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GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.

Thai senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law
From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022 to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives, saying "the referendum should be arranged on the same day as the next general election that has tentatively been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying "It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed with organising the referendum on the same day as the general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

China calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected 73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member states.
The meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended to share information and to improve coordination between China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and Asean countries have been in close communication since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting, said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam opens consulate in Macau
From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at the launching ceremony that the office aims to better ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to recieve support from local organisations including the Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers, in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
The Southeast Asian Times

US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to the White House
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation of the United States State Department in a "landmark" visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a senior state department official saying that the meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the President of the United States "would skirt protocol" because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official saying that "there was a broad agreement that it made sense to treat General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the state department official as saying.
The Southeast Asian Times

France agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia during the first official visit by a French head of state to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister said that a joint expert committee is to be established to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement that the identification process would respect the sensitivities and values of the two countries and consider the requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan, to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan river.
The Southeast Asian Times

"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian national identity card
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the country’s founding philosophy of Pancasila
“If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed of including our religion on our national identity card," he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The Souheast Asian Times

The Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge" performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013, reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script, a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August, have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court to enter pleas on December 29.
The Southeast Asian Times

World including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents and State representatives including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will attend the inauguaration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member nations have also been invited to attend the swearing in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
“All chairpersons of political parties have also be invited,” said the speaker.
The Southeast Asian Times

Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The Southeast Asian Times

Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act
From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources in accordance with their policies they also have a responsibility to ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government a mandate to establish a task force including police to monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times

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Additional gas cylinders illegally installed in school bus engulfed in flames on Tuesday

Department of Land Transport (Thailand) officials inspect gas cylinders installed by Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. at the Department of Land Transport after seizing five buses from a garage in Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Thursday October 3, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 6: Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. that installed the gas cylinders in the school bus that was engulfed in flames on Tuesday in Pathum Thani Province leaving 20 students and three teachers dead attempted to conceal the illegal installation of additional gas cylinder in a fleet of 6 buses, reports the Bangkok Post.
Department of Land Transport director-general Jirut Wisanjit said that Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. failed to produce the remaining five buses of the fleet of six for inspection as ordered by the Department of Land Transport (Thailand).
He said that officials of the Department of Land Transport found the buses via GPS at a garage in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima, saying ''Department of Land Transport inspectors seized the buses while Chinnaboot Engineering (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. workers attempted to remove gas cylinders from the buses.''
He said the additional gas cylinders that had been illegally installed on the buses were being removed at the garage, saying ''the removal of the gas cylinders indicates an intention to conceal the wrongdoing of the illegal modification of the vehicles.''
Royal Thai Police (RTP) Forensic Commissioner Lt Gen, Trairong Phewphan, said ''the five buses found at a garage in tambon Khok Kruad of Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima and the bus that was engulfed in flames had more cylinders than permitted and there was clear evidence of wrongdoing.''
''Investigators found 11 gas cylinders in each bus but only six had been legally installed and certified by the Department of Land and Transport,'' he said.
He said that forensic police have determined that gas had leaked from the gas cylinders before the fire, saying ''forensic police have yet to determine conclusively how the fire was started.''
The school bus that was engulfed in flames in Pathum Thani Province on Tuesday was carrying 38 students from Kindergarten 2 to Mathayom 3 and 6 teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani province on a field trip when the bus was engulfed in flames killing 20 students and three teachers.
The surviving 15 students and teachers were rushed to hospitals with three students in critical condition, two students aged 7 and nine were transferred to Thammasat University Hospital, and a student aged 14 is being treated at Rangsit Hospital for serious burns.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Singapore transport minister sentenced to prison for accepting gifts from Singapore Grand Prix chairman

Singapore Supreme Court sends former Singapore Transport Minister, S. Iswaran, 62, to prison for corruption on Thursday October 3, 2024

From News Reports:
Singapore, October 5: The Singapore Supreme Court handed down a 12 month prison sentenced to former Singapore Transport Minister S. Iswaran, 62, for corruption for accepting gifts including from the Singapore Grand Prix chairman, with Justice Vincent Hoong saying ''trust and confidence in public institutions are the bedrock of effective governance,'' reports the Straits Times.
''Public trust can all too easily be undermined by a public servant who falls below standards of integrity and accountability,'' he said.
Justice Vincent Hoong said it was significant that former Transport Minister S. Iswaran had made public statements rejecting the charges as false, saying ''the defendant sent a letter to the Prime Minister saying that he rejected the charges and was innocent and believed he would be acquitted.''
''I have difficulty believing that Transport Minister S. Iswaran was remorseful,'' he said.
Former Transport Minister S. Iswaran pleaded guilty to 35 charges for receiving valuable items including from David Lum Kok Seng, managing director of Lum Chang Building Contractors Pte Ltd and for a business-class flight from Singapore to Doha from Singapore Grand Prix chairman Ong Beng Seng.
Justice Vincent Hoong said that former Transport Minister S. Iswaran had abused his position by receiving gifts from Singapore Grand Prix chairman Ong Beng Seng knowing that Grand Prix chairman Ong Beng Seng had close connections to the Singapore Ministry of Transport.
Justice Vincent Hoong said he was not persuaded by the argument that Singapore Grand Prix chairman Ong Beng Seng would have incurred the cost of the private jet flight regardless of whether S. Iswaran had accompanied him, saying ''S. Iswaran acted with deliberation in taking urgent personal leave for the trip to Doha, allowing himself to enjoy the all-expenses-paid trip with only four days’ prior notice.''
'It does not reduce the offender’s culpability or the resultant damage to public confidence in public institutions,'' said Justice Vincent Hoong.
Senior Counsel, Davinder Singh, for former Transport Minister, S. Iswaran, who requested that his client's sentence commence on
Monday October 7, said that his client, S. Iswaran, had no ill intent or motive in obtaining the items.''
''S. Iswaran's culpability was low, as he received the items as gifts in the context of his friendships with Grand Prix chairman Ong Beng Seng and David Lum Kok Seng, managing director of mainboard-listed construction company Lum Chang Holdings .'' he said.
Senior Counsel, Davinder Singh, said there was nothing to suggest that his clients loyalty and duties to the Government were compromised.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bus driver charged with causing death of students and teachers in school bus inferno

Offerings of flowers, bottled water, milk and snacks placed on the footpath near the school bus the day after the bus was engulfed in flames killing 23 of the 44 students and teachers on Wednesday October 2, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 4: The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have charged the driver of the bus that was engulfed in flames killing 23 of the 44 students and teachers who were on a school field trip in Pathum Thani Province on Tuesday, saying bus driver Samarn Chankut, 48, was charged on four counts, reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) deputy chief of Provincial Police Region 1, Maj Gen Chayanont Meesati, said that the bus driver was charged on four counts, saying ''bus driver Samarn Chankut, 48, was charged with reckless driving causing danger to people or property, reckless driving causing death, careless driving causing physical or mental harm to others and failing to provide assistance after an accident.''
Bus driver Samarn Chankut, 48, said the bus crashed and burst into flames on Vibhavadi Rangsit road, Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province, at about midday on Tuesday.
He told the Royal Thai Police (RTP) that the bus was travelling at 70-80 kilometres per hour when he felt the bus suddenly lose control.
He told the Royal Thai Police (RTP) that he lost control of the bus that had crashed into a Mercedes Benz before hitting the median barrier before flames spread through the bus.
Pol Maj Gen Chayanont Meesati, said that bus driver Samarn Chankut, 48, told police that he was in deep shock when he fled the burning bus, saying the bus driver fled to a relatives's house in Ang Thong.
Pol Maj Gen Chayanont Meesati, said investigaors were awaiting forensic results and a report on the condition of the bus that was engulfed in flames including the gas tanks before deciding what charges to bring against the operator of the bus.
Transport Minister, Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit, said the bus that belonged to bus-for-hire company, Chinbut Tour, was powered by extremely risky compressed natural gas, saying "this is a very tragic incident."
'The Ministry of Transport must ban passenger vehicles like buses from using this type of fuel because it's extremely risky,'' he said.
The bus was carrying 38 students from Kindergarten 2 to Mathayom 3 and 6 teachers from Wat Khao Praya Sangkharam school in Lan Sak district of Uthai Thani province on a field trip when the bus was engulfed in flames killing 20 students and three teachers.
The surviving 15 students and teachers were rushed to hospitals with three students in critical condition, two students aged 7 and nine were transferred to Thammasat University Hospital, and a student aged 14 is being treated at Rangsit Hospital for serious burns.
Pol Maj Gen Chayanont Meesati said that relatives of 15 dead victims have provided DNA samples to assist in identifying the dead children, saying ''relatives of eight other victims were on their way from Uthai Thani province.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Police to investigate bus company for negligence after three teachers and 20 students killed in bus explosion

Flames engulf school bus carrying 6 teachers and 38 school students on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in Khu Khot, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province on Tuesday October 1, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 3: A bus carrying 6 teachers and 38 students was engulfed in flames after a tyre exploded causing the vehicle to crash into a roadside barrier in Pathum Thani Province, leaving three teachers and 20 students dead, with the Royal Thai Police (RTP), saying ''We are investigating all individuals including the bus company to see if this was a case of negligence.''
Royal Thai Police (RTP) acting commissioner-general, Kittirat Phanphet said '' Teachers told us that the fire ignited very quickly.”
''From speaking to witnesses, we believe the explosion was caused by a spark from the tyre that lit the gas cylinder that was powering the vehicle,'' he said.
Royal Thai Police (RTP) acting commissioner-general, Kittirat Phanphet said the bus driver fled the scene, saying ''he turned himself in at a police station in Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province later on Tuesday.''
CCTV footage shows that the bus driver opened the door on the driver's side of the bus and ran to open doors in the centre of the bus and then to the rear of the bus to attempt to open the doors to the bus.
The bus driver attempted to put out the flames at the back of the bus with a fire extinguisher that was handed to him by a bystander.
Ruam Katanyu Foundation rescue worker, Piyalak Thinkaew, said that most of the bodies were found in the middle and in the back seats of the bus, saying ''the fire started at the front of the bus.''
He said it was hard to identify the bodies because they were so badly burnt, saying "some of the bodies we found were very, very small."
Transport Minister, Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit, said the bus that belonged to bus-for-hire company, Chinbut Tour, was powered by extremely risky compressed natural gas, saying "this is a very tragic incident."
'The Ministry of Transport must ban passenger vehicles like buses from using this type of fuel because it's extremely risky,'' he said.
Thailand Transportation Operators Association president, Wasuchet Sophonsathien, said that Thai bus operators face intense competition from Chinese bus operators using nominees and offering lower prices, saying ''illegal Chinese operators continue to compete with licensed bus companies.''
''Some long-stay Chinese apply for a personal drivers's licence or use an international driver's permit to work as drivers serving groups of tourists,'' he said.
He said that Thai operators typically offer a bus service from Suvarnabhumi airport to Pattaya priced at 7,000 baht, including fuel cost, saying ''Chinese nominees serve the same route by slashing the price in half.''
''Driving is a restricted occupation for Thai nationals,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian child care homes investigated under Child Care Act, Sexual Offences Against Children Act, Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Smuggling Act

Malaysia's Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, says ''authorities have launched 80 investigations into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB)''

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, October 2: Almost 600 children have been rescued from child care homes funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) since the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) raided child care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan last month with Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail saying authorities have launched 80 investigations into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB, reports the Star.
''The investigations into GISB are based on several legal frameworks, including the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Penal Code,'' he said.
He said that investigations into the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) will take time, saying ''the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) will submit their finding to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) when the investigations are complete.''
''The decision on whether prosecutions will follow will ultimately rest with the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC)'', he said.
Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Inspector-General of Police, Razarudin Husain, said that the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have launched 10 investigations into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) after reports of forced labour were lodged by workers at GISB.
'The investigations into forced labour allegations were launched under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act,'' he said.
Inspector-General of Police, Razarudin Husain said that Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) were also investigating information on Pukas Malaysia Facebook, claiming that Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) were operating quarantine centres in Malaysia and overseas.
''These centres are believed to be places for indoctrination purposes and to hold problematic members,'' he said.
He said that Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) are tracing assets linked to GISB, saying ''investigations into tax payments made by
Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) are focused on GISB businesses that had failed to pay taxes during the current assessment year.''
''GISB businesses are also being probed by the Inland Revenue Board,'' he said.
Inspector-General of Police, Razarudin Husain had said that 138 bank accounts containing RM882,795 belonging to GISB had been frozen, saying ''the Anti-Money Laundering (Amla) division has frozen the accounts under Section 44(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian delegates walk out of UN in protest of Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu speech

Empty seats of the Indonesian delegates in protest against Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu, who was delivering his remarks during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Friday September 27, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 1: Indonesian delegates walked out of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
in New York on Friday in protest of Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, with Indonesian Foreign Ministery calling for recognition of Palestinial sovereignty the day before at a ministerial meeting.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said at the ministerial meeting on the situation in Gaza ''that recognising Palestinian
sovereignty is essential for providing hope to the Palestinian people.''
She said that recognising sovereignty is an important step towards achieving a two-state solution, saying ''it is the only way to put political pressure on Israel to end its atrocities.''
She criticised countries that are delaying the recognition of Palestine, waiting for the ''right time,'' saying "when will be the right time?
''For me, the right time is now,'' she said.
We don't want to wait until all Palestinians are displaced until one hundred thousand people are killed, to say that this is the right time,'' she said.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi called for the urgent implementation of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-10/24 that calls for an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and for the continued support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees.
The 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President, Philemon Yang, appealed for order as delegates from several countries including Kuwait, Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Cuba joined Indonesia in the protest.
Countries that walked out of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) chamber are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and support the Palestinian cause.
In January 2024 Indonesia Deputy Foreign Minister, Pahala Nugraha Mansury, called on the 121 Non-aligned Movement (NAM) member states of more than half of the world's population " to support full membership of Palestine in the United Nations Security Council, " saying "currently five NAM members are serving as Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, and it is anticipated that they can articulate a joint NAM position on Palestine."
The Southeast Asian Times

Jakarta supreme Court rejects appeal against acquittal of Kontras coordinator and HRWG lawyer for defamation

Lokataru Foundation executive director Haris Azhar, left, and Kontras coordinator Fatia Maulidiyanti, right, at Jakarta District Court Monday January 8, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 30: The Supreme Court of Indonesia has upheld the acquittal of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG), lawyer, Haris Azhar charged with defaming Indonesia's coordinating minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, reports Antara.
The Supreme Court rejected the Attorney General Office (AGO) appeal against the East Jakarta District Court panel of judges
acquittal of Kontras), coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and lawyer, Haris Azhar, on January 8, with lawyer Andi Muhammad Rezaldy saying ''the Supreme Court upheld the not guilty verdict.''
Lawyer, Andi Muhammad Rezaldy, member of the Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) said the Supreme Court's ruling on September 11 has maintained civil freedoms and guarantees the right of citizens to criticise the government.
''The ruling is also considered to be a sign of the importance of legal protection for environmental fighters and provides hope for people who are fighting for humanitarian issues especially in Papua,'' he said.
Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL), Lasma Natalia, commended the Supreme Court for "upholding the freedom of thought, speech and expression in the Indonesia through the ruling.''
''It's important that all courts across the archipelago follow the Supreme Court’s lead in handling similar cases,'' he said.
Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) executive director Wahyudi Djafar said the Supreme Court had successfully carried out its duty as the last guardian of human rights amid shrinking civic space in the country.
''The court is the public's only hope to defend their rights of expression, particularly amid regression in the country’s democracy and civil liberties in recent years,'' he said.
The Supreme Court of Indonesia upheld the acquittal of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG), lawyer, Haris Azhar charged with defaming Indonesia's coordinating minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan on YouTube channel on August 20, 2021.
Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, alleged in a statement of complaint at the South Jakarta police station that Kontras coordinator Fatia Maulidayanta and HRWG lawyer, Haris Azhar, had accused coordinating minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan of alleged conflict of interest in his involvement in extractive mining in resource-rich Papua.
The public prosecutor demanded a maximum sentence of three years and six months in prison for Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and four years in prison for HRWG lawyer, Haris Azhar.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand's opposition People's Party calls on new PM Shinawatra to bring Tak Bai massacre defendants to trial

Opposition People’s Party Member of Parliament, Romadon Panjor, called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could do more about bringing the defendants in the Tak Bai massacre to trial

From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 29: Thailand's opposition People’s Party called on new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday to ensure that the Royal Thai Police (RTP) bring the defendants who failed to appear in court on September 12 for the Tak Bai massacre hearing to trial before the expiration of the statute of limitations on October 15, 2024, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Narathiwat Provincial Court in southern Thailand has issued arrest warrants for six defendants and a summons for Pheu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament former fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Pisan Wattanawongkiri, who is protected under immunity, after the defendants failed to appear in court for the Tak Bai massacre hearing involving the deaths of 85 Malay-Muslims in Narathiwat Province on October 25, 2004,
Opposition People’s Party Member of Parliament, Romadon Panjor, also called on the public to join the party in closely monitoring the cases progress, saying ''only a month is left before the 20-year statute of limitations expires on October 25.''
''I believe Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra could do more about bringing the defendants to trial in her capacity as leader of the Pheu Thai Party,'' he said.
He called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to instruct the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to ensure that security authorities and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) act promptly, saying ''to ensure the seven Tak Bai defendants go to court before it is too late.''
''There has not been any further action taken by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) police to bring Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri, a Pheu Thai Member of Parliament to stand trial,'' he said.
He said the House Speaker has called for Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri prosecution despite his claim of parliamentary immunity, saying ''Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri is to stand trial on October 15, on a day when there will be no parliamentary sitting.''
Arrest warrants were issued for six defendants, Maj Gen Chaloemchai Wirunpetch, a former 5th Infantry Division commander; Pol Gen Wongkot Maneejan, a former director of the operations centre of the Royal Thai Police front office; Pol Lt Gen Manoj Kraiwong, a former chief of Provincial Police Region 9; Pol Maj Gen Saksommai Phutthakul, a former superintendent of the Tak Bai police station; Siwa Saengmanee, a former deputy director of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Centre; and Wichom Thongsong, a former Narathiwat governor after they failed to appear in court on September 12.
On October 25, 2004 more than 1,500 Malay-Muslims protested outside the Tak Bai Police Station in Narathiwat Province in southern Thailand demanding the release of six village defence volunteers that police had accused of providing insurgents government-issued shotguns.
About 1,000 members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police surrounded the Tak Bai police station responding to the protesters with water canon, tear gas, batons and with live ammunition that killed seven.
At least 78 of the 85 protesters who died on October 25, 2004 died from suffocation after they were stacked one atop the other in military trucks for about six hours for transportation to the Ingkhayutthaborihan army camp in the Nong Chik district of Pattani province, 140 kilometres away.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand Parliament wants more time to deliberate Amnesty Bill for amnesty for Lese Majeste law offenders

Special sub-committee on the passing Amnesty Bill secretary-general, Nikorn Chamnong, centre, deliberating Amnesty Bill to include amnesty for offenders of the Lese Majeste Law in the Thailand House of Representatives on Thursday May 16, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 28: House of Representatives special sub-committee said on Thursday after deliberating the passing of the Amnesty Bill to determine whether the Bill should include amnesty for offenders of the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution that makes it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the monarch of Thailand ''it's a delicate issue that requires more discussion,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
The House of Representatives special sub-committee secretary, Nikorn Chamnong, said that the Amnesty Bill has been finalised for a month, saying ''the special sub-committee's report on the Lese Majeste Law is to be determined by parliament.''
''The special sub-committee was inconclusive about whether the Amnesty Bill should include amnesty for offenders of Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code ,'' he said.
He said that there are three opinions on the passing of the Amnesty Bill including the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution, saying ''those who want Lese Majeste Law offences excluded from the Amnesty Bill, those who favour the inclusion of the Lese Majeste Law offences and those who want Majeste Law offences to be included under special conditions.''
''The Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution is a delicate issue that requires more discussion,'' he said.
In March 2024 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) then under Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, was accused of stalling the passing of the Amnesty Bill that would give amnesty to political protesters, saying that he would not seek to abolish or amend the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution.
"But if we want to see Thailand move forward and a new government successfully set up, Section 112 that makes it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the monarch of Thailand must be set aside,'' he said.
Jatuporn Promphan, a former supporter of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) under the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatrath administeration and who is now co-leader of the Kana Lomruam Prachachon (Melting Pot Group), accused the ruling Pheu Thai Party then under Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin of stalling the passing of the Amnesty Bill for political protesters.
He said that the Phue Thai Party was pretending to take action to mitigate the political pressure from growing calls for the passing of the Amnesty Bill for political protesters, saying ''the House of Representative special committee that is tasked with the study of proposals for the implementation of the Amnesty Bill has invited more parties to this weeks' House of Representative special committee to provide more views on the proposed Amnesty Bill.
In October 2023 opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) then led by Pita Limjaroenrat submitted a draft Amnesty Law to the parliament of Thailand that would give amnesty to all political protesters since February 11, 2006 , saying "2006 was the year the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) started its protests against the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) that was then administeredd by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra."
"The proposed Amnesty Bill would cover thousands of political demonstrators who have faced punishment for violating various laws including the Lese Majeste Law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code in the Constitution that makes it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the monarch of Thailand," he said.
He said that the Move Forward Party (MFP) also proposed then that the President of the National Assembly of Thailand, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, form a committee to identify the offences that would qualify for amnesty.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Parliamentarians condemn executions of Myanmar pro-democracy activists at Insein Prison in Yangon

Kaung Htet, left, and Chan Myae Thu, right, were executed at the Insein Prison in Yangon at 4.00am on Monday September 23, 2024

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, September 27: The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) condemned the executions of two Myanmar pro-democracy activists by the State Administration Council (SAC) administered by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on Monday September 23, 2024 with the APHR Chairperson saying ''ASEAN foreign ministers must speak up against the SAC execution policy,'' reports the
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) Chairperson and member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mercy Chriesty Barends, said ''break the silence now.''
Kaung Htet and Chan Myae Thu, who were sentenced to death at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court at the Insein Prison in Yangon, were executed on Monday for their alleged involvement in a bombing at the Insein Prison in Yangon that killed visitors and prison officers on October 19, 2022.
Five visitors delivering parcels to prisoners and three prison officers were killed when two bombs exploded at the gates of the main entrance to the Insein Prison in Yangon.
Chan Myae Thu is the first woman to be executed since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021.
The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) Board Member and Philippines Member of Parliament, Arlene D. Brosas, said ''we are gravely concerned that the death penalty is being used to silence persons with dissenting views in Myanmar.''
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) Co-Chairperson and former Malaysian Member of Parliament Charles Santiago, said that ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has received a report saying ''the State Administration Council (SAC) would execute five other pro-democracy activists on Tuesday September 24, 2024.
The five pro-democracy activists, Zaryaw Phyo, 32, San Min Aung, 24, Kyaw Win Soe, 33, Kaung Pyae Sone Oo, 27, and Myat Phyo Pwint were sentenced to death on May 18, 2023 in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court at the Insein Prison in Yangon for their alleged involvement in a shooting on a train in 2021.
APHR Co-Chairperson and former Malaysian Member of Parliament Charles Santiago, said the report said ''the five pro-democracy acitivists were brutally tortured and experienced sexual violence without any access to reliable legal support.''
''This must stop,'' he said.
He said that ASEAN foreign ministers must denounce such an unjust act, saying '' ASEAN foreign ministers must be united to push the State Administration Council (SAC) administered by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to terminate their execution and release them from prison.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Pope Francis offers imprisoned Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi political asylum in the Vatican

Pope Francis and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at the Vatican after Myanmar and the Vatican agreed to establishing diplomatic relations on Thursday May 4, 2017 ahead of the takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar

From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 26: Pope Francis called for the liberation of Myanmar's former State Counciller, Aung San Suu Kyi, 78, who was arrested on the takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on February 1, 2021, offering the imprisoned State Counciller the Vatican as a safe haven, reports Reuters.
Pope Francis offered former State Counciller of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, 78, political asylum at the Vatican during his 12 day Apostolic visit to Southeast Asia earlier this month that included East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Singapore excluding Myanmar.
Pope Francis called for the release of Myanmar's former State Counciller Aung San Suu Kyi from prison, offering to host her at the Vatican, during talks with Jesuits in Indonesia on his Apostolic four day visit to Indonesia from 3-6 September.
''I called for the release of Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi and received her son in Rome. I offered the Vatican as a place of refuge for her," he said.
''The future of Myanmar must be peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of all, on respect for a democratic order that allows everyone to contribute to the common good," he said.
"Right now Aung San Suu Kyi is a political symbol and political symbols are to be defended,'' he said.
Former State Counciller, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was tried for incitement and corruption by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court at the Naypyidaw prison, is serving a combined prison term of 33 years for charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that include a sentence of seven years for corruption relating to the rental of a helicopter to a government minister during her term as State Councillor of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
In September 2022 former National League for Democracy (NLD), state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, was sentenced to three years imprisonment for alleged election fraud in the Myanmar November 8, 2020 elections that had resulted in the National League for Democracy (NLD) party winning the popular vote with 97 percent of Yangon regional seats.
In December 2021 State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and Naypyitaw Mayor, U Myo Aung, who were arrested on February 1, 2021 after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government, were sentenced to two years in prison for incitement under Section 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC) to incite public unrest.
The trial of former State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi for incitement under Section 505(b) began at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar courtroom in Naypyidaw and was continued at a purpose built military court at the Naypyitaw prison from June, 2022.
On February 1, 2021 the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared a state of emergency cancelling the League for Democracy (NLD) dominated session of the parliament, in an address broadcast on the Myanmar military-owned television network based in Yangon and Naypyiday, saying that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
The Southeast Asian Times

Free Papua Organisation bribed to release NZ Susi Air pilot held hostage since February 2023

Susi Air pilot New Zealander, Mark Mehrtens, left, acting chief of Nduga regency, Edison Gwijangge, after payment to West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) for release of Mark Mehrtens on Saturday September 21, 2024

From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 25: West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) who have held Susi Air pilot, New Zealander, Mark Mehrtens, hostage in Nduga regency, Pegunungan Provincein West Papua since February 7, 2023 released him on Saturday, with West Papua National Liberation Army spokesman, Sebby Sambom saying ''money from the Indonesian government was given to the acting chief of Nduga regency to pay the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) to release the New Zeland pilot,'' reports Kompas.
Free Papua Organisation (OPM) Commander, Egianus Kogoya, who took the New Zealand pilot hostage and had his aircraft torched at the Paro airport in Nduga regency, Pegunungan Province in West Papua was bribed with money paid by the acting chief of Nduga regency, Edison Gwijangge.
West Papua National Liberation Army spokesman, Sebby Sambom said the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) handed Mark Mehrtens over to the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri) after they received the money, saying the Indonesian government gave the money to acting chief of Nduga regency, Edison Gwijangge, to pay the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) to release the New Zealand pilot.
New Zealand Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, said ''the suggestion that a bribe was paid by a local politician in Nduga regency to the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) for the release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens is a ''disgrace'', saying ''New Zealand does not involve itself in bribes and ransoms.''
He said the release of the Phillip Mehrtens was the result of a huge diplomatic effort, saying ''now the release is tainted with an argument that somehow there was a bribe involved.''
The Indonesian government claimed credit for the release of Phillip Mehrtens from the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) with President Joko Widodo, saying ''we achieved his release through rigorous negotiations and our reluctance to resort to repressive strategies."
West Papua National Liberation Army spokesman, Sebby Sambom, said that West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) did not regret taking New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens hostage, saying ''hostage taking is reasonable because we are fighting for an independent Papua.''
'He said that Phillip Mehrtens was treated well by the Free Papua Organisation (OPM), saying ''the West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Organisation (TPNPB-OPM) know the international humanitarian law on war.''
''We ordered the pilot to be guarded under the international humanitarian law on war,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sulatan of Selangor issues decree for closure of unregistered Islamic GISBH children's homes and schools

Malaysia Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah issued a decree for the immediate closure of all unregistered charity care homes and Islamic schools operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) on Saturday September 21, 2024

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 23: The Sultan of the Malaysian state of Selangor has issued a decree for the immediate closure of all unregistered Islamic charity care homes and Islamic schools operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), after the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) raided hundreds of children's care homes in the state of Selangor and Negri Sembilan for alleged exploitation and abuse of children, reports the Star.
The Sultan of the Malaysian state of Selangor, Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said the decree was issued ''as a preventative measure to protect children from further abuse.''
''I have ordered that all unregistered children's charity homes and Islamic schools operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) and its network, suspected of being involved in any criminal activities including offences against Syariah Law, must be immediately closed and prohibited from operating in Selangor," he said.
He said he has summoned the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department director, the Selangor Police chief, and other members to a meeting to obtain complete information on the allegations of child exploitation and abuse.
''I urge the Selangor Fatwa Committee to review and examine the practices of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) to determine whether they deviated from or contradict the true teachings of Islam,'' he said.
He said that practices contrary to Islamic faith have been detected and are suspected of taking place at Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) premises, saying ''all these criminal acts tarnish the reputation and sanctity of Islam."
Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) Inspector-general Razarudin Husain said raids on 82 premises, including charity care homes, clinics, businesses, Islamic schools and private residences under the cooperation of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) have been conducted.
''Police have arrested 355 suspects including Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) CEO, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and 30 senior managers over allegations of sexual abuse at charity care homes.
He said that the more than 400 children rescued from the charily care homes were children of members of the
Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's PM says ''A stronger Quad means a stronger Australia'' at 2024 Quad Leaders Summit in US

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrive at Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Leaders’ Summit in Claymont, Delaware, US Saturday September 20, 2024

From News Reports:
Washington, September 23: The 2024 Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Leaders’ Summit attended by Quad Leaders, President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr., Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Washington, Delaware, United States on Saturday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying ''A stronger Quad means a stronger Australia,'' reports Reuters.
''We held important discussions on the key issues for our region and further strengthened our cooperation in this time of global economic and security challenges,'' said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Quad Leaders announced a range of new practical outcomes of the 2024 Quad Leaders Summit in a statement including
the US Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force, and Indian Coast Guard plan to launch a first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission in 2025, saying ''to improve interoperability and advance maritime safety and continue with further missions in future years across the Indo-Pacific.''
The Quad Leaders announced a Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network pilot project, saying ''to pursue shared airlift capacity among the four nations and leverage the collective logistics strengths to support civilian response to natural disasters rapidly and efficiently across the Indo-Pacific region.''
The Quad leaders also announced a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), saying ''to enable their partners in the region to maximise tools provided through Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and other Quad partner initiatives to monitor and secure their waters, enforce their laws, and deter unlawful behaviour.''
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ''Australia will soon see the first cohort of public health practitioners from Southeast Asian nations commence outbreak response training at the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory.''
''The Quad Health Security Partnership is focused on improving the region’s ability to deploy public health resources to respond to disease outbreaks and other emergencies,'' said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
On March 15, 2021 Australia, India, Japan and the US committed to cooperation in a free and open Indo-Pacific at the first Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), "The Spirit of the Quad" summit at the White House in the US, with then Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrision, saying that the meeting of Quad leaders marked a new dawn in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrision said then that "the gathering of four leaders of great democracies in the Indo-Pacific marked a new dawn in the region."
Australia, India, Japan and the US Quad leaders pledged cooperation in a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific
in the implementation of ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) that includes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 10 member countries, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN meets in Laos for ASEAN-Mekong River water security dialogue

Representatives from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including high-ranking officials and international development partners in Vientiane, Laos for 2nd ASEAN-Mekong River Commission Water Security Dialogue on Wednesday, September 18, 2024

From News Reports:
Vientiane, September 22: Representatives from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including 250 high-ranking officials and international development partners convened in Laos for the 2nd ASEAN-Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water Security Dialogue on Wednesday, reports the Vientiane Times.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith, said ''the ASEAN-MRC Water Security Dialogue has the potential to become a cornerstone of our regional efforts, fostering collaboration not just among the Mekong countries, but across all ASEAN member states.''
The 2nd ASEAN-Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water Security Dialogue meeting held in Laos, the ASEAN chair for 2024, focused on challenges facing the ASEAN and Mekong regions including the impact of climate change, disaster-related events including flodds, droughts and landslides, human induced changes, water scarcity and food security.
Representatives from the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) including high-ranking officials and international development partners called for increase in investments in water infrastructure, climate adaptation, and sustainable management and conservation of natural resources.
Representatives also underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation among ASEAN member countries and their institutions to effectively address inter-connected issues.
Representatives further acknowledge that only concerted and unified regional, multilateral and trans-boundary efforts can ensure resilience and water security for the people and ecosystems of Southeast Asia.
The Lao Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and chair of the 2nd ASEAN-Mekong River Commission (MRC) Water Security Dialogue, Dr Bounkham Vorachit, said, ''this dialogue provides a platform for policymakers and stakeholders to exchange innovative ideas, identify possible areas for enhancing cooperation toward sustainability, and reaffirm our dedication to tackling water security challenges in the Mekong and ASEAN.''
The Southeast Asian Times

UN calls on Cambodia's Ministry of Information to suspend new Charter for Professional Journalism

Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, In Dara, claims that the United Nations call for the suspension of the Charter for Professional Journalism was made with insufficient evidence

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 21: United Nations Special Rapporteurs called for the suspension of Cambodia's newly issued Charter for Professional Journalism urging a thorough review of the Charter, with Cambodia critical of the United Nations request to suspend the Cambodia Press Charter, reports the Khmer Times.
The Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, Dara In, claims that the United Nations call for the suspension of the Charter for Professional Journalism was made with insufficient evidence.''
''Cambodia is perplexed by a misleading and prejudiced statement made by the United Nations Special Rapporteurs that concerns issuance of the Charter for Professional Journalism by the Cambodia Ministry of Information,' he said.
United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, and Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Gina Romero, said that ''No comprehensive consultations were held as part of the process of developing the Cambodia Press Charter.''
''Any process involving professional media code should be inclusive, participatory, and developed in a transparent manner with enough time for review and feedback,'' said the Special Rapporteurs.
''Any professional media code should be drafted by and for the media, rather than through a Ministry of Information-led process and any proposed oversight or monitoring mechanism should be independent from the authorities,'' said the Special Rapporteurs.
''No such guarantee is provided under the Cambodia Press Charter,'' said the Special Rapporteurs.
The Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in Geneva, Dara In, said ''the United Nations call for suspension of the Charter for Professional Journalism shows contempt for the government’s effort to promote journalistic ethics and standards across all forms of media.''
Cambodia's Ministry of Information officially implemented the Charter for Professional Journalism on August 6, with
Information Ministry spokesman, Tep Asnarith, saying ''the request by the United Nations to suspend the Charter for Professional Journalism disregarded the will and consensus among stakeholders who participated actively in the process.''
'The United Nations Special Rapporteurs perspective marks a serious failure that disregards the Ministry of Information efforts as a government agency to carry out its duty to facilitate discussions and collect options from participants and stakeholders,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian Bar challenges King's decision to reduce prison sentence and fine for former PM Najib Razak

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak in a wheelchair at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Wednesday, September 18, 2024

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 20: The High Court of Malaysia has set November 11 to deliver a decision on the Malaysian Bar application for leave to commence a judicial review challenging the Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by the King of Malaysia decision to reduce the prison sentence and fine for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, reports the Star.
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who began serving a 12-year prison sentence in 2022 for the misappropriation of RM42 million from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state subsidiary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds, had his sentence halved on February 2, 2024 by the Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, with the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Platform for Reform saying, "the Federal Territories Pardons Board should reveal the justification for commuting former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s sentence and reducing his fine.''
The High Court of Malaysia, Judge Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid, said ''the decision to review the Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by the King of Malaysia decision to reduce the prison sentence and fine for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, will be delivered on November 11.''
Lawyer, Muhammad Shafee, for former Prime Minister Najib Razak, argues that the Malaysian Bar has no locus standi or no right to initiate legal action against the Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by the King of Malaysia, saying ''Najib Razak's pardon was a private affair with no legal repercussions for members of the Malaysian Bar or the public at large.''
''A pardon is typically an act of clemency granted by the King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, absolving an individual from legal consequences,'' he said.
Lawyer, Muhammad Shafee said that the pardon does not impose any obligation or adverse effects on the applicant, the Malaysian Bar, or any of its 20,000 members, saying ''the Malaysian Bar challenge lacks any direct impact on their legal rights or interests should be dismissed on this basis alone.''
He said the application by the Malaysian Bar before High Court of Malaysia is clearly frivolous and vexatious in nature, saying
''the decision of the King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is non-justiciable and the application by the Malaysian Bar
is made in bad faith.''
The Malaysian Bar filed an application for leave to commence a judicial review on April 26, 2024 seeking a declaration that
Federal Territories Pardons Board decision to halve former Prime Minister Najib Razak prison sentence is illegal, unconstitutional and invalid.
The Malaysian Bar is also seeking a declaration that the Pardons Board decision to reduce former Prime Minister Najib Razak
fine from RM210mil to RM50mil with the condition that failure to settle payment of the fine would extend his prison term by a year, resulting in early release on August 23, 2029, is illegal, unconstitutional and invalid.
The Southeast Asian Times

More child care homes under Royal Malaysia Police observation for child exploitation and abuse

Inspector-General of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Razarudin Husain, centre, says that 39 child care homes funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) are under observation

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur: September 19: Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said after the rescue of 402 children from 20 child care homes funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) on Wednesday that 39 more child care homes are under Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) observation ''in relation to the shocking allegations of child exploitation and abuse,'' reports the Star.
''The 39 child care homes funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) are located all over the country,'' he said.
He said that the 39 child care homes are on the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) radar, saying ''we are not ruling out the possibility of further action being taken following the raids conducted on 20 child care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan on Wednesday.''
''Investigations found that only two of the 20 care homes funded by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) that were raided on September 11 held operating licenses from the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia.
''The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) has been probing the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) since 2011 before allegations of deviant teachings against it were made on social media,'' he said.
He said that he met representatives of the Research Centre for Deviant Teachings six months ago, saying ''the Research Centre for Deviant Teachings provided the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) with information of deviant teachings at the child care homes.''
''That information promoted the police to revisit various police statements lodged against the care homes,'' he said.
He said that one of the statements was lodged by a former Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) female member from child care homes in Negri Sembilan, saying ''the member retracted her statement.''
''The woman lodged a fresh statement that led police to open an investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001,” he said.
''The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have recorded almost 500 statements in the investigation of the 20 raided child care homes that are funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB),'' he said.
Malaysia's Prime Minister's Department of National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Minister, Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, called on members of the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) to cooperate with a special committee in the investigation of accusations of propagating deviant teachings at care homes funded by the GISB, saying
''whether GISB's teachings are deviant or not, we will bring the result of the investigation to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) for discussion."
"The special committee under my jurisdiction will complete and finalise the investigation and study related to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB),'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's Islamic Religious Affairs calls for special committee to investigate alleged deviant teachings at care homes

Malaysia Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Religious Affairs, Dr Mohd Na’im Friday September 13, 2024

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 18: Malaysia's Prime Minister's Department of National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) called on members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) to cooperate with a special committee in the investigation of accusations of propagating deviant teachings at 20 care homes funded by the GISB, with Minister Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, saying ''whether GISB's teachings are deviant or not, we will bring this to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) for discussion," reports the Star.
"The special committee under my jurisdiction will complete and finalise the investigation related to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB),'' he said.
Minister Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the Malaysian government would ensure the welfare, education and future direction of 402 children rescued by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in a raid on care homes funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said on Friday that the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) are investigating accusations of the propagating of deviant teaching under Section 14 of the Sexual Offences against the Children Act 2007 at 20 care homes funded by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) rescued 402 children, 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one year to 17, from 20 care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan that are funded by the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
He said on Friday that Police had screened the rescued children and found that at least 10 of them were autistic, disabled and sick, saying "those rescued with autism, and those disabled and sick have been handed over to the Social Welfare Department for care and further action.''
''Police have discovered old and new injuries suffered by the children,'' he said.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) are investigatin allegation of sexual assault on 13 children in their teens.
The Southeast Asian Times

Extradition of Philippines founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ to United States is ''inevitable''

Founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Apollo Quiboloy, surrendered to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Davao City on Sunday September 8, 2024

From News Reports:
Manila, September 17: The Philippine Ambassador to the United States said that the extradition to the United States of the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), in Davao City, Mindanao, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is "inevitable," with Philippines Justice Secretary saying ''Apollo Quiboloy should face the charges against him in the Philippines first,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said that ''the extradiction of Apollo Quiboloy to the United States is inevitable,'' saying Philippines Apollo Quiboloy faces numerous charges.''
He said that witnesses are coming forward openly citing instances of abuse, human trafficking, sex trafficking and child abuse connected to the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Apollo Quiboloy.
''All these charges are required to go through the justice system,'' he said.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said "If Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is found guilty, he has to face the music.''
On November 10, 2021 Philippines Apollo Quiboloy was officially indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California for ''conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling,''
Philippines Justice Secretary, Jesus Crispin Remulla, said ''the Philippines is expecting the United States to file an extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy very soon'', saying ''the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Apollo Quiboloy, should face the charges against him in the Philippines first.''
In the Philippines Apollo Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Apollo Quiboloy, is also facing a non-bailable human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking on Sunday, 8 September ending a 16-day siege at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City, Mindanao.
On August 7, 2024 the Philippine Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on bank accounts and assets of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), including 10 bank accounts, seven properties and five vehicles and an aircraft in the name of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The freeze order also includes a further 47 bank accounts, 16 real properties and 16 motor vehicles in the name of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), 17 bank accounts, five real properties and 28 motor vehicles in the name of Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), and 23 bank accounts, one property and four motor vehicles in the name of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI)
The freeze order also includes 76 bank accounts in the name of nine Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) patrons.
The Philippine Court of Appeals said that allegations verified by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) with supporting documents give ''reasonable ground to believe that the bank accounts are linked to the crimes under the Philippines and the United States laws.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Arrest warrant issued for former Philippine presidential spokesperson for involvement in POGOs

Former presidential spokesperson and congressman Harry Roque Jr. answers questions at the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on Aug .23, 2024

From News Reports:
Manila, September 16: The Philippines House of Representatives has served an arrest warrant on former presidential spokesperson, Harry
Roque Jr, citing contempt for the second time for failure to submit subpoenaed documents to the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on his involvement in Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), with the Department of Justice (DOJ) placing Harry Roque Jr. on the Philippines government's lookout bulletin order (LBO), reports the Philippine Inquirer.
House of Representatives Quad Committee chairman and House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said that Harry Roque Jr is tied to the Lucky South 99 Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) hub in Porac, Pampanga, saying ''his signature on documents were found in a police raid on the POGO hub.''
''Harry Roque has repeatedly denied having any ties with the POGO hub,'' he said.
He said that Harry Roque Jr has refused to submit copies of his Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), saying ''Harry Roque has refused to submit documents related to his family business Biancham, a subsidiary in Benguet called PH2, and the deed of sale of a 1.8 hectare Paranaque property.''
''Harry Roque had earlier agreed to comply with the House of Representatives Quad Committee's request to produce vital documents that would prove that he has no interests tied to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs),'' he said.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman, Mico Clavano, said ''the Department of Justice (DOJ) can confirm that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order has been issued to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for Harry Roque Jr.''
He said that Harry Roque Jr's outbound and inbound travel will be monitored, saying ''the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are immediately informed if he leaves or arrives in the country.''
He said that the Philippines government's lookout bulletin order (LBO) was issued against Harry Roque Jr after Cassandra Li Ong, who is the sister of suspended Mayor of Bamban in Tarlac Province, Philippines, Alice Guo, alias China national Guo Hua Ping,
for her alleged involvement in crimes committed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), was apprehended by the Indonesian immigration authorities on August. 22, 2024.
Fugitive suspended Mayor of Bamban in Tarlac Province, Philippines, Alice Guo, alias China national Guo Hua Ping, was arrested in Jakarta September 4, 2024 with Philippine Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco saying ''her return to the Philippines will shed light to many questions about her illegal departure, saying ''Alice Guo will face numerous charges against her in her alleged involvement in crimes committed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Bamban in Tarlac Province, Philippines.''
The Philippine National Police found 295 foreign workers at the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) location in Bamban in Tarlac Province including computor workstations, instructional guides and scripts used to conduct love scams and crypto schemes, rows of iPhones and Android smartphones and numerous SIM cards, used by the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) to execute fraudulent transactions.
The Southeast Asian Times

Court orders arrest warrants for Thai military for failure to appear in court for Tak Bai massacre hearing

Photographs of Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat Province on October 25, 2004 on exhibition in Bangkok on May 5, 2005

From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 15: The Narathiwat Provincial Court in southern Thailand has issued arrest warrants for six defendants and a summons for Pheu Thai Party list-Member of Parliament former fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Pisan Wattanawongkiri, who is protected under immunity, after the defendants failed to appear in court for the Tak Bai massacre hearing involving the deaths of 85 Malay-Muslims in Narathiwat Province on October 25, 2004, reports the Bangkok Post.
Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, lawyer U-seng Dolah said the defendants sent their lawyers to appear on their behalf for questioning, saying ''the lawyers requested postponment of their clients appearance until after the expiration of the statute of limitations.''
''None of the defendents showed up at the hearing on Thursday,'' he said.
He said the Narathiwat Provincial Court issued arrest warrants, saying the court ordered the arrest of the defendants before the statute of limitations expires on October 15, 2024.
''The court ordered the arrest of the defendents in order to keep the jurisdical process moving forward,'' he said.
On October 25, 2004 more than 1,500 Malay-Muslims protested outside the Tak Bai Police Station in Narathiwat Province in southern Thailand demanding the release of six village defence volunteers that police had accused of providing insurgents government-issued shotguns.
About 1,000 members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police surrounded the Tak Bai police station responding to the protesters with water canon, tear gas, batons and with live ammunition that killed seven.
At least 78 of the 85 protesters who died on October 25, 2004 died from suffocation after they were stacked one atop the other in military trucks for about six hours for transportation to the Ingkhayutthaborihan army camp in the Nong Chik district of Pattani province, 140 kilometres away.
An Ombudsman report conducted by Pichet Sunthornpipit concluded that Fourth Army Region Commander Lt Gen Pisan Wattanawongkiri, his deputy Lt Gen Sinchai Nutsathit and Fifth Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Chalermchai Wirunpeth were among the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Police and Government officials accused of misconduct in the performance of their duties at the protest at the Tak Bai police station.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pope Francis receives ceremonial welcome at Singapore's Parliament on last leg of Apostolic Southeast Asian visit

Pope Francis, left, and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, right, at Parliament House in Singapore on Thursday September 12, 2024.

From News Reports:
Singapore, September 13: Pope Francis arrived in Singapore on Wednesday on the fourth and final leg of the Apostolic visit to Southeast Asia after East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, receiving a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House ahead of delivering a state address at the National University of Singapore on Thursday, reports the Straits Times.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, former Prime Minister's Lee Hsien Loong
Tony Tan and Halimah Yacob, cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, representatives from civil society, inter-religious organisations and social services agencies, including students were among 800 attending the the Pontiff's state address at National University of Singapore.
The Pontiff praised Singapore's policies on public housing, education and healthcare at the state address saying ''the policies demonstrate Singapore government's commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.''
He called for ''special attention to be paid to the poor and the elderly'', saying ''their labours have laid the foundation for Singapore today.''
He also called for Singapore to protect the dignity of migrant workers, saying ''these workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage.''
He described Singapore as a mosaic of ethnicities, cultures and religions living together in harmony, saying ''this state of affairs was facilitated by the impartiality of public authorities that engage in constructive dialogue with all.''
He said that the Catholic church has constantly promoted interreligious dialogue and cooperation between communities of different faiths, saying that he welcomed Singapore's promotion of multilateralism and rules-based order.
''Singapore has a specific role to play on the international level, with the world threatened by conflict and wars that have spilled much blood, '' he said.
Pope Francis said that he encouraged Singapore to continue to work in favour of the unity and fraternity of humanity and the common good of all peoples and all nations, saying ''continue to work in a way that does not exclude others or is restricted to your national interests.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Police Commissioner and deputy Attorney General to stand trial in Red Bull hit-and-run

Former Police Commissioner, Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmuang, right, is one of eight defendants to stand trial for malfeasance in Red Bull fatal hit-and-run after pleading not guilty at the Bangkok Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct on Tuesday September 10, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 13: The Bangkok Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct ordered the former Deputy Attorney-General and former Police Commissione and six other defendants to stand trial for malfeasance on Tueday for allegedly helping the Red Bull heir evade prosecution following a fatal hit-and-run accident in Bangkok in 2012, reports the Bangkok Post
Former Deputy Attorney-General, Nate Naksuk, former police commissioner, Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmuang, Pol Maj-General Thawatchai Mekprasertkul, Pol Colonel Veeradol Taptimdee, Chainarong Saengthong-aram, Thanit Buakhiew, Chuchai Lertpongadisorn, and Assoc Dr Saiprasit Kerdniyom are to stand trial after pleading not guilty to malfeasance charges that include
allegedly altering charges brought against Red Bull heir "Boss" Vorayuth Yoovidhya following a fatal hit-and-run accident that caused the death of police officer.
On September 3, 2012 Red Bull heir, "Boss" Vorayudh Yoovidhaya, then aged 27, was released on bail in Bangkok after he was charged with reckless driving, speeding over the limit at 177 km/h, drunk driving, fleeing the scene of the crime, causing the death of police officer, Sgt Maj Wichean Klanprasert, 48.
Pol Sen Sgt Maj Wichean Klanprasert, who was driving a motorbike to early-morning sentry duty in Thong Lor, was struck by a black Farrari sports car driven by Red Bull heir "Boss" Vorayudh Yoovidhaya and dragged about 200 metres, died from his injuries.
Red Bull heir, "Boss" Vorayudh Yoovidhaya fled Thailand for Singapore in 2017 after he repeatedly failed to report to police to answer the charges.
In July 2020 the Attorney General Office (OAG), Department of Appealate Litigation, chief justice, Nate Naksuk, 67, withdrew all charges against the Red Bull heir after a new investigation found new evidence, that the Red Bull heir hit and run accident that resulted in the death of Bangkok police officer Sgt Maj Wichean Klanprasert, was not caused by reckless driving.
Two new witnesses testified that the Red Bull heir "Boss" drove a Ferrari sports car at between 50-60km/h on September 3, 2012, and that the motorcycle driven by the Sgt Maj Wichean Klanprasert, 48, who was killed in the hit and run accident, abruply changed lanes and cut in front of the Ferrari sports car.
The Office of the Attorney General (AOG) Department of Appealate Litigation, chief justice, Nate Naksuk, concluded that "the crash was not caused by reckless driving on the part of the suspect, Vorayudh Yoovidhaya, and that the suspect did not commit an offence under Section 291 of the Criminal Code, act by negligence and causing death.
The Southeast Asian Times

Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy surrenders at Kingdom of Jesus Christ in southern Philippines

From News Reports:
Manila, September 12: The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy,74, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) for money laundering, child sexual abuse and human trafficking and four supporters on Sunday, ending a 16-day siege at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City, Mindanao in the southern Philippines, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) saying, ''fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy was given a deadline to surrender,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said ''if Apollo Quiboloy did not surrender police were ordered to enter the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compund where he was in hiding.''
Fugitive televangelist Apollo

Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, 74, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), left, and Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Colonel, Jean Fajardo, right, on Monday September 9, 2024

Quiboloy founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) surrendered to the Philippine National Police together with four supporters, Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes, with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy saying that his supporters threatened to take their own lives for him.
''I surrended to police to stop them from taking their own lives,'' he said.
'Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said that at first the Philippine National Police were misled into a game of deception, saying ''whenever the police approached the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound, his supporters would call out and that they would surrender.''
''But it never happened,'' he said.
On August 27 the Philippine National Police removed all forms of barricades, barriers or blockades that barred access to and from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound after a four day standoff on the temporary protection order of Judge Mario Duaves of the Davao Regional Court in Mindanao.
Judge Mario Duaves issued the temporary protection order after a writ of Amparo was filed by followers of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) sect and others.
On August 7, 2024 the Philippine Court of Appeals issued a freeze order on bank accounts and assets of fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), including 10 bank accounts, seven properties and five vehicles and an aircraft in the name of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The freeze order also includes a further 47 bank accounts, 16 real properties and 16 motor vehicles in the name of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), 17 bank accounts, five real properties and 28 motor vehicles in the name of Swara Sug Media Corporation (SSMC), and 23 bank accounts, one property and four motor vehicles in the name of Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. (CJFI)
The freeze order also includes 76 bank accounts in the name of nine Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) patrons.
The Philippine Court of Appeals said that allegations verified by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) with supporting documents give ''reasonable ground to believe that the bank accounts are linked to the crimes under the Philippines and the United States laws.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Pope Francis heralds restoration of independence in East Timor during Apostolic visit

Pope Francis and President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta at a welcome ceremony held at the presidential palace in Dili, Timor-Leste Monday September 9, 2024

From News Reports:
Dili, September 11: Pope Francis arrived in Dili, East Timor on Monday on the third leg of the Vatican's Apostolic visit in southeast Asia after Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with Pope Francis heralding the restoration of East Timore's independence from Indonesia at a welcome ceremony at the Dili presidential palace, reports the Catholic Reporter.
Pope Francis praised the Timorese for their ''perseverance during the almost 25-year struggle in which 25 percent of the population is estimated to have been killed.''
"Yet, the country has been able to rise again, finding a path to peace and the beginning of a new phase of development, of improved living conditions and of appreciation on all levels of the unspoiled splendor of this land and its natural and human resources," said Pope Francis.
Pope Francis also praised the ''assiduous efforts of the Timorese to reconcile with their Indonesian neighbors and live in harmony, saying ''this effort was made possible due to the East Timorese commitment to the Gospel.''
"Looking at your recent past and what has been accomplished so far, there is reason to be confident that your nation will likewise be able to face intelligently and creatively the difficulties and problems of today," Pope Francis said.
In April 21, 2022 President Jose Ramos Horta, 73, who previously served as Timore Leste's foreign minister, prime minister and president, declared victory in the Timor Leste presidential election over incumbant President, Francisco Guterres, saying that he expected Timor Leste to become the 11th member of ASEAN, saying he expected Timor-Leste to become the 11th member of the regional bloc the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) "within this year or next year at the latest."
He said that Timor Lest first applied for Asean membership when he was the President in 2011, saying "while I feel that we were not ready to join ASEAN at the time, things have changed since then. ".
He said that services and the security situation have improved and that Timor Leste is now a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), saying that the WTO has the same rules and criteria for admission as that of Asean."
He said that Timor Leste has had more than 10 years to prepare and address ASEAN application issues, saying "I feel we are now ready."
On November 14, 2022 the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) admitted Timor Leste to ASEAN as the 11th member at the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits in Phnom Penh, with a statement saying "ASEAN will grant Timor-Leste observer status and allow Timor-Leste participation at all ASEAN meetings."
The statement said that "ASEAN agreed to formalize an objective criteria-based roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership", saying "the roadmap will be based on the milestones identified in the reports of ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams."
The Southeast Asian Times

Human Rights Court wanted in Indonesia on 20th anniversary of assassination of Human Rights lawyer

From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 10: The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development called on the Government of Indonesia to order
National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to declare the assassination of human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, in 2004 a grave human rights violation, calling on the Indonesian government ''to immediately establish a Human Rights Court,''
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, executive director, Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso said on the 20th anniversary of the murder of the human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, who died of arsenic poisoning on a Garuda Airways flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore on September 7, 2004, ''Munir's case is emblematic of the broader environment of impunity in Indonesia.''
''The declaration by the government of the murder of Munir Said Thalib, 24, as a grave human rights

Human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, died of arsenic poisoning on a Garuda Airways flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore on September 7, 2004

violation would remove the statute of limitations and allow for continued investigation and legal action against those responsible,'' she said.
Executive director, Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso called on the Indonesian government to provide full support to the investigation, ensuring transparency, impartiality, and accountability, saying ''the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development calls on the Indonesia Government to immediately establish a Human Rights Court.''
''As a United Nations Human Rights Council member in 2024, Indonesia must strengthen its commitment to protect human rights defenders by enacting and enforcing comprehensive legislation that includes their official recognition and protection,'' she said.
The Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (KASUM) Secretary General, Bivitri Susanti, said that the assasination of human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, should be declared a gross human rights violation, saying ''the assasination involved state officials and was carried out in a structured and systematic manner.''
He said that the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has made no attempt to declare the assassination of human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, "a gross human rights violation,'' saying "on dozens of occasions we have enquired about what steps Komnas HAM has made towards declaring the assasination of Munir a gross human rights violation."
''Solidarity Action Committee for Munir (KASUM) have met with the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the Indonesian National Police and the Indonesia Attorney General's Office in order to provide assurances of human rights violations to the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM),'' he said.
Human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, who was founder of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, or Kontras, and who revealed that Indonesian Army Special Forces, or Kopassus, soldiers had helped abduct 13 critics of the then Soeharto government between 1997 and 1998, was assassinated aboard a Garuda Airways flight while travelling from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore on September 7, 2004.
In December 2008 Former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy director, Muchdi Purwopranjono, who was formally Kopassus Commander Major General, and reportedly involved in an alleged “Rose Team” military campaign that led to the elimination of opponents of Indonesia’s “New Order” government, was found not guilty by three judges of the South Jakarta District Court for assigning an agent to poison the civil rights lawyer following the absence of key witnesses for the prosecution.
Dutch forensic scientists found that human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 39 had ingested enough arsenic to raise suspicion that he had been poisoned during his journey from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore in September 4, 2004.
The Southeast Asian Times

Students protest displacement of indigenous Papuans in nine regencies during Pope Francis visit

Papuan students in traditional dress protest internal displacement
and ongling conflict between the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri and Papuans at the Vatican embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday September 4, 2024

From News Report:
Jakarta, September 9: Hundreds of indigenous Papuans including students protested the ongoing conflict between the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri and Papuans at the Vatican embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday during the Apostolic visit by Pope Francis to Indonesia, with Papuan student, Jeno Dogomo, saying ''people in nine Papua regencies have been displaced,'' reports Reuters.
''The Pope should be able to see this,'' he said.
Indigenous Papuans protested the internal displacement of hundreds of thousands of Papuans by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri) during the construction of the 4,600-kilometer Trans Papua road project.
''The protesters at the Vatican embassy want Pope Francis to know that Catholic and indigenous Papuans are concerned by the violence carried out by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri).'' he said.
Hundreds of indigenous Papuan also protested against violence carried out by the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri) and internal displacement of hundreds and thousands of Papuans in Jayapura and Timika, with John Bunay saying ''the protesters participated in a peaceful ''way of the cross'' procession.
''The protesters were dressed in black to symbolize mourning,'' he said.
He said that the protesters marched under police supervision, saying ''we explained that this was not a protest but a prayer procession.''
In November 2021 the Papua Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (ELSHAM Papua) sent an open letter to Indonesian President Joko Widodo signed by civil society organisations calling for the withdrawal of Indonesian National Military (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (POLRI) from Papua and West Papua, saying "the armed conflict between West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian joint security forces shows no sign of abating."
The open letter to President Joko Widodo that was signed by 26 civil society organisations including Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (JATAM ) Mining Advocacy Network (, Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW), Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi ) the Indonesian People's Fraction, Greenpeace Indonesia and the Sajogja Institute, claimed that "Papuans are the victims of the exploitation of natural resources."
The civil societies accused Indonesia of negligence in the protection of its citizens in Papua and West Papua, saying "the responsiblility of the state to protect its citizens is mandated by the preamble to the 1945 Indonesian Constitution."
"The state is obliged to protect every citizen regardless of their place of birth in Indonesia," the civil societies said.
The Papua Institute for Human Rights Studies and Advocacy (ELSHAM Papua) called on both warring parties to respect Human Rights, saying that the first casualities of the armed conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and the Indonesian National Military (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (POLRI) in Papua and West Papua are women, their children and the elderly, who are forced to flee their homes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pope Francis arrives in PNG on day parliament votes against Bill that declares PNG Christian

Papua New Guinea 8 Sept 2024 PIX Pope Francis, left, is welcomed by rear-Admiral Philip Polewara, center, Papua New Guinea's deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, right, at Port Moresby's Jackson International Airport, Friday September 6, 2024

From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 8: The Apostolic visit of Pope Francis to majority Christian Papua New Guinea on Friday, was welcomed by Catholic Archbishop of Port Moresby Cardinal John Riba, the representative of the Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, together with priests from Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand, and coincided with the failure of the Papua New Guinea Parliament to pass a Bill declaring Papua New Guinea a Christian nation, reports the Associated Press.
The arrival of Pope Francis in Papua New Guinea on Friday coincides with the failure of the House of Representatives to pass the Bill that would declare Papua New Guinea a Christian nation in the Constiution.
Votes for the Constitutional Amendment (Declaration of Papua New Guinea as Christian) Law 2023 were short of the required absolute two third majority of 79, with 73 for and seven against.
On Monday Madang Member of Parliament Bryan Kramer resigned from the James Marape-John Rosso coalition government, saying ''my initial support for Prime Minister James Marape in 2019 was based solely on his being a man of strong Christian faith.''
''Prime Minister James Marape should sit with mainline churches and get their views for the Bill amendment to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian country in the Cobstitution instead of making politicians decide what is Christian and what is not.'' he said
Member of Parliament Bryan Kramer said that he and six others from the opposition abstained from the vote for the amendment in the Constirution to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian country because Papua New Guinea was suffering.
''By declaring the country a Christian nation in a Constitution, on a piece of paper, was not going to make them rejoice,'' he said.
On May 21, 2021 the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands (PNGSI) said that the Bishops were dissatisfied with the Papua New Guinea government lack of consultation with local Churches in formulating an inquiry on the Declaration of Papua New Guinea as a Christian Country.
Archbishop Anton Bal said amendment of the Constitution to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian country only seemed to make a mockery of the existing laws in place, urging the government not to use it as a means of promoting political ideologies.
He said that the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) believe ''the democratic system of government established by the founding fathers of the Papua New Guinea is not to be renounced now in favour of a theocratic one embodied in a confessional state.''
''Instead of Constitutional amendment the government could opt for a public declaration of renewed Christian commitment to promote the Churches cooperation with parliament,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia will not stop oil and gas exploration in EEZ that China claims is in South China Sea

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at the plenary session of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, that Malaysia would not stop oil and gas exploration in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Thursday, September 5, 2024

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 7: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said from Vladivostok, Russia where he is attending the plenary session of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum that ''Malaysia will not stop its oil and gas exploration in the Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ)'' after claims by China that Malaysia is infringing on China's territory in the South China Sea, reports Rueters.
''Malaysia's exploration activities were within its territory and were not intended to be provocative or hostile towards China,'' he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a televised press conference in Vladivostok, Russia on Tuesday ''China has sent one or two protest notes to stop Malaysia's oil exploration activities in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ),'' he said.
''Malaysia would continue its oil and gas exploration in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ),'' he said.
He said that China has claimed that Malaysia is infringing China's territory, saying ''that is not the case,''
''We say no, it is our territory,'' he said.
Malaysia's state energy company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad, PETRONAS, operates oil and gas drilling in Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that China claims is in China's territory in the South China Sea.
Prime Minister of Malaysia and Premier of China, Li Qiang exchanged 14 Memorandums of Understandings (MoU's) during the Premier of China's visit to Malaysia from 8 to 20 June 2024 including an agreement on the dispute over sovereignty of the South China Sea, with Foreign Minister of Malaysia saying, ''it is important for both China and Malaysia to bolster cooperation,''
Premier of China, Li Qiang, and Prime Minister of China Anwar Ibrahim, agreed that China and relevant Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries ''should independently handle the South China Sea dispute over sovereignty in the South China Sea in the general direction of bilateral settlement.''
Five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia have independently challenged China's claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea with the Philippines calling on the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague in 2013 to intervene in the dispute over soverignty in the West Philippine Sea.
In July 2016 the Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that China had violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling with the then China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
"The dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights." he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

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Indigenous Australians in the northern Queensland town of East Trinity aim for economic independence from eco-cultural tourism, reports Christine Howes in "Australian indigenous eco-cultural tourism venture wins best small project national award " ...open here

Kavi Chongkittavorn talks about the UK application to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in "New dynamics of Aseans external ties," with consensus yet to be reached on admitting a former colonial master of four ASEAN member countries into the Southeast Asian bloc....open

Esther Samboh talks about the choise between thousands dying of Covid-19 or from hunger in densely populated Jakarta in the new normal in "Medics dying, infections soaring - it's still the economy" ...open page here

Australian reporter, Chris Ray, investigates why Australia dropped five spots in the World Press Freedom Index...open

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Read what Son Nguyen has to say about the impact of China's virus on Vietnam's economy in "When the economy gets sick" open here

Has the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra suffered a fatal blow, or will it rise again? asks Australian reporter Chris Ray... Open page here

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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here

"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here

Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here

The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

Indonesia ready for big 'brother' role in ASEAN
By Prashanth Parameswaran .......open page here

Benedict Anderson, a man without a country, dies in Indonesia Jeet Heer reports.....open page here

Thousands of Northern Australia's indigenous rock art sites are under threat from buffalo, fire and feral animals. Tim Lee reports ........open page here

Copy of letter 29 May 2012 from Vietnam Womens Union to International Olympic Committee...open here

The Southeast Asian Times wishes its readers a happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year with a special thankyou to its treasured letter writers

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Published by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com

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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times

Penang health department shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100 year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels. The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also closed by the state health department
The Southeast Asian Times

Fuel smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized 64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first month after the establishment of marshal law and the military seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by 25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record a gain, of 6.2 percent
The Southeast Asian Times

US Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by 2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The Southeast Asian Times

Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the establishment of the construction courts was first put to the Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The Southeast Asian Times

Riau forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times

Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010 tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun, said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods", he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pilots strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya, Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana, said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the Jakarta Post.
The Southeast Asian Times