Category: Opinion
The latest opinion from those committed to making our region fair, just and democratic.
In an increasingly dangerous neighbourhood, Australia needs a stronger security system
Australia’s actions are not happening in a vacuum. Rather, Australia is appropriately and commensurately responding in an effort to bolster its own resilience and deterrence. After all, wars start when one side calculates the other’s ability to deter is insufficient and they feel confident of victory. Deterrence is critically important.
FORSEA’s Maung Zarni speaks to Anadolu Agency on wide ranging issues in Southeast Asia
The Burmese public has been made ignorant of the facts about Islam and Muslims Zarni explains. There is no reason for the Burmese government to target Rohingya as they do not demand secession, independence, or even a regional autonomy.
Does Real Democracy Stand a Chance in Thailand? | Inside Story
It's eighty eight years since the revolution in Thailand which was the end of the absolute monarchy and the start of democracy. But it's the army and the Royal palace which today define much of Thai politics.
FORSEA Statement of Solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter from Southeast Asia
We call on activists, irrespective of ethnic identities, dominant or subjugated conditions, nationality or legal status within Southeast Asia to embark on political, educational and activist programs aimed at de-colonising popular consciousness and transforming internally colonial institutions and practices.
FORSEA Condemns the Conviction of Maria Ressa
Maria Ressa who is the founder and executive editor of the online news site, Rappler, is facing up to six years in prison. She has been charged of violating the 2012 Cyber Crime Law of the Philippines. FORSEA condemns the questionable charges against Masia Ressa.
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights Breaks its Silence of Thai Abduction
APHR calls on parliamentarians in Thailand and Cambodia to hold their governments to account by asking for regular reports on their respective efforts and progress in finding the whereabouts of Wanchalearm Satsakit.
A Softer Approach From Thailand’s Sophisticated Monarch
From the judges and the police, to the army and officials in the ICT, they all serve as defenders of the monarchy, thus making the Computer Crime Act as effective as the lèse-majesté law in purging dissent from Thai society.
Interview: Paul Chambers on Democracy in Thailand
As Thailand commemorates the 10th anniversary of the deadly crackdowns against a red-shirted pro-democracy group, Chambers discusses problems with Thai democracy, the Thai army, social and political movements, and finally Thailand with King Vajiralongkorn at the helm.
The Trouble of the Palm Oil Business in Southeast Asia
With name-calling and scapegoating over the polluted haze, governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore engage in a rhetorical exercise. In reality, all parties are skating around the real issues.
Indonesia: The Fires Next Time
It’s surprising that while demand hits have caused factory closures, falling coal consumption and less auto traffic, leading to blue skies the world over, the palm oil industry continues its environmentally damaging practices unabatedly.