London, 10 March - Dr Chandra Muzaffar, Deputy President of The National Justice Party (keADILan) and President of the International Movement for a JUST World (JUST) will be giving a talk on "The Politics of Change in South East Asia". The talk will be held in room G50, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at 7pm, Tuesday, 20th March 2001.

This topic is timely in view of the dramatic changes that have taken place in South East Asia in recent years. Dictators have fallen and new political forces have emerged in the region. In the midst of democratization and economic turmoil, ethnic conflicts have erupted in a number of countries. What are the underlying causes of these conflicts? What will be the pattern of politics in the future? These are some of the issues that the speaker will address in his talk.

The famous reformist commentator Sabri Zain who is also author of the book 'Face Off' will chair this talk.

Students vow to resist 'culture of fear'

London, 9 March - Malaysian students in the UK are gearing up for another round of forums and peaceful gatherings to demonstrate their concern over recent developments in Malaysia. Despite constant circulars and reminders from Malaysian High Commission and Malaysian Students Department in London warning them the repercussions of participating in such gatherings, the students vow to continue to defend their right.

Most Malaysian students are sponsored by national corporations whose major stakeholder is the government; therefore they are subject to various clauses in their contracts which bar participation or association with any organisation critical of the ruling regime. The rules however do not apply to those supporting government since they are encouraged to participate in BN 'little clubs' overseas such UMNO Clubs, MCA Clubs etc.

Sponsors often send circulars to students which serve as a tool for Malaysian government to explain their 'side of story' in spite the control exercised over mainstream media in Malaysia. Last year, Malaysian High Commission in USA circulated a booklet containing allegations against Anwar.

Students in the UK however feel it is high time this 'culture of fear' is discarded for good. They intend to hold public gatherings and forums to openly discuss their concern and hopes for the country. Organisers urge Malaysian students to take a step bolder to exercise our right by attending these forums - and send a clear message to Malaysian government that their threats no longer have any effect on overseas students.

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar to be a panellist in a SOAS forum

London, 7 March - Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, the Deputy President of National Justice Party (keADILan) is scheduled to give a talk on political developments in South East Asia this month in School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The forum entitled 'The Politics of Change in South East Asia' is to be chaired by the famous reformasi diarist, Saudara Sabri Zain.

UKLT has not been informed of the exact details of the date and venue - but organiser has indicated that the arrangement will be finalised by the end of the week. Dr. Chandra is stopping by in London on his way to Venice.

A celebrated social activist who was once detained under ISA, Dr. Chandra's visit is expected to attract a large crowd of Malaysian and international students who are concerned with the latest developments in Malaysia. The Youth Head of keADILan, Saudara Ezam was detained on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha festival and later charged under Sedition Act. Other reformasi activists including Raja Petra, the Director of International Free Anwar Campaign has also been detained.

This development confirms many reformists' fear that the BN government is geared to clamping down on keADILan.

UKLT calls upon all concerned Malaysian citizens to attend the talk to get clearer information on the situation back home.

More news on reformasi in the UK at
http://uktour-2001.tripod.com/