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Feb 20 is designated Social Justice Equality Day by the United Nations. Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, chairman of Parti Sosialis Malaysia assesses social justice in the world and in Malaysia. He also discusses the current political climate as well as PSM's ambitions to champion its ideologies going forward in an increasingly religiously and racially polarised country.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia is the sole party based on ideology, specifically socialism - but ideology doesn't insulate one from cut-throat Malaysian politics. After the Pakatan Harapan and PSM electoral pact fell through at the eleventh hour, PSM decided to stand on its own ticket in GE15. Can the most principled party in the country make headway with mainstream voters? We speak to Arveent Kathirchelvan, Youth Chief of Pemuda Sosialis on the political future of PSM.
Marxists believe that there are two classes in society – the owner class (i.e. ultra wealthy, big businesses, etc) and the working class (i.e. bottom 90% masses). But if the struggle is between two classes in society, how does the fight for women's rights, gender equality and the likes fit into the marxist/socialist framework? We discuss with Christine Gabriel who's a member of Parti Sosialis Malaysia's (PSM) Gender Biro.Image credit: Shutterstock
For Malaysians, accessing healthcare services in government hospitals or clinics costs very little, as much of the costs are heavily subsidised by the government. But with more people turning to private healthcare services and non-communicable diseases on the rise, can many of us still afford healthcare? In the fifth episode of our Mind the Health Gap mini-series looking at barriers to accessing healthcare, we look at how financial challenges prevent access to healthcare, and if we need a tax-based system or a national health insurance system. Prof Dato' Dr Syed Mohamed Aljunid, Professor of Health Economics and Public Health Medicine, & President, Malaysian Health Economic Association, and Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, Chairperson, Parti Sosialis Malaysia, weigh in.Image credit: Shutterstock
We're all part of a global capitalist economy – A system that promised to benefit the rich and the poor alike. Yet, youth unemployment rate has been on the rise, salaries have stagnated for close to 20 years, despite the massive increase in cost of living. Cost of education is at an all-time high and the average millennial and Gen Z cannot even afford adequate housing on a single paycheck, despite it being a fundamental human right. So, what went wrong? And what's the solution? This is ThinkLeft on Beyond the Ballot Box, a series that explores various issues through a leftist/socialist prism, with Parti Sosialis Malaysia. On the first episode of the series, we take a look at what exactly is socialism, especially in the 21st Century. Image credit: Shutterstock
The Sedition Act and the Communications & Multimedia Act have been used once again and a string of investigations and arrests have been taking place over the past week or so. Among those investigated are Dr Jeyakumar of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, writer Uthaya Sankar and S.Murugan of DAP, all of whom are investigated for social media posts.What does this mean for freedom of speech in Malaysia?Image credit: Shutterstock
A motorcycle convoy comprising members of the National Union of Workers in Hospital Support and Allied Services (Nuhwas) and organised by Parti Sosialis Malaysia, arrived at the Health Ministry building yesterday. The convoy, which began its journey in Penang, met with Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to deliver a memorandum about the plight of contract cleaners at government hospitals.But what exactly is the problem here? And what are the demands made by Nuhwas & PSM?Image credit: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
Last Friday at Parliament, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul unveiled Budget 2022. With RM 332.1 billion allocated, it is the highest budget in Malaysian history. But is Budget 2022 inspiring? And does it do enough to address the issues faced by the underprivileged and marginalized, particularly those who are considered B40. Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, joins us to discuss. Brought to you by Mah Sing; Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: freemalaysiatoday.com
UMNO’s Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been appointed the 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia after 114/220 MPs pledged their support to him. The status quo remains. One can’t help but wonder, what all the drama and anxiety that many Malaysians have been feeling over the past couple of weeks especially, was for? What did the protests accomplish? But more than that, there’s also the question of what next? If the progressives intend to take the power from the elite, for the people, what do we need to think about differently? Recently, S. Arutchelvan, the Deputy Chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, wrote a piece on Malaysiakini BM titled “Hakikatnya Gerakan Rakyat Juga Gagal.” It’s a pertinent and powerful piece that reflects on the shortcomings of the left-leaning “progressives,” including his own party and discusses what we need to do next, as we head towards GE-15 and future elections. Arul joins us on the show to share his thoughts. Image source: Shutterstock
On the 16th of August, Malaysia's 8th prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet, who came to power via a political coup in 2020, officially resigned. At the time of this recording, the next prime minister is being selected by a secret vote by members of parliament via statutory declarations to the king. The next prime minister—the third in two years—will be just another product of a long-running political crisis. How can Malaysians enact meaningful change when politicians can so easily topple the government by jumping between coalitions? On this week's episode, Deborah Augustin speaks to Arveent Kathirtchelvan and Chong Yee Shan from Parti Sosialis Malaysia about the limitations of electoral politics and potential alternatives to this system.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has resigned as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.A lot happened over the past few months in the lead up to his resignation. One of which was the black flag / #LAWAN movement and protests. I’m not saying that the now former Prime Minister resigned because close to two thousand young Malaysians took it to the streets or demanded it on social media, but it certainly piled on the pressure. Qyira Yusri of UNDI 18 and Sharan Raj of Parti Sosialis Malaysia join us to share their thoughts. Image source: EPA-EFE
Since early June, the team behind the FreedomFilmFest have been releasing a specially curated Freedom film playlist every weekend - dubbed ‘Weekend Watch with FreedomFilmFest' - on their YouTube channel. Each thematic playlist has allowed us to revisit some of the many films produced for the film festival, and remind ourselves about the many human rights issues that have been brought to the fore, through these thought-provoking films. This weekend, the playlist is themed 'People’s Movement for Change' and will feature three films: "Melawan Arus" by Arul Prakkash, "Kayuh" by Soh Sook Hwa and "When Lawyers Walk", by Mien Ly. On the show today, we speak to both Prakkash and Sook Hwa about their respective films. Image source: Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Witness
A few days ago, Jaringan Pekerja Kontrak Kerajaan (JPKK) claimed that many school cleaners have had their minimum wages docked wrongfully due to the movement control order (MCO) limiting the workforce capacity. But what does limiting workforce capacity have to do with the lowering of wages? Joining us on the show to help me make sense of the issue as well as provide long term solutions, is Mohanarani Rasaiah, Central Committee at Parti Sosialis Malaysia. Image source: Shutterstock
With the effects of climate change already being reported, its impact will only intensify over time, affecting the children and youth of today, who will bear the brunt of our actions. Often burdened with the role as the "last generation that can end climate change", many have taken up the problem and are encouraging more to do so. Ahead of World Environment Day, we speak to young environmental activists about their plans for saving the planet, in the areas of education, technology, science, law and politics. Joining us are Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar, the Chairperson of Klima Action Malaysia or KAMY, Sharan Raj, the National Coordinator of the Bureau for Environment & Climate Crisis at Parti Sosialis Malaysia, and Natasha Zulaikha from the youth-led environmental initiative, MyHutan. This episode is brought to you by Volvo Cars; Redefining freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way." Image source: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the effects of climate change already being reported, its impact will only intensify over time, affecting the children and youth of today, who will bear the brunt of our actions. Often burdened with the role as the "last generation that can end climate change", many have taken up the problem and are encouraging more to do so. Ahead of World Environment Day, we speak to young environmental activists about their plans for saving the planet, in the areas of education, technology, science, law and politics. Joining us are Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar, the Chairperson of Klima Action Malaysia or KAMY, Sharan Raj, the National Coordinator of the Bureau for Environment & Climate Crisis at Parti Sosialis Malaysia, and Natasha Zulaikha from the youth-led environmental initiative, MyHutan. This episode is brought to you by Volvo Cars; Redefining freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way." Image source: Shutterstock
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) was registered by its founding members on 30th April 1998, though it was only formally registered 10 years later. But from 1998, they have been at the forefront in fighting for the rights of the working class, including on issues like housing for all, rights for workers and decent living wages, climate change and renewable energy, quality and affordable healthcare, and so much more. Though faring poorly at GE14, the party continues to advocate for and help marginalised communities in Malaysia. In a belated nod to International Workers' Day, we speak to Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, the Chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, about all the party does to help the working class community, and their plans for the future. Image source: Jeyakumar Devaraj PSM Facebook
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) was registered by its founding members on 30th April 1998, though it was only formally registered 10 years later. But from 1998, they have been at the forefront in fighting for the rights of the working class, including on issues like housing for all, rights for workers and decent living wages, climate change and renewable energy, quality and affordable healthcare, and so much more. Though faring poorly at GE14, the party continues to advocate for and help marginalised communities in Malaysia. In a belated nod to International Workers' Day, we speak to Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, the Chairperson of Parti Sosialis Malaysia, about all the party does to help the working class community, and their plans for the future. Image source: Jeyakumar Devaraj PSM Facebook
Last Saturday, more than 200 people marched towards Parliament to protest the Election Commission’s (EC) delay in implementing the lowering of the voting age from 21to 18. This is following the announcement by the EC that the implementation of Undi18 has been postponed to September 2022. It was supposed to come into effect by July 2021. Some of the protesters were later called in by the authorities. We speak to a member from Parti Sosialis Malaysia, who attended the rally and was called in by the police, for investigation. Image source: Shutterstock
As the government prepares for the rollout of the national vaccination programme, the question of whether to vaccinate foreign workers for free is still being debated. What will it take to ensure that all non-citizens, who officially make up 10% of the Malaysian population, will have free and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines? Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Rani Rasiah, coordinator, Migrant Workers' Right to Redress Coalition and Head of Migrant Desk at Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
We speak to Dr Michael Jeyakumar of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia who has been quite vocal about the governments health protection schemes for the B40. He talks to us about the recently launched Peduli Kesihatan (PeKa B40) scheme and his concerns about the mySalam National Protection Scheme.
We speak to Dr Michael Jeyakumar of the Parti Sosialis Malaysia who has been quite vocal about the governments health protection schemes for the B40. He talks to us about the recently launched Peduli Kesihatan (PeKa B40) scheme and his concerns about the mySalam National Protection Scheme.
Sivarajan Arumugam tempts you to join Parti Sosialis Malaysia's annual socialism conference. What do they offer for 2018? Tune in to find out!
Sivarajan Arumugam tempts you to join Parti Sosialis Malaysia's annual socialism conference. What do they offer for 2018? Tune in to find out!
Let's Talk With Sharaad Kuttan brings you the most important conversations of the day. Reflecting on the Khazanah Research Institute's Household Report and public opinion polling, have in the studio Merdeka Centre's Ben Suffian and Committe Member of Bantah 1050, Arul Chelvam, from Parti Sosialis Malaysia. 1:40 - Governing Malaysia - What Matters Most 12:00 - Do We Need More Datuks? 21:59 - Heading to the Budget 30:51 - Bantah 1050 - What Do Protestors Want?
Every year, Parti Sosialis Malaysia organises a conference where everyone is invited to debate the major topics confronting the left and the world more broadly. Comrades Arul and Sharan join us to talk about this year's conference programme and the issues they aim to address.
Every year, Parti Sosialis Malaysia organises a conference where everyone is invited to debate the major topics confronting the left and the world more broadly. Comrades Arul and Sharan join us to talk about this year's conference programme and the issues they aim to address.
This week’s show has three special guests in studio: - Shazni Bhai, from the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (Malaysian Socialist Party / PSM)- Merck Maguddayao, from the Partido Lakas Ng Masa (Philippines party of the Labouring Masses / PLM)- Bronte Nicole Scott, a member of the Socialist Alliance, LGBTIQ campaigner and Save Sydney College of the Arts activistWe discuss the invasion day rally and Indigenous struggle in the Philippines and MalaysiaWe talk with Spike from the Homeless Persons Union Victoria about the upcoming protest on Saturday. Melbourne council is seeking to criminalise homelessness and force homeless persons off the street and, presumable, into prison instead. Listen here.Shazni plays a traditional protest song and we discuss the inaugration of Trump and a traditional anthem of labourers in Malaysia. We discuss the LGBTIQ movement in Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines. We finish with Shazni playing a stirring rendition of the Internationale in Malaysian.