The Path Forward for NLD Post Elections

5 April 2012: (Opinion) Burma’s democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will be joining a parliament that is still overwhelmingly controlled by the military-backed ruling party after her National League for Democracy’s landslide victory in the closely-watched by-elections. 

Malaysia Crackdown: No Time to Wait for Action

14 February 2012: (Op-Ed) Tens of thousands of refugees and asylum seekers are at undue risk for arrest in the upcoming raids all over Malaysia.  Saturday afternoon, February 11, at the beautiful Central Market in Kota Raya downtown Kuala Lumpur, while many tourists and locals shopped, more than 100 people (including illegal migrant workers, asylum seekers, and refugees) were arrested for illegally working.

(Briefing) No Change on the Ground in Ethnic Areas

7 February 2011: (Briefing)There is no disputing that some changes have taken place in Burma. The release of some selected political prisoners, the easing of restrictions on press freedom, the decision to allow Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party to re-register and contest the April by-elections etc. are indeed positive moves towards the much needed democratic reform in a country that has experienced over six decades of despotic military rule. These recent moves by Naypyidaw have raised hope for further developments towards greater reforms.

Why the April-Fools By-Elections Will be Free and Fair

28 January 2012: (Editorial) With the by-elections on the horizon in Burma and the main opposition National League for Democracy preparing to enter the race, there have been calls on the Burmese authorities to ensure a free and fair environment for the April 1 polls. But compared with the November 2010 general elections, there is every indication that the bi-elections will be free and fair.