The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Monday 8 March 2021
GATHERINGS:
An informed guidexto happenings throughout the region.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times
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Thai police fire rubber bullets at Lese Majeste protesters after extention of Covid-19 emergency decree

About 1000 newly formed Redem (Restart Democracy) protesters marched on the Bangkok Criminal Court where they set fire to garbage dumped under a portrait of the King calling for the release of protesters charged under the Lese Majeste Law
From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 8: Royal Thai Police (RTP) fired rubber bullets at protesters, who called for the decriminalisation of the Lese Majeste law, reform of the military and the release of protesters at the Bangkok Criminal Court on Saturday after the extention of the emergency decree, reports the Bangkok Post.
About 400 anti-riot police were deployed to enforce the Covid-19 emergency decree on mass gatherings, that was extended last week for a further month, to disperse the newly formed Redem (Restart Democracy) protesters at the Bangkok Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road,, arresting about 40.
About 1000 Redem (Restart Democracy) protesters marched on the Criminal Court where they set fire to garbage dumped under a portrait of the King and a mock-up court warrant saying they had rights to assembly, calling for the release of four protesters who have been in detention since last September on Lese Majeste charges and who were refused bail on Thursday.
The four protesters were charged with violation of the Lese Majeste Law (Section 112 of the Criminal Code), sedition (Section 116), violating the Ancient Sites Act and lesser charges for their involvement in the protest at the Sanam Laung Royal Plaza at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on September 19, 2020.
Redem protesters called for the release of Anon Nampa, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk and Patiwat “Mor Lam Bank” who participated in the reinstallation of a plaque commemorating the 1932 Revolution that overthrew Thai absolute monarchy at the Sanam Laung Royal Plaza at the Grand Palace in September last year.
In August last year a 10 point manifesto was submiited to the Thai Parliament by student organisations calling for reform of the monarchy 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

Myanmar military forcibly exhume body of 19-year-old protester

Kyal Sin, 19, wearing a shirt with the slogan "everything will be ok"protesting against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in Mandalay on Wednesday before she was fatally shot.
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, March 7: The body of a 19-year-old woman, who was allegedly shot dead with live amunition fired by Myanmar Police Force (MPF) in Mandalay on Wednesday, and who was buried on Thursday, was forcibly exhumed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on Friday, reports Irrawaddi.
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar soldiers reportedly arrived in trucks at the Chinese section of Aye Yeik Nyein Cemetery in Mandalay where 19-year-old Kyal Sin was buried at about 3.00pm on Friday, blocking entrance to the cemetery.
Soldiers reportedly forced the cemetery workers at gunpoint to exhume the body of the 19-year- protester, who was one of 38 killed in Mandalay on Wednesday.
Kyal Sin also known as Angel was reportedly shot in the head by live amunition fired by the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) at the sit-in protest, with witnesses saying that live ammunition was fired at protesters.
Witnesses say that police first fired tear gas and rubber bullets, dispersing the crowd, numbering in their thousands, saying police opened fire with live ammunition when the crowd returned and resumed the sit-in protest.
The exhumation of the 19-year-old protester at the Chinese section of Aye Yeik Nyein Cemetery two days after she was fatally shot follows claims by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that the fatal shot was unlikely to have been fired by an Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar weapon.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar claimed that the victim had not been hit by live ammunition, saying that "law enforcement personnel are investigating the cause of death."
On February 9, Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 20, became the first fatality in the growing nationwide protests, the 20-year-old was one of thousands protesting in Naypyidaw when she was shot in the head by the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) while taking cover at a bus shelter from water cannon, live amunition, rubber bullets and tear gas fired at the unarmed protesters by the Myanmar Police Force (MPF).
The Southeast Asian Times

Police join Civil Disobedience Movement claiming Myanmar military misuse of Police force

Two Myanmar Police Force (MPF) officers arrested in Kyangin Township in Hinthada District in the Ayeyarwady Division of south west Myanmar give three finger salute February 17, 2021
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, March 6: More than 100 Myanmar Police Force (MPF) officers have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) since the establishment of the movement following the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government last month, with acting Police Colonel of the Yangon Police Department, who joined on Tuesday, saying, "the police force is misused by the military"reports Irrawaddi.
Acting Police Colonel Tin Min Tun, 54, who is the highest ranking police officer to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), said "I don’t want to serve the military regime."
Acting Police Colonel Tin Min Tun, who has 31 years of service with the police force, said that he had to make sacrifices in order to support the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).
"The whole police force is now being misused by the military regime," he said.
Three young police officers also from the Yangon Police Department, who completed police training in 2018, including police officer, Kyaw Lin Oo, reportedy defied Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar orders to open fire on peaceful anti-coup protesters.
Yangon police officer, Kyaw Lin Oo, said that he would regret it in the future if he failed to do something he knew should be done, saying "have loyalty to the people rather than the police force."
Seven Myanmar Police Force (MPF) policewomen from the Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar also joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) on Tuesday saying they would go back to work when the democratically elected government returns.
The policewomen said that police officers are ordered by the military regime to commit lawless acts against the people, saying "we cannot follow the military junta’s orders."
The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) that represents the about 400 National League for Democracy (NLD) elected Members of Parliament that was established in an improvised parliament session
swearing-in ceremony following the closure of parliament after the overthrow of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, called on government workers to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) on Friday.
Professor Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, who was appointed by the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) called on government workers to join the the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) by midnight on March 7.
"Civil servants who choose not to join the CDM will have ignored the public interest," he said.
Thousands of Civil servants in the Education, Health, Transport, Electricity and Energy, Labor, Immigration and Population and Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement ministries, including academics and university students across Myanmar joined the Civil Disobediance Movement (CDM) following the movements launch in the week after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected government National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia calls on ASEAN to adhere to ASEAN motto: one community, one destiny

Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, Prak Sokhon, said the Foreign Ministers at the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMM) on Tuesday had an extensive in-depth heart-to-heart discussion on ASEAN's progress
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh: March 5: Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID) called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to adhere to the ASEAN motto: one community, one destiny, following the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMM) on Tuesday that was attended by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar newly appointed Foreign Minister, saying "the ASEAN motto is just rhetoric", reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy (CID) president, Pa Chanroeun, said following the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting held since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government last month that "ASEAN is not yet implementing its vision and motto."
"Violence, injustice and the decline of the democratic process in Myanmar are a threat to the democratic process and the well-being of the people of the countries in the region," he said.
"Violence has led to deaths in Myanmar," he said.
He said that Violence, injustice and the decline of the democratic process in the region should be priority issues for ASEAN, saying "all ASEAN members are signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights".
In November 2012, ASEAN members states signed the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration that committed ASEAN to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Charter of the United Nations, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and other international human rights instruments to which ASEAN Member States are parties.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam Deputy PM calls on ASEAN to cooperate with United Nations over Myanmar crisis

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Bình Minh, centre, the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar newly appointed Foreign Minister, U Wunna Maung Lwin, third from left bottom row
From News Reports:
Bandar Seri Begawan, March 4: The 10 Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) member nation Foreign Ministers, including the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar newly appointed Foreign Minister but excluding the foreign minister for Myanmar's elected National League for Democracy (NLD), met on Tuesday at the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting held since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government, with Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh, calling on ASEAN to cooperate with the United Nations, reports Vietnam News Service.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Bình Minh, said at the online Informal Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers hosted by ASEAN rotating chair for 2021, Brunei, that increasing violence and tension in Myanmar has affected peace and stability not only in Myanmar but in the region.
He called on the ASEAN bloc to cooperate with the United Nations in order to effect a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Myanmar, saying that ASEAN cooperation with the United Nations would bring peace and stability to Myanmar.
He said that ASEAN cooperation with the United Nations in order to effect a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Myanmar would not only show ASEAN solidarity and promote ASEAN centrality but also give the ASEAN bloc credibility.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) proposed a country specific resolution, that would allow investigation of violations of human rights by heads of specific states and governments, at a special session of the UNHRC held in Geneva on February 12, 2021.
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) said at the special session, that was convened with the support of more than a third of the 47 members, that the Council "expresses deep concern at the declaration of the state of emergency imposed in Myanmar by the military" and "calls for the restoration of the democratically elected Government."
Myanmar's Permanent Representative of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Ambassador U Myint Thu, said at the United Nations special session that Myanmar has never accepted a UNHRC country specific resolution proposal that would address violations of human rights by heads of specific states and governments.
"Myanmar has never accepted a proposed United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) country specific resolution," he said.
He said at the UNHRC) special session "the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar took command of state responsibility on February 1, 2021 in accordance with state Constitution 2008.
"The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar was compelled to take state responsibility in response to election irregularities," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Aung San Suu Kyi charged with incitement without legal representation

Protesters call for the release of elected National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in police custody since her arrest in February 1, 2021 for violating the Natural Disaster Management Law
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, February 29: National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi and National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint, who were arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar last month for violating the Natural Disaster Management Law, faced further charges including incitement without legal represenatation in a video court hearing in Naypyitaw on Monday, reports Irrawaddi.
Lawyer, U Khin Maung Zaw, for State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, said that requests to visit his client, who has been in police custody since her arrest February 1, 2021, have gone unanswered.
He said that he has submitted documents to police for signature by State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, that would give lawyers authority to represent her in court.
"There has been no reply," he said.
He said that State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, has not met with her lawyer after a month in detention, saying his client has a right to legal representation in court.
“So far she has not received a fair trial, " he said.
On Monday National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who stands charged with violating the Natural Disaster Management Law that includes any danger specified by the National Natural Disasters Management Committee that is under the command of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar State Administration Council (SAC), was charged with two additional charges including incitement and the illegal importation and operating a radio transmitter or 'walkie talkie' without a license under 505(b) of the Penal Code and Telecommunications Law in a video courtroom appearance at the Naypyitaw court.
National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint, who also stands charged with violating the Natural Disaster Management Law, was further charged with incitement under Article 505(b) of the Penal Code and Telecommunications Law.
Naypyitaw Mayor Dr. Myo Aung was also charged under Article 505(b) for incitement that criminalizes speech deemed to cause fear or alarm in the public on Monday in an video conference court hearing.
National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi and National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint, face up to three years in prison for violation of the Natural Disaster Management Law, 20 years in prison for incitement and 2 years for illegal importation of a radio transmitter.
National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi and National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint have been in police custody since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared a state of emergency under the Natural Disaster Management Law in an address broadcast on Myanmar military-owned television network based in Yangon and Naypyiday, saying that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
The Southeast Asian Times

Military bans Myanmar embassies abroad from communication with Myanmar parallel government

Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Wunna Maung Lwin, who was appointed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar governing State Administrative Council (SAC) has instructed Myanmar embassies abroad not to communicate with the Committee Representing the Union Parliament (CPRH) elected Members of Parliament
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, March 2: Minister for Foreign Affairs, U Wunna Maung Lwin, who was appointed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar governing State Administrative Council (SAC) after the seizure of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government last month, has ordered Myanmar embassies abroad not to communicate with the Committee Representing the Union Parliament (CPRH), described by the State Administrative Council as a "parallel government," reports Irrawaddi.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Minister for Foreign Affairs,
U Wunna Maung Lwin, has instructed all Myanmar embassies abroad not to accept, reply or make any comments on communication including e-mail and correspondence from the Committee Representing the Union Parliament (CPRH).
He said that the Myanmar Permanant Representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, who denounced the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Friday, did not comply with the order from the ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying "he has committed high treason."
The Myanmar Permanant Representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, said at the United Nations General Assemby Special Session on Saturday that he represented the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) in his call to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the international community to take action against the Myanmar military.
The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was formed by the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected Members of Parliament after swearing oaths of office in an improvised parliament session following the closure of parliament on the seizure of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, commander-in-chief and also chairman of the State Administrative Council (SAC), Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, said that the State Administrative Council SAC) would take action against the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) that represents the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected members of parliament, describing the committee "as a parallel government."
He ordered the about 400 elected Members of Parliament including Members of Parliament who are members of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), who he described as the "parallel government," to report to the State Administrative Council (SAC) in their district this week.
The State Administrative Council (SAC) chairman gave the November 8, 2020 elected Members of Parliament a week to report to the State Administrative Council (SAC) saying "serious action would be taken against those who failed to report in person from Sunday February 28, 2021 to Saturday March 6, 2021."
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar ambassador to UN says coup not acceptable in modern world

Myanmar's ambassador to the United Nations Kyaw Moe Tun holds pleaded for international action in overturning the coup in Myanmar at a United Nations Special Session on Friday February 26, 2021 via video from New York
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, February 29: Myanmar Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, told the United Nations at a Special Session on Friday that he represents the elected National League of Democracy (NLD) not the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, denouncing the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power of a legitimate and duly elected government, saying the coup was illegal and unconstitutional, reports Rueters.
"The seizure of a legitimate and duly elected government by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is not acceptable in this modern world," he said.
Myanmar Ambassador to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, said that he represented the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) that was formed by the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected Members of Parliament after swearing oaths of office in an improvised parliament session swearing-in ceremony following the closure of parliament after the overthrow of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021.
“We, the committee representing Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluuttaw (CRPH) ask the United Nations, the U.N. Security Council and the international community that aspire to build a peaceful and civilized global society to use any means necessary to take action against the Myanmar military and to provide safety and security for the people of Myanmar,” he told the General Assemby Special Session on Friday.
The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) pledged at the improvised parliament session that they would stand as legislators for the next five years, saying that they have a right to call a parliament session, saying "we are the lawfully elected legislators."
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, commander-in-chief and also chairman of the State Administrative Council, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, said that the State Administrative Council would take legal action against the formation of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) that represents the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected members of parliament, describing the committee "as a parallel government."
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar claim that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government is not a military coup saying the National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint, officially handed power over to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar at the urgently convened
national security meeting, the declaration of a state of emergency followed by the arrest of the National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint and State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Southeast Asian Times

Unions call on world bankers not to do business with Myanmar military

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) general secretary, Sharan Burrow, says the union movement will do all within its power to stop the Myanmar coup succeeding
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, February 28: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that is affiliated with trade unions in Myanmar, is a signatory to the call by civil society organisations on International Financial Institutions to end any direct or indirect business relationships or financial ties with Myanmar military-owned business, reports the Myanmar Times.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) general secretary, Sharan Burrow, said that the union movement is appalled at the military seizing power in Myanmar and will do all within its power to stop the coup succeeding.
"For the people of Myanmar, this is an extremely ominous time as the military attempt to rewrite the rules on the ground," she said.
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) that is affiliated with trade unions in Myanmar that includes the Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), Myanmar Industry Craft and Service-Trade Unions Federation (MICS) and the Myanmar Tourism Guide Association, is one of more that two hundred signatories to the call on International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and State Donors "to immediately freeze and comprehensively reassess lending relationship with Myanmar."
Signatories calling on International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and State Donors "to halt lending obligations, suspend disbursements and pending grants" include ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma).
Signatories also called on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to immediately release hundreds of workers arrested for taking part in the Civil Disobediance Movement (CDM) nationwide strike action.
Confederation of Trade Unions Myanmar (CTUM), secretary general, Daw Phyo Sandar Soe, said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) had arrested workers at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar controlled Ministry Oil and Gas Enterprise, Myanmar National Airlines, Rail transport in Myanmar and the Kyisintaung copper mines in Sagaing Region who have taken part in the Civil Disobediance Movement (CDM) nationwide strike action.
The more than 100 civil society organisations signatories also called for a meeting attended by the International Monetary Fund, (IMF), World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Myanmar Civil Society Organizations, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), ethnic political parties, and ethnic leaders.
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) general secretary, Sharan Burrow, said "we stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and pay tribute to those brave workers taking action to defend their fragile democracy and reject the military takeover"
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar's committee of elected
MP's accuse ASEAN of interference

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was established by elected Members of Parliament after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Myanmar cancelled the opening of the first session of parliament since the November 8, 2020 elections
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, February 27: The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), established by the elected Members of Parliament after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar cancelled the National League for Democracy (NLD) opening session of the parliament earlier this month, has accused ASEAN of breaching the ASEAN policy of non-interference in Myanmar, reports Eleven Media Group.
The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) member, Dr Sasa, accused ASEAN of interfering in Myanmar's domestic affairs on Friday, after ASEAN member country Indonesia proposed that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar hold elections as stated by the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing on the takeover of the elected government February 1, 2021
"ASEAN should not be talking solely to the military regime, " he said.
The Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would take action against the alleged election irregularities in the November 8, 2020 elections, saying "the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would hold another general election and transfer power to the successful party"
ASEAN Foreign Ministers are reportedly considering proposals put by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jakarta that ASEAN monitor the Myanmar military elections, that ASEAN set up a task force to support a democratic transition after the military elections and that ASEAN facilitate dialogue between the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's and the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) member, Dr Sasa, says that the proposal that ASEAN facilitate dialogue between the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar and the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government is not in breach of the ASEAN policy of non-interference in domestic affairs.
"But going to the generals and saying that they must hold the election as they said they would is interfering in Myanmar's domestic affairs", he said.
He said that ASEAN should facilitate a tri-party dialogue that includes the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, the elected members of parliament in the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government and protesters against the military takeover of the elected government.
On Tuesday protesters at the Indonesian embassy in Yangon rejected the proposal put by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jakarta that ASEAN monitor the proposed Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar new elections and set up an ASEAN task force to support a democratic transition after the military elections, saying "accepting the junta's plan to hold a new election is recognizing the coup"
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's Foreign Minister meets with military appointed Foreign minister of Myanmar in Bangkok

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, left, Thailand Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, centre, and Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Wunna Maung, right, meet in Thailand at the Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, north of Bangkok on Wednesday
From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 26: Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, who was forced to cancel a meeting in Myanmar with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, due to mass protests at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon against Indonesian proposals that would accept military elections, met with the new Foreign Minister of Myanmar in Thailand instead, saying "Indonesia chooses not to stay silent"
The Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, who initiated the meeting with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's appointed Foreign Minister, Wunna Maung Lwin in an effort to seek a peaceful solution to the political impasse following the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government earlier this month, also met Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and Foreign Minister of Thailand, Don Pramudwinai in Thailand on Wednesday
"To do nothing is not an option," she said.
The Foreign Minister of Indonesia, said that she spoke "about the importance for all ASEAN member states to adhere to the principles stipulated in the ASEAN Charter" referring to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and good governance and respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, during the meeting in Thailand.
"ASEAN member states should adhere to the ASEAN Charter," she said.
The meeting in Myanmar was cancelled following the mass protests at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on Tuesday where protesters rejected Indonesia's proposal that ASEAN monitor the proposed Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar new elections, saying "accepting the junta's plan to hold a new election is recognizing the coup"
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry in Jakarta has reportedly called on ASEAN Foreign Ministers to consider proposals including that ASEAN facilitate dialogue between the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's and the elected National League for Democracy (NLD), that ASEAN monitor the Myanmar military elections, that ASEAN set up a task force to support a democratic transition after the military elections, in an effort to seek a peaceful solution to the political impasse.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar rejects proposal for ASEAN to monitor military held elections

Protesters at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on Tuesday rejected Indonesia's proposal that ASEAN monitor the new general elections to be held by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, saying "accepting the junta's plan to hold a new election is recognizing the coup"
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, February 25: Protesters at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon on Tuesday rejected Indonesia's proposal that ASEAN monitor the new general elections to be held by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, saying that Myanmar has an elected government and that a military held election would be in violation of the ASEAN Charter, reports Irrawaddi.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministery in Jakarta reportedly called on ASEAN Foreign Ministers to debate the proposal that ASEAN send monitors to Myanmar to ensure that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar hold fair and inclusive elections at a special meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers.
But the proposal by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry that would endorse the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government earlier this month was later refuted with Indonesia Foreign Ministry spokeman, Teuku Faizasyah, saying the Foreign Ministry's proposals that included facilitating dialogue between the military and supporters of the National League for Democracy (NLD) government and the setting up an ASEAN taskforce to support a democratic transition after the election were "not a plan of action."
"New elections in Myanmar is not Indonesia's position", he said.
“We are searching for consensus and collecting opinions from ASEAN Foreign Ministers before a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers,” he said.
Protesters at the Indonesian Embassy in Yangon rejected the proposal that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar hold new elections, saying "the proposal was ridiculous and totally unacceptable."
Former student leader in the 1988 People Power Uprising, Aung Myo Min, said that "Accepting the junta's plan to hold a new election is recognizing the coup."
He said that no such resolution should be considered in future, saying "doing so would be an insult to the will of the Myanmar people and those protesting in the streets."
"Accepting new elections held by the military would go against the basic principle of strengthening an ASEAN member states path towards democracy, as outlined in the ASEAN Charter," he said.
Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, reportedly said at the National Defense and Security Council meeting held in Naypyitaw on the declaration of a state of emergency that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would take action against the alleged election irregularities in the November 8, 2020 elections.
He stated that the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) would investigate alleged voter irregularities and suspected fraud in the elections that left the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), with 21 seats of the 440 seats in the parliament.
"The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would hold another general election and transfer power to the successful party," said Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing at the National Defense and Security Council (NDSC).
The Southeast Asian Times

Millions protest in 22222 Popular Uprising" movement in Myanmar

Protesters against military dictatorship join the "22222 Popular Uprising" movement in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw on Monday in followup to "8888 Uprising" movement call for democracy
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, February 24: Millions took part in a nationwide strike in Myanmar's largest cities that were brought to a standstill on Monday as workers joined the "22222 Popular Uprising" movement in protest against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar dictatorship and in followup to "8888 Uprising" call for democracy, reports Irrawaddi.
The nationwide protest against Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on Monday, known as the "22222 Popular Uprising" or the "22222 Revolution", so named after the protest on February 22, 2021, has been compared to the "1988 People Power Uprising" movement or the "8888 Uprising", of August 8, 1988 that was also a nationwide protest against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar dictatorship.
U Ko Ko Gyi, former student leader of the "1988 People Power Uprising" movement, and the "88 Generation" that was to build peace and promote civil society in Myanmar, called on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to end dictatorship, strengthen democracy and establish a federal union in a statement submitted to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Assembly of the Union on August 8, 2019 on the 31st anniversary of the August 8, 1988, "1988 People Power Uprising".
On August 8, 2019 the "88 Generation" submitted a statement to the parliament that contained proposals for amendments to the miilitary-drafted 2008 constitution that allowed the allocation of 25 percent of parliamentary seats in both houses of parliament to unelected military officers.
The "88 Generation" called on the then Myanmar and National League for Democracy (NLD) government led by Aung San Suu Kyi to accomplish the unfinished goals of the "8888 Uprising".
U Ko Ko Gyi, former student leader of the "1988 People Power Uprising" who was imprisoned for 17 years said that "88 generation" students will use their many years of experience to deal with an armed force that obstructs or destroys their revolution.
The Southeast Asian Times

A hundred thousand mourn 20 year-old Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine

The funeral of Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, 20, who became the first fatality in protests against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, was held on Sunday with about a hundred thousand mourners joining the funeral procession from the Naypyidaw Defence Services General Hospital to the Kwae Gyi Cemetery in Naypyidaw

From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, February 23: The funeral of 20 year-old Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who became the first fatality in the protests in Myanmar against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government, was held on Sunday with about one hundred thousand mourners joining the funeral procession from the Naypyidaw Defence Services General Hospital to the Kwae Gyi Cemetery in Nay Pyi Taw, reports Irrawaddi.
Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine, who voted for the first time in the November 8, 2020 elections that resulted in 21 seats of the 440 seats of parliament going to the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), was pronounced dead in Naypyidaw on Friday.
The 20 year-old, who was one of thousands protesting in Naypyidaw against the declaration of a state of emergency and the arrest of National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint and State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, was shot in the head while taking cover from water cannon at a bus shelter on February 9.
Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine had been on life support at the Naypyidaw Defence Services General Hospital since she was shot in the head by a live bullet that reportedly pierced her motorcycle helmet and had lodged in her head.
The Myanmar Police Force (MPF) under the command of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, who fired water cannon, live amunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and stun grenades at the unarmed protesters have denied responsibility for the death of the 20 year-old protester, saying "the victim was likely wounded and killed by a weapon used by some other external force."
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar said in a statement that “according to the postmortem on February19, a piece of lead was found in the head of Ma Mya Thwet Thwet Khine.”
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar claim that the bullet cited in the postmortem report is not the same as the amunition used by the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) in crowd control.
"The bullet found is not the same as the assault ammunition used by police," the statement said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar police fire at civilians blocking access to striking workers at Mandalay shipyard

Myanmar Police fired rubber and live amunition, tear gas and water cannon on Maha Aung Myay Township residents at the Yadanarpon shipyard in Mandalay
From News Reports:
Naypyidaw, February 22: The Myanmar Police Force (MPF) opened fire on Maha Aung Myay Township residents, who blocked access to the Yadanarpon shipyard in Mandalay in support of striking shipyard workers, leaving two dead and dozens injured, with residents saying military snipers were deployed, reports Irrawaddi
The Myanmar Police Force (MPF) fired rubber and live amunition, tear gas and water cannon on Maha Aung Myay Township residents at the Yadanarpon shipyard in Mandalay as they blocked police access to the shipyard.
Workers at the Yadanarpon shipyard in Mandalay stopped work, joining workers across Myanmar in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in protest against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar take-over of the National League for Democracy (NLD) elected government and the arrest of the National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint and State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Maha Aung Myay Township residents said that about 500 riot police were deployed by Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in police trucks to the Yadanarpon shipyard in Mandalay, saying "military snipers were also deployed."
The Maha Aung Myay Township residents said that the police beat people and arrested them, saying "when people tried to respond they opened fire."
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared a state of emergency on February 1, 2021, handing over the administration of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who stated that the newly established National Defense and Security Council would investigate alleged voter irregularities and suspected fraud in the November 8, 2020 elections.
The result of the elections showed that the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had won only 21 seats of the 440 seats in the parliament.
The Southeast Asian Times

Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here

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



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


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

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



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


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


MEDIA CHECK
Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...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


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

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



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


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

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

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

Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here


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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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




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Australia
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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 Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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