Bryan Christy

Letter to the Editor appearing in today’s The Star, Malaysia.  Those of you who follow this blog, or the story of efforts to improve law enforcement in Malaysia, know that Azrina Abdullah, former director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, has been an outspoken champion.  Here’s my coverage of her work (Full disclosure:  She also gave The Lizard King a positive review).  Her courage to stand up and speak out on behalf of the country she is proud of and its wildlife has inspired positive change in her home, Malaysia, in the U.S., and no doubt in a few other places, too.

The question remains whether Minister Uggah will make this a meaningful reform or a paper one.  Is this the beginning of improvement or the end?  The forthcoming investigative audit will tell.

The Star
January 29, 2010
Check on wildlife permits hailed

I REFER to the article by Hilary Chiew “Minister to chair special wildlife permit panel” (The Star, Jan 24).

Well done to the minister for taking the initiative and positive step towards improving Peninsular Malaysia’s special permit system.

The proposed change is certainly welcome, especially in light of the numerous reports and letters from the public expressing dismay and concern over the mismanagement of wildlife trade over the past year. (more…)

Photo: Bryan Christy

From AP reporter Margie Mason via the Washington Post.  The bears were found on an illegal Taiwanese-owned operation in southern Vietnam.  Bear farming is illegal in Vietnam.  It is legal in China.

 From Malaysia:

The Star
January 26, 2010
Permits Process Lauded
NGOs welcome transparency to curb illegal wildlife trade

PETALING JAYA: Environmental groups welcome the Government’s intention to make wildlife special permits approval a more transparent process, to curb the illegal trade in wildlife contributing to species extinction.

World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia executive director Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma suggested that a formal committee be set up with relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) sitting in by invitation.

“This committee also needs a specific Terms of Reference (ToR) so its role and responsibilities

(more…)