Labour Day is observed every year on the 1st of May. It’s a holiday in most countries around the world and perhaps one of the most important ones. However, most of us don’t think about its significance and even take it for granted. Behind the holiday lies a legacy of protest, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights, even in here in Malaysia. 

In this episode, we discuss the significance of Labour Day as well as the upcoming Labour Day rally happening in KL this Friday. The march will begin at Masjid Negara at 3pm and end at Dataran Merdeka. We speak to S. Arutchelvan, Deputy Chairperson, Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

Labour Day is observed every year on the 1st of May. It’s a holiday in most countries around the world and perhaps one of the most important ones. However, most of us don’t think about its significance and even take it for granted. Behind the holiday lies a legacy of protest, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights, even in here in Malaysia.&nbsp;In this episode, we discuss the significance of Labour Day as well as the upcoming Labour Day rally happening in KL this Friday. The march will begin at Masjid Negara at 3pm and end at Dataran Merdeka. We speak to S. Arutchelvan, Deputy Chairperson, Parti Sosialis Malaysia.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. 
On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we have in-depth conversations about political economy and human rights in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the globe through a class prism.

Beyond the Ballot Box

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

The Importance of Celebrating Labour Day

MPs skipping parliament has long been a problem in Malaysia. It’s not uncommon to turn on the TV to watch a parliamentary sitting and notice droves of empty seats. The most mind-boggling aspect is that an MP, which literally stands for Member of Parliament, can be absent from parliament for a period of six months before Parliament may – not must, but may – declare their seat vacant. 

In response to this, political activist and pro-democracy advocate Roshinee Mookaiah recently launched a ‘Dilarang Ponteng Parliament’ campaign. She’s collecting at least 500 petition signatures, which would make the petition eligible for an MP to sponsor and table it in Parliament. We speak to Roshinee about her campaign and more.

MPs skipping parliament has long been a problem in Malaysia. It’s not uncommon to turn on the TV to watch a parliamentary sitting and notice droves of empty seats. The most mind-boggling aspect is that an MP, which literally stands for Member of Parliament, can be absent from parliament for a period of six months before Parliament may – not must, but may – declare their seat vacant.&nbsp;In response to this, political activist and pro-democracy advocate <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/roshineemookaiah/">Roshinee Mookaiah</a> recently launched a ‘Dilarang Ponteng Parliament’ campaign. She’s collecting at least 500 petition signatures, which would make the petition eligible for an MP to sponsor and table it in Parliament. We speak to Roshinee about her campaign and more.

Roshinee Mookaiah on Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen Campaign, Social Media and Fairly OddParents

In April, Palestinians observe two very important days. The first is Palestinian Children’s Day, which takes place on the 5th and was established in 1995 by the late Palestinian liberation activist and politician, Yasser Arafat, to highlight the rights and welfare of Palestinian children. April is also the month of Palestinian Prisoners Day to honour Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention. 

In this episode, we discuss the importance of both those days with Baha Hilo, who’s a Palestinian educator and activist currently in Malaysia. 


Image Credit: Shutterstock

In April, Palestinians observe two very important days. The first is Palestinian Children’s Day, which takes place on the 5th and was established in 1995 by the late Palestinian liberation activist and politician, Yasser Arafat, to highlight the rights and welfare of Palestinian children. April is also the month of Palestinian Prisoners Day to honour Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.&nbsp;In this episode, we discuss the importance of both those days with Baha Hilo, who’s a Palestinian educator and activist currently in Malaysia.&nbsp; Image Credit: Shutterstock

When Children Are Made Prisoners: A Palestinian Speaks

Charles Hector is a Malaysian lawyer and prominent human rights advocate known for his long-standing activism on issues such as labour rights, migrant worker protection, and campaigning against the abolition of the ISA back in the day. He’s also been closely associated with civil society groups like Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET), frequently speaking out on legal, political, and justice-related matters in Malaysia, sometimes facing legal challenges for his advocacy work. We speak to Charles about his journey as an activist and how he thinks about the state of labour rights in Malaysia today.

Image Credits: Charles Hector Facebook

Charles Hector is a Malaysian lawyer and prominent human rights advocate known for his long-standing activism on issues such as labour rights, migrant worker protection, and campaigning against the abolition of the ISA back in the day. He’s also been closely associated with civil society groups like Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET), frequently speaking out on legal, political, and justice-related matters in Malaysia, sometimes facing legal challenges for his advocacy work. We speak to Charles about his journey as an activist and how he thinks about the state of labour rights in Malaysia today. Image Credits: Charles Hector Facebook

The Importance of Celebrating Labour Day

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