Malaysian Pannir Selvam was granted a stay of execution just one day before he was due to hang in Singapore. It’s given his family hope, but Singapore’s capital punishment regime for drug offences is about more than just individual families.
Author Archives: Kirsten Han
Kirsten Han is a Singaporean journalist whose work often revolves around the themes of social justice, human rights, politics and democracy. As an activist, Kirsten has advocated for an end to the death penalty in Singapore, and is a member of the Transformative Justice Collective.
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Hawker Culture, on Both Sides of the Causeway
Malaysians and Singaporeans constantly squabble over the ownership of particular dishes, comparing street food cultures and making digs. But a closer look at the way hawkers have been managed reveals more about contemporary challenges in each country.
Posted inPodcast
Southeast Asia Dispatches — Episode 15
This week, Victoria Milko takes a look at how providers are bringing healthcare to the Naga Self-Administered Zone, Adam Bemma speaks to Hasan Al-Akraa, a refugee in Malaysia who uses social media to provide support to fellow asylum seekers, Mark Tilly talks to Hanna Guy of sustainable clothing label Dorsu Cambodia about conditions in the garment industry, and Kirsten Han argues that the lack of information about the death penalty in Singapore affects accountability and debate.
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Political Agenda — “Fake News”, Foreign Interference, and Freedom of Expression
It’s been about a year since Singapore’s Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods held its open hearings. Although no Bills have yet been tabled, Singapore is expecting legislation to deal with “fake news” and foreign interference. But what would their impact be?
Posted inPodcast
Southeast Asia Dispatches — Episode 13
This week, Kirsten Han invites us to lunch with Singapore’s Old Left, Mike Tatarski looks at the effects of Vietnam’s booming tourism industry, PJ Thum talks to Cambodian feminist Eng Chandy, and James Rose reflects upon efforts to clean up Thailand’s fishing industry.
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“Circling” Around Human Rights
The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights is often criticised for being ineffectual and “toothless” when it comes to addressing the region’s human rights issues. Representatives say that, while there has been some progress, it ultimately comes down to the individuals within the body.
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Posted inFeature
Singapore’s Pink Dot Turns 10
Singapore’s annual LGBTQ pride rally, Pink Dot, celebrated its 10th year on 21 July. New Naratif plunged into the sea of pink to capture the sights and sounds.
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#FreeWilly: On the detention of Will Nguyen
Will Nguyen was arrested in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on Sunday (10 June). His current whereabouts are unknown, nor have his family and friends been able to find out about his physical condition.
Posted inFeature
Red Lines and (Self-)Censorship: Journalism in Southeast Asia
On World Press Freedom Day, New Naratif’s contributors highlight the obstacles they’ve faced working in and reporting on Southeast Asia.
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New Naratif—A Platform for Southeast Asia
New Naratif’s Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Han on why we need you to join us in creating space for Southeast Asia and Southeast Asians to speak for ourselves.