Author: Mong Palatino

Lilian from Malaysia questions the pedagogic value of giving too many competency examinations to primary school children.

Media140 suggests websites that show online traffic maps of Bangkok, Thailand

The Bangkok Bugle reports that newspaper advertising increased in Thailand. However, magazine ads went down.

Jon Russell explains how Indonesia out-trended The Oscars on Twitter earlier this month.

Jon Russell reviews the findings made by the BBC Research on Internet Habits which covered Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Red Shirt anti-government protesters in Thailand also brought along a red shirt dog to the rally site last weekend.

The Red Shirts will continue to march in the streets after learning that Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has rejected the protesters’ demands to dissolve the parliament and conduct a new round of elections. But the latest protest tactic promises to be “bloody” as organizers announced that they will collect 1 million cubic centimeters of protesters' blood, or about 264 gallons (1,000 liters) and will throw the blood at the Government House in Bangkok by Tuesday evening.

The Red Shirts were able to mobilize at least a hundred thousand people in the streets last Sunday prompting the government to deploy more than 50,000 security forces in the capital. The following video clip shows a big assembly of Red Shirts last weekend

Why are the Red Shirts protesting in the streets? Marc Askew interviewed the rally participants and summarized their demands:

They agree that the parliament should be dissolved and new elections held so as to “return power to the people.”
They argue that the Thai press and media cannot be trusted to portray the red shirt cause accurately, in contrast to the foreign media, which they believe “knows what’s really going on” in the country viz-a-viz political power.
They utterly reject the reports that people are paid to attend major red shirt rallies, as related in the press and among their opponents.

Saiyasombut commends the Red Shirts for conducting peaceful rallies but rejects the “blood protest”

So far, the fact the protests have been peaceful and no bigger problems (or even violence) have occurred can be counted as a success and confident boost for the Red Shirts. But now they risk to lose all the momentum for this more than questionable stunt. First, there is the logistic problem: how on earth are they going to get enough blood of 100,000 people in just one night?

Secondly is a medical one: how are they going to get enough clean needles? The Thai Red Cross has refused to help, pointing out medical consequences of improper use.

And finally the question is: what do they want to achieve with this? Unless they want to deliberately create a big hygienic mess I don’t see anything being solved here!

Siam Report warns the Red Shirts that the “blood protest” would erode the group’s credibility

…the reds shirts have thus far had a successful rally. They didn't reach a million people and no House dissolution, but at least 100,000 turned up and the protest was conducted in a peaceful manner. However, if the red leaders decide to go through with this symbolic blood splattering stunt, you can be sure that it will be received very poorly internationally. Such a stunt is perfect ammunition for the anti-red media, and really to any observer, it is an illegal act of vandalism and something a teenager would do.

Red Shirts convoy. Picture by photo_journ

Red Shirt supporters. Photo by Robin Thailand

Jon Dent participated in the March 15 rally and blogged about what he witnessed:

Walking towards the main stage, we saw groups of people walking while others sought shade from the mid-day sun. There were signs in English (“Democracy Now”) and signs in Thai (“We will die for Democracy”). There were stalls selling red shirts, anti-government literature and CDs, and of course Pad Thai.

I met a group of nurses and doctors volunteering at one of the many first aid stations along the protest route. They asked not to be identified since their hospitals told them not to help the Red Shirts. Nevertheless, they came anyways “to help the people, and because our hearts are Red.”

The Nation's State, another rally participant, is elated by the warm support of Bangkok residents

Notable were the crowds of people gathered on the streets cheering for the reds.

They were Bangkok residents coming out to great and support the reds. Many were waving anything red that they had in their homes or work. I saw red bed sheets and red coffee mugs among other things.

Also notable were the police which came out to wave and some even sported red.

The mood was boisterous, like a party really, and the reds certainly scored a psychological victory by showing residents that there are far more protesters than reported in the media.

Nganadeeleg criticizes media bias in reporting the rallies

I'm pleased that there has been no real violence to date, and it seems both the government and protesters have learned from the past.
(also more people have camera's at hand now so hopefully any actions by agent provocateur's will quickly be able to be seen as such).

My biggest complaint regarding the media coverage is that most are taking a very short term view and cannot see the wood for the trees.

Hungry guide to food and travel maintains a non-political blog but manages to write about the Red Shirts by featuring the exotic food items sold in the rally sites.

Going to rally is not fun for those who has nothing to do with it, but it created lots of jobs and profits for some people, especially people who sell food. Some of them just come specially for rally, and some who usually are nearby, simply change the location just to show their support.

Red Shirt march at Victory Monument. Photo by newley

Protest in front of Army complex. Photo by newley

Twitter reactions:

photo_journ: #redshirt trucks now playing protest/battle type tunes. Still attracting wide public support
photo_journ:If the reception the #redshirt convoy is getting is indicative of an election vote the Abhisit gov. is finished
RobinThailand: People on the street passing us food and water as we move down in the #redmarch.
newley: #redmarch protesters chanting, cheering, and throwing empty plastic water bottles into army compound.
legalnomads: @arzupancic No no – I didn't wear any red shirt. Was just there taking pictures – in green or purple or something neutral.
tulsathit: We've also learned that an unknown number of protesters headed for 11 regiment HQ and never came back. They simply went home.

The last tweet is good news for the government. It means the number of protesters are going down. BangkokDan believes the Red Shirts have failed

The so far biggest show of force on Sunday with many sightseers and curious onlookers on Rajdamnoen was a sweet Pyrrhic victory before reality set in on Monday morning when the dancing and chanting solidarity started marching. Many of them knowing, this march actually leads to nowhere. They barely reached the 11th Infantry Regiment, the ultimatum passed – now the search for blood started. And many protesters, already packed, simply went home.

Nirmal Ghosh is not sure whether the Red Shirts can sustain the protest momentum

The Red shirts have definitely made a statement today, but will it be enough to force political change? The government has played its cards well, not being drawn into a fight. Yet the grenade blasts show that the situation still hangs in the balance.

There is still no telling how many Red shirts can stay on the streets and for how long….

Many Red Shirts are supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra but not all of them are fans of the fugitive leader who was recently found guilty by the court of corruption charges. Thaksin is now in Europe but he has been successfully addressing the rallyists through phone-in interviews. Jon Russell cites the strong social media presence of Thaksin’s team

Thaksin’s strong social media presence on the web allows the public – including his supporters – to find information and opinions straight from him rather than reading through the media.

Social media gives Thaksin a free platform to air his opinions and views whilst allowing him to maintain contact with those who can longer see him in person. For his supporters, his social media presences allows them to stay close to his view and opinions which are accessible any time.

Rally photos are also available at Legal Nomads.

March 11: The Red Shirts are coming!
March 13: Calm before the storm?
March 15: “Reds” vow a bigger rally today

March 11: The Red Shirts are coming!
March 13: Calm before the storm?

The anti-government Red Shirts in Thailand are giving Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva until 12 noon today to dissolve the parliament and call for a new round of elections. The Red Shirts issued this ultimatum yesterday in central Bangkok as they vow to gather more people around the city if Abhisit won’t act on their demands.

Despite the summer heat, at least a hundred thousand people marched in the streets of Bangkok yesterday. Based on news reports, the “rural hordes” entered the capital via 13,385 pick-ups, 3,385 cars, 36 trucks, 60 buses, 17 e-tan farm trucks, 137 motorcycles, 115 vans and three train journeys. Many protesters also travelled by boats. Organizers claim they will be able to reach the “million-man” target in the next few days.

Many Red Shirts are supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra but not all of them are fans of the fugitive leader who was recently found guilty by the court of corruption charges. Red Shirts belong to the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) which wants the “military-backed” Abhisit regime replaced with a new democratic government.

Abhisit assured the public that his government won’t use unnecessary force in handling the rallies. But blogger Life in Bangkok notes that security forces were increased in the capital

“…an additional nine companies of security personnel (were) deployed, with the number of police and military units near the rally site rising to 42 companies… I wonder how long until the security apparatus outnumber the protesters, … ? More troops were also sent to reinforce the 11 Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen where the government has set up a peacekeeping and monitoring command center

The Bangkok Bugle attended the March 14 rally:

I'm home after spending a couple of hours walking up and down Rajadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok where most the red-shirt anti-government protesters are gathering. It's hard to estimate just how many people, but for certain the numbers are growing by the hour. Policing is light and the mood of the protesters, at least when I was there, was jovial although seemingly determined.

A reader of Bangkok Pundit observed that the Red Shirt protesters were warmly welcomed by many Bangkok residents

To me, the most interesting thing to observe were the ordinary Thais — vendors, people coming out of their shops, and people streaming from smaller sub-sois to watch — along the street who were not wearing red, but were cheering as well, and as the convoy of thousands finished the protest and started driving along Sukhumvit, these same un-red-shirted people waved and called out to the departing Reds. Also, a surprising number of people driving private cars, honked their horns and waved and smiled at the Reds as they drove past. Many men and women not wearing who had just come out to the street to watch were waving whatever red things they could find as the Reds departed: red shopping bags, faded Coke signs, I even saw a red sock!

Twitter reactions and reports:

photo_journ: Number of redshort supporters & ordinary Thais lining da river is astounding. HUGE numbers. Small boats & jetski's joining
newley: Very difficult to navigate area in front of stage. Crowded. Took me 10 minutes to go less than 100 meter
tulsathit: Thaksin said he never intended to overthrow monarchy. “Only the ammart (royal advisers) that I want to overthrow”.
bangkokpundit: RT @tri26: Majority of protesters are NOT poor farmers but are middle class, @thaicam concurs
Saksith: RT @TAN_Network: Thammasat University cancels classes at Ta Phrachan campus Mar 15-16 due to red shirt protests
_Willowtree_: Ch 3 saying that the Red shirt medic group RSR found numbers of Rally goers are sick with food poisoning

The tweet which mentioned that majority of protesters belong to the middle class disproves the news stereotype that protesters were mainly from the rural population.

Red Shirt rally. Photo by Newley

Red Shirts parade. Photo by Newley

Political Prisoners in Thailand is disappointed with how the local mainstream media is reporting the rallies:

PPT doubts that many of Bangkok’s population will ever know what is being said at the rally apart from the call for the government to call an election. The media are doing a remarkably poor job of reporting what is happening, even to the point of hardly showing the crowds assembled and, as far as we can tell, no attempt to present the views of those in the huge crowd. Most of this crowd present a profile that is very different from the “average Bangkokian.” That might seem a slightly odd statement, but there is a clear difference. It is not so much an ethnic difference, although that’s there; and it is not simplistic rich vs. poor; it is, we suspect, basically a class difference. Bangkok is very quiet outside the rally area. They’ll only be getting pro-government views from television and will never hear the issues involved, let alone understand them.

Thaksin, who described himself as a symbol of democracy and a leader respected by many Red Shirts, addressed the crowd through a phone-in speech. Saiyasombut translates an exceprt of the speech:

“My dear people, there have been news spread that I’m supposed to be in Cambodia. I’m in Europe! I’m here to meet my children, who were attending a trade show in Germany so we’re going to meet in Europe. It is not true that I would be in Cambodia, because I don’t want tarnish the relationships between the two countries. What is for granted is that wherever I am, I can call in. Wherever I am I can video-link to you. (…) So stop with that lie!”

Gavin Gough noticed that the rally had a “feel of a holiday carnival”

Whilst yesterday’s protests had the feel of a holiday carnival, there was a subtle shift in the mood overnight. Red Shirt organisers and their armed guards have a look of steely determination behind their smiles and the on-stage rhetoric was dialled up several notches this afternoon. Whatever happens, Day Three promises to give the first indications of which way the political wind is going to blow.

There Live and Thailand Voice gathers the most relevant blog posts and twitter reactions related to the weekend Red Shirt rallies. Photos of the rallies are available on Pantip, Prachatai, Media140, Cod has been here, and another one from Prachatai.

The March 12 anti-government rally ended peacefully with the Red Shirts vowing to return to the streets this weekend as they continue to push for the dissolution of Parliament and the holding of new elections.

The Red Shirts are planning to stage a “million-man march” on March 14, Sunday, to topple the current administration.

Many Red Shirts are supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra but not all of them are fans of the fugitive leader who was recently found guilty by the court of corruption charges. The Red Shirts view the incumbent Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as being illegitimate and undemocratic.

The March 12 rallies in Bangkok and in the rural north marked the beginning of a series of protests that are scheduled to take place this weekend. The government estimated the crowd at 6,500 but rally organizers claimed they mobilized more than 30,000 people in the streets.

The Red Shirts have promised not to use violence in the rallies but this youtube video shows a scuffle between a Red Shirter and a motorist

Another video depicts alleged members of the Red Shirts in an act of distributing cash to rally participants.

The D-Day is still two days away but many Bangkok residents have chosen to stay away from the major rally sites. Banks were closed; dozens of countries issued travel advisories against going to Thailand this weekend; and residents were told not wear red or yellow which are “politically charged colors” in Thailand. The Yellow Shirts are supporters of the government.

Christopher Moore identifies the new media as alternative source of information about the situation in Bangkok

In Bangkok, at the best of times, it is difficult to get a static free signal. In the worst of times, it is impossible. There is too much noise rattling around inside the system. TV and radio is still under the control of the government and the information broadcast is generally pro government. But there is no longer a monopoly on broadcasting information. The Internet, Twitter, cell phone text messages are running hot with information, rumors, threats, warnings, and fear. The clash of messages has led to uncertainty and confusion.

What we have at the moment is fear, passion, anger, hatred and distrust. The information and knowledge is being filtered through these emotions

Newley observes that no extraordinary event took place on March 12 in Bangkok

Many people here in Bangkok expected the day to be chaotic. Businesses closed early. Schools cancelled classes. And while there were small demonstrations in some parts of city, it was largely a day like any other in central Bangkok.

Red Shirts marching

Business and activism

Twitter posts about the Red Shirt rally can be read through these hashtags: #redtweet, #rednews, #redmob, #redmarch, #redbuffalo, #stupidred, #redtail, #redshirt, #redbuff. This author recommends #redtweet and #redshirt. Even Thaksin, who is hiding in many countries, has a twitter account.

Here are some twitter reactions to the March 12 rally

wisekwai Army guys wandering around Central City Bangna. Red, white and blue ribbons to show their allegiance. Not yellow like in ‘06. #redshirt
bangkokpastor Maybe I'm too cynical. Not surprised by vid on Nation Web showing Reds handing out cash. Yellows did same. Who cares? #redshirt
tulsathit: “They expected thousands at each gathering point, but protest leaders only managed to gather hundreds at each spot,” the source said
Richard Barrow @michael_sp34 I did not feel threatened at any time today. In fact they were mostly friendly and keen for us to take their pictures.
Richard Barrow: They are saying many of the #redshirt pickups and buses are being stopped and searched by police checkpoints which is delaying them

Members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), known as the Red Shirts, are scheduled to start a protest march in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 12. Hundreds of thousands of Red Shirts are expected to assemble during the weekend march, which will culminate at Sanam Luang on 14 March. The protesters want Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the Parliament.

A google map of the major protest sites in Bangkok.

View Bangkok Dangerous – Red Shirts Rally March 2010 in a larger map

Many Red Shirts are supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra but not all of them are fans of the fugitive leader who was recently found guilty by the court of corruption charges.

The Red Shirts view the incumbent Prime Minister as being illegitimate and undemocratic. They want to replace the “ammat (elite) system” with a truly democratic and pro-people government.

The weekend rally is seen as the biggest threat to the troubled administration of Abhisit. To prevent “third party elements” from causing trouble, the government has invoked the Internal Security Act that puts the army in charge. The ISA is to be enforced from 11 to 23 March for all of Bangkok and nearby districts. Army officers are told to carry only shields and batons. About 50,000 to 100,000 military and police forces will be deployed in the capital city. Another 46,000 “disaster prevention volunteers” are on standby.

To gather sympathy from Bangkok residents, the Red Shirts sent this email message

“A Message to the Good People of Bangkok and International Communities.”

“On Friday the 12th of March, a campaign aimed at ending the age of the Thai military dictatorship and restoring freedom, democracy and justice to our beautiful nation will begin. At this very moment, hundreds of thousands of people from all across our country not already in Bangkok are preparing to make their way to the capital, in defiance of a regime that has proven its willingness to commit violence and strip away the human rights of those who speak against it.”

“We are convinced that for the coming struggle we need no guns, bullets or blades, but only solidarity and sincerity in our hearts. We have learned from the mistakes of the past, and will allow no repeat of them. We will stand together, we will remain vigilant against troublemakers, and we will take care to ensure that no foreigner is harmed or intimidated. We will stare defiantly down the barrels of the guns of the soldiers who remain loyal to the men who wish us to remain silent and submissive, and we will embrace with open arms those who wish to put down their weapons and join us.”

Despite the assurance of Red Shirts that they will only employ non-violent methods, many people are still worried that violence may erupt especially after viewing this video clip taken last January which showed a Red Shirt leader vowing to turn Bangkok into a “sea of fire”

พี่น้องนัดกันคราวหน้า ถ้ารู้ว่าเขาจะปราบปราม ไม่ต้องเตรียมอะไรมาก มาด้วยกัน ขวดแก้วคนละใบ มาเติมน้ำมันเอาข้างหน้าบรรจุให้ได้ 75 ซีซีคือหนึ่งลิตร ถ้าเรามาหนึ่งล้านคนในกรุงเทพมหานครมีน้ำมันหนึ่งล้านลิตร รับรองว่ากทมเป็น ทะเลเพลิงอย่างแน่นอน การสู้ของคนเสื้อแดงแบบง่ายๆอย่างนี้ บอกให้ทหารได้รับทราบ บอกให้ทหารสุนัขรับใช้อมาตย์ได้รู้ว่า ถ้าคุณทำร้ายคนเสื้อแดงแม้เลือดหยดแต่หยดเดียว นั่นหมายความว่ากรุงเทพฯ จะเป็นทะเลเพลิงทันที

Another problem of the Red Shirts is the rumored plan of the government to close the gas stations in the country to prevent or delay rallyists from travelling to Bangkok. TV reports claim that railway and bus stations are under heavy security. Roadblocks have been set-up. Security checkpoints are now monitoring the activities of Red Shirts.

A grand showdown is expected between the Red Shirts and government forces this weekend. There is now heightened tension and panic in the city. Bloggers share their views and observations:

Residents are withdrawing money from the banks. Some are buying gold bars. Thanong reports:

My friend has just called in to report that she is in a Yaowarat gold shop buying some gold bars — just in case. “I am buying a gold bar for myself and my sister. If you want one, just send me the cash via the ATM now. I'll get one for you,” she said.
No, thank you.

Since Bangkok is a famous tourist destination, the weekend rally can be explained to foreign guests as a political “reality show”

Bangkok is now living under an atmosphere of fear. My former staff now working in the Silom area called in to ask for consultation. How should she told her boss who would be welcoming the foreign guests staying at the Centara Grand Hotel over the weekend.
I told her to keep it cool. “Just stay in the hotel room with a pair of binoculars and watch the reality show,” I said.
She was not impressed.

Parties, receptions, and trips have been postponed because of the planned rally. From absolutelybangkok.com:

Can’t count the cancellations of events for this weekend anymore. Everyone’s postponing. Parties, receptions, trips, they have to wait. The Thai capital is in the grip of the red shirts without them yet being here. Parts of Bangkok will be deserted, others rather not.

The red protest is no longer a protest. It’s a mobilization of hope for some, victory seems near, of utter discomfort for others. Maybe we have never seen as many reds united, but they’re not here to make new friends

Red Shirts protest. Photo from the Flickr page of adaptorplug

But Thai Politics does not think that the Red Shirts are ready to take over the leadership of the country

Well, they can win the first few skirmishes with the army, especially if they engage them in a multiple locations and fully utilize their numerical advantage, but they can’t hold Bangkok for any period of time, they don’t have resources for that and they won’t have any moral support among the occupied Bangkokians, too.

That’s the worst scenario, the best, as I mentioned, is if the government finds a way to discourage pickup drivers from coming. Reds then can rally on foot, express their opinions and outrage, whatever, time for street revolutions have passed and they’ve got a lot of work to do to go mainstream, they are just not ready to take over the country.

Political Prisoners in Thailand monitors news reports about the Red Shirts and makes this important conclusion

Readers should know that all reporting now is heavily biased and many stories are clearly manufactured or reporting manufactured claims. If anyone says they know what is going to happen over the next few days, they are probably not worth listening to. This is a work in progress for the royalist government and their opponents.

Why did the Red Shirts choose to mobilize their members this weekend? Because this week coincides with the end of the high school term. “With the summer holidays beginning and the children not having to go to school, the parents can join the protest with less worry.”

A website identifies the 33 dangerous spots during the “Bloody March”, and the 7 dangerous spots if UDD members are going to block the trafic in Bangkok.

Andrew Walker, writing for the New Mandala, blogs about the drying up of Mekong River in Indochina.

Nicholas Farrelly, writing for New Mandala, writes a short note about the role of women military officers in Myanmar.

Today in Myanmar instructs visitors how to spot Muslim Halal food stalls in Myanmar.

The decision of a remote municipal government in the Philippines to rename a street after cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris was protested by many health advocates.

Three unmarried women, aged 17-25, were caned last month in Malaysia after a Shariah court in Kuala Lumpur found them guilty of having “sex out of wedlock.” They were the first Muslim women to be caned for committing Shariah violations.

Thirteen people witnessed the caning when authorities at Kajang Prison used a rattan stick to hit the women on their backs. Two of the three women were whipped six times and the third was given four strokes.

After the caning, the three women said they understood the punishment and vowed to repent. The two of them will soon marry their boyfriends.

Rantings by MM sarcastically suggest the opening of ‘caning spas’

They made it sound like they went to a spa. And how, pray tell, would they know what a civil whipping is like? Do they get a free course in Comparative Whipping while in prison?

But they have been punished and voila, they are now exemplary Muslims.

If it was so easy to make us into good Muslims, the government should just open lots of ‘caning spas' where people can go for a period of time after paying RM1000 or so and come out with halos on top of their heads. Rather like those places you go for detoxing.

Raymond Yeow doubts the claim that no marks were left on the bodies of the women after the caning

The caning of these three women followed by the immediate justification from politicians seems suspicious. No marks after whipping? All jolly & holy after being whipped? This story just has too much loose ends.

jelas.info asks if politicians having illicit sex will be caned too

…can we expect every single Muslim who has sex outside marriage (or, and I suppose this is the kicker, is caught doing so) to be caned henceforth?

If this is the case, can we assume that every single politician or other leader in this country has never had sex outside marriage (or I suppose, been caught doing so), seeing as none of them have apparently been caned for the offense?

Billy wants Shariah law to be applied too against thieves and murderers

This whole caning thing is nothing but a whole load of crap. If UMNO (ruling coalition) is serious about implementing Syariah law, why just stop at caning. They might as well apply every thing in toto eg. chopping off limbs for corruption or stealing, and beheading in public for murder. How can they pick and choose what to implement.

Lim Kit Siang describes the caning incident as another international embarrassment for Malaysia

The recent caning of three Muslim women for allegedly participating in illicit sex is the latest in a series of events flooding Malaysia in adverse worldwide spotlight inimical to our international image and competitiveness in the ten months Datuk Seri Najib Razak has taken over as Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Malaysia cannot continue to be in adverse international spotlight if we are to restore our international competitiveness by regaining national and international confidence in good governance; the rule of law; a democratic, progressive and model multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious modern nation to be ideal destination for FDIs, haven for tourists and hub for international students.

The Malaysian is disappointed that caning was done in a secular country like Malaysia:

Congratulations Umno, congratulations Malaysia, for you have finally achieved the recognition which you have yearned all this while from your Islamic brothers and in the process created a record of sorts — dishing out syariah prescribed caning of women in a constitutionally secular country.

Mahaguru58 urges non-Muslims to understand Islamic Laws first before commenting on the issue

I see no reason why those who aren't Muslims ought to get into a flap and start making all kinds of statements interfering in the affairs of those who are just being punished according to the provisions of the laws binding to their faith?

Non Muslims ought to first study about the truth of the matter with regard to the Syariah laws of Al Islam before even opening their mouth to speak about something for which they have no basic right to comment in the first place.

The subject of carrying out the Syariah caning is in accordance to what Almighty Allah has prescribed to the offenders against the major sin of committing adultery, sodomy, etc?

I believe that the time has come for those of us Muslim Bloggers to double our efforts and help clear the confusion amongst our obviously very attentive and concerned fellow Malaysians about what is the truth with regard to the stipulations of the Islamic Syariah Code and why we need to practice what we preach or risk ending up like the proverbial cockatoos out there who only know how to parrot certain slogans and battle cries but lack the willpower to really put the faith to work as we should!

The Indonesian Parliament has voted that the bailout program of the government to save Bank Century in 2008 was illegitimate.

Adam Bray is disappointed to learn that his favorite swimming hole in Rag Lai village in NE Binh Thuan Province in Vietnam will soon be converted into a dam by the government.

Viet Tan is offering a seminar on how to use digital tools to promote social change and activism in Vietnam.

Viet Tan is spearheading a campaign to demand the immediate freedom of Vietnamese democracy activists and women bloggers Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, Le Thi Cong Nhan and Pham Thanh Nghien.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand was recently found guilty by the Supreme Court of 4 out of 5 counts of policy corruption. New Mandala uploads a summary and analysis of the guilty verdict.