#malaysia citizenship

[kazifatagar]

Penang High Court Grants Citizenship to Stateless Man After 40 Years

After 40 years of being stateless, Mohd Razwil Abdullah was granted Malaysian citizenship by the Penang High Court on 14 November. Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon ordered the issuance of a new birth certificate reflecting his citizenship.  Penang High Court Grants Citizenship to Stateless Man After 40 Years Found as an infant near a garbage bin in 1984, Razwil spent his youth in welfare homes. His…

[thisisbjoeblog]

History 101: Famous Malaysian Indians & Their Major Achievements

Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry is woven together by the diverse communities that call this beautiful country home. Among these communities, the Indian diaspora has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s history and development since achieving independence, known as Merdeka, in 1957. Image source: Aliran Continue reading History 101: Famous Malaysian Indians & Their…

[handweavers]

"‘Trans man’ remains the preferred identity for Malaysian individuals who were Assigned female at birth but live their adult lives as men. The jettison-ing of pondan, pak nyah, wanita keras, tomboy and pengkid in favour of ‘trans man’ likely serves as a ratification of personal-communal empowerment and a repudiation of derision. It is even more likely that ‘trans man’ reflects a deep-seated desire to imitate and participate in ‘collective identifcation’, notably that which is cultivated in North American (and European) contexts, ‘in order to demand rights, equal citizenship, and welfare’ among other goals in Malaysia. This is hardly surprising. Technological advances facilitate unprecedented accessibility to copious resources on transgender issues and imagine a global transgender community in borderless solidarity. Travis S. K. Kong points out however, that ‘globalization is an uneven process that reproduces spatially uneven development, and the flow of capital, commodities, people, images, and ideas is never equal among locations’.

The Malaysian trans man thus experiences unequal and unstable access to the bounty of globalisation due to local limitations in education, economic means, social and cultural capital, class, ethnicity, religious affliation, educational levels, infrastructure and health services. He continues to be experience ‘disjunctive modernities’ which exhibit ‘irreducible plurality and local specifcity’, thus dispelling the myth of trans(national) homogeneity in transgender identity. The trans men I interviewed interpret their life stories through the rubric of local contexts that dispel any suspicion of a mere mimicry of western-styled transgender identities. Malaysian re/mouldings of ‘trans man’ speak to ‘experiences of multiplicity in gender identifcation … embedded within specifc social, cultural, and interpersonal contexts [that] create altogether new, emergent forms of experience and identity'."

— J. N. Goh, Becoming a Malaysian Trans Man

[mapsontheweb]

Countries Where You Cannot Give Up Your Citizenship

by dailyworldmaps

Lighter colour indicates countries where it is technically legal to relinquish your citizenship, but doing so is practically impossible. In Malaysia, Pakistan & The Bahamas, you must be older than 21 to relinquish your citizenship.

[mariacallous]

The Russian State Duma has introduced a bill to ban the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transitions are legal.

What countries would be affected?

The ban would affect not just E.U. member states but also countries like Bolivia, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan, among others. However, according to an explanatory note attached to the bill, the restrictions are primarily aimed at NATO countries.

What countries would be left?

Judging by a report from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), as of 2020, there were 39 countries whose laws would likely exempt them from Russia’s proposed ban. Most of these countries are in Africa, South America, and Asia.

Algeria

Benin

Burundi

Cameroon

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Egypt

Gambia

Liberia

Morocco

Nigeria

Rwanda

Tanzania

Tunisia

Uganda

Jordan

Myanmar

Brunei

Oman

Philippines

United Arab Emirates

San Marino

Bahamas

Belize

Dominica

El Salvador

Grenada

Haiti

Honduras

Nicaragua

Kiribati

Marshall Islands

Tonga

Vanuatu

Kuwait

Malawi

Indonesia

Malaysia

Lebanon

South Sudan

Do citizens of these countries currently adopt many Russian children?

None, at least according to official statistics. In 2023, foreign citizens are recorded as having adopted just six children from Russia; in five cases, the parents were Italian citizens, and in one case, they were French citizens. Both Italy and France allow gender transitions.

In its summary of last year’s adoptions by foreigners, the Russian Supreme Court mentions 16 cases; however, in the 10 cases not included in official statistics, the adopting parties were the children’s stepfathers. Their citizenship was not included in the summary due to privacy laws, but the proposed amendments would not affect them regardless of citizenship, because the process of adoption by stepparents is regulated by different legislation.

Only six in total? Were adoptions by foreigners more common before the war?

Yes, though the adoption rate of Russian children by foreign parents began to fall as early as 2012, when Russia banned the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens. In 2012, foreign citizens adopted 2,604 Russian children; in 2019, they only adopted 240.

[aleyalea]

From Memes to Political: How Jokes Shape Our Views

MDA2009 DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

!! Friendly reminder: Before you read and begin with this week's discussion, let me warn you guys real quick that I am not  a “biG FaN” of Politic (I’m being serious and not even joking). If you spot any errors or have fun facts to share, let me know!

Now, let me kick off with some big facts that memes are everywhere these days, especially in Malaysia. For example, you can easily get your daily meme dose through MGAG Instagram page where they will share anything that is viral from day to day and share it to the audience just to make people smile after going through a hard week.  Whether it’s a joke about politicians flip-flopping on policies or a sarcastic take on the latest political scandal, memes have taken over our news feeds. If I’m being honest, politics isn’t just confined to parliament anymore, it’s right there, in front of our phone screen through WhatsApp group chat, Facebook and Twitter (X) timelines, mixed with viral videos and jokes that will leave us laughing and wondering, “Hold up, is this actually true?”.

example MGAG meme picture cr: MGAG

Here’s the big question,

Do these “memes offer” any real insight into politics, or are they just a distraction? Well spoiler alert, I think it's both for me. Memes might seem like harmless fun, but they play a serious role in shaping public opinion and political engagement, especially for the younger generations.

Where does the word Meme, Meem or Meh-may, come from?

I know some people are wondering what does memes mean? According to (Benveniste, 2022), the term "meme" has appeared in the New York Times Crossword a remarkable 60 times since its debut in the 1940s (Benveniste, 2022). While pinpointing the very first meme is challenging, British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is credited with coining the term in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins originally likened a "meme" to a "phoneme," which is the smallest sound unit in speech, or a "morpheme," the smallest meaningful component of a word, according to Kirby Conrod, a linguistics professor at Swarthmore College (Benveniste, 2022). 

At first, memes were all about humor, silly jokes that went viral for no reason. But over time, they evolved into a kind of social commentary. Consider Malaysia as an example. Memes like “Malu Apa Bossku”, connected to Najib Razak, the former sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, helped rebrand him with a more approachable image despite his involvement in scandals. Political parties and leaders use social media as a tool to promote as well as condemn rival parties and leaders, including character assassination (Zamri et al., 2020). Memes simplify complicated political situations and make them easier to understand, especially for you people.

Then we have Zunar, a political cartoonist and total legend in space, who uses his work to push back against Malaysia's repressive structures. His cartoons go beyond humor; they provide an alternative view of Malaysian history and national identity, challenging official narratives around culture, nationhood, and citizenship (Yean, 2011).

Through his art, Zunar takes bold jabs at politicians and policies, crafting cartoons that often spread widely as memes. These memes not only reimagine politics with humor but can also foster a sense of togetherness, shaping identities and highlighting the divide between 'us' and 'them' in political discourse (Mortensen & Neumayer, 2021). Zunar’s work highlights what many people are feeling and gets them talking about important issues. His cartoons are a perfect example of how humor can be a form of protest and resistance.

Zunar's artwork about political

Why Memes Work and Their Limits in Political Understanding

Memes are effective because they make politics feel less intimidating, fostering solidarity among like-minded individuals and making political critiques more accessible. However, while this humor fosters engagement, there’s also a risk of trivializing serious issues or fueling hyper-polarization, which can sometimes limit how widely these memes circulate and may push users toward other forms of civic engagement (Penney, 2019).

For many young Malaysians, memes simplify complex issues and make them more relatable, turning topics that might seem overwhelming into something fun and shareable. This helps build a sense of connection, where people feel they’re not alone in their views.

However, while memes can grab attention, their humor can also trivialize serious issues, reducing complex political discussions to jokes. This can lead to hyper-polarization, where people take sides quickly, hindering meaningful conversation. Additionally, memes often rely on emotions like sarcasm or anger, which can rally people but are less conducive to in-depth discussion.

For a lot of young Malaysians who might not follow every move in parliament, memes break down complicated stuff in a way that’s fun and relatable. They turn big topics into things you actually want to share and chat about. So in the end, memes don’t just make politics easier to follow but they make it something you actually want to talk about with your friends.

Final Thoughts,

Do you think memes help us understand politics? Well it's a yes and no. They’re a quick, entertaining way to engage with issues, but memes alone aren't enough, we need to look beyond the jokes and dig into the fact too.

Political memes, like Zunar’s art, can be entertaining, educate, and inspire change. However, they should be seen as a starting point, not the entire story. While memes can make us laugh, it's important to dig deeper and stay informed.

References

Abdul Latif, R., & Elgarrai, S. (2021). The Power of Political Cartoons: A Case Study of Zunar’s “Twit Twit Cincin.” Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 37(1), 146–180. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkmjc-2021-3701-09

Benveniste, A. (2022, January 26). The Meaning and History of Memes. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/crosswords/what-is-a-meme.html

Mortensen, M., & Neumayer, C. (2021). The playful politics of memes. Information, Communication & Society, 24(16), 2367–2377. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1979622

Penney, J. (2019). “It’s So Hard Not to be Funny in This Situation”: Memes and Humor in U.S. Youth Online Political Expression. Television & New Media, 21(8), 152747641988606. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476419886068

Yean, S. C. (2011). A cartoonist’s resistance. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 12(3), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649373.2011.578805Zamri, M., Anuar, Z., & Jalli, N. (2020). “Malu Apa Bossku?” Najib Razak’s Political Rhetoric on Facebook Post 2018 General Election. Forum Komunikasi, 15(1). https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/42134/1/42134.pdf

[climatecalling]

The Bajau people have been crisscrossing the waters of the Sulu Sea for centuries, the world’s only community of self-sufficient sea nomads. To the Bajau, a “border” is merely the farthest distance they can reach by boat. ... Life for the Bajau became more complex in the colonial era when Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia created maritime borders in the Sulu zone: these frontiers were established in the Madrid protocol of 1885, without bothering to consider the distribution and diversity of the ethnic groups who lived there. But it was the Malaysian Immigration Act of 1959/1963 that most significantly changed things for the Bajau. This legislation failed to distinguish between asylum seekers, refugees, irregular migrants and undocumented or stateless individuals. ... As of 2023, only about 100 to 200 Bajau still live in the traditional “Lansa” houseboats near the eastern Malaysian city of Semporna. Lacking citizenship or formal rights to settle on the Borneo mainland, the Bajau of Philippine origins still preserve maritime hunting techniques passed down through generations. ... Out in the vastness of the Sulu Sea, the Bajau stand as emblems of self-sufficiency, but once they set foot ashore they find themselves relegated to the lowest social class. Their stateless status deprives them of government privileges: the children cannot access public schools and adults are prohibited from finding formal employment.

[ketbow]

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL COHESION BETWEEN ROHINGYA AND MALAYSIAN AT KAMPUNG SEBERANG BALOK

The Rohingya are an ethnic minority group primarily residing in Myanmar (Burma), a country in Southeast Asia. They are predominantly Muslim and speak a dialect of the Bengali language. The Rohingya have faced a long history of discrimination, marginalization, and persecution in Myanmar. The government of Myanmar has denied them citizenship and restricted their access to basic rights and services, such as healthcare, education, and freedom of movement. The Rohingya have been subjected to various forms of human rights abuses, including violence, forced labor, sexual assault, and mass displacement. Due to the ongoing persecution, many Rohingya people have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries. Malaysia is one of the countries that has received a significant number of Rohingya refugees. Malaysia has been seen as a relatively more welcoming country for Rohingya refugees than Myanmar and other neighboring countries. Rohingya refugees often undertake dangerous journeys, including by boat, to reach Malaysia. 

This self-reflection journal is written as the experience to do a survey about Rohingya and Malaysian. Including their safety, assurance, finances, and their count of households. For Malaysian, we make a survey about Rohingyas’ activity and their comfortable living with Rohingya. Social cohesion reflects the level of harmony, cooperation, and shared values among individuals and groups within a society. Hence, our project aims to seek factors that affect social cohesion between Rohingya and Malaysian communities in the Balok area. Using the questionnaires, we interviewed 20 Rohingya households and 12 Malaysian households in the Balok area. In this project, it is proven there are social cohesion challenges between the Rohingya and Malaysians. 

For the preparation before moving to Kampung Seberang Balok. We discussed the souvenirs with the respondents and the leader of the Rohingya society. We decided to book the IIUM bags and some refreshments there. We also decided to prepare 30 questionnaires for both Rohingya and Malaysian respondents.  The preparation took us about three days to buy and prepare them. For the community leader, we decided to give him a mini jug as a souvenir. For my small preparation, I brought my personal camera for the event as our proofs media. On that day, we assembled at IIUM Kulliyyah of Science (KOS) main lobby for the van at 8.00 a.m. Our lecturer, Dr Asmida gave us some briefing about the place we will go and some advice. She told me that the majority of Rohingya there can’t speak Bahasa Melayu fluently. That might be a big challenge when progressing the survey. So we maybe need a translator such as a community leader. Additionally, two of my team are international students. So they need two translators to translate Bengali to Bahasa Melayu, then from Bahasa Melayu to English. Subsequently, at about 9.00 a.m., the van came. We reached there about 10 a.m. 

On the survey spot. We get appreciated by the community leader and some of the Rohingyas. Then we gave the souvenirs to the community leader and have a photo.

My objective is to interview 3 Rohingya and 2 Malaysian households. The environment is quite messy and unmanaged-well. For my first survey, the Rohingya is quite blundered when he spoke since he can’t speak Bahasa Malaysia well. To deal with this problem and make it go well, I decided to ask him in a simpler way to make him answer confidentially. For instance, I asked him a yes or no question first, then use some body language to enhance our communication. After that, I helped my international friend to do a survey by being her translator. Since Rohingya can’t speak English well. I volunteered to translate for her to smooth this experience. From this interview, I learned that most Rohingya can’t speak fluently, or even worse than that. I personally think that they are not educated well. Since they do not have enough money to make it. I’m touched by one of the Rohingya. He stated that he don’t have any money to bring his daughter to the hospital. He begged me and IIUM community to help him. His daughter have a fever for about 3 days and he cried over me, showing his desperation. After three of the Rohingya had been interviewed, we moved to the Malaysian community to do a survey. It was a little exhausting since it was a sunny day and in the afternoon. We found that it was easier since both of us can speak Bahasa Malaysia well. Time passed by, and we finished doing a survey at 2.00 p.m. 

After finishing the program, I need to gather all the surveys and conclude them. To be honest, the result is quite unsatisfactory. To summarize, Malaysian isn’t happy enough living with Rohingya due to difference in culture, poor hygiene, and environment. My personal thought is the egoistic and stigmatization against Rohingyan by Malaysian. I felt sympathy toward the Rohingya, they are not want to live here. It’s due to the war in their country makes them have no choices. The government is not controlling their immigration either legal or illegal. As Islam, we need to protect their safety by giving them a house and the right to work. I really hope Malaysians are not discriminated against them. As a student, my power is superficial, but in the next program, I will help them with financial support and assure a harmonious environment with Malaysian. I read the news that IIUM officially takes Rohingya refugees to study on its campus. It was one step closer to help them and give the right to live in this country. From these sustainable issues, I learned that all people need to be served equally and stop discrimination and racism. Because it will give a huge negative impact on the country.

Prepared by : Muhammad Syakir bin Ramli (2115197)

SCSH-2163 Section 830

[kazifatagar]

Saifuddin Backs Malay Language Test for Citizenship Applications

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail supports a Malay language test for citizenship applications, describing it as a casual conversation rather than a formal interview. He explained that the test is part of a proposed constitutional change being discussed in Parliament. Saifuddin Backs Malay Language Test for Citizenship Applications He noted that language requirements are common…

[thisisbjoeblog]

Economy 101: MM2H Programme - The Good, Bad & the Ugly

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, introduced in 2002 by the Malaysian government, is a unique initiative that offers numerous benefits to both the country and its foreign residents. Image source: Possessed Photography on Unsplash Continue reading Untitled

[daenerysoftarth]

Massachusetts has some archaic law that says marriages won’t be public record if birth parents of either spouse, or both, were not married at the time of the spouse’s birth.

https://www.mass-doc.com/massachusetts-restricted-marriage-records.htm

And I recently just found out that children born out of wedlock in Malaysia don’t get birth certificate, become stateless, and cannot attend national schools without Malaysian citizenship. Like, imagine the trauma of having your father, your country, and the society you live strip away your every sense of belonging.

https://suhakam.org.my/portfolio/stateless-children/

https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/70106/merdeka-merely-a-dream-for-malaysias-stateless-children

https://www.wikiimpact.com/6-horrible-realities-of-unwed-single-mothers-in-malaysia/

Yet another set of laws which aim to systematically disenfranchize children born out of wedlock and unmarried mothers as a whole. Thank you so much for sending me these, I'm absolutely going to include these resources in the 'bastardphobia' master post which I'm currently working on. I'm hoping this eventual master post can serve as a reference for those of us in the asoiaf fandom (and outside of it) to use as evidence and proof against those who claim that this form of prejudice no longer exists, is lessened to such as extent so as to be negligible, or who simply agree that it's okay.

Thank you so much for your ask!

[handweavers]

lets turn this conversation back to asia lmao. i also find it interesting how these terms have shifted here in seasia. grew up pretty much understanding that asians that come here are immigrants while white people that come here are expats, even if the white people give up their citizenship. what i find interesting is that recently there has been a shift, rich people from other asian countries are also being labelled as "exapts" whether or not they plan to migrate back. however the racism still prevails - people who were completely fine with white expats are complaining and protesting about asian expats stealing their jobs. you'll never see a poor asian person get the expat treatment though, even if they are only here to make some money and go back in a few years. there's your nuance random commentor

exactly, like you'll never see an indonesian or filipino woman who comes to work as a maid in malaysia or singapore to make some money and go back in a few years being called an expat, she is always an "immigrant" but a wealthier person from south korea or japan doing white collar work may now be described as an "expat" much like westerners. like you said, white people who immigrate permanently and even take up citizenship are still called "expats" and not "immigrants" because the word "immigrant" has racial and class connotations. my mom is a white canadian who immigrated to malaysia and has had PR for 20+ years but she's only ever called an expat, not an immigrant. whereas my (malaysian indian) dad in canada has held canadian PR for 40+ years and he's only ever been called an immigrant, even though he had no intention of staying permanently.

[ech0st4r]

myanmar ethnic cleansing.

Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. It's a deeply troubling and tragic situation that has garnered international attention. Let's delve into it.

**The Rohingya Crisis: A Tragic Tale of Persecution**

In August 2017, Myanmar's military launched a brutal crackdown on the Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State, driving hundreds of thousands of them to flee across the border into Bangladesh. The violence was nothing short of horrifying, with villages burned, civilians attacked, and countless lives lost. The United Nations later described this as a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing" ¹.

Here are some key points about the crisis:

1. **Who Are the Rohingya?**

- The Rohingya are an ethnic minority in Myanmar. They numbered around one million in Myanmar at the start of 2017.

- Most Rohingya Muslims live in Rakhine state. They have their own language, culture, and consider themselves descendants of Arab traders and other groups who have been in the region for generations.

- However, the Myanmar government denies them citizenship, even excluding them from the 2014 census. They are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh ¹.

2. **Why Did They Flee?**

- The exodus began in August 2017 after Rohingya Arsa militants attacked more than 30 police posts.

- In response, Myanmar's troops, backed by local Buddhist mobs, burned villages, attacked civilians, and killed thousands of Rohingya.

- Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that at least 6,700 Rohingya, including over 730 children under the age of five, were killed during that month alone ¹.

3. **Ongoing Genocide Allegations**

- The situation has been labeled as genocide by various international bodies. The UN found evidence of wide-scale human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, rape, and arson of Rohingya villages.

- The Burmese military, along with Buddhist nationalist mobs, has been accused of committing these atrocities ².

4. **Refugee Crisis**

- Over a million Rohingya fled to neighboring Bangladesh, creating the world's largest refugee camp.

- Others escaped to India, Thailand, Malaysia, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia, where they continue to face persecution ².

5. **International Reactions**

- Many countries consider these events ethnic cleansing.

- The crisis has drawn widespread condemnation, but finding a lasting solution remains a challenge ³.

It's heartbreaking to think about the immense suffering endured by the Rohingya people. As we discuss this, let's also recognize the importance of empathy, awareness, and advocacy. If you have any more questions or want to explore related topics, feel free to ask!

How did social media play a role in what happened?

Social media played a significant and troubling role in the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. Here's how:

1. **Spread of Misinformation and Hate Speech**:

- Platforms like Facebook were used extensively to spread misinformation and hate speech against the Rohingya. The Burmese military and nationalist groups disseminated false information and inflammatory content, which fueled ethnic tensions and violence³.

- Human rights activists have criticized Facebook for not doing enough to curb the spread of hate speech, which contributed to the offline violence against the Rohingya community³.

2. **Amplification of Nationalist Propaganda**:

- Social media was leveraged to amplify nationalist propaganda, portraying the Rohingya as a threat to Myanmar's national identity and security. This narrative was used to justify the military's actions and garner public support for the crackdown³.

3. **Lack of Moderation**:

- The lack of effective moderation on social media platforms allowed harmful content to proliferate unchecked. This included posts inciting violence, spreading false rumors, and dehumanizing the Rohingya people³.

4. **International Awareness and Advocacy**:

- On the flip side, social media also played a role in raising international awareness about the crisis. Activists and organizations used these platforms to share firsthand accounts, images, and videos of the atrocities, which helped to mobilize global condemnation and humanitarian aid².

The role of social media in the Rohingya crisis underscores the need for better regulation and moderation of online content to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation. It also highlights the power of social media as a tool for both harm and advocacy.

If you have more questions or want to explore another aspect of this topic, feel free to ask!

August 2017, it is estimated that between 25,000 and 43,000 Rohingya have been killed1. Additionally, over 700,000 Rohingya have fled to neighboring countries, primarily Bangladesh, to escape the violence23.

Source: Conversation, 10/29/2024

[highereducation01]

The Connection Between an Abroad Degree and Global Citizenship

In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of global citizenship is gaining more importance. The term refers to individuals who are aware of and actively participate in the global community, understanding their responsibilities beyond their immediate surroundings. One of the most significant ways to nurture global citizenship is through pursuing an abroad degree. For example, students enrolling in a full time law degree Malaysia program not only gain academic qualifications but also immerse themselves in diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas that contribute to their growth as global citizens.

Understanding Global Citizenship

Global citizenship is about recognizing that we live in a world that is deeply interconnected. Whether it’s through environmental issues, economic systems, or social justice, our actions have ripple effects on a global scale. Studying abroad helps foster this awareness by exposing students to international issues and diverse perspectives, encouraging them to think beyond borders.

By pursuing an abroad degree, especially in fields like law, students become more conscious of global problems and how they relate to their chosen profession. A full time law degree Malaysia can open doors for students to understand the complexities of international law, human rights, and global governance, all of which are critical components of global citizenship.

Exposure to Different Cultures

One of the most significant advantages of studying abroad is the exposure to different cultures. When students live and study in another country, they immerse themselves in local traditions, languages, and customs. This cultural exchange broadens their worldview and helps them become more adaptable and empathetic. For law students pursuing a full time law degree Malaysia, understanding different cultural and legal systems is essential, especially when dealing with cases that involve international parties.

Through this exposure, students develop intercultural communication skills, which are invaluable in both personal and professional settings. It fosters respect and empathy for different cultures, promoting the idea that, as global citizens, we must value diversity and inclusivity.

Building International Networks

Studying abroad also offers the opportunity to build international networks. In today’s globalized job market, having connections across borders can be incredibly advantageous. By pursuing a full time law degree Malaysia, students have the chance to meet peers, professors, and professionals from various parts of the world. These relationships can open doors to international collaborations, internships, and career opportunities.

Networking in an international setting also helps students understand how legal systems and business environments operate in different countries. This knowledge is vital for law students, as many legal issues now transcend national borders, from trade agreements to environmental regulations.

Gaining a Global Perspective

Another key aspect of global citizenship is the ability to view issues from a global perspective. Studying abroad helps students develop this skill by exposing them to different ways of thinking and problem-solving. Law students enrolled in a full time law degree Malaysia program, for example, gain insight into both local and international legal challenges. This broadens their understanding of how legal frameworks differ across regions and how global legal standards are evolving.

With a global perspective, students can approach problems in their profession with a more comprehensive understanding of the broader impacts. This is especially crucial in law, where issues such as human rights, climate change, and international trade require a deep understanding of both local and global contexts.

Learning to Adapt and Thrive in Diverse Environments

Studying abroad often requires students to step out of their comfort zones and adapt to new environments. Whether it’s learning a new language, navigating a different education system, or simply adjusting to life in a foreign country, these challenges help students become more resilient and adaptable. Law students pursuing a full time law degree Malaysia will need to adapt to Malaysia’s legal education system, which may differ from what they are used to in their home countries.

This adaptability is a critical component of global citizenship. In a world that is constantly changing, the ability to thrive in diverse environments and handle unfamiliar challenges is invaluable.

Contribution to Global Solutions

One of the responsibilities of global citizens is to contribute to solving global issues. For law students, studying abroad can provide them with the knowledge and tools to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, international conflict, and social justice. A full time law degree Malaysia offers students the opportunity to engage with global legal systems and frameworks that address these issues.

By gaining a deep understanding of international legal principles, students can actively participate in shaping policies and laws that have a positive impact on the global community. They become empowered to use their education to contribute to the greater good, whether through advocacy, policy-making, or legal practice.

Conclusion

The connection between an abroad degree and global citizenship is undeniable. Studying in another country allows students to gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to become active, responsible global citizens. A full time law degree Malaysia not only equips students with a solid legal education but also provides them with the cultural awareness and global perspectives needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. By embracing the opportunities that come with studying abroad, students can play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive, just, and sustainable global society.

[whattheabcxyz]

2024-10-18

Singapore

Jail for British tourist who caused ruckus & assaulted staff member at MBS after drinking - deport the scumbag!

Shanmugam stresses no automatic citizenship for children even if born here - of course, otherwise everyone would be using this rule to game the system 😒

Sembawang residents express worry over telecom equipment room turned into storeroom - are those in charge gonna do nothing about this again?!

My First Skool teacher fired after report of alleged child mismanagement involving 2-year-old boy

17-year-old self-radicalised Singaporean arrested weeks before planned attack - he planned to kill non-Muslims in Tampines

5 schools replayed audio tracks for 'O' level English listening exam due to noise interference, causing some to feel that this gave an unfair advantage

Business

Amazon employees now required to return to office 5 days a week

Food

Singapore: Myna feasts on unattended food at Balestier mixed rice stall - the patron who filmed this video said staff did not discard the affected food ...this is why I try my best never ever to eat out!

Science

^ We're headed for Jupiter's moon, Europa - even if it could support life tho', staying in our solar system is not the answer, eventually

Is "zero" really such a hard concept to grasp? - according to scientists, it is!

Society

Malaysia approves law allowing mothers to pass on citizenship to children born overseas - who the hell wants to be a M'sian citizen tho'?! lol

Gossip

Thomas Ong returns to acting after 5-year absence

[weiwhat]

'From LOLs to Legislation: How Memes Shape Political Discourse'

The rapid digitalization of our world has no doubt fundamentally transformed how we communicate, connect, and, ultimately, engage with political discourse. In this evolving digital landscape, internet memes have emerged as a powerful force, shaping political conversations in ways previously unimaginable. Far from mere online amusement, these shareable bits of digital culture have become potent tools for disseminating political messages, influencing public opinion, and even mobilizing collective action (Galipeau 2022). So what is memes exactly? According Shifman, a meme is a picture that goes viral on social media or the internet and can be replicated and repurposed (Shifman, 2014). Simply means, meme is a text-based intertextual mashup of a pop culture snapshot, GIF, or images.  This perfectly aligns with the term "playful politics," where pop culture humor disrupts traditional political discourse (Mortensen & Neumayer 2021).

HOW IT STARTED

-Meme format emerges as attentions microscopically showcase brawl into a showdown (papajahat94)

HOW IT ENDED

-Political 'Memefication' aim to boost name recognition through fervors engagement (fb/Dr.JoohariAriffin)

Top of mind, Malaysian politics provides a compelling example of this trend. Politicians are increasingly using memes and viral trends to connect with younger voters, as demonstrated by Dr. Joohari Ariffin's 2024 Sungai Bakap campaign incorporating the infamous "one by one, gentleman" meme. This tactic effectively leverages the principles of participatory culture (Jenkins, 2006), where individuals actively engage with and reshape media content. By tapping into existing online conversations, politicians create a sense of shared understanding with voters, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

EFFECTIVENESS OF POLITICAL MEMES

r/malaysia/deleted

Political memes  as suggested by Malik et al. (2013) demonstrate effectiveness across multiple levels of engagement: awareness, attitude formation, and behavioral change (Kasirye 2019). Increased awareness of political memes, often achieved through their humorous and shareable nature, can lead to greater familiarity with political issues (Malik et al as cited in Kasirye 2019). This heightened awareness can translate into increased engagement with political content, as individuals become more invested in the messages conveyed through memes.

-reddit/malaysia/ agodcxMOD

Furthermore, political memes influence attitudes towards political issues. As Culbertson (1968) notes, attitudes are sets of beliefs that shape our judgments and behaviors (Kasirye 2019,). Exposure to political memes can either reinforce existing political views or challenge them, prompting individuals to reconsider their positions. Chaiklin (2011) adds that changes in attitude often lead to corresponding changes in behavior. Therefore, if individuals develop positive attitudes towards political memes and the issues they represent, they are more likely to engage in related behaviors, such as creating, sharing, and discussing memes.

- reddit/malaysia/ZeneticX

Finally, political memes can influence political behavior, including participation in online discussions, sharing political content, and even offline actions like attending rallies or protests as digital citizenship eluded. Huntington (2013) highlights how citizens use memes in both democratic and non-democratic societies to express their views, mobilize support, and challenge power structures (Kasirye 2019). By providing accessible and engaging entry points into complex political issues, memes can empower individuals to participate more actively in the political process. This participatory aspect of memes aligns with LaBerge's (1997) association of awareness with personal experience, suggesting that the more individuals engage with political memes, the more likely they are to integrate these experiences into their understanding of the political world and act accordingly (Kasirye 2019).

IMPACT OF POLITICAL MEMES

The playful, easily digestible nature of memes can conceal a more complex and potentially problematic dynamic (Tuters & Hagen 2019). While memes can foster a sense of community and shared understanding, they can also contribute to what Tuters and Hagen (2020) term "memetic antagonism." This phenomenon occurs when the humor and shareability of memes are used to reinforce boundaries between different groups, exacerbating political polarization (Tuters & Hagen 2019). The inherent simplicity of memes allows for the easy creation of "us" versus "them" narratives, strengthening existing biases and potentially contributing to the spread of misinformation.

In the context of the Sungai Bakap by-election, this dynamic of memetic antagonism could manifest in several ways. Memes might be used to portray one candidate or party in a highly positive light while simultaneously ridiculing or demonizing their opponents. This can create a highly polarized online environment where nuanced discussion and debate are replaced by simplistic, emotionally charged exchanges. Such an environment can discourage voters from engaging in critical thinking about the candidates and their platforms, potentially leading to decisions based on biased or incomplete information.

-TindakMalaysia.com

Furthermore, this extreme polarization, fueled by memetic antagonism, can have a detrimental effect on voter turnout. When political discourse becomes excessively divisive and hostile, individuals may feel disillusioned or alienated from the political process. This can lead to voter apathy and a decline in participation, as seen in the diminished turnout for the Sungai Bakap by-election. The very tools intended to connect with voters can, when employed irresponsibly, contribute to their disengagement from the democratic process. The echo chambers created by online communities sharing politically charged memes can further amplify these effects, reinforcing existing beliefs and isolating individuals from alternative perspectives.

Concluding, a critical examination of memes' impact on political discourse is essential. While they offer a vernacular and accessible way to engage with complex issues, their tendency to simplify can lead to oversimplification and misrepresentation. Understanding the full potential of memes requires a nuanced approach, recognizing their capacity for both constructive engagement and subtle manipulation. The act of repurposing a meme imbues it with new political meaning, contributing to both connection and division within the evolving digital landscape of political communication.

References

Galipeau, T 2022, ‘The Impact of Political Memes: a Longitudinal Field Experiment’, Journal of Information Technology & Politics, pp. 1–17.

Kasirye, F 2019, @inproceedings{Kasirye2019THEEO, title={THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POLITICAL MEMES AS A FORM OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AMONGST MILLENNIALS IN UGANDA}, author={Faiswal Kasirye}, year={2019}, url={https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:211480475} }, pp. 44–47.

Mortensen, M & Neumayer, C 2021, ‘The playful politics of memes’, Information, Communication & Society, vol. 24, no. 16, pp. 2367–2377.

SHIFMAN, L 2014, ‘Memes in Digital Culture’, JSTOR, The MIT Press, viewed .

Tuters, M & Hagen, S 2019, ‘(((They))) rule: Memetic antagonism and nebulous othering on 4chan’, New Media & Society, vol. 22, no. 12, p. 146144481988874.