Category: Malaysia

Despite Merdeka, we still show plenty of love for our colonial masters

Here’s some food for thought: Why did colonialism occur on our land for several hundred years? Why didn’t proto-Malaysians fight back the moment invasion was upon them? And here’s a tougher nougat for thought; despite everything, was colonialism a good thing for Malaysia? Before answering those big questions without empirical certainty, perhaps we should ask… Continue reading Despite Merdeka, we still show plenty of love for our colonial masters

Why are we a nation who adores murderers, rapists, and violent men?

Yesterday, I read with despair and bewilderment about 9-year old Nurul Dahyatul Fazlinda Mat Haizan who was first subjected to an acid attack by her father and would later meet him in prison with “tears of joy”. The reason why Nurul Dahyatul would weep for joy upon meeting her violent father as if reuniting with… Continue reading Why are we a nation who adores murderers, rapists, and violent men?

Sex reassignment surgery is “not allowed” in Islam because Muslims in Malaysia are easily confused

The re-instated word on the legal status of sex reassignment surgery (SRS) within Islam continues to stand as “not allowed” on all counts except for hermaphrodite people. The ban on SRS was first introduced in 1983 but occasionally a re-issue of the fatwa is necessary mainly as a reminder to Muslim Malaysians that they’re being… Continue reading Sex reassignment surgery is “not allowed” in Islam because Muslims in Malaysia are easily confused

What Malaysians can do to end rape

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Malaysia is fast becoming one of the rape capitals of the world. With an all-time high in cases of sexual assault last year, there is much finger-pointing toward law enforcers and the government who stand idle on the matter, but surprisingly little towards society itself that ultimately has… Continue reading What Malaysians can do to end rape

Bogel

Saya ingin membuat pengakuan: saya suka bermandi dalam keadaan bogel. Telanjang. Au naturel. Mungkin ini sebuah pengakuan yang remeh-temeh dan bukan panas membakar, tetapi bagi saya ia agak penting sebagai pembuka topik. Semasa menghadiri acara Fiesta Feminista di Kota Kinabalu bulan November lepas di mana kesemua hadirin bermalam di asrama dan berkongsi bilik tidur dan… Continue reading Bogel

What Malaysians talk about when we talk about pornography

Mercifully, this week will mark the end to the hormonal excesses of Porn Week on Loyar Burok. Articles on a topic Malaysians are supposedly tight-lipped about were purged onto unsuspecting readers like a satisfying diarrheic release – it must have felt good for the writer of the articles concerned but for many others in virtual… Continue reading What Malaysians talk about when we talk about pornography

Some notes on sluttiness in Jalang

The best part about being a researcher in film and media is the joy of discovering half-forgotten ‘gems’, like the Malaysian film called Jalang (2009). Jalang (Malay for slut, whore, wayward butterfly, you get the idea) is the ground-breaking cinematic masterpiece by Nazir Jamaluddin about a high-flying young woman Maria who apparently sleeps her way… Continue reading Some notes on sluttiness in Jalang

Two steps forward, one step back: On Dalam Botol, Malaysia’s first ‘gay’ film

Written for the LSE equality and diversity blog For a country keen on displaying its hyper-modernity, Malaysian law and social attitudes on sexual morality in general have always had a conservative bent. While there are pockets of change, much of the public discourse on sex and morality are dominated by sexist and homophobic language. A… Continue reading Two steps forward, one step back: On Dalam Botol, Malaysia’s first ‘gay’ film

A Kakak Killjoy reflects on the ‘burqa’ ban in France

First published on Kakak Killjoy As we all know, the “burqa” ban has taken effect in France on Monday as a political and nationalistic expression to preserve the French cultural identity and end the “oppressive” practices of face-covering among Muslim women. Two women have already been arrested. We should know that such invasive intervention done… Continue reading A Kakak Killjoy reflects on the ‘burqa’ ban in France