Malaysia's Sarawak region is gearing up in an attempt to raise rice production rates. The plan is two fold. One, already existing paddies must increase product output. Two, a new area will be designated as a major rice bowl region. Besides rice, other crops will be introduced into the area including maize. Maintaining irrigation infrastructure and the use of pesticides and fertilizer are a few of the seven main activities of rice production aimed at by the proposal.
The end goal is to raise Malaysia's self-sufficiency level (SSL) from its current 72% to 86%.
While this all may seem mundane and run-of-the-mill information, what interested me the most in this article was the following quote by Deputy of Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim:
"This rice bowl project is very crucial and must be carried out for the sake of the country's security."
I can understand the need to develop self-sufficiency levels in rice production in order to feed people and increase trade potentiality. However, how that relates to national security alludes me.
One must takes this quote seriously, for it is reflected in the program's cost.
The minister stated that the federal government had given RM161 million to the state government for the project. RM20 million of that is for the development of the new rice padi in Sarawak.
Full article:
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=441669
by: Calaya
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Eid Mubarak!
By: Calaya
Eid Mubarak!
On the 29th day of the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, the last iftar [break of fast after sundown] is known as Eid al-Fitr ; Eid for short. It is probably one of the most important holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. Due to the Islamic calendar being 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan rotates along with the holidays celebrated within it. This year, Eid fell on September 20th. Some countries celebrated Eid today but others are waiting for tomorrow. In Malaysia, the morning begins with prayer as on other days during the month. After this is finished, family graves are visited and surahs and prayers are said for the deceased. All in all, it is a very joyous celebration for family members to enjoy each other's company and great food.
One downside to it being a major family holiday is the resulting mass movement of people. In neighboring Indonesia over 500 people were killed last year due to the number of Indonesians crowding the roads.
Here are a few websites displaying first, Eid around the world and second just in Malaysia. [It seems the King and Queen received some amazing cakes at the Palace for the festivities...]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8265562.stm
http://www.demotix.com/search/context/location/Malaysia
Eid Mubarak!
On the 29th day of the Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, the last iftar [break of fast after sundown] is known as Eid al-Fitr ; Eid for short. It is probably one of the most important holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. Due to the Islamic calendar being 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan rotates along with the holidays celebrated within it. This year, Eid fell on September 20th. Some countries celebrated Eid today but others are waiting for tomorrow. In Malaysia, the morning begins with prayer as on other days during the month. After this is finished, family graves are visited and surahs and prayers are said for the deceased. All in all, it is a very joyous celebration for family members to enjoy each other's company and great food.
One downside to it being a major family holiday is the resulting mass movement of people. In neighboring Indonesia over 500 people were killed last year due to the number of Indonesians crowding the roads.
Here are a few websites displaying first, Eid around the world and second just in Malaysia. [It seems the King and Queen received some amazing cakes at the Palace for the festivities...]
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8265562.stm
http://www.demotix.com/search/context/location/Malaysia
Malaysia gains from trade relationship with China
by Jeff Gimm
A recent meeting between Chinese and Malaysian business officials highlighted a thirty five year relationship that according to some has brought great gains to both countries. Both countries have had a give and take business relationship with the other. Malaysia has enjoyed cheap Chinese products and an accepting Chinese market for exports, as well as adopting some of China's lessons on economic growth. China has found a large, rising market for exports, and has been rewarded with an friendly investment environment. Officials from both countries said these business dealings could expand further into areas such as tourism and expanded trade.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=441628
A recent meeting between Chinese and Malaysian business officials highlighted a thirty five year relationship that according to some has brought great gains to both countries. Both countries have had a give and take business relationship with the other. Malaysia has enjoyed cheap Chinese products and an accepting Chinese market for exports, as well as adopting some of China's lessons on economic growth. China has found a large, rising market for exports, and has been rewarded with an friendly investment environment. Officials from both countries said these business dealings could expand further into areas such as tourism and expanded trade.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=441628
Battle of the Princes
Angela Hager
A feud is brewing between two Malaysian princes.
Tunku Nadzimuddin Tunku Mudzaffar from Negri Sembilan has brought public attention to an alleged attack from a prince from southern Johor state. Tunku Nadzimuddin claims while he was at a nightclub last year, a fight broke out. Later, he was invited back to a hotel room for an apology when he was held at gunpoint and beaten.
Tunku Nadzimuddin went to the police, but held the press conference to show his disappointment that nothing has been done yet. At this time 41 people have made statements to the authorities, but the Johor family has said nothing yet.
In Malaysia's constitutional monarchy, 9 of the 13 states have a royal family, and they rotate the monarchy. It is considered extrememly unusual for members of royal families to criticize one another.
A feud is brewing between two Malaysian princes.
Tunku Nadzimuddin Tunku Mudzaffar from Negri Sembilan has brought public attention to an alleged attack from a prince from southern Johor state. Tunku Nadzimuddin claims while he was at a nightclub last year, a fight broke out. Later, he was invited back to a hotel room for an apology when he was held at gunpoint and beaten.
Tunku Nadzimuddin went to the police, but held the press conference to show his disappointment that nothing has been done yet. At this time 41 people have made statements to the authorities, but the Johor family has said nothing yet.
In Malaysia's constitutional monarchy, 9 of the 13 states have a royal family, and they rotate the monarchy. It is considered extrememly unusual for members of royal families to criticize one another.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Beyonce and Avril
I thought this article might be relevant to our discussion on Malaysian Conservatism. It is a continuation on the Black Eyed Peas issue, only, in this case, Beyonce canceled her concert in 2007 due to fear of protests. Then, in 2008, Avril Lavinge was forced to cancel her concert because the government deemed her "Too Sexy." And, as discussed in class, The Black Eyed Peas were originally forced to cancel their concert due to their Guinness sponsorship.
However, the Black Eyed Peas decision was reversed (with some very heavy conditions) and, now, it appears that Beyonce is going to try Malaysia again. There are some more heavy conditions, however. All female performers must be covered chest to knees and cannot engage in any excessive jumping, shouting, hugging, or kissing on stage. Could this be a representation of public desire to become more liberal? Not saying that this is the beginning of a cultural revolution, but it could be indication of a country grappling with the placement of religion in modern day society, a battle of generations- old and young. Maybe we could be seeing a situation similar to Turkey...
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2009/09/19/beyonce-malaysia.html
However, the Black Eyed Peas decision was reversed (with some very heavy conditions) and, now, it appears that Beyonce is going to try Malaysia again. There are some more heavy conditions, however. All female performers must be covered chest to knees and cannot engage in any excessive jumping, shouting, hugging, or kissing on stage. Could this be a representation of public desire to become more liberal? Not saying that this is the beginning of a cultural revolution, but it could be indication of a country grappling with the placement of religion in modern day society, a battle of generations- old and young. Maybe we could be seeing a situation similar to Turkey...
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2009/09/19/beyonce-malaysia.html
A self-proclaimed prophet caught after being on the run for 3 years.
By Hina Latif
Abdul Kahar (59) contacted the prime minister and the king so they can affirm him as a prophet , where he is claiming that he has been appointed by God just like Prophet Muhammad. In 2006 he was charged for spreading false teachings, blasphemy, and violating religious precepts; he pleaded guilty and went into hiding to avoid the charges. "Abdul Kahar is spreading false doctrines and appears to be insane," Nazri said. His trial has been set to Oct. 7th, if found guilty he will receive up to 11 yrs in prison and 6 strokes of the cane.
As a side note, reasons as to why he might have claimed to be a self proclaimed prophet is because due to all the chaos and the violence that is going on between the "Muslims" in the middle east they feel like they have lost the sense of direction according to the true Islam. Muslim are told in the Quran that when Islam needs to be restored back in a case(s) like this, there will appear a Messiah, a reformer who will help lead the Muslim people and implement the true teachings back into their lives. There is 1 branch of the Islam that believes that the reformer/Messiah has already appeared in the Latter days and there is a large population that is still in search of this person.
Abdul Kahar (59) contacted the prime minister and the king so they can affirm him as a prophet , where he is claiming that he has been appointed by God just like Prophet Muhammad. In 2006 he was charged for spreading false teachings, blasphemy, and violating religious precepts; he pleaded guilty and went into hiding to avoid the charges. "Abdul Kahar is spreading false doctrines and appears to be insane," Nazri said. His trial has been set to Oct. 7th, if found guilty he will receive up to 11 yrs in prison and 6 strokes of the cane.
As a side note, reasons as to why he might have claimed to be a self proclaimed prophet is because due to all the chaos and the violence that is going on between the "Muslims" in the middle east they feel like they have lost the sense of direction according to the true Islam. Muslim are told in the Quran that when Islam needs to be restored back in a case(s) like this, there will appear a Messiah, a reformer who will help lead the Muslim people and implement the true teachings back into their lives. There is 1 branch of the Islam that believes that the reformer/Messiah has already appeared in the Latter days and there is a large population that is still in search of this person.
Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong wants more Foreign Students
Soch Mel
A recent trend has been growing in East and Southeast Asia. The governments of countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, S.A.R. Hong Kong, and South Korea have been pushing for more and more foreign students to come and study in their countries.
As a quick side note, South Korea is building an Int'l University in New Songdo City located inside of Incheon. The purpose is to have an up-to-date facility teaching all students classes in English so that they can earn their degree here rather than somewhere more expensive like the United States.
Currently Malaysia is seeking to gain at least 100,000 students from overseas to attend a university in Malaysia by next year while Singapore plans to increase it's number from 97,000 students in 2008 to 150,000 students by 2015.
Though Malaysia is absent from the the world's top universities ranking, Malaysia is working hard and is progressing towards it goal. Currently, most of thee 71,000 students foreign students enrolled in Malaysia are in private institutions since Malaysia has a 5 percent cap for foreign students who attend public universities; 5%. Malaysia has also made progress in that it liberalized education by allowing private institutions to be set up in the 1990s. Malaysia has around 20 public universities, 36 private, and 5 foreign branch campuses.
Here's an interesting quote.
A recent trend has been growing in East and Southeast Asia. The governments of countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, S.A.R. Hong Kong, and South Korea have been pushing for more and more foreign students to come and study in their countries.
As a quick side note, South Korea is building an Int'l University in New Songdo City located inside of Incheon. The purpose is to have an up-to-date facility teaching all students classes in English so that they can earn their degree here rather than somewhere more expensive like the United States.
Currently Malaysia is seeking to gain at least 100,000 students from overseas to attend a university in Malaysia by next year while Singapore plans to increase it's number from 97,000 students in 2008 to 150,000 students by 2015.
Though Malaysia is absent from the the world's top universities ranking, Malaysia is working hard and is progressing towards it goal. Currently, most of thee 71,000 students foreign students enrolled in Malaysia are in private institutions since Malaysia has a 5 percent cap for foreign students who attend public universities; 5%. Malaysia has also made progress in that it liberalized education by allowing private institutions to be set up in the 1990s. Malaysia has around 20 public universities, 36 private, and 5 foreign branch campuses.
Here's an interesting quote.
"Morshidi Sirat, director of the National Higher Education Research Institute at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, said that now that more Malaysians of Chinese and Indian ethnicity can enroll in public universities, thanks to the removal in 2004 of a quota system that had favored ethnic Malays and indigenous groups, local enrollments have declined slightly at private institutions. Private providers have been trying to attract more foreigners to take their place, he said."
This was interesting in that it talked about the ethnic tensions that we have discussed in class. It was also stated in that article that after 9-11, students have been looking at other options since US Visa requirements became stricter; so Malaysia benefited by receiving more students, probably Muslim students and other students in Asia. We'll see how the education is in Malaysia in the future, the article only mentioned numbers. It didn't make any reference to the quality of education that Malaysia has.Friday, September 18, 2009
Terrorism Mastermind Noordin Top Killed
By: Liz Hasseld
Noordin Muhammed Top, the leader of al Qaeda in Southeast Asia, was killed in a raid on Thursday. He has been on the run for nine years and terrorized Indonesia with al Qaeda funded bombings. Along with Noordin, three other terrorists were killed in the raid in central Indonesia at a secret 'hide-out'. Fingerprint matches have been confirmed but DNA tests have not been conducted yet. "Hundreds of pounds (kilograms) of explosives, M-16 assault rifles, grenades and bombs were removed from the house as ambulances shuttled away the dead and injured."
Noordin, a Malaysian citizen, came to Indonesia in 2002. After 9/11, Muslim extremists were being closely watched in Malaysia. He has been linked to "bombings on the Indonesian resort island of Bali in 2002 and 2005 that together killed 222 people."He has also been linked to major attacks in Indonesia, which include a pair of suicide bombings at Jakarta's J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Although this is not the end to terrorism in Southeast Asia, it has definitely taken a significant hit.
Noordin Muhammed Top, the leader of al Qaeda in Southeast Asia, was killed in a raid on Thursday. He has been on the run for nine years and terrorized Indonesia with al Qaeda funded bombings. Along with Noordin, three other terrorists were killed in the raid in central Indonesia at a secret 'hide-out'. Fingerprint matches have been confirmed but DNA tests have not been conducted yet. "Hundreds of pounds (kilograms) of explosives, M-16 assault rifles, grenades and bombs were removed from the house as ambulances shuttled away the dead and injured."
Noordin, a Malaysian citizen, came to Indonesia in 2002. After 9/11, Muslim extremists were being closely watched in Malaysia. He has been linked to "bombings on the Indonesian resort island of Bali in 2002 and 2005 that together killed 222 people."He has also been linked to major attacks in Indonesia, which include a pair of suicide bombings at Jakarta's J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Although this is not the end to terrorism in Southeast Asia, it has definitely taken a significant hit.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Malaysia and Indonesia Agree to Peace after Culture Feud
Jenica Alsip
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_431169.html
This last August a feud broke out between Indonesia and Malaysia after the Discovery Channel made a mistake in one of their television advertisements. Apparently the advertisement implied that Malaysia was taking cultural credit for an Indonesian-Balinese dance called the Pendet dance.
Indonesians accused Malaysia of trying to promote tourism with the dance being featured on a commercial, but in reality it was the mistake of the Discovery Channel who included it on a commercial for one of their shows.
The foreign ministers of both countries decided that because the two countries are neighbors and have similar cultures they would fix things.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_431169.html
This last August a feud broke out between Indonesia and Malaysia after the Discovery Channel made a mistake in one of their television advertisements. Apparently the advertisement implied that Malaysia was taking cultural credit for an Indonesian-Balinese dance called the Pendet dance.
Indonesians accused Malaysia of trying to promote tourism with the dance being featured on a commercial, but in reality it was the mistake of the Discovery Channel who included it on a commercial for one of their shows.
The foreign ministers of both countries decided that because the two countries are neighbors and have similar cultures they would fix things.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
C'mon Everybody, Let's Celebrate!
by Bri Roozen
Waitress to be caned too?
By Gina Fazio
A waitress who is nameless is pleading guilty today for serving beer to the recently sentenced model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno. These are the first two cases where women have been sentanced to caning in Malaysia. For Muslims in Malaysia, Shariah law prohibits drinking in public but does this also punish the server of alcohol the un-named waitress?
A waitress who is nameless is pleading guilty today for serving beer to the recently sentenced model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno. These are the first two cases where women have been sentanced to caning in Malaysia. For Muslims in Malaysia, Shariah law prohibits drinking in public but does this also punish the server of alcohol the un-named waitress?
Five Terror Suspects Freed
Five suspects from Jemaah Islamiyah, a group associated with Al Qeada, were released on Tuesday by the Malaysian government. The five released have been held without trial for up to seven and a half years, an action that had been criticized by numerous civil rights groups. Several civil rights groups have denounced the actions of the Malaysian govenrment, and last month, several thousand people had participated in a protest against the Internal Security Act, the law under which the suspects were being detained. Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has said that the five former prisoners were no longer deemed a threat, so they were released.
By Caleb B. Ray
Source: The New York Times
By Caleb B. Ray
Source: The New York Times
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Decision to Move Ancient Temple was Put on Hold
By: Erica McCauleyThe authorities of Malaysia have decided to wait on moving the 150-year old Hindu temple. The original plan was to move six in attempt to "cluster" the sacred shrines, but the 1.5 million Hindu population rose up in protest against moving the temples. With protests violently getting worse and worse, on August 28, Hindus presented a severed head of a cow to show just how upset they were. This being a holy representation of Hinduism made the authorities rethink their decision to move the temple. Federal Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein stated that the cow head had nothing to do with the change in plans of relocating the Hindu temples. They decided to rest on the idea due to justice and law.
Malaysian Muslims allowed at Black Eyed Peas Concert
By William Muck
Organizers of the upcoming Black Eyed Peas concert in Malaysia announced that the government has reversed its ban on Muslims attending the show. Previously the government had said that attendance was open only to non-Muslims over the age of 18. However, the ban on the sale of Guinness (the concert's sponsor) as well as the use of any Guinness logo remains. The government has also postponed the whipping of a Muslim women who had been found guilty of violating Islamic law by drinking beer in public. Malaysia appears to be struggling to find the appropriate balance between a secular and religious political environment.
Organizers of the upcoming Black Eyed Peas concert in Malaysia announced that the government has reversed its ban on Muslims attending the show. Previously the government had said that attendance was open only to non-Muslims over the age of 18. However, the ban on the sale of Guinness (the concert's sponsor) as well as the use of any Guinness logo remains. The government has also postponed the whipping of a Muslim women who had been found guilty of violating Islamic law by drinking beer in public. Malaysia appears to be struggling to find the appropriate balance between a secular and religious political environment.
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