“We Are All Hartal”: Malaysian Contract Doctors to Strike
After years of job insecurity, government contract doctors in Malaysia have had enough. Hartal Doktor Kontrak, a nationwide movement, says that doctors will strike on 26 July if their demands are not met—even as COVID-19 rages through the country.
LATEST
Undocumented and Unvaccinated: Malaysia’s Unequal Vaccine Rollout
Deborah Augustin speaks to Adrian Pereira from North South Initiative and Mohammed*, an undocumented migrant from Bangladesh, about how the Malaysian government’s decision to deprive undocumented migrants of vaccines endangers not only this marginalised community, but also Malaysia’s chances of reaching herd immunity.
NN Explains: Authoritarianism
Unlike totalitarianism, there can be some degree of free speech and debate over policies in authoritarian systems. But those who challenge the leaders’ authority often become targets of physical or emotional abuse.
The Anti-Vietnamese Legacy of Kem Ley
There were two sides to Kem Ley, the beloved Cambodian activist who was murdered five years ago: the calm, insightful public intellectual, and the hyperbolic nationalist who wanted to rid Cambodia of “illegal Vietnamese immigrants”, writes Tim Frewer.
Racism and Group Psychology
Aleesha Khan, who works on sexual violence and mental health in Singapore, talks about her life story, her activism, her work, and discusses some of the psychology of racism in Singapore.
TOPICS
- Freedom of Expression
- LGBTQIA+
- Human Rights and Freedom from Tyranny
- Transparency and Accountability
- Freedom of Association
Our movement needs members to remain independent and sustainable.
New Naratif is independent, ad-free and pro-democracy. Your membership fees help us produce high-quality, independent journalism, create positive change in our communities and pay our team fair wages. Membership starts at US$5/month.
FEATURES >
Singapore: Stop Sending Migrant Workers Back to Crisis in Myanmar
Singapore is forcibly repatriating migrant domestic workers to conflict-ridden Myanmar. Considering the vast economic rewards Singapore reaps from their labour, the government should offer social protections and the chance to stay and work, writes Laura Antona.
Malaysia’s Hypocrisy on Palestine
For Malaysian politicians, speaking out in support of Palestinians is a well-worn tradition, especially when Israeli oppression makes headlines. However, by depriving refugees of basic rights at home, these same leaders undermine the Palestinian cause, writes Wael Qarssifi.
“Attack the Enemy”: Chin Guerillas Hunt Down Myanmar Troops
When the Myanmar military started killing peaceful protesters in remote Chin State in the wake of the 1 February coup, local youths armed themselves with handmade rifles and started shooting back. They say they have killed at least 165 soldiers.
COMICS >
NN Explains: What Is Politics?
Many of us see politics as something that’s too boring, too complex, or even too dangerous to participate in. But what does “politics” actually mean?
RESEARCH >
The False Scarcity in Singapore’s Meritocracy
Meritocracy is marketed as a system for the management of scarce resources but is in fact the imposition and justification for scarcity. This article examines university education in Singapore as the prime site for the production of meritocratic ideology and considers the consequences more generally on the Singapore polity.
PODCASTS >
COVID-19’s Mental Health Impact: How Are Refugees Coping?
Deborah Augustin speaks to Matilda Xavier, Clinical Psychologist, and Bo Min Naing, president of the Rohingya Society in Malaysia. They talk about the stigma around mental health in the refugee community, how they have been coping with it during the pandemic, and how some communities are affected more than others.
VIDEOS >
How the Use of POFMA Against Episode 8 Proves I Was Right About POFMA
PJ responds to the POFMA order against Episode 8 by analysing how POFMA was used; notes how the POFMA order did not challenge any of the fundamental conclusions of Episode 8; and demonstrates how its use against Episode 8 proves his arguments correct.
In Myanmar, Offshore Gas Workers Weigh Strikes to Cut Junta Funds
Offshore gas workers in Myanmar say they want to join the anti-coup Civil Disobedience Movement and cut off one of the military’s main sources of revenue. But they fear going on strike will draw reprisals from management, or even the military.
“Don’t Go to Work”: Fundraising for Myanmar’s Revolution
Anti-coup labour strikes have set off a war of attrition in Myanmar. Will the junta succumb to economic deprivation before the Civil Disobedience Movement crumbles under military violence? Ad hoc fundraisers are fuelling the pro-democracy movement.
Why Is It Difficult to Organise Around Class in Malaysia?
Despite the drastic rise of global inequality, left-wing parties continue to struggle to build class solidarity which transcends ethnic nationalism. Audi Ali looks at the historic and local factors in Malaysia that make class solidarity difficult to achieve.
A movement is only as strong as its members. If you believe in democracy and want to be a part of our movement for Southeast Asian democracy, please join New Naratif as a member.
As a non-profit organisation, your donations help pay for our team members, freelancers, events and advocacy. Help keep New Naratif independent with a donation today.
Get the latest narratives.
Subscribe to our newsletter.