Sabahan to Chair Prestigious Southeast Asian Council
Dr Vilashini Somiah who’s a feminist anthropologist and a senior lecturer at University Malaya has been appointed as the next chair of the Southeast Asia Council (SEAC) of the Association for Asian Studies (AAS). This is important in and of itself but also specifically because she will be the first Southeast Asian-based scholar to lead the council since 1970 – that means she’s also the first Malaysian to lead the council, since then. In this episode, we speak to Dr Vilashini Somiah about her work, getting elected to chair the council, the challenges faced by marginalised communities in the region and so much more.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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45:32
Malaysian Human Rights Report 2024
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) has released their 2024 human rights report. It’s a detailed report on the various human rights violations that have occurred throughout the year, some of the progress made and the changes that should happen moving forward. We speak to Jernell Tan, who’s the Documentation & Monitoring Coordinator at SUARAM. Jernell also penned numerous chapters in the report. Image Credit: SUARAMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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40:04
Why Is Labour Day Important?
Labour Day is observed every year on the 1st of May. It’s a holiday in most countries around the world – and perhaps one of the most important ones. But most of us don’t think about its significance and even take it for granted. Behind the holiday lies a legacy of protest, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights.In this episode, we discuss the significance of labour day, especially in Malaysia with Gandipan Nantha Gopalan, Central Committee Member, Parti Sosialis Malaysia. There is also going to be a Labour Day rally happening on Thursday, 1st of May 2025 at 9.30am. Participants will be marching from Pasar Seni (Central Market) to Dataran Merdeka. For more information, visit the Instagram page of Jawatankuasa 1 Mei (@malaysia.mei.1).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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34:03
PTPTN Defaulters: Irresponsible Individuals or Structural Problem?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about PTPTN’s ballooning debt and what to do about it. With a total outstanding debt of RM 40 billion, pressure is mounting on the government to act decisively. The instinctual reactions tend to focus on the defaulters, with many calling for harsh penalties like fines or travel bans. I mean, it’s only natural to think “you borrow, you pay back!” But are we missing something here – something more fundamental and structural? We speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist & Founder of Williams Business Consultancy.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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36:14
What’s Next for Malaysia’s Development?
Kanni Wignaraja is the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with over 25 years of experience in Sustainable Development. She has worked across Africa, Asia and is a prominent advocate for inclusive and people-centered development in the Asia-Pacific region.In this episode, we talk to her about Malaysia’s economic and political trajectory over the past several decades, within broader ASEAN and global dynamics. As well as the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the country as we transition towards a high-income nation.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.
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