Stories about Malaysia
Southeast Asian media groups cite need for press freedom in dealing with extreme weather events
Southeast Asian media groups organized panels, protests, and pointed reports about the state of media freedoms in the region.
Heatwave highlights climate vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia
South and Southeast Asia roasted in a record-setting heatwave that killed hundreds, forced some governments to close schools, and led to an uptick in health issues.
What lies behind the ‘golden opportunities’ of Malaysian Star media group's new tie with its mainland Chinese partner
The China's State Council is the sole shareholder Contemporary World Publishing Co., Ltd, the company behind Star Media Group's latest media partner, Contemporary World Magazine.
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
Malaysian artists decry ‘Mentega Terbang’ film ban and blasphemy charge as ‘archaic form of content control’
"As a community that champions creative and artistic freedom, we must stand united in condemning any attempts to place undue restrictions on filmmakers or any artists."
Navigating dreams, survivor’s guilt, and the yearning for Gaza
Growing up in Gaza, I dreamed of freedom. Now, abroad, gripped by guilt and panic, I long for the home I once wanted to escape, where loved ones endure genocide.
After a year in power, Malaysia’s Madani government falters on reform agenda
"The current government still attempts to restrict alternate views and the independence of media through the use of law and arbitrary practices."
Malaysian editor of banned book faces police probe for sedition
"Kean Wong’s arrest demonstrates the State’s concerted effort to suppress the public’s ability to both inform and to speak out without fear of censorship."
Malaysia’s Orang Asli women gain acceptance through filmmaking and grassroots activism
Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli is a young feminist-activist collective using film to document the lived realities of the First Peoples (Orang Asli) of Malaysia.
Malaysia and Indonesia throw support behind Palestinian cause
Thousands of people in Indonesia and Malaysia rallied over the weekend to show their support for Palestinians amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Malaysian government told to stop playing ‘Big Brother’ to media
"What is more worrying is the fact that much of the so-called 'offending' content is mere reports and opinion pieces deemed critical of the government."
The Chinese 2023 map has nothing new. But why are China’s neighbours mad about it?
The strongest reactions came from countries in Southeast Asia as the Chinese map claims virtually the entirety of the South China Sea.
A new platform monitoring press freedom in Southeast Asia
Seven Southeast Asian media organizations have launched pfmsea.org, a joint platform to monitor press freedom across the region.
How the onstage stunt of British band The 1975 caused more harm than good in Malaysia
Matty Healy, the vocalist of the British band, The 1975, opened their performance in Malaysia by ranting against the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws in a profanity-laden speech and kissing his bandmate onstage.
Malaysian authorities confiscate PRIDE-themed Swatch watches
Malaysian officers under the Home Ministry raided 11 stores on May 13 and 14 and confiscated 160 Pride collection watches made by Swatch, a Swiss watch company.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
Malaysian police probe women’s march organizers for pro-LGBTQ+ posters
"In the last 3 years, there has been a resounding lack of movement by our government to protect and preserve the rights of women and other marginalised genders."
How did Chinese politics play out in the Oscars 2023?
The Oscars are always political. But this year, the 95th Annual Academy Awards has also been entangled with Chinese politics and controversies.
What is the relation between Cambodia’s human trafficking scam and China’s Belt and Road Initiatives?
As China started cracking down on online gambling, the sector has gone underground, expanded its market to non-Chinese speaking regions, conned people, and forced them to work for their illicit operations.
Malaysian lawyers behind ‘walk for judicial independence’ facing police probe
"The actions of the police have set a bad example for the citizenry, as it conveys the message that citizens are not free to exercise their constitutional rights ..."
Malaysian writer faces blasphemy probe for Facebook post
"Uthaya Sankar SB’s arrest for his social media post highlights the limits of free expression in Malaysia on issues such as religion."
