Category: Opinion
The latest opinion from those committed to making our region fair, just and democratic.
De-imagining Myanmar and Reimagining Free or Federated States
The painful but necessary question – How will or can Myanmar be de-constructed, or more alarmingly, disintegrated? – needs to be asked openly and debated publicly.
#HoldTheLine campaign launched in support of Maria Ressa
A coalition has been set to aid Maria Ressa and independent media from state’s harassment in the Philippines. Sixty press freedom groups and civil society organisations, journalism institutions, filmmakers, and others have formed a coalition in support of Maria Ressa and independent media united around the call to #HoldTheLine.
Thailand is caught in the Sino-US rivalry that has shaped a new world order
Thailand's current Prayuth government may like to think that Thailand could play a balancing game between the United States and China. But the Thai domestic problems have compromised its position.
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.