Australia celebrated its national holiday on Tuesday, for most it was a day of relaxing with friends and family.
However the date of Australia Day, January 26th is marred by controversy as it marks the beginning of British colonial settlement in Australia.
Indigenous Australians refer to the date as ‘Invasion Day” and each year protests are held against the national celebrations. Asia Calling’s Jarni Blakkarly attended one in Sydney.
Listen here – https://soundcloud.com/audiokbr/national-day-no-cause-for-celebration-say-indigenous-australians
Malaysia’s dormant democracy movement is rising, fighting to unseat Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who is now tainited by a $700 million corruption scandal. Come onto the streets of Kuala Lumpur for one of the biggest protests the country has seen. Activists who are used to facing jail sentences for criticising the government talk about the need for democratic reform in this country that has been ruled by one party for 58 years.
The holiday season is observed in a variety of ways. For some, it’s a time of reflection. For others, it means being able to take time off from work or school and spend time with family. But one element has become a constant: a barrage of advertising. Many people engage in the rampant consumerism, and others tune out the ubiquitous marketing messages. But Jarni Blakkarly reports on one Melbourne man’s mission to beat back the onslaught of advertising in public spaces.
