GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.
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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 Cambodias
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 countrys 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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Policital
activities against Cambodia
in Malaysia would affect bilateral
relations: PM Hun Sen
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Malaysia
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
and Cambodia Prime Minister
Hun Sen meet at the Peace
Palace in Phnom Penh to strengthen
bilateral relations and cooperation
on Monday March 27, 2023
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From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, April 2: Malaysia will not
allow Cambodia's former opposition party
president and members of the Supreme Court-dissolved
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)
to conduct political activities in Malaysia,
claimed Cambodia during Malaysia's Prime
Minister, Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Cambodia
on Monday, with Cambodia Prime Minister
Hun Sen saying "political activities
against the Cambodian government would
affect bilateral relations," reports
the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen said at
a meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia
Anwar Ibrahim at the Peace Palace in Phnom
Penh that "Malaysia will not allow
Cambodia's former opposition party president
of the court-dissolved Cambodia National
Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, who is
in exile in France, to conduct political
activities in Malaysia."
"Anwar Ibrahim has promised he will
not allow former leaders of the court-dissolved
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)
to use Malaysian soil to conduct any political
activities against the Cambodian government,"
he said.
Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen said
that Malaysian lawmakers had asked the Malaysian
government to allow former opposition party
president, Sam Rainsy and members of the
oppositio party to enter Malaysia, saying
"Anwar Ibrahim had turned down such
a request."
"If Malaysia allows the Cambodian
opposition to conduct political activities
against the Cambodian government, it would
affect bilateral relations." he said.
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party
(CNRP) president Sam Rainsy, who is in
exile in France, was sentenced by the
Phnom Penh Municipal Court in June, 2022
to eight years in prison in absentia for
treason for plotting to overthrow the
Hun Sen government, incitement to committ
a felony and inciting military disobedience
under Articles 453, 471, 494 and 495 of
the Criminal Code.
Sam Rainsy and members of the court-dissolved
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)
fled Cambodia in 2015 fearing arrest after
parliamentary immunity was removed and
Sam Rainsy faced multiple criminal defamation
charges in his accusation of corruption
against the Hun Sen Cambodia's People's
Party (CPP).
The
Southeast Asian Times
Protesters
sentenced to prison for blocking
Shinawatra government general
elections 2014
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Protesters
led by the defunct People's
Democratic Reform Committee
(PDRC) attempt to block delivery
of ballot boxes at the Din
Daeng stadium in Bankgok for
the Sunday February 2, 2014
general elections
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From
News Reports:
Bangkok, April 1: Thailand's protesters
led by the defunct People's Democratic
Reform Committee (PDRC) who were against
the Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
government and the return from exile of
former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
to Thailand were sentenced to prison on
Wednesday for blocking political parties
from registering candidates at the the
Din Daeng stadium in Bankgok for the February
2014 elections, reports the Bangkok Post.
Up to a million anti Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra government protesters led by
People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)
secretary general, Suthep Thaugsubansplit,
split into more than a dozen groups in
central Bangkok in December 2013 including
a group of about 3000 mostly women who
surroundeed the Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra's residence in Soi Yothin Pattana
3.
The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced 13
protesters to prison for 16 to 18 months
for violently obstructing about 35 political
parties from the registration of party-list
candidates including the then ruling Pheu
Thai Party (PTP) that was led by Prime
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of
former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra,
who founded the party.
The protesters were charged with using
weapons including glass balls, metal bolts
and bricks in their attack on Royal Thai
Police (RTP) as they forced their way
inside the Din Daeng stadium in Bankgok
on December 26, 2013 in an effort to block
the registration of party-list candidates
in the February 2014 elections.
The protesters were charged with using
a rubbish truck to break open the Din
Daeng stadium gates in an effort to obstruct
the Election Commission's (EC) registration
of party list candidates.
The Bangkok Criminal Court found the 13
protesters of the defunct People's Democratic
Reform Committee (PDRC) that was led by,
Chanon Khanthong, guilty of trespassing,
criminial intimidation and violation of
the 2007 organic law on the Election Commission
(EC).
The Election Commission's (EC) announcement
that elections would be held in February
2014 followed the announcement by the
then Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
that she has sought royal approval for
the dissolution of the House of Representatives
and that a national election would be
held on February 2014.
Democratic party leader, then former Prime
minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, said that
153 party Members of Parliament agreed
to resign in an effort to force Prime
Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve
the House of Representatives.
"The mass resignation of the Members
of Parliament was to reaffirm the illegitimacy
of the House of Representatives"
he said.
He said that the Pheu Thai government
led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
and founded by her brother former Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had betrayed
the peoples trust with the passing of
the Amnesty Bill.
The Amnesty Bill allegedly contains a
hidden political agenda that would enable
the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) to help
ousted former Prime Minister, Thaksin
Shinawatra, brother of Prime Minister,
Yinluck Shinawatra, return to Thailand
and avoid arrest.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Anti-Lese
Majeste Law graffiti on Bangkok
Grand Palace wall painted
over: Police make arrest
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Suttawee
Soikham, 24, from Khon Kaen
Province northeast of Bangkok,
was arrested for anti-Leste
Majeste Law graffiti pray
painted on the wall of the
Grand Palace in Bangkok on
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
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From
News Reports:
Bangkok, March 31: Suttawee Soikham, 24,
from Khon Kaen Province northeast of Bangkok,
was arrested at the Temple of the Emeral
Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on
Tuesday for spray painting anti-Lese Majeste
Law graffiti on the wall of the Grand Palace,
reports Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Police (RTP), witnessed Suttawee
Soikham, 24, repealing the Lese Majeste
Law of Section 112 of the Criminal Code
on the wall of the Grand Palace.
Royal Thai Police (RTP), witnessed Suttawee
Soikham, 24, first spray paint the number
112 on the wall of the Grand Palace and
then cross-out the number 112 that effectively
repealed Section 112 of Thai Criminal Code
of the Constitution that says "Whoever
defames, insults or threatens the King,
the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent,
shall be punished with imprisonment of three
to fifteen years."
Suttawee Soikham, 24, was arrested at the
Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand
Palace wall and taken to the Metropolitan
Police Division 6 in Phra Nakhon district,
Bangkok for questioning.
Suttawee Soikham, 24, was charged with violating
the Cleanliness Act, that carries a penalty
of up to one month in prison and or a fine
of 10,000 baht, and also charged under Section
32 of the Ancient Monuments Act, that brings
a prison term of up to seven years and or
a fine up to 700,000 baht.
Suttawee Soikham, 24, was released from
detention on bail of 50,000 baht.
The anti-Lese Majeste Law graffiti spray
painted on the wall of the Grand Palace
in Bangkok was painted over by 9.30pm on
Tuesday.
In August 2021 a 10 point manifesto was
submiited to the Thai Parliament by student
organisation, United Front of Thammasat
and Demonstration, and the Free Youth Movement,
calling for reform of the monarchy under
the Majeste Law of Section 112 of the Criminal
Code of the Constiutuion, but stating that
demand for amendements to the Constitution
did not include a proposal to abolish the
monarchy but a proposal for the monarchy
to continue in a democracy.
The 10 point manifesto called for repeal
of the criminalisation of criticism of the
Thai King under the Lese Majeste law, repeal
of the order that transferred army units
to new King Maha Vajiralongkorn personal
command, repeal of the law that gave the
new King full control of the crown's reportedly
extensive property holdings and repeal of
the monarchy empowerment to endorse a military
coup.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Philippine
President disengages with
International Criminal Court
on investigation on war on
drugs
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Philippine
President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. announced that the Philippines
would disengage with the International
Criminal Court (ICC) investigation
on the "war on drugs"
campaign on Monday March 27,
2023
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From
News Reports:
Manila, March 30: Philippine President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the
Philippines would disengage with the International
Criminal Court (ICC) after the court in
The Hague, Netherlands, rejected the appeal
by the Philippines to suspend investigation
into the "war on drugs" campaign,
with the International Criminal Court
(ICC) saying "the Appeals Chamber
rejects the request to suspend the investigation
into the "war on drugs" campaigne,
reports Reuters.
President Ferdinand Markos Jr. said on
Tuesday, "the Philippines appeal
has failed and in our view, theres
nothing more that we can do and so at
this point, we are essentially disengaging
from any contact, from any communication
with the ICC," saying "the Philippines
cannot work with the International Criminal
Court (ICC)."
The Philippines has considered the very
serious question of the International
Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over
the Philippines," he said.
He said "the Philippines considers
the International Criminal Court (ICC)
jurisdiction over the Philippines to be
interference," saying "the International
Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over
the Philippines is an attack on the sovereignty
of the Republic of the Philippines."
The International Criminal Court (ICC)
has rejected the Philippines appeal to
suspend investigation into the Philippines
"war on drugs" campaigne on
grounds that the Philippines has not presented
a persuasive reason to seek the suspension.
In the absence of persuasive reasons
in support of ordering suspensive effect,
the Appeals Chamber rejects the request
to suspend the investigation," said
the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In July 2021 the Philippines Supreme Court
ruled that the International Criminal
Court (ICC) could prosecute government
officials for alledged crimes against
humanity committed before the Philippines
withdrew from the International Criminal
Court (ICC) in 2019 and despite the then
President Rodrigo Dutere's claim that
the International Criminal Court in The
Hague in the Netherlands has no jurisdiction
over the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine
membership from the International Criminal
Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019, a year
after International Criminal Court (ICC)
prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced
the opening of a preliminary examination
of the Philippines that would look into
alleged crimes against humanity committed
during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's
"war on drugs" campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said
that she has determined that there is
reasonable basis to believe that crimes
against humanity had been committed in
the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and
16 March 2019, saying "a preliminary
examination suggests that vigilante-style
killings were perpetrated by Philippine
police officers themselves, or other private
individuals hired by authorities, leading
to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000
civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated
across the Philippines appear to have
been committed pursuant to an official
State policy of the Philippine government,
saying " police and other government
officials planned, ordered, and sometimes
directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The
Southeast Asian Times
US
court orders Malaysia's former
Golden Sachs managing director
to forfeit embezzled 1MDB
funds
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Former
managing director of Goldman
Sachs Group Inc in Malaysia,
Roger Ng, 50, also known as
Ng Chong Hwa, centre, leaving
the United States District
Court in Brooklyn on Thursday
March 9, 2023
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From
News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 29: A United States
judge ordered the former managing director
of Goldman Sachs Group Inc in Malaysia,
Roger Ng, 50, also known as Ng Chong Hwa,
to forfeit US$35.1 million, after sentencing
him to 10 years in prison for receiving
commissions and the abetment of false statements
to financial regulator, Bank Negara Malaysia,
in the misappropriation of US$2.7 billion
1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds,
reports the Star.
United States Brooklyn District Judge, Margo
Brodie, rejected Malaysia's former managing
director of Goldman Sachs Group Inc's argument
that he had no money after forfeiting tens
of millions of dollars of the alleged proceeds
from the misappropriation of the 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) funds to the Malaysian
court.
"The US$35.1million forfeiture was
not constitutionally excessive," she
said.
United States Brooklyn District Judge, Margo
Brodie, said "that even if Roger Ng,
50, also known as Ng Chong Hwa, were less
culpable than others he played a role in
one of the largest financial crimes of all
time."
"The misappropriation of 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) funds was a scheme
that caused intangible harm to the public's
confidence in democracy and government,"
she said.
Former managing director of Goldman Sachs
Group Inc in Malaysia, Roger Ng, 50, also
known as Ng Chong Hwa, was found guilty
on March 9, 2023 of colluding with Goldman
Sachs Group Inc Southeast Asian division,
chairman Tim Leissner, to embezzle funds
from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB),
launder the proceeds and bribe government
officials to win contracts.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Southeast Asian
division, chairman Tim Leissner who is to
face sentensing for his role in the embezzlement
of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) funds
on September 6, 2023, settled with authorities
in October 2020, agreeing to pay $2.9 billion
and have the Malaysia's Goldman Sachs Group
Inc plead guilty to a corruption charge.
Jho Low, a Malaysian financier and suspected
mastermind of the scheme to embezzle funds
from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB was
indicted but remains at large.
Former Prime Minister Najib Razak ,who was
arrested in July 2018, charged with Criminal
Breach of Trust (CBT) and of using his position
as Finance Minister and Chairman of the
state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)
advisory board for gratification, was convicted
in August 2022
In December 2018 the U.S. Department of
Justice (DoJ) filed an application for the
extradition of former managing director
of Goldman Sachs in Malaysia, of Roger Ng,
also known as Ng Chong Hwa, who was charged
in Kuala Lumpur with receiving commissions
and the abetment of false statements in
the misappropriation of US$2.7 billion 1Malaysia
Development Bhd former managing director
of Goldman Sachs in Malaysia, of Roger Ng,
also known as Ng Chong Hwa, was arrested
in November, 2018 but was denied bail by
the Kuala Lumpur High Court following a
remand order under the Extradition Act 1992.
The United States Department of Justice
(DoJ) claims that more than $1.7 billion
from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)
fund was invested in hotels, luxury real
estate in Manhattan, Beverly Hills and London
including $100 million in the 2013 film
The Wolf of Wall Street" and
including the luxury yacht 'Equanimity'
valued at US$250 million.
The luxury yacht 'Equanimity' that was seized
in Bali in February 2018 and seized by Malaysian
authorities in August was allegedly linked
to the recovery of assets that were purchased
with misappropriated funds from 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) fund.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Toxic
air pollution in Thailand
sends 200,000 to hospital
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Bangkok
is blanketed by smoke from
vehicle fumes, industrial
emissions and smoke from agricultural
burning of crop stubble Monday
March 27, 2023
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From
News Reports:
Bangkok, March 28: The Northern provinces
of Thailand including Chiang Mai, that has
the world's highest level of toxic air pollution,
were blanketed by smoke from agricultural
burning of crop stubble with the Ministry
of Public Health saying the level of toxic
air pollution exceeds the World Health Organisation
(WHO) standard and that more than 200,000
had been admitted to hospital," reports
the Bangkok Post.
Ministry of Public Health director-general,
Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, said
the level of toxic air pollution exceeded
the local safe threshold nine times and
the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard
32 times, saying "more than 200,000
were admitted to hospital
and more than 1.3 million were suffering
from the effects of toxic air pollution
last week."
He said the levels of particulate matter
2.5 micrometres and less in diameter (PM2.5)
exceeded 91 microgrammes per cubic metre
of air in 24 hours in the eight northern
provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun,
Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao and Phrae
on Sunday.
"Three northereastern provinces of
Bung Kan, Nakhon Phanom and Nong Khai were
also afflicted with toxic air pollution
on Sunday," he said.
He said the PM2.5 level in tambon Wiang
Pang Kham of Mae Sai district in the northernmost
province of Chiang Mai reached 480 microgrammes
per cubic metre of air in 24 hours as of
11am on Sunday, saying "the safe threshold
for PM2.5 in Thailand is set at 50 microgrammes
per cubic metre of air in 24 hours."
"Wiang Pang Kham of Mae Sai district
in the northernmost province of Chiang Mai
reached 480 microgrammes per cubic metre
of air in 24 hours as of 11am on Sunday,
" he said.
He said that air pollution would continue
in northern and northeast provinces of Thailand
due to smoke from agriculture burning of
crop stubble in Thailand and neighbouring
countries.
He said high levels of PM2.5 would cause
eye and skin irritation, breathing difficulties
and chest pain, saying "breathing difficulties
could be acute in people with heart and
respiratory tract illnesses."
"Exposure to long-term and excessive
PM2.5 would cause internal inflammation,
damage to lung cells, cardiovascular diseases
and cancer," he said.
Ministry of Public Health director-general,
Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, said
that 50 districts in Bangkok have recorded
unsafe levels of the most dangerous PM2.5
particles, saying "the PM2.5 particles
are so tiny they can enter the bloodstream."
Bangkok that has a population of about 11
million and is one of the worlds' most popular
tourist desitination is blanketed by smoke
from vehicle fumes, industrial emissions
and smoke from agricultural burning of crop
stubble.
The Southeast Asian Times
Passport
released to wife of ousted
Malaysia PM, both convicted
of bribery, to visit family
in Singapore
|
|
 |
Rosmah
Mansor, 70, wife of Malaysia's
former Prime Minister Najib
Razak, 70, arrives at the
High Cout of Malaysia on Friday
March 3, 2023 to attend the
trial of her husband accused
of tampering with the audit
report for 1Malaysia Development
Berhad (1MDB)
|
|
From
News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, Monday 27: Malaysia's Court
of Appeal has released the passport of Rosmah
Mansor, 70, wife of ousted former prime
minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, who have
both been convicted of bribery and are out
on bail pending an appeal, allowing Rosmah
Mansor, 70, to visit family members residing
in Singapore, with the court ordering the
return of the passport on May 10, reports
the Star.
The panel of Court of Appeal judges led
by Justice Kamaludin did not object to the
application for the release of the passport
of Rosmah Mansor, 70, who was released on
bail pending an appeal in September 2022
after she was convicted for receiving RM187.5
million in bribes in the solar hybrid energy
project in Sarawak schools.
Deputy public prosecutor, Poh Yih Tinn did
not object to the application submitted
for the release of the passport of Rosmah
Mansor, 70, who pleaded not guilty to 17
charges of money laundering at the Sessions
Court in Kuala Lumpur in October 2018.
Rosmah Mansor, 70, claimed trial on all
charges, with Sessions Court judge Azura
Alwi setting bail at RM2 million and ordering
Rosmah Mansor to surrender her passport
and refrain from initiating contact with
potential witnesses.
In July 2020 a witness for the prosecution
in the trial of Rosmah Mansor, 70, businessman
Rayyan Radzwill, claimed he was offered
payment to help Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd secure
the contract for the supply and installation
of Hybrid photovoltaic thermal solar systems
worth RM1.25 billion in Sarawak.
Rosmah Mansor, was charged with soliciting
RM187.5 milionl and two charges of receiving
bribes totalling RM6.5 million from Jepak
Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director, Saidi
Abang Samsudin, for her alleged negotiations
with the Education Ministry in securing
a contract for the supply and installation
of Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar systems
in 369 rural schools in Sarawak.
Witness for the prosecution, businessman
Rayyan Radzwill, claimed that a meeting
was held between him and Jepak Holdings
Sdn Bhd managing director Saidi Abang Samsudin
and Rizal Mansor, former special officer
to former ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak,
to discuss a contribution to be given to
Rosmah Mansor for her help securing the
contract for the supply and installation
of Hybrid photovoltaic thermal solar systems
in rural schools in Sarwak.
Rosmah Mansor pleaded not guilty to 17 charges
of money laundering at the Sessions Court
in Kuala Lumpur in October 2018 claiming
trial on all charges, with
Sessions Court judge Azura Alwi setting
bail at RM2 million and ordering Rosmah
Mansor to surrender her passport and refrain
from initiating contact with potential witnesses.
The arrest of Rosmah Mansor in October 2018
followed the arrest of her husband former
ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak in September
2018 for his alleged involvement in the
misappropriation of funds from 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) with the Malaysian
Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, alledging
that the former Prime Minister who was the
Finance Minister and Chairman of the 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) had deposited RM2.6
billion of 1MDB funds into his personal
account.
Former ousted Prime Minister of Malaysia,
Najib Razak, 70, was released on bail after
he was convicted in August 2022 of Criminal
Breach of Trust (CBT) in the misappropriation
of RM42 million from 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) and subsiduary SRS International
Sdn Bhd funds.
Ousted former Prime Minister Najib Razak
was arrested in July 2018, charged with
Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT) and of using
his position as Finance Minister and Chairman
of the state fund 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) advisory board for gratification.
His arrest and his subsequent successful
bail application followed the May 9, 2018
Malaysian general elections that saw the
defeat of the ruling Barisan National (BN)
party, lead by the ousted former Prime Minister
Najib Razak.
The election of the former Mahathir Mohamad
as Prime Minister in May 2018 followed the
declassification of the 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) audit report that had been marked
secret by the Najib Rajak government under
the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said
after he was sworn in that he would appoint
a finance ministry advisor to oversee efforts
to recover US$700mil (RM2.6bil) that was
allegedly transferred from 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) to Malaysia Prime Minister Najib
Razak private bank accounts.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Vietnam
rejects U.S. human rights
annual report 2022
|
|
 |
Vietnam
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
spokewoman, Pham Thu Hang,
said that the U.S. Department
of State Human Rights annual
report 2022 contained fals
information at the regular
press briefing in Hanoi on
Thursday March 23, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Hanoi, March 26: Vietnam has rejected the
U.S. Department of State Human Rights annual
report 2022 that includes allegations that
"Vietnam systematically suppresses
basic civil and political rights" with
the Vietnam
Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying "the
U.S. Department of State has made biased
comments based on false information about
the real situation in Vietnam," reports
the Vietnam News Service.
The U.S. Department of State Human Rights
annual report 2022 states that Vietnam's
government, under the dictatorial one-party
rule of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV),
severely restricts the rights to freedom
of expression, association, peaceful assembly,
movement, and religion."
"Government prohibitions remain in
place on independent labor unions, human
rights organizations, and political parties,"
states the U.S. Department of State Human
Rights annual report 2022.
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokewoman,
Pham Thu Hang, said at a regular press briefing
in Hanoi on Thursday that "fundamental
human rights and freedoms are recognized
in the Vietnam Constitution, saying "human
rights are protected and promoted by concrete
legal documents."
She said that Vietnam sees human rights
as the driving force of the Doi Moi process
towards Vietnam's reforms and national development,
saying "Vietnam has made great efforts
to improve the lives and rights of Vietnamese."
Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokewoman,
Pham Thu Hang, said that "Vietnam regrets
that the U.S. State Department's 2022 annual
Human Rights report is based on inaccurate
information about the actual situation in
Vietnam, " saying Vietnam is willing
to have constructive discussions with the
United States on issues where there are
still differences to enhance understanding
and contribute to the development of the
Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam
and the United States."
In December 2013 the Vietnam National Assembly
approved ammendments to the 1992 Constitutuion
that reaffirmed the Communist Party of Vietnam
as the "leading force of the government
and society."
Amendments to the 1992 Constitution reportedly
"signaled a greater focus on human
rights and citizen's rights in the amended
1992 Constitution that included "the
Communist Party of Vietnam should have close
relations with the people, serve the people,
be supervised by the people and be responsible
for its decisions before the people."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Myanmar
military court rejects appeal
against seizure of land purchased
by Aung San Suu Kyi
|
|
 |
Former
state councillor Aung San
Suu Kyi was arrested after
the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar takeover of the
elected National League for
Democracy (NLD) government
Monday February 1, 2021
|
|
From
News Reports:
Naypyitaw, March 24: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar's military court rejected an
appeal against the seizure of land owned
by the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation, a charity
founded by former State Councillor Aung
San Suu Kyi, reports the Irrawaddy.
Former State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi,
who was arrested in February 2021 after
the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover
of the elected National League for Democracy
(NLD) government and the declaration of
martial law, established the Daw Khin Kyi
Foundation in 2012, naming the foundation
after her late mother.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar,
Union Attorney General, Dr Thida Oo, who
was appointed by the commander-in-chief
of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar,
Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, after the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared a
state of emergency cancelling the League
for Democracy (NLD) dominated session of
the parliament, rejected the appeal against
the seizure of land owned by the Daw Khin
Kyi Foundation.
Former State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi,
purchased about 100 acres of land in Naypyitaw
for the Daw Khin Kyi Foundation in 2012
, for the planned La Yaung Taw project,
a vocational training school to raise public
awareness of the impact of deforestation.
The Daw Khin Kyi Foundation owns 23.855
acres of land and buildings including
the Suu Vocational Institute named after
the National League for Democracy (NLD)
State Counsellor, Aung San Suu Kyi, at
Shwe Pyi Thar Township in Yangon.
The Suu Vocational Institute office in Shwe
Pyi Thar Township in Yangon was raided by
the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar within
weeks of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of
Myanmar's military declaration of martial
law, leaving the head of the Suu Vocational
Institute, Ko Zaw Myat Lin, dead.
Suu Vocational Institute, volunteer teacher,
Ko Min Wai, said that three students and
three local residents were arrested, saying
that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
had confiscated computors, vehicles, phones
and money."
The Suu Vocational Institute provided
free vocational training for those lacking
formal education under the National League
for Democracy (NLD) Education Network.
The Daw Khin Kyi Foundation also purchased
101.33 acres at Raja Theingaha Housing
in Ottarathiri Township, for the La Yaung
Taw project for five million kyats per
acre, a price officially set by the Naypyitaw
Development Committee.
Former State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi,
faces a combined prison term of 33 years
for charges brought by the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that included an additional
sentence of seven years in prison 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 December 2021 State councillor, Aung
San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and Naypyitaw
Mayor, U Myo Aung, who were arrested in
February 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
Southeast Asian Times
Philippines
Senate inquiry finds sunken
oil tanker MT Princess Empress
had no permit to operate |
|
 |
Sunken
Oil tanker MT Princess Empress,
on the ocean floor off Naujan
town in Oreintal Mindoro province,
was found by Hakuyo, a Japanese
remotely operated vehicle
(ROV) on Tuesday March 21,
2023
|
|
From
News Reports :
Manila, March 24: The Senate inquiry into
the sinking of the oil tanker MT Princess
Empress with 900,000 liters of crude oil
onboard off the Oriental Mindoro coast,
found that the oil tanker had no permit
to operate, saying " the MT Princess
Empress had sailed 9 times without a permit
prior to sinking in Oreintal Mindoro on
February 28, reports the PhilStar.
Senate Committee on Environment, Natural
Resources and Climate Change, Senators Cynthia
Villar and Risa Hontiveros said that the
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) reports
that "the ship has no authority to
operate under the amended Certificate of
Public Convenience (CPC)."
"When a company acquires a new ship,
it is required to file an amendment to its
Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC),"
said the Senate.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary jesus
Crispin Remulla said the sunken MT Princess
Empress was not brand new as stated in the
Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC),
saying "the MT Princess Empress is
a rebuilt scrap ship."
"The MT Princess Empress was not built
to be an oil tanker at the very beginning,"
he said.
He said that there was misrepresentation
in the Certificate of Public Convenience
(CPC), saying the MT Princess Empress is
not a brand new vessel, it was rebuilt as
an oil tanker in the second rebuilding."
"The MT Princess Empress was rebuilt
twice to become a tanker," he said.
He said that the operators of the ship,
Reield Marine Services (RDC), were given
a warning before the MT Princess Empress
sailed, saying "the MT Princess Empress
went ahead with the voyage."
Senate Committee on Environment, Natural
Resources and Climate Change, Senator Risa
Hontiveros said that the Philippines Coast
Guards (PCG) officials who directly allowed
the MT Princess Empress to depart from Bataan
should face the full brunt of the law, saying
"the Philippines Coast Guards (PCG)
officials should be made to answer for the
previous times the vessel had been allowed
to sail."
"Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
officials who allwed the ship to operate
despite its condition should also be held
liable." said Senator
Risa Hontiveros.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan),
House Deputy Minority Leader, France Castro,
House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas,
and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul
Manuel have called for an immediate investigation
into the effects of the oil spill from the
MT Princess Empress that was carrying 900,000
liters of crude oil when it sank in the
Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor off
the coast of Oriental Mindoro in the early
hours of February 28.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan)
legislators said that the oil spill-affected
areas are within the Verde Island Passage
Marine Corridor that spans 1.4 million hectares
and covers Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental
Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and Romblon,
saying "more than two million people
live along the Verde Island Passage Marine
Corridor and depend on its resources to
survive."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Myanmar's
civilian government demands
Thailand suspend oil
gas dividend
payments to Myanmar military
|
|
 |
Protesters
in Myanmar call on Thailands
state-owned PTT Exploration
and Production Public Company
(PTTEP) to suspend dividend
payment to the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Monday
March 20, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Naypyitaw, March 23: Myanmar's civilian
National Unity Government (NUG), that
was founded after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar, seizure of the elected National
League for Democracy (NLD) government
in February 2021, has called on Thailand's
state-owned PTT Exploration and Production
Public Company (PTTEP) to suspend dividend
payment to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar, and to deliver future payments
to the civilian National Unity Government
(NUG), reports Irrawaddy.
The civilian National Unity Government
(NUG) Minister for Planning Finance and
Investment, U Tin Tun Naing, said that
the National Unity Government (NUG) has
sent a formal letter of demand to the
Thailand's state-owned PTT Exploration
and Production Public Company (PTTEP)
to suspend dividend payments to the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
He said that the formal letter of demand
sent to Thailand's state-owned PTT Exploration
and Production Public Company (PTTEP)
demands that dividend payments from the
Yadana offshore gas field in the Andaman
Sea to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of
Myanmar controlled Myanma Oil and Gas
Enterprise (MOGE) be suspended.
The civilian National Unity Government
(NUG) Minister for Planning Finance and
Investment, U Tin Tun Naing Tun demanded
that the Thailand's state-owned PTT Exploration
and Production Public Company (PTTEP)
deliver future dividend payments to an
National Unity Government (NUG) account.
"We intend to cut off the money that
flows through Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise
(MOGE) to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar to fund its violence,"
he said.
The civilian National Unity Government
(NUG) Electricity and Energy Minister
U Soe Thura Tun said that the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar earms between US$80
million and US$100 million per month from
oil and gas revenues.
He said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar were earning millions per month
from oil and gas revenues despite energy
giants calling a halt to their operation
in Myanmar and the decline in production
in some off shore fields including Yadana
offshore gas field in the Andaman Sea.
We dont want to harm PTTEP
and we dont want to interrupt its
operations. We are just doing what we
should do for the people of Myanmar,"
he said.
In September 2021 the National Unity Government
(NUG) Minister for Planning, Finance and
Investment, U Tin Tun Naing called on
eight companies to withdraw investments
of more that $3.1 billion in Myanmar,
saying the National Unity Government (NUG)
will not recognise any investment permits
and endorsements issued by the the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
"The indiscriminate issuance of investment
permits and endorsements by the Myanmar
Investment Commission under the control
of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
appointed Lieutenant General Moe Myint
Tun run runs counter to the tenets of
federal democracy," he said.
The National Unity Government (NUG) had
called on the eight companies to abandon
investment in Mayanmar inlcuding, TTCL
Power Myanmar Co. Ltd of Japan; Myanmar
Heng Ya Investment Development Co Ltd
of China, Myanmar-based N Motors Company
Limited, Petro and Trans Co Ltd; S Gemological
Institute Co Ltd, Singapore-based Clean
Power Energy Co. Ltd; Myanmar Golden Eagle
Co Ltd of Thailand and Mee Lin Gyaing
Electric Power Co Ltd, which is registered
in the British Virgin Islands.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Vietnam
embassy official in KL
arrested for bribery in Covid-19
repatriation flights for Vietnamese
|
|
 |
Vietnam Airlines repatriated
300 Vietnamese citizens from
Japan during the Covid -19
pandemic Friday April 22,
2020
|
|
From
News Reports:
Hanoi, March 22: Vietnam's Ministry of Public
Security (MPS) director, Lt. Gen. To An
Xo, has launched criminal proceedings against
nine Vietnamese including company directors
of travel related companies and an Vietnam
Embassy in Malaysia for alleged bribery
involved in repatriation flights for Vietnamese
returning to Vietnam during the Covid-19
pandemic, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Former Vietnam Embassy official, Dang
Minh Phuong, 38, is under house arrest
for abusing his position and power under
Article 356 of the Criminal Code while
performing his duties at the Malaysian
Embassy in Kuala Lumpur during the Covid-19
pandemic.
Republic of Vietnam National Police (RVNP)
on orders of the Ministry of Public Security
(MPS) director, Lt. Gen. To An Xo, have
searched the residences and workplaces of
all nine Vietnamese that includes eight
company directors of travel companies for
evidence of bribery in repatriation flights
for Vietnamese returning to Vietnam during
the Covid-19 pandemic.
The eight company directors of travel companies
that are under house arrest include Vu Minh
Thang, 45, director of Thuan An Trading
Investment Company Limited and chairman
of Ascend Travel and Media and Thuan An
Travel and Event Joint Stock Company, Nguyen
Thi Thanh Hang, 51, general director of
Blue Sky Trading, Services and Tourism Company
Limited and general director of Travel Sky
Joint Stock Company; Le Van Nghia, 63, director
of Nhat Minh Travel and Catering Joint Stock
Company; Vo Thi Hong, 37, director of Minh
Ngoc Trading and Service Ticket Room Air
Company Limited; Tran Thi Mai Xa, 35, director
of Vietnam Masterlife Education and Travel
Joint Stock Company; Vu Thuy Duong, 36,
director of Viet Travel Tourist Trading
Joint Stock Company; Phan Thi Mai, 39, director
of Hanoi Star International Joint Stock
Company.
In January 2023 Vietnam Ambassador to Malaysia,
Tran Viet Thai, 49, and embassy official
Nguyen Hoang Linh, 37 were arrested in Hanoi
for alleged bribery in repatriation flights
for Vietnamese citizens returning to Vietnam
during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ministry of Public Security (MPS) director,
Lt. Gen. To An Xo, ordered an investigation
into bribery allegation a year ealier
in January 2022 into the Ministry of Health,
Department of Immigration, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Vietnam National Administration
of Tourism and Vietnam's embassies that
had organised almost 800 repatriation
flights for more than 200,000 Vietnamese
citizens from over 60 countries and territories
during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The Ministry of Public Security
has launched criminal proceedings into
"giving and taking bribes" in
repatriation flights ," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Philippine
legislators want immediate
investigation into oil spill
from sunken MT Princess Empress
|
|
 |
Filipino's
cleanup oil spill from the
sunken oil tanker, MT Princess
Empress, on the Verde Island
Marine Corridor, on a cash-for-work
program introduced by the
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government
|
|
From
News Reports:
Manila March 21: Patriotic Coalition of
the People' (Makabayan) legislators have
called for an immediate investigation into
the oil spill from the sunken oil tanker
MT Princess Empress that has affected the
livelihood of more than two million Filipino's
on the Verde Island Marine Corridor, with
demands to Philippine's President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. for compensation for fishers,
reports the Manila Bulletin.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan),
House Deputy Minority Leader, France Castro,
House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas,
and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul
Manuel called for an immediate investigation
into the effects of the oil spill of MT
Princess Empress that was carrying 900,000
liters of industrial fuel when it sank in
the Verde Island Marine Corridor off the
coast of Oriental Mindoro in the early hours
of February 28.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan)
legislators said that the Philippine national
government must provide immediate compensation
for the fisherfolk and families affected
by the oil spill, saying "the national
government must exhaust all means to stop
the further spread of the industrial fuel
oil."
"Now, therefore, be it resolved, as
it is hereby resolved, that the House of
Representatives through the Committee on
Natural Resources and Committee on Aquaculture
and Fisheries Resource immediately conduct
an investigation, in aid of legislation,
on the effects of the oil spill caused by
the MT Princess Empress on the environment,
livelihood of fisherfolks, and the local
production of fish, said the Patriotic
Coalition of the People' (Makabayan) legislators.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan)
legislators said that the oil spill-affected
areas are within the Verde Island Marine
Corridor that spans 1.4 million hectares
and covers Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental
Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and Romblon,
saying "more than two million people
live along the Verde Island Passage Marine
Corridor and depend on its resources to
survive."
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
said the oil spill in the Verde Island Marine
Corridor off the coast of Oriental Mindoro
has caused more than 18, 000 Philippine
fishermen to lose their livelihoods, saying
"the oil spill threatens the nations
most diverse sea region."
He said the cleanup of the oil spill from
the oil tanker, MT Princess Empress, could
take up to four months, saying he has directed
government agencies to help fishermen affected
by the oil spill.
He said the government has a cash-for-work
program for the affected fishermen, saying
"the fishermen can go back to fishing
when the oil-spill is cleaned up."
The
Southeast Asian Times
ASEAN calls
for Extradition Treaty for
all ASEAN members
|
|
 |
The
4th meeting of the ASEAN Senior
Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM)
Working Group on the ASEAN
Extradition Treaty in Denpasar,
Bali, Wednesday March 15,
2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 20: The ASEAN Senior Law
Officials Meeting (ASLOM) Working Group
on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (WG-AET)
called for the advancement of efforts for
a binding Extradition Treaty for all ASEAN
member states at its 4th meeting in Denpasar,
Bali on Wednesday, with the chairman saying
" Indonesia encourages the realization
of an ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), reports
Antara.
The Indonesian Law and Human Rights Ministry,
Director General of Legal Administrative
Affairs, and chairman of the ASEAN Senior
Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), Cahyo R,
said the ASEAN Extradition Treaty will demonstrate
ASEAN's strong commitment to working together
with the international community in tackling
and eradicating transnational crime."
"The eradication of transnational
crime is vital in supporting the realization
of a safe, stable, and prosperous ASEAN
region," he said.
He said that the Law and Human Rights
Ministry is the focal point of the ASEAN
Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM),
saying "the establishment of the
ASLOM Working Group on the ASEAN Extradition
Treaty was a mandate of the ASEAN legal
ministers' meeting with ASLOM."
He said that the efforts for a binding ASEAN
Etradition Treaty align with ASEAN leaders'
commitment contained in the 1976 ASEAN Concord
Declaration in Bali that includes the "Study
on how to develop judicial cooperation including
the possibility of an ASEAN Extradition
Treaty."
In December 2022 the Indonesian House
of Representatives (DPR) Commission I
and III members for 20192024 ratified
the bill on the Extradition Treaty between
Indonesia and Singapore, that was signed
by President Joko Widodo and Singaporean
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in January.
In April 2007, former Indonesian President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong oversaw
the signing of an extradition treaty and
Defence Cooperation Agreement between
Singapore and Indonesia but it was not
ratified by the Indonesia's parliament.
Indonesia's Members of Parliament reportedly
argued that the extradition treaty and
Defence Cooperation Agreement favoured
Singapore and could compromise Indonesia's
security.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Myanmar
crisis affecting security
and welfare of region: Malaysia
PM
|
|
 |
Malaysian
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
and Philippines President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila
Wednesday March 1, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 19: Malaysian Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticised the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN for ASEAN's
inaction on Mynamar during an official visit
to ASEAN member, the Philippines, saying
"the Myanmar crisis cannot be considered
as purely internal because its affecting
the security and welfare of the region,"
reports Agence France Press.
"The huge number of refugees from Myanmar,
exceeding 200,000 in Malaysia now, are adversly
affecting Malaysia," he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said
at a meeting with Philippines President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 1, that "ASEAN's
principle of non-interference in member-states
affairs must not descend into indifference,"
saying "ASEAN should explore new approaches
to resolving the post-coup crisis in Myanmar."
He said that consensus-based decision making
should not devolve into silence on violations
of the ASEAN's core principles of respect
for democratic values, human rights and
fundamental freedoms," saying "I
believe that non-interference is not a license
for indifference."
He said that Asean should not remain silent
over develoments in member states that affect
the wider region, saying "particularly
egregious violations of the ASEAN Charter
by its own members."
In February 2023 Indonesia ASEAN chair for
2023 affirmed ASEAN unity of the official
ASEAN position on Myanmar at the ASEAN Foreign
Ministers Retreat (AMM) in Jakarta,
saying "the ASEAN foreign ministers
reaffirmed a united approach in the implementation
of the Five-Point Consensus plan,"
She said that Indonesia has proposed and
negotiated the implementation of the Five-Point
Consensus (5PC) plan, saying "support
from all ASEAN members shows the strong
unity of ASEAN members to implement the
Five-Point Consensus."
The ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) plan
that was introduced at the ASEAN Leaders
Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta in April 2021,
was attended by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief Senior General
Min Aung Hlaing.
Then the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar,
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung
Hlaing agreed to the ASEAN Five Point Concensus
(5PC) plan that included an immediate end
to all forms of violence, the release of
political prisoners, implementation of the
rights of women and children, unimpeded
humanitarian access and facilitation and
mediation with the Secretary General of
ASEAN.
In October 2021 The Association of Southeast
Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights
(APHR), chairman and Member of the Malaysian
Parliament, Charles Santiago, who promotes
democracy and human rights in Southeast
Asia, called on the Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and
governments world wide to recognise Myanmar's
civilian National Unity Government (NUG)
that was founded following the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected
National League for Democracy (NLD) government
in February 2021.
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians
for Human Rights (APHR) urged ASEAN to recognise
Myanmar's civilian National Unity Government
(NUG) and ASEAN dialogue partners and governments
world-wide "to sanction against the
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar."
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians
for Human Rights (APHR), chairman and Member
of the Malaysian Parliament, Charles Santiago,
called on ASEAN dialogue partners that include
Australia, Canada, China, European Union,
India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand,
Russia and the United States to officially
meet with the National Unity Government
(NUG) "to extend solidarity with the
people of Myanmar."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Cambodia
rejects Human Rights call
to release striking NagaWorld
hotel casino workers from
prison
|
|
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Former
NagaWorld hotel and casino
employees demand the release
from prison of president of
the Labour Rights Supported
Union of Khmer Employees of
NagaWorld (LRSU), Chhim Sithar,
in Phnom Penh on Tuesday March
14, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 18: The Ministry of Justice
and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee
(CHRC) have rejected the call from Human
Rights Watch (HRW) to release nine former
NagaWorld hotel and casino complex employees
including Chhim Sithar, 35, president of
the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer
Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) detained on
charges of "incitement to cause social
chaos," saying "the statement
issued by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) is
biased against the Government with no specific
basis," reports the Phnom Penh Post.
The Ministry of Justice, spokesperson and
the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC)
vice chairman, Chin Malin said that the
statement issued by Human Righrs Watch (HRW)
titled "Cambodia: Labour Leaders, Activists
Facing Baseless Allegations" on Tuesday
"is biased against the government with
no specific basis", saying "this
case follows standard legal proceeding."
He said that the accused have already crossed
the line of existing labour dispute resolution
mechanisms, saying "this has led to
the commission of crimes that are clearly
defined under the law."
"Naturally, the courts follow all national
and international conventions related to
human rights," he said.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Deputy Director
Asia, Phil Robertson, issued a statement
on Tuesday urging the immediate and unconditional
release of the nine former NagaWorld employees
including Chhim Sithar, 35, president of
the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer
Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU), saying "Cambodia
authorities were violating the criminal
justice system by targeting union leaders
and other labour rights advocates."
They are being subjected to increasing
pressure from Cambodian authorities as the
space for civil society in Cambodia narrows
in the run-up to the July parliamentary
election, he said.
In December 2022 the Phnom Penh Municipal
Court ordered the arrest of Chhim Sithar,
35, president of the Labour Rights Supported
Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU)
on her return to Cambodia from Australia
where she had attended the 5th International
Trade Union Confederation World Congress
(ITUC) from 17 to 22 November, 2022.
Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees
of NagaWorld (LRSU) president, Chhim Sithar,
who represents 3,000 hotel and casino workers
who stopped work at the five star NagaWorld
hotel and casino complex in Phnom Penh in
January 2020, was arrested at the Phnom
Penh airport on November 26, 2022.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered the
arrest of Chhim Sithar on her return to
Camboida after twelve days in Australia
for failing to comply with bail conditions
that were set on her release from the Prey
Sar Prison on March 14, 2022.
In January 2020 about 3,000 hotel and casino
workers went on strike at the five star
NagaWorld hotel and casino complex in Phnom
Penh for higher wages, improved working
conditions and the reinstatement of their
union Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer
Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) president
Chhim Sithar.
Chhim Sithar, was suspended for allegedly
breaching company rules, for supporting
a union member who was harassed by security
guards for wearing a union-T-shirt.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged unionists,
activists, striking workers and former employees
of the Hong Kong investment holding company
NagaCorp Ltd with incitement to commit a
felony for reportedly "undertaking
an illegal protest in front of the five
star Hotel NagaWorld hotel and casino complex.
Thousands of unionists, activists, striking
workers and former employees had been protesting
at the Hotel NagaWorld hotel and casino
complex since December 17 demanding that
NagaCorp Ltd reinstate dismissed employees
and end discrimination against union members.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Reward offered
for return of radioactive
material missing from power
plant in Thailand
|
|
 |
Prachinburi
provincial governor, Ronnarong
Nakornjinda, warns public
not to touch the cylinder
of radioactive material Caesium-137
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, March 17: The hunt for the missing
radioactive material Caesium-137 that
went missing from the National Power Plant
5A Co Ltd in Prachinburi province, 160
kilometres from Bangkok on February 23,
has intensified, with the Prachinburi
provincial governor offering a reward
for the return of the radioactive material,
reports the Nation.
Prachinburi provincial governor, Ronnarong
Nakornjinda, said that those who provide
information leading to the recovery of the
missing 30cm-long, 13cm-wide cylinder, weighing
25 kg, containing the radioactive material
Caesium-137 would receive a 50,000 baht
(US$1,460) reward."
He warned the public not to touch the
cylinder of radioactive material Caesium-137
that has a half-life of 30 years and remains
in the environment for 300 years, saying
"the radioactive Caesium-137 causes
burns, acute radiation sickness and can
increase the risk of cancer."
He said that the cylinder containing the
radioactive material Caesium-137 is suspected
to have been stolen for sale to an antique
shop, saying "authorities have inspected
junk shops, scrap metal yards and second-hand
stores in Prachinburi province and neighbouring
Chachoengsao province."
"Anyone who finds the tube can contact
National Power Plant 5A community relations
officer Aree Chaktreemongkol at 085 835
0190," he said.
Kittiphan Chitpentham, represenative of
the National Power Supply Public Co, Ltd
that operates National Power Plant 5A
Co Ltd plant in Sri Maha Pho district
in Prachinburi province, said that management
believes that "the cylinder containing
the radioactive material Caesium-137 was
taken from the facility on February 23.
He said that a weekend search of the National
Power Plant 5A Co Ltd failed to locate the
cylinder containing the radioactive material
Caesium-137, saying "radiation tests
at the plant show that the cylinder has
been taken off the premisis."
"The company believes the cylinder
may have fallen from a wall mount on a
18 metres high silo that was used for
measuring steam pressure at the plant."
The
Southeast Asian Times
WHO fires
regional director for the
Western Pacific Regional Office
for abusive conduct and racism
|
|
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Dr
Takeshi Kasai, regional director
for the Western Pacific Regional
Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines
|
|
From
News Reports:
Manila, March 16: The World Health Organisation
(WHO) has fired the regional director for
the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO)
in Manila, Philippines for abusive conduct
and racism but not incuding sexual misconduct,
with the WHO Executive Board saying "the
Regional Directors appointment has
been terminated, reports Reuters.
"After careful consideration of the
findings and following consultation with
the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific
and the Executive Board, the Regional Director
Dr Takeshi Kasaia's appointment has been
terminated."
World Health Organisation (WHO ) member
states voted to terminate the contract of
Dr Takeshi Kasai at the Western Pacific
Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines
last Wednesday week.
Former director of the Western Pacific Regional
Office (WPRO), Dr Takeshi Kasai, was elected
to the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO)
in 2019 after more than 15 years with the
World Health Organisation (WHO).
World Health Organisation (WHO ) Executive
Board confirmed Dr Takeshi Kasai's removal
from his position as director of the Western
Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) with a recommendation
to the World Health Organisation (WHO )
Director General to discontinue any position
held by Dr Takeshi Kasai at the World Health
Organisation (WHO).
World Health Organisation (WHO ) Executive
Board said that "the allegations of
abusive conduct and racism were investigated
by the WHO Office of Investigative Services
(OIS) and subsequently reviewed in accordance
with the normal procedures applicable to
all WHO members."
World Health Organisation (WHO) said "the
investgation included the right of the Regional
Director of the Western Pacific Regional
Office (WPRO), Dr Takeshi Kasai, to receive
all relevant evidence and respond to the
allegations in line with due process."
"These procedures resulted in findings
of misconduct," said the WHO Executive
Board.
The removal of Dr Takeshi Kasai from his
position as the regional director for the
Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO)
was opposed by Japan that gathered 11 votes
against his removal against 13 that voted
in favor.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Indo-Pacific
alliance AUKUS to build nuclear-propelled
submarines in South Australia
|
|
 |
Australia
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese,
US President Joe Biden, UK
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
at Point Loma Naval Base,
in San Diego, U.S, 13 March
2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Washington, March 15: The strategic Indo-Pacific
alliance, Australia, United Kingdom, United
States (AUKUS) agreed on Monday to build
a fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines
in Adelaide in South Australia, with China's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying "cooperation
between Australia, United Kingdom and the
United States, (AUKUS) in the development
of nuclear powered submarines would undermine
regional peace and stability," reports
Reuters.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
said at Point Loma naval base in San Diego
on Monday that "the AUKUS agreement
represents the biggest single investment
in Australia's defence capability, strengthening
Australia's national security and stability
in the Indo-Pacific."
"It's the first time in 65 years that
the U.S. has shared its nuclear propulsion
technology," he said.
He said that Australia would build a nuclear-powered
but conventionally armed submarine with
the UK to be named SSN-AUKUS, saying "the
massive defence project would bring billions
of dollars of investment and thousands of
jobs to Australia."
"This will be an Australian sovereign
capability built by Australians, commanded
by the Royal Australian Navy and sustained
by Australians in Australian shipyards with
construction to begin within this decade,"
he said.
In September 2021 Australia, United Kingdom
and the United States, (AUKUS) announced
at the State Department in Washington DC,
that the newly formed security partnership,
AUKUS, would cooperate to develope nuclear-powered
submarines in Australia with China's Ministry
of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian,
saying that "cooperation between Australia,
United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS)
would undermine regional peace and stability
in the building of nuclear powered submarines."
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman,
Zhao Lijian said at a press conference in
Beijing that cooperation in the development
of nuclear submarines between Australia,
United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS)
would undermine regional peace and stability,
intensify the arms race and undermine international
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons efforts.
"Australia as a non-nuclear weapon
state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a party to
the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ)
Treaty, has introduced nuclear submarine
technology of strategic and military value,"
he said.
Australia cancelled a multi-billion-dollar
contract for conventional French submarines
in September 2021 on the newly formed AUKUS
security partnership, with France Foreign
Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying that
the cancellation of the contract and the
newly formed trategic Indo-Pacific alliance
between Australia, United Kingdom and the
United States AUKUS "concerns the very
nature of the relationship between Europe
and the United States Indo-Pacific strategy."
"France has pushed for several years
for a European strategy for boosting economic,
political and defence ties in the region
from India and China to Japan and New Zealand,"
he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Two
Arema Football Club officials
sentenced to prison for deaths
in stampede at Kanjuruhan
Stadium
|
|
 |
Arema
Football Club Organizing Committee
chair Abdul Haris, left, and
Arema Football Club security
chief Suko Sutrisno, right,
arrive at the Surabaya District
Court, East Java, Indonesia
Thursday March 9, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 14: The Surabaya district
court, East Java, Indonesia, sentenced two
Arema Football Club officials to 12 to 18
months in prison for criminal negligence
causing death and bodily harm in a stampede
that killed 125 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium
on October 1, with Arema Football Club security
chief Suko Sutrisno who received a 12 month
prison sentence denying any wong doing,
reports Rueters.
Arema Football Club security chief Suko
Sutrisno denied any wrongdoing in the stampede
that killed 125 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,
claimed he would appeal the verdict, saying
"we want justice,"
He asked after the Surabaya District Court
delivered the verdict, "why us little
people" ?
What about the others? he asked.
The panel of three judges at Surabaya District
Court, sentenced Arema Footbal Club Organizing
Committee Chair Abdul Haris, to 18 months
in prison and Arema Football Club security
chief Suko Sutrisno to 12 months in prison.
Chief judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya said
that "Arema Footbal Club Organizing
Committee Chair, Abdul Haris, has been found
guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of causing
deaths and severe injuries due to his negligence."
"The defendants had failed to ensure
adequate security and crowd control measures
at the stadium," he said.
Chief judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya said
that the panel of judges had considered
mitigating factors that included the Arema
Footbal Club Organizing Committee Chair,
Abdul Haris, proposal to reschedule the
match for security reasons that was rejected,
and Arema Football Club security chief Suko
Sutrisno's initiative to evacuate victims.
Lawyer for the defendants, Eko Hendra Prasetyo,
said that Arema Footbal Club Organizing
Committee chair, Abdul Haris, and Arema
Football Club security chief, Suko Sutrisno,
"they should have been acquitted,"
"There is no evidence that their actions
could have contributed to the deaths of
the fans," he said.
He said that the defendents helped rescue
victims, denying claims that the Arema Footbal
Club Organizing Committee did not prepare
evacuation doors, saying "there were
evacuation doors below Gate F."
"Football fans couldnt get to
the evacuation doors because they were blocked
by tear gas," he said.
In October 2022 the Joint Independent Fact-finding
Team (TGIPF) found that tear gas fired at
spectators at the Kanjuruhan Stadium has
caused the deaths of 132 football fans and
injuries to 596 as they ran towards the
exits of the overcrowded stadium to escape
tear gas.
The crowd at the Kanjuruhan Stadium was
reportedly beyond capacity on Sunday 1 October
2022 , with 42,000 tickets sold for the
match in a stadium designed to hold 38,000
spectators.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) investigation into the firing of
tear gas at the Kanjuruhan Stadium found
that "the failure of police to follow
Federation Internationale de Football Association
(FIFA) regulations contributed to the deaths
and injuries at the stadium.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) investigation also found that Indonesian
National Police officers had attempted to
secure the crowd by firing tear gas indiscrimintely,
saying "the indiscriminate firing of
tear gas caused panic among spectators and
the ensuring stampede."
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) recommended that the Indonesian
National Police take action against police
officers who fired tear gas and against
Arema Football Club supporters who the TGIPF
claim started the provocation.
Indonesian National Police officers fired
tear gas to disperse Arema Football Club
supporters who had run onto the Kanjuruhan
Stadium field after a 3-2 home defeat to
Persebaya Surabaya despite the Federation
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
governing body for world soccer safety regulations
that firearms or crowd control gas should
not be used at football sports stadiums.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Former
PM Muhyiddin Yassin charged
with abuse of power by the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission
|
|
 |
Former
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin at Kuala Lumpur Court
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Friday March 10, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 13: Former Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin, 75, was charged with
abuse of power on Friday, with the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) saying
"former Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin was arrested at the Anti-Corruption
Commission on Thursday," reports
Reuters.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) Commissioner, Azam Baki said "the
former Prime Minister will face several
charges under Section 23 and Section 4(1)
b of the Anti- Money Laundering Act."
"Section 23 refers to the charge
of abuse of power," he said.
He said that former Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin was arrested for abuse of power
related to the Jana Wibawa project that
was planned to assist ethnic Malays during
and after the Covic-19 pandemic.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,
who served as Prime Minister during the
Covid-19 pandemic from March 2020 until
he resigned in August 2021, claimed innocence
to the charge of abuse of power in the Jana
Wibawa project, saying "I did not have
the power to approve government projects."
"That power was with the Ministry
of Finance," he said.
"The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) should know from the statements
that there was no element of power abuse
or corruption." he said.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin claims
that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's
(MACC) charge "is aimed to humiliate
me by dragging me to court, saying "this
selective prosecution is a political move
aimed at crippling and destroying the Malaysian
United Indigenous Party (BERSATU) and Perikatan
Nasional parties (NP)."
In July 2021 support for former Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin, who was appointed by King
Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shahin in March 2020,
was withdrawn by Malaysia's largests political
party, the United Malays National Organisation
(UMNO), in defence of the the Malay Royal
Institution as enshrined in Article 3 of
the UMNO Constitution.
UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said
then "UMNO cannot compromise with
the Muhyiddin Yassin government's attitude
towards the monarchy."
He said that the United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO) could not support
the Muhyiddin Yassin government, saying
the failure of the Muhyiddin Yassin government
to immediately abide by calls from the
King and the Malay Rulers to reconvene
Parliament that was closed due to the
Covid-19 pandemic was reason for the United
Malays National Organisation (UMNO) not
to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN)
government.
He said that the United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO) was formed to protect
and defend the institution of the Conference
of Malay Rulers and the King, saying that
"the Party would not remain silent."
The King, who chaired the Conference of
Malay Rulers in June 2021 and who is empowered
to reconvene Parliament under the Federal
Constitution on the advice of Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin, ruled that the state
of emergency that expired on August 1,
2021 should not be extended and that Parliament
would reconvene as soon as possible.
"The governments failure to
implement the Conference of Malay Rulers
decision is considered a treasonous act
and shows disrespect for the institution
of the King and the Conference of Malay
Rulers," said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the Muhyiddin Yassin government
had failed to fulfill the Malaysian people's
aspiration in managing the Covid-19 pandemic,
saying "inconsistent policies had
led to the inefective implementation of
lockdowns and misuse of the Emergency
Ordinance."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Former
Fiji PM and Commissioner of
Police charged with abuse
of office
|
|
 |
Former
Fiji Prime Minister Frank
Bainimarama and and former
Fiji Commissioner of Police
Sitiveni Qiliho at the Totogo
Police Station in Suva, Fiji
on Friday March 10, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Suva, March 12: Former Fiji Prime Minister
Frank Bainimarama was charged with abuse
of office on Friday with the Fiji Public
Prosecutor saying "the former Fiji
Prime Minister and the former Fiji Commissioner
of Police have allegedly arbitrarily terminated
an active police investigation into the
financial management of the University
of the South Pacific (USP), reports Reuters.
Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama,
pleaded not guilty to the charge of abuse
of office under Division 11 of Offences
against the Administration of Lawful Authority,
saying "I served as Prime Minister
of Fiji with integrity and with the best
interest of Fijians at heart."
"I am going to fight this charge
not only for my own reputation but for
democracy, all Fijians, and of course
for the constitution," he said.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
Christopher Pryde, said that former Prime
Minister, Frank Bainimarama, and Commissioner
of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho were charged
with one count each of abuse of office,
saying "the former Prime Minister
and former Commissioner of Police are
charged with interference in an active
investigation into the financial mismanagement
at the University of the South Pacific
(USP) in 2019."
He said that further investigations into
other maters arising from the investigation
into the financial mismanagement at the
University of the South Pacific will be
undertaken, saying "more charges
may be laid against other suspects in
due course."
In July 2022 China and the 10 Pacific
Island countries from Micronesia, Melanesia
and Polynesia that include the Solomon
Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga,
Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands
and Niue, that make up the Federated States
of Micronesia, were to endorse China's
Common Development Vision for the Pacific,
with a warning against the endorsement
by the Federated States of Micronesia
(FSM)
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM),
David Panuelo, warned the Pacific nations
of dire consequences if any nations endorse
China's Common Development Vision for
the Pacific.
He said in his letter to the Micronesian,
Melanesian and Polynesian countries in
the Pacfic that "China's Common Development
Vision for the Pacific is an intent to
shift those of us with diplomatic relations
with China very close to Beijing's orbit,
intrinsically tying the whole of our economies
and societies to them," saying "aggreement
to the plan would needlessly heighten
geopolitical tensions and threaten regional
stability."
"The Common Development Vision was
the single most game-changing proposed
agreement in the Pacific in any of our
lifetimes," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
KL court
acquits ousted former PM Najib
Razak of tampering with 1MDB
state funds final audit report
|
|
 |
Ousted
former PM Najib Razak acquitted
of tampering with 1Malaysia
Development Bhd (1MDB) state
funds final audit report by
the Kuala Lumpur High Court
on Friday March 10, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 11: The Kuala Lumpur
High Court has acquitted ousted former Prime
Minister, Najib Razak, on charges of tampering
with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)
state funds final audit report, with the
court ruling that the prosecution had failed
to gather evidence to convince the court
that Najib Razak must enter a defence, reports
the Star.
Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini
Mazlan acquitted former Prime Minister and
former Chairman of the 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB), Najib Razak, and the former
1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) Chief Executive
Officer, Arul Kanda Kandasamy, saying "the
prosecution failed to gather evidence to
convince the court that the two defendants
must enter a defense."
"I find that the prosecution has failed
to adduce credible evidence to prove the
offense which would warrant a conviction,"
he said.
He said that the prosecution has not made
a prima facie case against the accused Najib
Razak, saying "Najib Razak is hence
dischared and acquitted from the charge
against him."
In December 2021 the Malaysian Court of
Appeal upheld the High Court verdict that
found ousted former Prime Minister Najib
Razak, guilty of Criminal Breach of Trust
(CBT) in the misappropriation of US$700million
(RM2.6billion) from 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) and subsiduary SRS International
Sdn Bhd funds.
In December 2018 former Prime Minister Najib
Razak was arrested for allegedly tampering
with the 1MDB final audit report, with the
Auditor-General Madinah Mohamad saying that
parts of the 1MDB final audit report had
been expunged.
He said the attendence of Malaysian fugitive
financier Low Taek Jho at the 1MDB board
at the February 24, 2016 meeting had been
expunged from the 1MDB final audit report,
saying "fugitive financier Low Taek
Jho attendence at the 1MDB meeting was excluded
from the 1MDB final audit report,"
he said.
A warrant for the arrest of Malaysian fugitive
financier Low Taek Jho, who is wanted by
Malaysian police for alledged money laundering
of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state
funds was issued in August 2018.
Low Taek Jho, who is reportedly a family
friend of ousted former Prime Minister Najib
Razak, is wanted on eight counts of money
laundering and his father Low Hock Peng
on one count including the alleged investment
of hundreds of millions of dollars in the
United States and London.
In January 2020 the then witness for the
prosecution, former director of the National
Audit Department, Saadatul Nafisah Bashir
Ahmad, told the Kuala Lumpur court that
she and the former auditor-general Ambrin
Buang "were forced to accept the decision
to expunge parts of the 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) state funds final audit report.
She said under cross examination by lawyer,
Muhammad Shafee Abdullah who represented
former ousted Malaysian Prime Minister Najib
Razak and former 1MDB chief executive officer,
Arul Kanda Kandasamy, on charges of tampering
with the final 1MDB audit report, that she
was forced to expunge parts of the final
audit report at a meeting held on February
24, 2016.
She said that the meeting was chaired by
the then Chief Secretary to the Government,
Dr Ali Hamsa, at his office, with 1MDB the
then chief executive officer Arul Kanda
Kandasamy, Shukry Mohd Salleh, the principal
private secretary at the time to Prime Minister
Najib Razak and officer at the Attorney-General's
Chambers, Dzulkifli Ahmad, in attendance.
Witness for the prosecution, former director
of the National Audit Department, Saadatul
Nafisah Bashir Ahmad, said under cross examination
that she viewed the request made by the
then Chief Secretary to the Government and
1MDB chair, Dr Ali Hamsa, that her department.
the National Audit Department .consider
expunging portions of the audit report as
an order, saying "it was akin to being
forced to do so."
The 1MDB final audit report that had been
marked secret under the Official Secrets
Act (OSA) under the ousted former Prime
Minsiter Najib Rajak administration was
declassified less than a week after the
May 9, 2018 elections that saw the defeat
of the ruling Barisan National (BN) party
lead by the former Prime Minister Najib
Rajak and the return of Prime Minister Mathahir
Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad said after he was sworn
in as Prime Minister that he would appoint
a finance ministry advisor to oversee efforts
to recover US$700mil (RM2.6bil) that was
allegedly transferred from 1Malaysia Development
Bhd (1MDB) to Malaysia Prime Minister Najib
Razak private bank accounts.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Hong Kong
Police cancel International
Women's Day march without
notice
|
|
 |
Wu
Mei-lin, right, executive
director of the Hong Kong
Women Workers Association
(HKWWA) on Thursday March
2, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Hong Kong March 10: The International Women's
Day march in Hong Kong that was to be the
first authorised public assembly to be held
in Hong Kong since 2020 with the enforcement
of Beijings's new security laws, was "abruptly
cancelled" with representatives of
the Hong Kong Women Workers Association's
(HKWWA) saying "representatives had
been summoned numerous times for meetings
with the police," reports Reuters.
The Hong Kong Women Workers Association's
(HKWWA) representatives said they called
off the International Women's Day march
that was to be held on Sunday after the
Hong Kong Police Force threatened to arrest
the organisers.
"Groups and citizens who supported
us were also pressured and warned,"
said the Hong Kong Women Workers Association
(HKWWA).
The International Women's Day march that
was organised by the Hong Kong Women Workers
Association's (HKWWA), claims that the association
had been granted authorisation to hold the
International Women's Day march on Sunday,
saying "but the authorisation was abruptly
cancelled the night before, offering no
reason for the cancellation."
The Hong Kong Women Workers Association
(HKWWA) respresenatatives said the approval
for the International Women's Day march
on Sunday was obtained from Hong Kong Police
Force in a letter of no objection.
The Hong Kong Women Workers Association
(HKWWA) executive director Wu Mei-lin claims
that the Hong Kong Police Force gave the
association verbal approval for the International
Women's Day march.
"The association tried its best to
amend the agreement with the police in order
for the International Women's Day march
to take place," said the representatives.
In July 2020 the enforcement of the new
law on Safeguarding National Security in
the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) that was adopted by China's National
People's Congress in May 2020 was passed
into legislature in Beijing.
The new law on Safeguarding National Security
in the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR) allowed the Hong Kong Police
Force to exercised their new powers of arrest.
The Hong Kong Police Force under the new
laws, arrested 10 for taking part in an
illegal assembly, disordly conduct and possession
of offensive weapons on the first day of
the passing of the new security laws in
Beijing.
Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission
of the National People's Congress (NPC)
Standing Committee, Shen Chunyao, said in
Beijing after the passing of the new security
laws for Hong Kong that "the promulgation
and implementation of the new law on Safeguarding
National Security in Hong Kong will uphold
and improve the institutional system of
"one country, two systems," he
said.
He said that the new law on Safeguarding
National Security does not target opposing
political views in the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR), saying "political
views, including those not favourable to
the government can still exist."
"The new law does not criminalize normal
international communication and exchanges
either," he said.
He said that the new law will fully protect
the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the vast
majority of Hong Kong residents and the
legitimate rights and interests of investors
in Hong Kong.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Transfer
of nuclear material by AUKUS
up for discussion by International
Atomic Energy Agency
|
|
 |
Ambassador
Nguyen Trung Kien, Governor
- Permanent Representative
of Vietnam to the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),
at the meeting in Vienna on
Monday March 6, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Hanoi, March 9: The transfer of nuclear
material by the new Indo-Pacific alliance
between Australia, United Kingdom and the
United States, (AUKUS), is up for discussion
between the 35 nation board of governors
of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) this week in Vienna that includes
ASEAN members Vietnam and Singapore, with
Vietnam reitorating support for safe, secure
and peaceful uses of nuclear science and
technology, reports the Vietnam News Service.
ASEAN member Vietnam and Governor - Permanent
Representative of Vietnam to the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ambassador
Nguyen Trung Kien, reiterated Vietnams
support for the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) three pillars, safe, secure
and peaceful uses of nuclear science and
technology at the meeting of the 35 nation
board of Governors of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna this
week, reviewing security, safety and the
application of nuclear technology in 2023.
"The board of Governors agreed to a
safeguard agreement between the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran, Syria
and the Democratic Peoples Republic
of Korea (DPRK)," he said.
The 35 board of Governors of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) including, Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada,
China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala,
India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, the Republic
of Korea, Libya, Namibia, Pakistan, Qatar,
the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,
Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Türkiye,
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, the United States of America,
Uruguay and Viet Nam, are to discuss the
transfer of nuclear materials in the context
of the new Indo-Pacific alliance between
Australia, United Kingdom and the United
States (AUKUS)
In September 2021 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign
Affairs spokesperson, Le Thi Thu Hang, said
in Hanoi after the announcement in Washington
of the newly formed alliance between Australia,
United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS)
that "nuclear energy must be used for
peaceful purposes"
She said that "all countries in the
region should strive for peace, stability,
cooperation in their development of nuclear
energy."
after Australia, United Kingdom and the
United States, announced that the newly
formed security partnership, AUKUS, would
cooperate to develop nuclear-powered submarines
in Australia.
Then Australian Defence Minister, Peter
Dutton said "Australia is committed
to the highest standards for safeguards,
transparency, verification, and accountancy
measures to ensure the non-proliferation,
safety, and security of nuclear material
and technology."
"Australia remains committed to fulfilling
all its obligations as a non-nuclear weapons
state, including with the International
Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)," he said.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs then spokesman,
Zhao Lijian said in Beijing following the
announcement of the formation of (AUKUS)
that nuclear submarine cooperation between
Australia, United Kingdom and the United
States, (AUKUS) would undermine regional
peace and stability, intensify the arms
race and undermine international non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons efforts.
"Australia as a non-nuclear weapon
state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a party to
the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ)
Treaty, has introduced nuclear submarine
technology of strategic and military value,"
he said.
Malaysia's then Prime Minister Ismail Sabri
Yaakob warned that the new Indo-Pacific
alliance between Australia, United Kingdom
and the United States, AUKUS, that was formed
to construct nuclear submarines in Australia,
could provoke a nuclear arms race in the
Indo-Pacific region.
"Malaysia feared that the new Indo-Pacific
alliance AUKUS that was announcement at
the State Department in Washington DC,
would work in cooperation to build nuclear-powered
submarines in Australia and that the rotational
deployment of U.S. military aircraft to
Australia "would provoke other powers
to also act aggressively in the region."
The
Southeast Asian Times
China
sends flotilla of war ships
to
the West Philippine Sea
|
|
 |
More
that 40 Chinese vessels sighted
off Pag-asa Island, about
300 miles (483 kms) from Puerto
Princesa in Palawan province
in the West Philippines Sea
on Saturday March 3, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Manila, March 8: The Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG) has reported sighting more than 40
Chinese vessels anchored off Pag-asa Island,
also known Thitu Island, in the West Philippines
Sea, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
saying "the location of the Pag-asa
Island is clearly inside the Philippines
12-nautical mile territorial sea,"
reports Reuters.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) PCG Commandant
Admiral Artemio Abu said that the continuing
unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels
in the West Philippines Sea "is clearly
inconsistent with the right of innocent
passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines'
territorial integrity."
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed
on Pag-asa Island, reported on Saturday
that a Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)
Navy vessel, a China Coast Guard (CCG) 5203
vessel, and 42 suspected maritime militia
vessels, were anchored within 4.5 to 8 nautical
miles off the Pag-asa Island shore.
"The Peoples Liberation Army
(PLA) Navy vessel and China Coast Guard
(CCG) 5203 vessel, were observed idling
in waters surrounding Pag-asa Island,"
the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in
a statement.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed
on Pag-asa Island said that the suspected
Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy
vessels were anchored in the vicinity of
reefs west of Pag-asa Island, saying
"the suspected Peoples Liberation
Army (PLA) Navy vessels were anchored at
Pag-asa Island reef 3 and Pag-asa Island
reef 4."
In July 2016 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 Permanent Court of Arbitration in the
Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint
in 2013 that called on the court to intervene
in the Philippine dispute with China over
the right to exploit natural resources inluding
fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration
in the Hague ruled in 2016 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 China Foreign Ministry
spokesman, Lu Kang saying then 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.
The
Southeast Asian Times
ASEAN
member Cambodia supports China's
proposal to end Russia-Ukraine
war
|
|
 |
Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Sen announced
his support for China's 12-point
peace proposal at the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation annual meeting
at the Peace Palace on Friday
March 3, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 7: The Association of
South East Asian (ASEAN) member country,
Cambodia, announced support for China's
12-point peace proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine
crisis, with Cambodia Prime Minister saying
"the peace proposal respects international
laws and the United Nations Charter's principles,"
reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia Prime Minister, Hun Sen called
on all parties concerned to consider the
proposal on the occasion of the first
anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war,
saying "China's 12-point peace proposal
to end the Russia-Ukraine crisis conforms
with Cambodia's stance."
China's 12-point proposal also calls
for an end to military hostilities,"
he said.
China's 12-point peace proposal includes
respecting the sovereignty of all countries,
abandoning the cold war mentality, ceasing
hostilities, resuming peace talks, resolving
the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians
and prisoners of war, keeping nuclear
power plants safe, reducing strategic
risk, facilitating grain exports, stopping
unilateral sanctions, Keeping industrial
and supply chains stable, and promoting
post-conflict reconstruction.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said "War
is the worst way to end war." saying
"a ceasefire is the best means toward
the end of war."
In October 2022 seven of 10 Association
of South East Asian (ASEAN) member country,
voted in favour of the 77th session of
the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
motion that condemned the Russian referendums
of four partially occupied regions in
Ukraine, with ASEAN member nations, Thailand
Laos and Vietnam abstaining from the vote.
ASEAN member countries, Brunei, Cambodia,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
Indonesia including Myanmar that was representated
at the United Nations by envoy, Kyaw Moe
Tun, who voted without the support of
the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of
Myanmar, were among 143 countries that
voted in favour of the motion condemning
the Russian four partially occupied regions
in Ukraine.
Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea and Belarus
are the only countries that joined Russia
in voting against the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) motion at the 77the session,
with 35 countries abstaining from the
vote including ASEAN member countries
Laos and Vietnam, China and India.
The
Southeast Asian Times
QUAD
accused of encircling China
and preserving US hegemony
|
|
 |
Australia's
Foreign Minister Penny Wong,
India External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar, US Secretary
of State Antony Blinken, Japan's
Foreign Minister Yoshimasa
Hayashi at Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue (Quad) meeting in
New Delhi on Friday March
3, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Canberra, March 2023: Foreign Ministers
of Australia, India, Japan and the Secretary
of State of the United States reaffirmed
the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)
commitment to support a free and open
Indo-Pacific in New Delhi on Friday, saying
"the Quad will be guided by the priorities
of the Indo-Pacific region" with
China reaffirming criticism of the Quadrilateral
Security Dialogue (Quad) grouping "as
a tool to contain and encircle China and
preserve America's hegemony," reports
Reuters.
On Friday China reaffirmed its criticim
of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
(Quad) grouping "as a tool to contain
and circle China, and preserve America's
hegemony," with China's Ministry
of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning,
saying "China has stated our position
on QUAD on multiple occasions."
"We believe that state-to-state cooperation
needs to be consistent with the trend
of peace and development, rather than
be about putting up exclusionary blocs,"
she said.
She said that state-to-state interactions
should pursue peace and development and
contribute to mutual trust and regional
stability rather than exclusivity.
In February 2022 China's Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Zhao Lijian said following
the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)
Foreign Ministers meeting in Australia "the
so-called Quad mechanism is in nature a
tool to contain and encircle China and preserve
America's hegemony,"
Australia, India, Japan and the United
States, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue
(Quad) Foreign Ministers, who committed
to non-military initiatives including
new techno-democratic statecraft in a
free and open Indo-Pacific at the first
Quad meeting in March 2021, attended the
4th Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in
Australia with the then Australian Foreign
Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, saying
"the meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers
sends a message to China that security
in the region remains a priority for the
U.S."
On Friday in New Delhi Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers, US
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan's
Yoshimasa Hayashi, Australia's Penny Wong
and India's External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar said in a joint statement
"the Quad is acting as a force for
regional and global good," saying
"the quad will be guided by the priorities
of the Indo-Pacific region through its
positive and constructive agenda."
"We strongly support the principles
of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and
territorial integrity, peaceful settlement
of disputes without resorting to threat
or use of force and freedom of navigation
and overflight, and oppose any unilateral
attempt to change the status quo, all
of which are essential to the peace, stability
and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region
and beyond," the Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue (Quad) said in a statement.
In May 2022 the launch in Tokyo of the
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
(IPEF) planned to reassert United States
economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific,
with United States National Security Council,
Kurt Campbell, saying "the new Indo-Pacific
Economic Framework (IPEF) trade pact is
aimed at countering the influence of China
in the Indo-Pacific."
He said that Washington remains focused
on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term
challenge of China, saying "we are
not asking countries to make a choice
between the United States and China."
"We want to make clear, though, that
the United States seeks stronger relationships,"
he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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
|
|
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
|
|
Kang-Fu
the Red Kangaroo is relentless
in his fight to protect Australia's
sovereignity...Open
page here |
|
Kang-Fu
the Red Kangaroo is relentless
in his fight to protect Australia's
sovereignity...Open
page here |
|
Bombed
by the Americans for Christmas
in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital
is still a war zone...Christina
Pas reports...Open
page here |
|
MEDIA
CHECK |
Cambodia-China
Journalist Association
(CCJA) launched in Phnom
Penh
...open
here |
|
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
Published
by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com
The
Southeast Asian Times cannot be
bought
|
|
|
; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oz $ buys
|
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only
|
US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
Euro..0.6794
HongsKong...5.8808
Indonesia Rupiah.9,997.47
Japan..78.8528
Laos..6,140.58
Malaysia Ringgit.....3.0900
Myanmar..923.19
Viet
Nam Dong..16,849.44
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 Singapores 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.
Merpatis 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
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