in what is now 12+ years. Each time one wonders, has the strategy changed? Will they now attempt to create the same frequency of terror outside of the South that they have managed in their home region? Each time, so far, the answer is ‘no’. That they don’t is surely related to capability — if they could, they would? But they can’t. Lack of money, lack of sanctuary residential areas in which to base cells, undeveloped leadership infrastructure. Whatever those factors are, they have to change first, and while that might happen someday, it seems oddly out of proportion to me to set that possibility up as an equivalent to what is happening with the military in government and the monarchy.
Treasure Island meets Lord of the Flies: rediscovering the Batavia shipwreck
Thanks for reading our blog Linda, and glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the Houtman Abrolhos – truly an incredible part of Australia. It is surprising how little known the Batavia story still is, especially in the eastern states. Natali
Treasure Island meets Lord of the Flies: rediscovering the Batavia shipwreck
Thanks for supplying the photos I tried to get but ended up missing, like the fort and the rectangular site of the wreck. We have just flown to Wallabi Island with Josh (the same one?) and had the most incredible day. Weather was perfect and we both pinched ourselves to make sure it was real. We both have been fascinated by the story of the wreck of the Batavia for years, saw the hull and portico in Fremantle ten years ago and now the site of all the action. Truly the most wonderful experience of our caravan trip around Australia.
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Scroll down the unodc link and you can see that Pavin is correct. Try this quote from that very page: “Crime prevention and criminal justice reform UNODC promotes the use of training manuals and the adoption of codes of conduct and standards and norms that aim to guarantee that the accused, the guilty and the victims can all rely on a criminal justice system that is fair and grounded on human rights values. A strong rule of law will also instill confidence among citizens in the effectiveness of the courts and the humanness of the prisons.”
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
One of the missions of the UNODC is to address the issue of crime prevention and criminal justice. Here is what it says on its website:
“Crime prevention and criminal justice reform: UNODC promotes the use of training manuals and the adoption of codes of conduct and standards and norms that aim to guarantee that the accused, the guilty and the victims can all rely on a criminal justice system that is fair and grounded on human rights values. A strong rule of law will also instill confidence among citizens in the effectiveness of the courts and the humanness of the prisons.”
If lese-majeste is not listed as “crime” that causes a huge impact on human rights, the Princess will even have to work harder to push for the reform of this anachronistic law which prescribes its violators as criminals. You are distorting the mandate of UNODC as well as her mandate at this organisation. As a “legal scholar” and now “Goodwill Ambassador” of the UNODC, the Princess can never fully work to tackle just drugs abuse or terrorism, and continues to turn a blind eye on something even more serious, like lese majeste, which has generated a devastating effect on the human rights situation in Thailand.
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Gentlemen, especially Pavin: There you go again trying to make something out of nothing. Perhaps you should have gone deeper to look and research the mandate of UNODC –
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/about-unodc/index.html?ref=menutop.
“UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.”
And according to: http://idpc.net/policy-advocacy/global-advocacy/global-drug-control-system/unodc
which states that:
“UNODC was established by the UN Secretary-General to “address the interrelated issues of drug control, crime prevention and international terrorism in all its forms”. To fulfil its mandate, UNODC has a three-pillar work programme:
Research and analytical work (e.g. the annual World Drug Report).
Normative work to assist member states in the implementation of the drug conventions.
Field-based technical cooperation projects.”
It is still a shame, especially as Pavin would distort the mandate and charter of the UNODC for his attacks based your own personal biases.
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
notdissapointed: perhaps you could have read the announcement of the princess’ appointment before leaping to comments sounding like they come from one of the junta’s cyber-security officers. Here’s one bit of it about appointing “Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand as Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia to raise the profile of, and support for, development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, and that contribute to justice reform.”
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
UNODC, Drugs and Crime. Lese majeste is a criminal offence. No? Lol.
Dear Princess Bajrakitiyabha
Don’t always try to distract from the appointment to putting forth your pet grievance. Possibly you hadn’t notice that it is from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and was given to “help” “to raise the profile of, and support for, development efforts that address the impact of crime on society, and that contribute to justice reform”. Once again, it is from the Office on Drugs and Crime whose focus you will admit, is possibly, perhaps, on Drugs and Crime. Your grievances regarding the LM laws and your many attempts to deride Thai Monarchy, which stems from your own personal and NM’s biases; makes this article shameful in its attempt to force fit your anti-monarchical and LM views on an unrelated subject.
Vajiralongkorn: Possessor of the thunderbolt
When searching Laotian names over twenty-years ago, I learned Vajiralongkorn was an ancient Laotian name used by Laotian royalty. It is NOT original to Thailand.
Panel on ‘Thailand’s triple threat: culture, politics, and security’
Excellent discussion. But John Blaxland confused Buddhism with Hinduism. Eg. despite a beggar being seen as a beggar because of past life misdeeds, those who show Buddhist compassion towards, eg. a beggar, receive great karmic merit. The Thai Royal Family has shown immense compassion towards the less fortunate. A reflection of the Royal Family’s immense karmic merit.
John Blaxland’s contribution can also be questioned on other grounds. Such as : 1) the military as bulwark against corrupt politicians. Unfortunately, much of the military is / has long been – every bit as corrupt as the politicians. 2) “fracturing of Thai State”. Indeed the military has grounds for fearing this – but THEY are the ones who often fracture the State, with their 18 (approx.) coup attempts (12 successful), since 1932. And 3) the military’s current heavy, rigid re-centralisation increases the risk – and sentiment for – regional fragmentation.
Consuming orphans in a Jakarta mall
[…] Consuming orphans in a Jakarta mall (Ray Yen/New Mandala) – Konteksnya adalah acara berbuka puasa bersama anak panti sebagai acara CSR di sebuah mall, tapi saya kira perasaan eksploitatif yang dialami penulis bisa terjadi pada acara ulang tahun atau yasinan yang seringkali juga melibatkan anak panti. Ada rasa bersalah karena keluarga besar saya beberapa kali juga melakukan hal serupa meski niatnya baik. […]
Privilege, victimhood, and gay Indonesia
The article dwells on the supposed passivity and victimhood of gay men in Indonesia in light of the recent well-publicised incidents. “Fatalism” is an unnecessary generalisation about gay people in this country and overlooks the many actions (by bi/gay/ trans Indonesians) over decades to raise awareness of diverse sexualities (and genders) and to engage with government, religious groups and the broader public. The “fatalism” of Indonesian gay men in the article is offered as a jarring counterpoint to the apparent active, liberated LGBT subjects of North America. The article ignores the complex national context and the ways in which Indonesian men negotiate and enact their sexuality.
Connecting Myanmar libraries to global academia
Great summary Roxanne. Thanks for sharing.The University of Yangon is going through exciting changes and a whole generation of young people are becoming ready to take on all the challenges and opportunities that come with that. It is great to be part of this.
The myth of the popcorn gunman
Next step in the Popcorn Gunman saga – the appeal court has now dismissed the case due to lack of witnesses. Of course regardless the very detailed confessions and the media interviews given. It now goes to the supreme court…
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/06/27/appeal-court-dismisses-case-popcorn-gunman/
Marawi after the fighting stops
Hi Salam Hyro…
I am touched by your article. Yes, now there is a full pledge war declared in Marawi, the acclaimed Islamic City of the country. The horrible event in Marawi has a resemblance to what happened here in Zamboanga City–the Zamboanga Siege as everyone read it over the media. until today, the ills of the Zambo-attack are yet to cure…The attackers wanted a repeat for Zamboanga Part 2 that often intimidate people of Zamboanga. Hundreds of detainees still waiting for justice. Mistrust is build among tribes specially Tausugs by the chavacano and the assimilated sama among others.
To share my though, I see weaknesses on our institutions: The government (Making prime our defense institution-AFP), The non state Islamic Institutions (ulama and religious groups) and our local government institutions
The government that which process is centered on military might should be critical in fighting Islamic Culture and Religion that it did not see what it is doing now. Although it is not a religious war but it can lead onto.
The government hope get small victories through military actions driving out the Maute militants from Marawi to reconstruct the city- that is the shortest sight that our government do every after the war, then some LGUs are allured to corrupt rehabilitation funds.. That small victory our AFP hoped for is a temporal solution to conflict.
Both insurgents and the AFP are immune to protracted war and consequently, defy the idealism of dying for Philippine Flag for the AFP and Jihad Fishabillllah for the Islamic Militants.
The protracted war is sen qua non to INSTITUTIONAL RIDO. Asked one wounded soldier saying he wants to get back to war zone to revenge his falling comrades? Ask one maute fighter he never heed killing soldiers in revenge of his brothers and family members died in the battle front or jailed by the AFP.
Our Islamic institution, the family of Ulama is also weak to establish moderate Islamic doctrines, poor leadership, poor communication strategies to impart peace driven khutba. Different Islamic School of thoughts allow extreme dynamic norms that lead to violence.
Our education Institution has no hold of inventories of Islamic Scholars abroad, most of them if not all are not sanctioned by Deped nor Ched and even our DFA..scholars come and go and has no academic record as if they are not part of this country. Can this not be included in the policy determining action by our NCMF?
Back to Marawi, I bid once in our Bantay Bayanihan that our government should have a NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY… our defense department is more of reactionary that solely base actions on intelligence reports than pro-active analysis on what to come given the ready variables at hand.
The sum of these is the battle cry of the Bangsamoro Right to Self Determination. The Bangsamoro can only solve their own problem when they are given the chance to solve them without any idea coming from non Moro. They can police their people by themselves applying what is acceptable and human to Islam.
The AFP is just becoming more arrogant because fighting is their mandate and they want to prove it to the people and their boss AFP Chief of Staff President Duterte that they are worth to be called soldiers of the Philippines no more no less….there is only MEDAL OF VALOR…no MEDAL OF PEACE for the dead or dying SOLDIER.
Salamat Eid Mubarak…..
Consuming orphans in a Jakarta mall
Whereas what was written may become even more true with every Ramadan, I find that there are those like myself and my volunteer friends of community service tend to shy away and do less at Ramadan, allowing such short spurts of charity to do their share. We still have 11 months of doing good without the need to promote any good name or brand. So I have personally stop criticizing those are doing orphan outreach programs only at Ramadan, because I accept the overflowing donation at Ramadan, and spread them over the rest of the year! Let’s strike a balance when we can, even if it were for charity!
The changing power of rumours
Hi Miss Maranan! Oo diba? This call to “professionalize” seems to me as just a disguised way of “regulating” and suppressing this platform for expression. Even the Anti-Fake News Act of 2017 which is now being proposed can be used to limit journalistic practices. Sure, fake news is a concern and the bill may be really well-intentioned but resorting to legislative measures is not the best way of dealing with the matter.