The primordial modernity of Malay nationality: contemporary identity in Malaysia and Singapore

Abstract

Refugee Camps’), Kirsten McConnachie presents an important reminder of the potential dangers of outside intervention in functional customary systems. She shows how in the case of Karen refugee camps, international actors have exerted influence over these systems, sometimes to the detriment of refugees. McConnachie argues that while, in the past, colonial powers envisaged transformation of these systems, this quest has been taken over by development organisations focused on ‘good governance’ and ‘rule of law’ (319). Her ethnographic work compellingly illustrates how a reform agenda, constructed without refugees as active participants, led to the marginalisation of existing ‘camp justice’ and foreign domination over ‘justice’. Not surprisingly, these reforms ‘had a number of negative consequences, leading to conflict and resentment between the refugee population and international agencies’ (316). McConnachie’s chapter presents important lessons for this particular moment, should local law and governance systems in Myanmar be offered increased foreign assistance. While outside financial support has been recognised as crucial for the survival of the democracy movement, such support (as well as other non-monetary kinds) needs to be based on a thorough understanding of local law and governance systems. This edited volume is one step towards such a better understanding and should be read by scholars, policy practitioners, and development experts alike, providing in-depth insights into the actors and systems that exert influence over local life and everyday access to justice. As Myanmar enters its second year of resistance, the democracy movement has recognised the resilience of local justice and governance systems in the quest for constitution building. Even when the military attacks these very structures, it is in those same systems that resistance is found and where international support, based on well-grounded understandings, can play a role. As part of the countrywide claim to democratic leadership, systems of local administration have entered another fierce era of enhanced state evasion.