Politics 101 Malaysia

By Yante Ismail, UNHCR News, March 23.

The office of the UN refugee agency in Kuala Lumpur was abuzz with excitement as staff awaited the arrival of their guests of honour. Soon they arrived – six babies aged between 30 and 40 days – after being released on Thursday from an immigration detention facility.

The tiny tots slept in their mothers’ arms, oblivious to the excitement around them as families reunited and UNHCR staff hurried to process paperwork. The group looked tired, but their elation and relief was apparent.

The babies were among a group of 25 persons of concern, who were released into UNHCR custody by Malaysian authorities. They and their relatives – all from Myanmar – had been arrested and held for up to four weeks for not having valid immigration documents. ”Continued”

A column by K John in malaysiakini, Dec 31.

Three nights ago, I received an urgent SMS - Father Jojo requested Christians to gather in front of the High Court for a vigil on the issue of the “denial of rights” involving the wife of the army commando M Moorthy who had died recently.

This was the first time I had been invited to a vigil for any cause. I had to quickly make some important choices and decisions. What are the real issues? Do I support the cause? Is it something worth standing up for and to make a statement? And is it really that important to take and make time to be there? ”Continued”