bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nigerian Citizens and Fundamental Rights: Myth, Manoeuvre and Reality
Authors: Mohammed Shehu Isah , Osman Nazariah , Othman Muhammad Fuad
Published: August 2020

Fundamental rights have importance, concern and challenges to societies and states at local and international levels. Those are, however, more in developing states and democracies. Many Nigerian citizens especially civilians and the poor have gone into despair for most of the citizens’ rights exist only on paper and are not realistic. This paper investigated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens: provisions, enforcement, and myth in these rights; reality and manoeuvre by various stake holders in human rights provisions; enforcement and safeguard. The study used secondary sources of data. It is found that fundamental rights provisions and enforcement in Nigeria are constrained by military rule, poor or no political will and commitment, poor constitutional provisions, poor legal aid and services, ignorance of the existing laws and provisions, deliberate acts to thwart the arm of justice, corruption, judicial incompetence, inefficient justice system, socio-cultural provisions, poverty, state aligned threats and intimidations. The study recommends extensive and intensive education and enlightenment to citizens, full monitoring and strict compliance with provisions on rights, broader and functional legal aid services especially to the poor and the ignorant, revamping Nigeria’s justice system to reflect current realities and strict compliance with the rules of engagement by the armed forces, and reviewing laws such as the Penal and Criminal code laws to co-opt new trends and realities.
It Is Not Yet ‘Uhuru’: Overcoming the Challenges of Citizenship and Nationality Questions in Post-Separation Sudan and South Sudan
Authors: Ottoh Ferdinand O. , Akinboye Solomon Oladede
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on the nationality and citizenship crisis in post-separation Sudan. The paper argues that the unresolved issues in the agreement, especially the issue of nationality and citizenship are serious threats to the stability of the new state of South Sudan. Both North Sudan and South Sudan have demonstrated a lack of political will to resolve the nationality and citizenship problem. This explains why they were not able to adopt a common legal framework that will help to address the age-long problem instead of each adopting new nationality laws. The paper adopts the historical and institutional-legalistic approach in the discourse to situate the problem. It argues therefore, that the citizenship problem will continue in a system that is stratified along ethnic/racial and religious lines as epitomized in Sudan. We conclude that it is the resolution of outstanding issues of nationality and citizenship question that will help to sharpen the pattern of state-ethnic relations in the separated countries of north and south Sudan. With independence granted to Southern Sudan, the crisis of citizenship remains both in the north and the south.
Nigeria’s ‘Quadrilemma’: Globalization, State Delegitimization, Religious Fundamentalism and Insecurity
Authors: Basiru Adeniyi S. , Olasoko Adeyinka , Osunkoya Olusesan
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the forces that have animated insecurity in Africa/Nigeria via the instrumentality of religious fundamentalism. Drawing data mainly from secondary sources, and leaning on social contract theoretical framework, it argues that contrary to the conventional wisdom that Boko-Harm-styled insecurity in Nigeria is fuelled by religious fundamentalism, the real force lies in neo-imperialism masquerading as globalization.To be sure, this global phenomenon though the mechanism of market reforms has further delegitimized and deconstructed the state in Africa. Put differently, it has alienated the state not only from itself but has also succeeded in alienating it from the citizens. With the alienation of the Leviathan from the society, sub-state actors step in to fill the vacuum. This is where ethnic and religious militias come into the picture.The paper submits that remediation lies in the decolonization and the restructuring of the state via the instrumentality of process-led constitution-making.
The Gradualism of Cultural Resurgence of Afro-Arabic in the Shadow of Civilization
Authors: Jamiu Fatai Owolabi
Published: August 2020

Intellectual vitality of the Arabic culture came into stagnation through the close of the 18th century. However, the beginning of the 19th century potrayed the rebirth of the Arabic culture seen first in Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, from where it spread gradually in varying degrees to other parts of the Arab world. This cultural resurgence with its full import of the Arab Muslim society especially in Africa has prompted the rise in Arab national consciousness (nationalism) as well as religious (Islamic) reawakening, which have a wonderful over effect on the contemporary World Order. The methodology adopted in this paper was document review. This paper tried to investigate the gradual process of the Arabic cultural resurgence, which has found expression in the shifting paradigm of Arabic literary works of some literati and religious revivalism in Africa. In fact, it is noticed that Arabism has been an integral part of Islam; the activities of the nationalist movement and that of Islamic reformers have political and cultural consequences in the modern world.
States’ Attitude to International Boundaries and Africa’s Challenging Integration: CUES from Pre-1945 Europe
Authors: Aboyade Ariyo Sunday
Published: August 2020

Since the 1960s, African states have sought ways to overcome the challenges of economic and political integration through the establishment and promotion of regional and subregional organizations across the continent. The different efforts have yielded very modest success altogether. However, it appears that Africans are the architect of the continent’s low level of integration. Africa’s nationalist approach to international boundaries coupled with the inclination and disposition towards economic nationalism with regards to neighbouring states has been identified as the major impediments to the process of integration in the continent. By adopting content analysis approach, this paper explores the nexus between the state’s attitude to international boundaries and regional integration. This paper analyses how European’s attitude to international boundaries and the resulting trans-boundary cooperation between and among the different groups of European states before 1945 was instrumental to the historic success of integration in post-1945 Europe. It further looks into the pre-1945 European experience with trans-boundary cooperation as a template for assessing trans-boundary cooperation among African states during the colonial and post-colonial periods. This paper concludes that modest achievements so far recorded in the process of regional integration in Africa is a function of the nationalistic attitude of states to international boundary. Subsequently, the study recommends that to achieve real integration in the continent, Africans and their leaders must change their attitude towards inherited colonial boundaries from their prevailing official postures as lines of divides to more liberal disposition as corridors of cooperation.
Secession Outside the Colonial Context: The Birth of Eritrea in Retrospect
Authors: Olusesan A. Osunkoya , Basiru Adeniyi S.
Published: August 2020

In light of the recent waves of secessionist struggle and conflict in Africa, a number of debates have spurred the possibility of secession outside the colonial context. Sourcing data from documentary materials coupled with the application of historical methods of data analysis, this article reflects on Eritrea’s secession from Ethiopia in 1993. The study discusses and argues that Eritrea’s feat in 1993 was made possible by certain domestic and external factors that did not present themselves to earlier secessionist movements. It concludes that without those factors that made Eritrea secession possible for its re-invention, furthermore, given that the forces that propelled the 1964 Cairo Agenda are still alive and formidable, secession outside the colonial context in Africa is likely to remain a difficult endeavor.
The Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Recurring Conflict: Whose Conflict Transformation Responsibility?
Authors: Maeresera Sadiki , Rugeje Engelbert Abel , Zengeni Knocks
Published: August 2020

The recurring conflict in Eastern DRC has had devastating effects on civilians, mostly in Kivus. From the beginning of January 2002 till the end of May 2017, many conflict resolution efforts have been put together by regional and international communities. However, there has not been any sustainable mechanism to resolve the conflict. The situation regarding the security of Eastern Congo continues to be volatile. This paper seeks to identify the responsible party that would help mitigate the recurring conflict in Eastern Congo. Using the three distinct categories of actors in Conflict Transformation, the paper argues that the lack of coordination among these actors who constitutes the three Track levels have affected unity of purpose and the level of commitment as far as transforming the Eastern Congo Conflict. The divergent interests among the respective actors to outmaneuver one another when it comes to agenda setting regarding respective peace initiatives on conflict, could be the rationale behind the absence of a workable formula in transforming conflict in the Eastern DRC. The paper proffer strategic policy suggestions toward a workable Conflict Transformation mechanism that equitably addresses the root causes of the conflict and fairly incorporates the relevant stakeholders in an effort to find a sustainable solution.
Malaysia’s Leadership Role in Asean: An Assessment
Authors: Mohamed Pero Siti Darwinda , Ahmad Apandi Laila Suriya
Published: August 2020

There has been perpetual controversy regarding the leadership of ASEAN, that is complicated and hitherto been a cause for concern. The largest and most populated country in Southeast Asia is Indonesia, and has been regarded as the de facto leader in ASEAN for its influence to spur progress within the organization. However, this does not undermine the role of the other four founding members of ASEAN, specifically Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia. Singapore has been considered the leader of ASEAN in the economic realm, championing and pushing forward economic agendas of the organization and its member-states. Moreover, the Philippines have been a strong advocate in promoting and enhancing the socio-cultural development within the organization. Conversely, the role of Malaysia in ASEAN has been scholarly neglected. This study seeks to fill the gaps by analysing the role of Malaysia in ASEAN since 1967, and propose that Malaysia has had a significant degree of influence within the organisation. By incorporating document analysis, this study presents the findings on Malaysia’s pivotal role in ASEAN. The results conclude that Malaysia was and is still a key leader in the organization and the country should continue to exercise its prerogative for the benefit of its national interest, in addition to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Human Rights, State Sovereignty, and the Death Penalty: Indonesia’s Diplomacy Approach on Bali Nine
Authors: Huong Yu Sin , Khoo Ying Hooi
Published: August 2020

The discrepancies in Indonesia’s diplomatic approach on the death penalty for its people abroad and other nationalities at home have raised ‘double standard’ concerns. By looking into the factors affecting Indonesia’s diplomatic approach to Australia using the case of Bali Nine, the study explored the rationale of the Indonesian government putting national interest over its human rights commitment despite the increased pressure on its death penalty practice in the debate between human rights and state sovereignty. This study used the interview method with two objectives. First, to investigate the factors influencing Indonesia’s diplomatic approach to the Bali Nine case, and second, to explore the conflict between human rights and state sovereignty by drawing upon the theoretical framework on human rights and foreign policy as proposed by Jack Donnelly. The finding of this paper suggests that human rights interests are subordinated to other national interests in balancing the objectives of Indonesia’s diplomacy on the drug-related death penalty practice.
Combatting Terrorism at SEA: Assessing NATO’S Maritime Operations in the Mediterranean
Authors: Shukri Shazwanis
Published: August 2020

Terrorism via Mediterranean Sea route is one of the security threats faced by Europe in recent years. The basin recorded large volume of maritime vessels traversing daily via the major straits and consequently expose them for the possibility of terrorist attacks. This includes cargo and commercial vessels that carry tons of valuable cargo. There is growing concern that the vessels may be used to support terrorist activities. In light of this, NATO has adopted maritime operations to strengthen sea patrolling and enhance security of sea lanes in the Mediterranean. This paper seeks to examine the terrorist incidents occurred in the Mediterranean Sea. The paper then scrutinizes the evolution of NATO’s approaches to combat terrorism in the basin from 2001 until 2016. Specifically, this paper analyses the implementation of Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) which has initiated as an immediate response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States to fight against international terrorism. The mandate assigned through this operation includes, amongst others, monitoring and surveillance activities, escorting assistance, compliant boarding and joint training with NATO partners. These tasks have significantly contributed to a sharp decline in terrorist plot in the Mediterranean Sea. This paper obtains its data from textual analysis and interviews with NATO military officers. The results conclude that maritime operations by NATO play a functional role to hinder the potential of terrorist attacks and effectively maintain the security of the sea lanes.
The Mahathir Influence and the Changing Phases of Malaysia-Syria Diplomatic Relations
Authors: Rogers Roy Anthony , Altala Nour , Wan Ahmad Amin Jaffri Wan Sharina Ramlah
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine Malaysia’s diplomatic relations with Syria through three periods: pre-Mahathir era, the first phase of Mahathir era (1981-2003) and the ‘inter-Mahathir’ years (2003-2018) - referring to the period prior to the return of Mahathir as Prime Minister for the second time in 2018. Ultimately, this study attempts to identify the key factors determining the nature of Malaysia’s bilateral ties with Syria during the Mahathir era. The methodology adopted for this study is qualitative in nature, relying on primary and secondary sources, the former being personal interviews conducted with Tun Dr. Mahathir himself and also with scholars in the field. This paper argues that during the pre-Mahathir era (1958-1981), relations with Syria were very much based on political and diplomatic considerations. However, during the Mahathir era (1981-2003) the emphasis changed due to the significant economic development and Malaysia’s foreign policy took a much more global approach. With this change, economic factors as a foreign policy determinant became more prominent as compared to the pre-Mahathir period. The inter-Mahathir years (2003-2018) did not witness any significant development except for the humanitarian support extended by the Malaysian government during the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
Towards Promoting Rural Infrastructure for Poverty Reduction: Analysis of FADAMA III Small-scale Community-owned Infrastructure in Kaduna and Sokoto States, Nigeria
Authors: Idris Sa’idu , Kabiru Salisu Ahmed
Published: August 2020

This study is aimed at assessing the impacts of Third National Fadama Development Project (NFDP III) on provision of Small-scale Community-owned Infrastructures (SCIs) for poverty reduction. The sector goal of NFDP III was to reduce poverty by improving the living conditions of the rural poor; contribute to food security and increase access to rural infrastructure. The study made use of questionnaires to generate primary data from 245 respondents whilst Project Implementation Manuals, Appraisal Reports, Baseline and Midline Surveys, etc constituted the secondary data. The study found out that outcomes of NFDP III had profound impacts on the incidence of poverty of the beneficiaries. For example in Kaduna State, incomes of Crop farmers increased by 199% and Livestock owners by 221%. In Sokoto State, the incomes of Crop farmers increased by 225% and Livestock owners by 315%. The food security situation of about 84.4% and 98.3% of the beneficiaries had improved, greatly and the socio-economic conditions of 74.2% and 95.7% of the beneficiaries had been promoted, significantly. The study recommends that to further sustained the impetus created by NFDP III on poverty reduction in Nigeria, the Federal, States and Local Governments should as a matter of concern, extend their commitments beyond those of facilitating the provision of rural infrastructure to those of scaling-up the levels of provision, maintenance and management and poverty reduction should ever remain part of national development goals.
Contextualising Hate Speech: A Study of India And Malaysia
Authors: Sharma Ishita
Published: August 2020

Hate speech is a verbal expression, which is designed to promote hatred based on race, religion, ethnicity and violence between different communities . Hate speech are systematically used to lash hatred towards minorities and for inflaming regional, religious and ethnic passion. It has been repeatedly observed that inflaming and deleterious words have been used by people of influence to further their vested interests and incite violence. Indian laws as well as Malaysian laws forbid anyone from making hate speeches that disturb the communal harmony and creates discord among the people. When the issue of suppression of hate speech comes to purview, the notion of reasonable restriction comes into picture. Consequent debate narrows down to two sharply contrasting opinions ie: restraints v. freedom of speech and expression. It is difficult to balance both divergent opinions. Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, provides for the freedom of speech and expression but also places reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on the grounds of public order, decency and morality. Similarly, Article 10 of the Malaysian Constitution empowers the Malaysian citizens with the freedom of speech and expression subject to restrictions imposed by the Parliament. Whenever these contradictory opinions are presented in front of the court, even the Apex court of the respective countries has shown its reluctance towards curbing such communally charged statements. Even if the judgment restraining hate speech is pronounced, it often comes too late, sometimes after the damage has already been inflicted, thus failing to exert any deterrent effect. By using doctrinal research methods,this paper a) discusses the terminology of hate speech; b) analyzes different legal provisions that deals with hate speech in India and Malaysia; and c) discusses non-legal solutions to the problem. This paper argues that although several legal provisions are available to curb hate speech, Alternative Dispute Resolution and counter speech may be used as alternative ways to address hate speech.
Indonesia, the Cold War and Non-Alignment: Relations of the Early Indonesian Cabinets with the United States, 1950-52*
Authors: Mason Richard
Published: August 2020

Indonesia, the Cold War and Non-alignment: Relations of the Early Indonesian Cabinets with the United States, 1950-1952. The Cold War initially focused on Europe but promptly spread to encompass the entire globe. By the early 1950s, the Cold War belligerents began to compete for the allegiance of the newly independent nations. Many of the newly independent nations, however, had from the outset, preferred not to choose sides in the Cold War. India, Burma and Indonesia had all purported to pursue a policy of neutralism and non-alignment in the Cold War. This paper discusses the attempts of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia to steer a policy of nonalignment in the Cold War and the challenges thereto posed by the United States' Cold War policies during the early 1950s. It traces the experiences of the Hatta, Natsir and Sukiman cabinets, 1950-1952. The central theme of the paper is the interplay between the Indonesian policy of non-alignment in the Cold War and the US policy of containment. The paper argues that despite their profession to non-alignment, the early Indonesian cabinets had leaned towards the United States. Indonesia fell with the Anglo-American economic and military orbit. Desirous of American aid, Indonesia increasingly compromised on its stance of nonalignment in the Cold War. The dilemma of dependence proved to be a major stumbling block in Indonesia's attempt to pursue non-alignment.
Quo Vadis Myanmar?: Military Rule, the 2010 Election and Beyond
Authors: S. Sidhu Jatswan
Published: August 2020

Myanmar (or formerly Burma) has been ruled by the military (tatmadaw) since 1962 and although multiparty elections were held in 1990, the Myanmar military junta simply refused to accept the results and transfer power to the National League Democracy (NLD) that won with a landslide victory. Instead, the Myanmar military junta announced its own version of political reform through the introduction of a “disciplined democracy” and as such convened a National Convention for the purpose of drafting a new constitution for the country. The constitution was finally approved in 2008 through a referendum that was highly rigged. Based on provisions of the 2008 Constitution, the military junta held another round of multiparty elections on 7 November 2010. Taking stock of events since 1988 and in the light of recent developments, this paper therefore attempts to gauge the future direction of the country’s political landscape by interpreting and analyzing recent events. More importantly, it would attempt to show how much change can be expected in Myanmar especially when taking into account a flawed Constitution, a highly rigged elections and a new pseudo-civilian government. In other words, is there going to be real political change or are the elections a mere window dressing by the country’s military junta?
Addressing Transboundary Haze Through Asean: Singapore’s Normative Constraints
Authors: Muhamad Varkkey Helena
Published: August 2020

Since 1982, Southeast Asia has experienced almost annual ‘haze’ pollution, caused by smoke from grass, forest and peat fires mostly in Indonesia. The haze affects the health of some 75 million people and the economies of six ASEAN nations. It is the region’s first transboundary environmental crisis that ASEAN is attempting to address collectively. ASEAN level interaction is often guided by the ASEAN Way, and a common debate is whether these norms constrain states from interacting effectively at the regional level. This paper will address this debate using interviews and material compiled during fieldwork in Singapore. While Singapore was one of the first countries to propose a common regional approach to the haze, this paper will illustrate how Singapore has in fact been constrained by the ASEAN Way while engaging with Indonesia and ASEAN. This is reflected in terms of its behavior at the ASEAN forum, statements made, and actions taken. As a result, Singapore has often resorted to other means of engagement, like bilateral and track-two engagement. As Singapore is one of the major ‘victims’ in this equation, this paper serves as important piece of the broader puzzle of why haze management in ASEAN has been less than effective.
From Geneva to Geneva: A Discourse on Geo-Political Dimension of Conflict in Laos: 1954–1962
Authors: Mishra Patit Paban
Published: August 2020

During the cold war period, the problem of Laos was exacerbated due to strategic location of Laos and national interest of external actors. The present paper would analyze various ramifications of the conflict in Laos. Beginning from First Indochina War (1946-1954), fate of Laos was linked very closely with that of Vietnam. With the escalation of conflict, a solution to problem of Laos was nowhere in sight. The Geneva Conference of 1954 did not solve the problem. The three major strands in Laos; Pathet Lao, neutralists and the rightists became a constant feature of Lao politics. Both the United States and North Vietnam came into conflict, as they were committed to help their respective allies in Laos, and regarded the other’s action in Laos as harmful to their interest in South Vietnam. An agreement on Laos became contingent upon ending the war in Vietnam. The net result of outside intervention was prolongation of conflict in Laos. A solution to Lao conflict was in sight after the Geneva accords of 1962. However, the gradual linkage of the country with the Vietnam War made the solution of dependent upon the outcome of conflict in Vietnam. Laos was going to be embroiled in the Vietnam War and there was no peace in sight unless a solution was there in Vietnam. Laos became a sideshow in Vietnam War.
International Responses to Human Rights Violations in Myanmar: The Case of the Rohingya
Authors: S. Sidhu Jatswan , Parnini Syeeda Naushin
Published: August 2020

While Myanmar is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, the Bamar (Burmese) nonetheless comprise almost 70 percent of the country’s total population. Of the many ethnic groups in Myanmar, the Muslim Rohingya, are mainly centered in the Rakhine (Arakan) State, which borders Bangladesh. Although the position of these people as a distinct ethnic group was recognized by the U Nu government (1948-1962), the introduction of the 1982 Citizenship Act by the country’s military government, however, have rendered them stateless. Subject to a wide range of systematic human rights violations by the Myanmar authorities, the Rohingya have often sought refugee in Bangladesh as well as many other countries in the region and beyond. Whilst most like-minded states and international organizations have duly responded to the issue, especially by providing humanitarian assistance and criticizing the Myanmar junta for its treatment of the Rohingya, however, much remains to be done to find a permanent solution to the issue of statelessness of these people. The purpose of this article is therefore to analyze responses from some segments of the international community over the issue of human rights violations on the Rohingya and the resulting exodus of these people from Myanmar. As such, this article will examine responses from Bangladesh, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the regional community, the United States, the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
The United States: Still a Global Hegemonic Power?
Authors: Thi Thuy Hang Nguyen
Published: August 2020

This article argues that U.S. hegemony has not declined since the end of the Cold War as claimed in much of the international relations literature. On the contrary the post Cold War international political landscape is still characterized by unipolarity in which the U.S. is the sole superpower. However what is questionable is how long the U.S. can sustain its global hegemonic power. The paper begins by discussing how hegemony has been defined. Then, while arguing that the alleged decline of U.S. hegemony by the declinists is too simplistic, the article underlines research that brings the present preponderance of U.S. power in the global politics into question. The article further describes U.S. unprecedented capabilities and its leadership in the security and economic frameworks that have constituted the foundation for the international order to provide empirical evidence to support the assertion that the U.S. remains a global hegemon.
Comparative Study on Copyright Exception for Teaching Purposes: Australia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Wahid Ratnaria , Abdul Ghani Azmi Ida Madieha
Published: August 2020

While education is considered a basic human right, the copyright system however seems to hamper public access to information and knowledge. This is especially so when information that largely comes from developed countries are used as commodities that have to be bought by developing countries. This paper compares the international and national laws in Malaysia, United Kingdom and Australia on the copyright exceptions to materials used for teaching purposes. It analyzes the different ways countries manage and balance between copyright owners and copyright users’ interest and shows that in many circumstances, copyright owners are over-protected by national copyright systems although this is not required by international copyright law. This paper also shows that international treaties governing copyright law do allow some flexibility for member countries to implement copyright systems based on their own needs and circumstances but such opportunity is not fully utilized by member countries for the benefit of the public.
Trends and Regional Patterns of Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions:A Case of Malaysian and Indonesian Acquirers
Authors: Jedin Mohd Haniff
Published: August 2020

Progress of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Asian region demonstrates an upstream pattern although the economy in Europe is unhealthy. In fact, many cross-border deals in Europe are dominated by Asian and US acquirers. In 2010, Asia Pacific countries had completed over 8,300 M&A deals that involved an Asian company reported by Dealogic. Countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are among Asian countries that are active in cross-border M&A. However, M&A trends in Malaysia and Indonesia have not received due attention of the researchers. Present study attempts to explore this phenomenon with the specific idea of identifying the background of Malaysian and Indonesian industries that involved in cross-border M&A. Present paper also reveals the integration trends involved when engaging in cross-border M&A. An opinion survey was conducted of the firms involved in M&A deals; the companies were identified from the Thomson One Banker main database which covers cross border M&A cases completed in Malaysian and Indonesia. Results show that engineering, software and telecommunication industries are among the leading industries engaged in cross-border M&A. Results also reflect that in terms of nationality of the acquired firms, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore are among favourites to Malaysian and Indonesian acquirers. The study highlights higher success compared to failures in cross-border M&A in the countries under reference.
A Muslim Contribution to International Relations Theory: Aman (Peaceful Co-Existence and Mutual Respect) Theory
Authors: M. El-Awaisi Abd al-Fattah
Published: August 2020

In the last ten years, the world has witnessed much debate on new forms of the global phenomena of fundamentalism and extremism. It is clear that many view Muslims as “the other” or outsider and vice-versa; an attitude of “us and them”, “our community and their community”. The concept of a ‘clash of civilisations’ has become part of our everyday vocabulary. The objective of this article is namely to develop the theory of Aman (peaceful co-existence and mutual respect) as a Muslim contribution to normative considerations in international relations theory. It is found that the main four components of this theory are: the methodology of Tadafu’ (counteraction), the concept of Adil (justice), the principle of not excluding others, and the constructive argumentation methodology. The theory has been tested and implemented by examining, in particular, Umar Assurance of Aman and the negotiations between Salah al-Din and King Richard I ‘the Lionheart’ of England over Islamicjerusalem in 1191. It is hoped that this theory could help place Muslim contributions in the epitome of global discourse of international relations theory, set the scene to advance the current research on the Muslim contributions to international relations theory including peace study and conflict resolution, and open up and promote intellectual and academic debate and understanding of this Muslim contributions to shed light on new lines of explanation. Although Islamicjerusalem is the most delicate issue of dispute between the current two conflicting parties, it is hoped that this theory will provide a better understanding for the world leaders who are trying to return peace to the region.
ASEAN’s Problematic Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights: The New Media’s Role in Enhancing the Protection of Human Rights
Authors: Ramcharan Robin
Published: August 2020

Citizens of ASEAN states appear to be increasingly involved, through Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), in pushing for greater openness and accountability of their political leaders and public institutions. In particular, ICTs afford citizens of ASEAN States and like-minded counterparts around the world in the human rights community to push for greater accountability of ASEAN’s human rights institutions. With the adoption of the ASEAN Charter in 2007, ASEAN states embarked on a process of crafting a regional ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), eighteen years after the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria. While the World Conference had reaffirmed the universality of human rights, ASEAN states have moved grudgingly and gradually, egged on by greater global concern for human rights and by the pressures of globalization, towards the protection of human rights. The Terms of Reference (TORs) of the AICHR, adopted in July 2009 and favouring promotion rather than protection of human rights did not provide for an institutionalised role for the media. Subsequent drafting by AICHR of a proposed ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) has excluded mainstream news media and civil society organizations (CSOs) from the process. In the absence of reporting and substantive reporting by most mainstream media in the region civil society, most importantly the new ICT based media, has played a vital role in seeking to advance the protection of human rights. This includes scrutiny of the specific rights that will be included in the forthcoming AHRD to ensure that international human rights standards are upheld and that ASEAN states honour their existing commitments under international instruments. The new media-environment provides a platform for a multitude of actors to disseminate human rights related information, to document human rights abuses and thereby enhance the protection of human rights in the region.
Health Diplomacy and Regional Integration in West Africa: The West African Health Organization’s Experience
Authors: Anaemene Benjamin Uchenna
Published: August 2020

From the outset the founding fathers of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recognized the relevance of integration in the social sector based on the conviction that intense cooperation in the economic and political sectors alone will not bring about lasting regional integration. For instance, the ECOWAS treaty of 1975 and revised treaty of 1993 had the promotion of social progress and collaboration in the social field as one of the objectives of the community. Yet scholars have not given it the deserved attention. This paper therefore represents an attempt to assess the extent to which the West African Health Organization (WAHO), a specialized health agency of ECOWAS, has contributed to regional health integration in West Africa. It argues that regional integration and cooperation should not be geared solely towards economic and political purposes. It also examines the achievements as well as the major challenges confronting WAHO. It concludes that regional health integration is no longer an option but an imperative for West African countries to meet their common health challenges.
Simple Weighted Average as an Alternative Method in Aggregating Students’ Academic Achievements
Authors: Mat Kasim Maznah , Goh Abdullah Siti Rohana
Published: August 2020

Purpose – It is a normal practice that students’ overall scores are computed by simple average (SA) method which considers all academic subjects as having the same weights or same degree of importance. This paper highlights the application of simple weighted average (SWA) as an alternative method in aggregating students’ academic achievements. The weights of the academic subjects must be determined prior to the use of SWA.   Methodology – In a case study, a group of five teachers from one primary school was asked to rate five main subjects taught in primary schools according to their importance. These five teachers have taught the five subjects for more than six years. The obtained weights values were used to re-compute 2011 mid-semester final examination scores of 33 year-six pupils at the selected primary school.   Findings – The teachers decided to give different weight to three subjects, but same weights to two subjects. Furthermore, the SWA scores give different ranking to the pupils as compared to the SA scores. Another sentence or two needed here to explain the findings.   Significance – It is argued that the use of the SWA method is more suitable than the simple average method in finding the overall scores of students’ achievements. The SWA method considers the subjects to have different degrees of importance, as they do in the actual educational context.
Kesilapan Pengurangan dalam Pemerolehan Gender Gramatikal Bahasa Perancis
Authors: Abdul Halim Hazlina , Abdul Rahim Normaliza , Mamat Roslina
Published: August 2020

Tujuan – Kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis kesilapan pengurangan oleh pelajar yang mempelajari kemahiran bahasa Perancis sebagai bahasa asing.   Metodologi – Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah penganalisisan kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Seramai 60 responden terlibat dalam kajian ini, di mana mereka diminta membuat pembetulan yang perlu pada 20 ayat bahasa Perancis yang bergender gramatikal dan melakukan satu aktiviti penulisan dalam 10-15 ayat selepas 100 jam pembelajaran kemahiran bahasa Perancis . Dapatan – Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa pelajar melakukan kesilapan pengurangan terhadap kata sifat, artikel, kata sendi dan kata posesif dalam pembetulan ayat dan pembentukan ayat bahasa Perancis.   Kepentingan – Kajian ini memberikan implikasi pedagogi kepada pengajar bahasa Perancis tentang perspektif yang berbeza terhadap implementasi pengajaran gender kepada pelajar. Dapatan kajian diharapkan dapat memberikan gambaran bagaimana proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran dapat dipertingkatkan, dan pendedahan kepada kesilapan pengurangan membuka jalan untuk menilai semula metodologi pengajaran, penyediaan modul dan penyampaian untuk mempertingkatkan kemajuan pelajar dan prestasi pengajaran guru.
Pengaruh Faktor Keluarga Terhadap Pembelajaran Regulasi Kendiri Murid Sekolah Rendah
Authors: Manukaram Kanammah a/p , Yen Abdullah Melissa Ng Lee , Hasan Shahizan
Published: August 2020

Tujuan – Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk mengkaji pengaruh faktor keluarga dari segi gaya asuhan ibu bapa, suasana pembelajaran keluarga dan penglibatan keluarga dalam pembentukan kemahiran pembelajaran regulasi kendiri.   Metodologi – Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah tinjauan terhadap 639 orang murid Tahun 4 dan Tahun 5 dari 10 buah sekolah kebangsaan di Pulau Pinang. Teknik persampelan kelompok telah digunakan untuk memilih sampel tersebut. Kemahiran pembelajaran regulasi kendiri murid telah diukur dengan komponen kemahiran belajar dalam Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire(MSLQ) manakala faktor keluarga diukur dengan Parental AuthorityQuestionnaire, Family Environment Scale dan Perseption of ParentsScales (POPS).   Dapatan – Dapatan menunjukkan korelasi antara pembelajaran regulasi kendiri dengan dua faktor keluarga iaitu penyertaan ibu bapa dan orientasi pencapaian keluarga adalah positif dan berkekuatan sederhana. Pembelajaran regulasi kendiri murid sekolah rendah hanya mempunyai hubungan yang signifi kan dengan gaya asuhan autoritatif dan autoritarian. Namun, hubungan antara variabel-variabel ini adalah lemah. Analisis regresi berganda stepwise pula menunjukkan bahawa faktor keluarga adalah peramal pembelajaran regulasi kendiri yang signifi kan iaitu penyertaan ibu bapa, orientasi pencapaian keluarga, sokongan ibu bapa, gaya asuhan tidak responsif dan gaya asuhan autoritatif. Secara keseluruhannya, keputusan analisis regresi berganda menunjukkan bahawa faktor keluarga menyumbang sebanyak 30.6% (R2=.306) dalam pembelajaran regulasi kendiri murid sekolah rendah.   Kepentingan – Implikasi pendidikan dapatan kajian telah dibincangkan dalam kajian ini. Penglibatan keluarga, gaya asuhan ibu bapa dan suasana pembelajaran keluarga mempengaruhi pembelajaran regulasi kendiri. Faktor keluarga dapat membentuk murid yang mengawal atur strategi pembelajaran sejak kecil. Jadi, kajian ini menunjukkan bahawa ibu bapa mempunyai kesedaran tentang kepentingan pembelajaran regulasi kendiri sejak sekolah rendah.
Total Quality Management (TQM) Practices and School Climate amongst High, Average and Low Performance Secondary Schools
Authors: Ismail Siti Noor
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This study attempted to determine whether the dimensions of TQM practices are predictors of school climate. It aimed to identify the level of TQM practices and school climate in three different categories of schools, namely high, average and low performance schools. The study also sought to examine which dimensions of TQM practices contributed the most to school climate.   Methodology – A survey was administered to 691 teachers from 24 secondary schools to obtain information on TQM practices and school climate. Descriptive statistics was used to examine the level of TQM and school climate and inferential statistics (correlation coefficient and multiple regression) was used to examine relationships between the variables.   Findings – There were significant differences between the levels of TQM practices in the three different categories of schools. High performance schools showed a higher level of TQM practice and school climate, followed by average performance schools and low performance schools. There was a significant positive relationship between the variables on the level of TQM practices and school climate. TQM was a predictor of school climate contributing to 40 percent of the variance towards school climate. For the dimension of TQM practices, staff involvement, commitment of the top management and continuous improvement were the main predictors of school climate.   Significance – The findings contribute significantly to knowledge by proposing the Excellent School Model which can guide teachers and school administrators in implementing quality management in education.
Perceived Social Support as Predictor of University Adjustment and Academic Achievement Amongst First Year Undergraduates in a Malaysian Public University
Authors: Abdullah Maria Chong , Kong Luo Lan , Talib Abd Rahim
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This study was conducted to examine relationships between perceived social support, university adjustment and academic achievement of fi rst semester students enrolled in various undergraduate programs in a Malaysian public university.   Methodology – This study employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive correlation design to address the research objectives. The adapted version of the “Interpersonal Support Evaluation List” (1985) and the “Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire” (1999) were used to assess students’ perceived social support and university adjustment respectively. A total of 250 fi rst year undergraduates were selected as respondents using cluster random sampling technique.   Findings – Findings revealed a signifi cant and positive relationship between students’ perceived social support and their overall university adjustment as well as all the four adjustment dimensions namely academic adjustment, social adjustment, personal-emotional adjustment, attachment to university, and academic achievement. Results also indicated that students’ overall university adjustment and academic achievement were signifi cant and positively predicted by social support.   Significance – This study provides important evidence for undergraduates, lecturers, university administrators, and the community at large regarding the important role of social support in university adjustment and academic performance. It is suggested that a university should provide support services to assist new undergraduates to overcome their adjustment problems.
Teacher and Students’ Perceptions of Reading a Graphic Novel using the Multiliteracies Approach in an ESL Classroom
Authors: Pishol Shahida , Kaur Sarjit
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This article reports on the practical application of Learning Elements advocated by the multiliteracies approach to classroom practice. Its ideas are grounded in the multiliteracies pedagogical principles of teaching and learning that address issues on literacy and learning in today’s globalised world. The main objective of this study was to analyse the perceptions of one ESL teacher and 24 students in reading a graphic novel using the multiliteracies approach in an ESL classroom.   Methodology – The study involved the collection of qualitative data which was derived from focus group interviews and a journal writing activity. These instruments aimed to get feedback from the ESL teacher and students about their perceptions of reading a graphic novel using the multiliteracies approach in the reading classroom. The materials used for the focus group interviews and the journal writing activity. The data from the focus group interviews were analysed by using thematic analysis. Meanwhile, the data from the teacher journal entries were subjected to a micro analysis approach using the content analysis method.   Findings – The findings showed that the students perceived the use of the graphic novel and the multiliteracies approach in their reading class positively because they felt that the lessons were engaging, enjoyable and interesting. This supported the views of the ESL teacher who advocated the inclusion of multimodal pedagogical practices in the learning context to promote positive outcomes.   Significance – This study would benefit ESL students in terms of enjoyment in reading. Firstly, reading a graphic novel can tap into students’ interest and can motivate them to read and write. Additionally, it would also motivate students to learn collaboratively with their peers. The fi ndings of the study offer ESL teachers and researchers valuable insights of reading a graphic novel using the multiliteracies approach in reading classrooms, as well as planning effective lessons and integrating technology, in an effort to motivate students to read in English.