Social Justice

“Mental health is inherently political”: From poverty to racial discrimination, Malaysian youth-led collective examines systemic factors contributing to heightened suicide risk

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This article contains material on suicide and mental health issues. Readers’ discretion is advised. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Discussions on mental health and suicide cannot be extricated from systemic issues such as poverty and racial discrimination, among other forms of oppression and setbacks faced by marginalised and underprivileged groups in society. This is the crux … Read more

Abolitionism not only about dismantling prison complex, but investing more in resources for marginalised communities: Legal professional and writer

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The concept of prison abolitionism is not simply about tearing down the prison complex, but must also include channelling greater resources into marginalised communities, said legal professional and writer Ryaihanny Sahrom earlier this month in a piece for Beyond The Hijab. In “Why I Believe Prison Abolition is A Muslim Issue”, published on 4 August, … Read more

Current carceral state-mandated rehabilitation framework predicated on fear, “blankets” all addicts: Former Drug Rehabilitation Centre inmate shares experience

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The current carceral state-mandated rehabilitation framework appears to be predicated on fear and “blankets” all addicts instead of recognising the specific challenges each person in recovery might face, said a former Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) inmate in a Zoom session organised by the Transformative Justice Collective on 27 May. The session, titled “Prisoner Rights and … Read more

Lack of adequate mental health training for prison officers exacerbates distress and challenges faced by inmates with psychiatric issues

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The lack of adequate mental health training for prison officers exacerbates distress and challenges faced by inmates with psychiatric issues, said a former inmate with experience of being placed in a psychiatric ward during her incarceration in a Zoom session organised by the Transformative Justice Collective on 27 May. The session, titled “Prisoner Rights and … Read more

Police misconduct in Malaysia: Rights groups and individuals reignite calls for IPCMC following recent custodial deaths

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — The recent deaths of three men in the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)’s custody sparked condemnation among members of the public and have reignited calls for an Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). The latest involved 21-year old Surendran Shanker, who was pronounced dead at the Kluang Hospital on 27 May … Read more

“Wokeism” article saga: Activists, social commentators raise concerns over perpetuation of “untruths and bigotry” against marginalised communities by people in power

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The level of power educators and other people in similarly influential positions have in endorsing “untruths and bigotry” against marginalised communities in Singapore is concerning, said several activists and social commentators, following news that veteran journalist Bertha Henson had submitted an article by one of her students on “wokeism” and “cancel culture” to mainstream media … Read more

S’pore-based LGBT company criticizes TAFEP’s reluctance to include ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity’ in its guidelines

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When a Singapore-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) brand selling accessories put up an ad for an internship position on social media inviting only LGBT folks to apply, they were told by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) that doing so is discriminatory. This is despite the fact that the … Read more

S’pore govt has accepted gender transitioning since the 1970s, says writer Ng Yi-Sheng

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The Singapore government has accepted gender transitioning since the 1970s, says writer, poet and playwright Ng Yi-Sheng. Mr Ng, who was one of the five people who took part in the assembly on Tuesday (26 January) in front of the Ministry of Education (MOE) building against anti-LGBT discrimination, said today that the first gender-affirming surgery … Read more

Parti Liyani returns to Indonesia after four years of harrowing legal ordeal in S’pore, around four months after being acquitted of theft charges

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Former domestic worker Parti Liyani returned to Indonesia on Wednesday (27 January), four years after her harrowing legal ordeal that started when she was accused of thieving ex-Changi Airport Group chairman Liew Mun Leong’s belongings in 2016. Ms Parti was accused of stealing items totalling S$50,000 from Mr Liew — her former employer — and … Read more

Govt restrictions on migrant workers’ freedom of movement should be measured against S’pore’s international law obligations, SMU researchers opine

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The Singapore government’s restriction on migrant workers’ freedom of movement should be measured against the country’s international law obligations, said researchers from the Singapore Management University (SMU). In a paper titled “The Vulnerability Project: Migrant Workers in Singapore”, researchers from the Centre for AI and Data Governance at the SMU School of Law noted that Singapore … Read more