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Civil Society

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Malaysian group claims around 8,000 contract doctors will go on strike in April to demand fair treatment

A group of Malaysian doctors has claimed that over 8,000 contract doctors going on strike from 3 to 5 April and advised the public to avoid visiting public hospitals and health clinics for routine treatments during that time as they might expect a long wait. The claim was made via an Instagram account named “Mogok Doktor Malaysia” (Malaysian Doctors on Strike), stating that around 8,000 contract doctors are going on job strike by taking Medical/ Emergency leave, as a protest against the unfair system and low wages.

NGOs in Asia Pacific show solidarity with M Ravi, suspended human rights lawyer in Singapore

12 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Asia Pacific have issued a joint statement…

Malaysian NGO expresses disappointment over delay in abolishing mandatory death penalty by PH-led government

Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET) expressed disappointment at the delay by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s PH-led government in tabling Bills to abolish the mandatory death penalty, despite assurances. MADPET called for immediate action as the Dewan Rakyat Parliamentary session ends on 4 April.

AWARE calls for careful matching of tenants in HDB’s Single Room Shared Facility Scheme

Singaporean women’s rights group AWARE has expressed concerns over the Single Room Shared Facility Scheme pilot project launched by the Housing & Development Board (HDB), which offers privacy of one’s own room but communal facilities. AWARE suggests tenants be matched sensitively to minimise conflicts, noting its previous experience running a single-mother family project. It also recommends the government repurpose the scheme for vulnerable single women who face violence and lack means to rent on the open market.

Civic space in Singapore still rated as ‘repressed’ as new report highlights increasing crackdown on civic freedoms across Asia

A new CIVICUS Monitor report reveals that restrictions and attacks on activists and civil society persist across Asia. Out of 26 countries, seven are rated ‘closed,’ eight ‘repressed,’ and seven ‘obstructed.’ In Singapore, freedom of expression and assembly continue to be stifled. The study highlights that 28% of the global population, around 2 billion people, experience extreme levels of repression.

AOHKMP welcomes UN Human Rights Council session addressing press freedom and National Security Law in Hong Kong

The Association of Overseas Hong Kong Media Professionals welcomes the UNHRC’s 52nd session addressing press freedom and the National Security Law in Hong Kong. The session raised concerns over Jimmy Lai’s false imprisonment and the escalating crackdown on Hong Kong’s free media, with AOHKMP calling for an immediate halt to the trials.

‘Hypocritical, insincere’ for Malaysia’s government leaders’ praise Michelle Yeoh while persecuting local film producers and actors, says LFL

Malaysian government leaders have been criticized for praising Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win while simultaneously persecuting local film producers and actors. Zaid Malek, the Director of Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), called out the government for their hypocrisy and insincerity in celebrating Yeoh’s win while hardworking local film producers and actors are subjected to harassment and criminal investigations over the content of their films. He pointed out that it is contradictory for government leaders to celebrate Yeoh’s win while local films with LGBT themes are being investigated for “offending sentiments” or “breach of religious sensitivity.” Malek urged the government to give film producers and artists artistic freedom and halt investigations on those involved in local films such as ‘Mentega Terbang’ to promote the growth of the local industry.

Myanmar military junta’s atrocities escalate despite UNSC resolution, urgent action needed, says Progressive Voice

In its latest publication, Progressive Voice highlights the Myanmar military junta’s escalation of atrocity crimes since the UN’s December 2022 resolution. They call for a Chapter VII resolution that imposes an arms embargo, sanctions, and referral to the ICC.

Human Rights Group MADPET calls for immediate repeal of SOSMA

Human rights group MADPET calls for the immediate repeal of Malaysia’s Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), following doubts over the Minister’s suitability for enforcing justice. The law has been criticized for allowing pre-trial detention and for abuse of police powers.

Democratization in Southeast Asia: Insights from Democracy Report 2023

Democracy Report 2023 by V-Dem Institute shows hope in reversing democratic backsliding in small countries, including those in Southeast Asia, but notes nine countries in the region have declined substantially.