Indonesian Domestic Workers’ Rights in Malaysia
Memo #75 – Malaysia has experienced a shortage of domestic workers since 2009. This is because Indonesia banned its domestic workers from finding employment in Malaysia, in response to reports of abuse. Negotiations on an inter-state Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase labour protection for Indonesian domestic workers have stalled on issues such as minimum wage, days off, and the right of domestic workers to retain their identity documents. The two governments are set to sign the MoU in May 2011, but Malaysia’s recent actions indicate that it may not be entirely committed to the protection of migrant domestic workers.
Capital-islam: Spiritual Economies in Southeast Asia
Memo #68 – Is Islam compatible with capitalism? The recent uprisings in the Middle East have prompted renewed interest in this question. In his book, The Long Divergence, the eminent economist, Timur Kuran, suggests that Islam is to blame for the poor economic performance of Islamic countries. But today, a new breed of “spiritual reformers” sees Islam as a recipe for commercial success.
Fully Ordained Nuns in Theravada Buddhism
Memo #62 – There are no fully ordained nuns, or Bhikkhunis, in Theravada Buddhism. Last year, after 35 years in the West, the Theravadin Thai Forest Tradition found that the ordination of nuns had become a flashpoint. The Western monks are willing to adapt, but require consensus with senior conservative monks in Thailand. In the end, the issue of nuns’ ordination may be decided by senior Canadian monks.
Thailand’s Red-Shirts: One Year Later
Memo #60 – March 12, 2011 will mark the first anniversary of Thailand’s red-shirt protesters’ massive street campaign in Bangkok that ended in some of the worst political violence in modern Thai history. 91 people were killed and over 1,800 were injured in a military crackdown that resembled more of a civil war than a restoration of order. This was mainly due to the appearance of mysterious black-clad men on the side of the protesters who engaged the Thai army with automatic rifles and grenade launchers.
Indonesian Handshake Controversy Exposes Challenges Facing Islamist Politicians
Memo #38 – Indonesia’s ‘handshake’ controversy made international news last week. To summarize: the Obamas were being greeted by Indonesian officials, and in the process, Michelle Obama shook the hand of an Islamist politician (and Minister of Communications and Information) named Tifatul Sembiring. Sembiring then went on Twitter to explain that the handshake was unwelcome and forced upon him. Video evidence clearly shows he was dissembling.
Cooperative Management of Mekong River is Crucial for 70 Million People
Memo #32 – Cooperation is crucial to manage rivers that flow across national borders. States along the Mekong River – and their 70 million inhabitants – depend on the cooperation of their upstream neighbour, China.
When Cambodia’s Oil Begins to Flow: the Politics of Becoming a Petro-State
Memo #29 – Within two or three years Cambodia will likely export petroleum resources from offshore fields containing up to two billion barrels of oil and significant quantities of natural gas. This long anticipated event has stimulated discussion as to whether petroleum extraction will benefit the country. Concerned about the implications of oil for the evolution of the Cambodian polity, aid donors and NGOs have encouraged the ruling elite to learn from the mistakes of other resource-rich developing states afflicted by the so-called “resource curse”.
Governance by Religion Growing Strong in Malaysia: Bureaucratic Islam and Secular Sharia
Memo #22 – Political rivalry between Malaysia’s two largest Muslim parties and an emerging Muslim civil society are obvious causes of the increased impact of Islam in Malaysia. But Islam in the Malaysian polity is also appearing in an unexpected form: as part of a secularizing bureaucracy.
The Privatization of Security in Indonesia
Memo #20 – Violence is becoming more frequent in Indonesia and is taking on new forms. There have been attacks by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) against Christian churches in greater Jakarta over the past two years. This has raised concerns about the future of democracy and religious tolerance in Indonesia. Large Islamic organizations, especially Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, have deplored these acts of violence conducted in the name of religion. Major metropolitan newspapers are reporting that many Jakarta residents have called for the FPI to be banned even while recognizing that this could further radicalize members of the organization.
Nelson Rand, a Canadian journalist wounded in Bangkok analyzes the Thailand conflict
Memo #14 – Nelson Rand is a Canadian journalist based in Bangkok who has been covering insurgencies and political protests in Thailand for the past 6 years. He was wounded while covering the protests earlier in the summer. He is a graduate of the Master of Arts – Asia Pacific Policy Studies (MAPPS) program at UBC.