Malaysia

Folks in Perth with an interest in Malaysia may want to attend this seminar.

As Malaysia celebrates its 57th year of independence, the shattering experience of MH370 and MH17 has put unprecedented spotlight on Malaysia. A firm friend of Australia, Malaysia in recent years have been experiencing the challenges of a country uncertain of itself notwithstanding public pronouncements, plans and programs to be a developed nation by 2020. Malaysia remains caught in a middle-income trap although it has an enviable economic track record with political and social stability. Worryingly, public commitment from Malaysia’s leadership to move away from destabilising identity politics has not materialised concretely as religious and racial discrimination remains institutionalised fermenting angst among major swaths of its citizens.

Tony Pua will discuss these issues in the context of developments in Malaysia since the 13th general elections (in May 2013), reviewing the performance of the government as well as the opposition coalition and its impact on economic growth, political and social stability, and international relations.

Date: 10 September 2014
Time: 2.00 -3.30pm
Venue: ECL1.031, Murdoch University
Room 031, Level 1, Economics, Commerce and Law Building, Murdoch University (Murdoch Campus), South Street, Murdoch, 6150.

About the speaker

Tony Pua Kiam Wee, from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), is currently a second term member of parliament. He is also a member of the Malaysian Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee and the DAP chair for the state of Selangor.

He is no stranger to controversy for his strong stance on issues of governance and accountability. He considers receiving death threats, being sued by his opponents and discussing and debating people with different views all in a day’s work.

Prior to becoming a politician, Pua was the Malaysian CEO of Cyber Village Sdn Bhd, a SESDAQ (SGX secondary board) listed company. In early 2007, he disposed of all his interests in the company and tendered his resignation to join the DAP. Pua is a graduate of Keble College, Oxford with a degree in philosophy, politics and economics.