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GATHERINGS:
An informed guidexto happenings throughout the region.
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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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Thailand
opposition warn PM not to
resort to House disolution
before end of eight year term
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Pheu
Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew,
right, submits a petition
seeking a Constitutional Court
ruling on Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha's eight-year term
in office to Parliament President
Chuan Leekpai, left, on Wednesday,
August 17, 2022
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From
News Reports:
Bangkok, August 19: The six opposition coalition
parties of Thailand led by the Pheu Thai
Party (PTP) submited a petition for a Constitutional
Court ruling on when the eight year term
in office for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
began and ends, with the Pheu Thai Party
(PTP) warning the Prime Minister not to
resort to a House disolution before his
term expires, reports the Bangkok Post.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) president,
Cholnan Srikaew and oppossition party Move
Forward Party (MFP) president Pita Limjaroenrat,
two of the six opposition coalition parties
in Thailand argue that ruling Palang Pracharath
Party (PPRP) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
eight year term ends on August 24, 2022.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP), president
Cholnan Srikaew,threatened to seek the Constitution
Court ruling ahead of the expiry of Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tenure that he
says is on August 24, saying "Prime
Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha maximum eight-year
tenure ends this month."
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
term began the day he was installed as the
head of the now-defunct National Council
for Peace and Order (NCPO) after the 2014
coup," he said.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP), president
Cholnan Srikaew, said "the Constitutional
Court would take into consideration facts
and legal aspects relating to the tenure
dispute," saying "particularly
the constitution’s intention to limit
tenure and prevent a monopoly and succession
of power that would lead to conflict in
society."
He said the major reason for dissolving
the House was conflict between the executive
and legislative branches, saying "to
date, there was no conflict between the
two branches."
Ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) Deputy
Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, claims
that Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha term
began on June 9, 2019, when his Prime Ministership
received royal endorsement under the 2017
constitution, saying "this means he
would be entitled to serve up to 2027."
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
can legally serve for up to eight years
as prime minister from 2019 as stipulated
by Section 158 of the constitution,"
he said.
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was officially appointed
commander of the National Council for Peace
and Order by Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
following the declaration of Martial law
under the 1914 Martial Law Act at Bangkok
military headquarters in May, 2014.
The Bangkok Post reported in May that the
Royal Thai Army declared martial law on
the grounds that ongoing protests between
political rivals were a threat to Thailands
security and to the safety of life and property.
Martial law was declared after a meeting
that failed to find a solution to the political
deadlock that was mediated by Military commander
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha and attended by representatives
of the red-shirt movement, the government,
The Pheu Thai party, the Democratic party,
the Peoples Democratic Reform Committe,
the senate and the Election Commission.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Indonesia
Human Rights Commission to
investigate 2004 assasination
of Human Right lawyer, Munir
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Solidarity
Action Committee for Munir
(KASUM), led by Suciwati,
widow of assassinated human
rights lawyer, Munir Said
Thalib, 24.
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From
News Reports:
Jakarta, August 18: National Human Rights
Commission (Komnas HAM) has formed an
ad hoc team to investigate gross human
rights violations in the assassination
of human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
24, who died of arsenic poisoning during
a Garuda Airways flight while travelling
from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore
on September 7, 2004, reports the Jakarta
Post.
National Human Rights Commission (Komnas
HAM) chairperson Ahmad Taufan Damanik
said on Sunday that the formation of a
team to investigate human rights violations
was agreed to at a meeting on August 12,
saying that the Munir Said Thalib case
will be pursued with reference to Law
Number 26/2000 in the Human Rights Courts.
He said that the determination of whether
or not the Munir Said Thalib case is a
gross human rights violation must be through
a pro-justitia investigation conducted
by the ad hoc team, saying "the ad
hoc team must conduct a pro-justitia investigation
first."
He said that the National Human Rights
Commission (Komnas HAM) would send the
results of the investigation to the Attorney
General's Office (AGO) if the ad hoc team
finds gross human rights violations in
the assassination of human rights lawyer,
Munir Said Thalib.
In December 2021 the Solidarity Action Committee
for Munir (KASUM), provided alleged new
evidence in the assassination of human rights
lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 39, in 2004,
in an effort to prove that the National
Intelligence Agency (BIN) under the direct
authority of former President,
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The Solidarity Action Committee for Munir
(KASUM), led by Suciwati, widow of assassinated
human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
said that the new evidence that was submitted
to the Attorney Generals Office on Thursday,
could reopen the investigation.
She said the new evidence contradicts the
testimony given by former National Intelligence
Agency (BIN) deputy director, Muchdi Purwopranjono
testimony at his trial for the murder of
human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib at
the South Jakarta District Court in 2008.
She said that Muchdi Purwopranjono testifed
that at the time of the assassination he
was assigned to duties in Kuala Lumpur by
the National Intelligence Agency (BIN),
saying "yet he was never assigned to
Kuala Lumpur by the National Intelligence
Agency (BIN)."
Former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy
director, Muchdi Purwopranjono, who was
formally Kopassus Commander Major General,
and reportedly involved in an alleged “Rose
Team” military campaign that led to
the elimination of opponents of Indonesia’s
“New Order” government, was found
not guilty by three judges of the South
Jakarta District Court for assigning an
agent to poison the civil rights lawyer
following the absence of key witnesses for
the prosecution.
Dutch forensic scientists found that human
rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 39 had
ingested enough arsenic to raise suspicion
that he had been poisoned during his journey
from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore.
Human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
who was founder of the Commission for Missing
Persons and Victims of Violence, or Kontras,
and who revealed that Indonesian Army Special
Forces, or Kopassus, soldiers had helped
abduct 13 critics of the then Soeharto government
between 1997 and 1998. was assassinated
aboard a Garuda Airways flight while travelling
from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore
on September 7, 2004.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Aung
San Suu Kyi sentenced to further
six years in prison by Armed
Forces of Myanmar military
court
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Former
National League for Democracy
(NLD) State councillor, Aung
San Suu Kyi, President Win
Myint, and Naypyitaw Mayor
U Myo Aung, make their first
appearance in the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's military
court on May 24, 2021 after
their arrest on February 1,
2021
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From
News Reports:
Naypyitaw, August 17: Former National League
for Democracy (NLD), state councillor, Aung
San Suu Kyi, 77, was sentenced to a further
six years in prison by the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court at
the Naypyidaw prison court after finding
her guilty of four corruption charges including
founding a charity in memory of her late
mother, reports the Irrawaddy.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD),
state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who
was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar in February 2021 on the declaration
of martial law, faces a combined prison
term of 164 years if found guilty of 20
charges including 13 corruption charges.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD),
state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who
was under house arrest at an undisclosed
location was tranferred to solitary confinement
at Naypyitaw prison in June, 2022.
The trial of Aung San Suu Kyi for corruption
has been continued at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar military court at the Naypyidaw
prison court.
On Monday March 14, 2022 National League
for Democracy (NLD) State councillor,
Aung San Suu Kyi, denied accepting bribes
at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
military court in Naypyitaw, saying "the
allegations are completely false."
Former National League for Democracy (NLD),
state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, denied
allegations of corruption for reciving
$600,000 and more that 10kg of gold in
bribes from the National League for Democracy
(NLD) Yangon Region chief minister, U
Phyo Min Thein.
“The allegations are completely false.
I had no reason to take it, no reason
to accept it," she said.
The National League for Democracy (NLD)
Yangon Region chief minister, U Phyo Min
Thein, who has not been detained by the
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, testified
in October, 2021 that in his role as Yangon
chief minister he gave about 11.4kg of
gold and US$600,000 to Aung San Suu Kyi
in 2017 and 2018.
National League for Democracy (NLD), state
councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, dismissed
his claims as "all absurd."
Khin Mi Mi Kywe, wife of Yangon Region
chief minister, U Phyo Min Thein, told
the military court in November 2021 that
she took gold from her gold shop and bought
US dollars from money changers for Aung
San Suu Kyi, saying that her husband,
the National League for Democracy (NLD)
Yangon Region chief minister, U Phyo Min
Thein, had said that "they were in
exchange for her protection and support."
State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi said
she did not know about the gold and US
dollars corruption charge that had allegedly
taken place in 2017 and 2018 until the
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar sent
her a letter of investigation after the
takeover of the National League for Democracy
(NLD) in February 2021.
Former State councillor, Aung San Suu
Kyi, former President Win Myint and former
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 and the declaration of
martial law, were sentenced to two years
in prison in December 2021 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.
State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi. President
Win Myint, and Naypyitaw Mayor U Myo Aung,
were also charged with violating Covid-19
restrictions during the November 8, 2020
election campaign under Section 25 of
the state of emergency Natural Disaster
Management Law under the command of the
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State
Administration Council (SAC).
In January 2022 State councillor, Aung
San Suu Kyi received a further prison
sentence of four years for the illegal
importation of radio transmitters or walkie
talkie's under Section 8 of the Export
and Import Law, and with the illegal operation
of a radio transmitter or walkie talkie
without a licence under Section 67 of
the Penal Code and Telecommunications
Law.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Indonesian
workers want government to
revoke Omnibus Law on Job
Creation Law that removes
minimum wage
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Thousands
of Indonesian workers call
for the revocation of the
Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law that determines the minimum
wage at the House of Representatives
(DPR) in Jakarta Wednesday
August 10, 2022
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From
News Reports:
Jakarta, August 16: Thousands of Indonesian
workers called on President Joko Widodo
to revoke the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law that determined the minimum wage at
the House of Representatives (DPR) last
week, with Trade Union Congress Alliance
Confederation (KASBI) chairperson Nining
Elitos saying that workers have gained
no benefits from the Omnibus Law on Job
Creation Law, reports Jakarta Post.
Workers from unions including the All Indonesian
Workers Union (SPSI), the Indonesian Trade
Union Congress Alliance Confederation (KASBI)
and the Indonesian Prosperous Labour Union
(SBSI) called on President Joko Widodo to
revoke the Omnibus Law on Job Creation Law,
that Trade Union Congress Alliance Confederation
(KASBI) chairperson Nining Elitos says "Job
Creation Law has been a disaster for workers".
"Workers unions had warned President
Joko Widodo about the Omnibus Law on Job
Creation Law before it was born,"
she said.
President Joko Widodo signed the Omnibus
Law on Job Creation Law that determined
the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) for
2022 in March 2022 , saying "the
revision of over 70 existing laws is vital
to investment and to labour market competitiveness."
The House of Representatives (DPR) amended
the law in the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law that allows employers to arbitralily
determine employees working hours and
salary, with Confederation of Indonesian
Labor Unions (KSPI), president, Said Iqba,
warning of escalating protests against
the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) for
2022.
"If the Joko Widodo government fails
to implement the November 2021 Constitutional
Court’s ruling as unconstitutional
a nationwide strike against the Provinvial
Minimum Wage (UMP) for 2022 of two million
workers from 60 federations of national
labor unions will paralize the economy,"
he said.
He said that the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
allows companies to arbitralily determine
labor's working hours and salary, saying
"the removal of the sectoral minimum
wage will lead to a low-wage regime as
district governments or city councils
are no longer duty bound to set a minimum
wage for workers."
He said that if the new provision on outsourcing
comes into force, Indonesian workers could
be made life-long contract workers as
contract periods can be extended indefinitely
and the scope is no longer restricted
to five types of jobs.
"In short, this is modern slavery,”
he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Cambodians
sentenced to prison for incitement,
treason, insulting the King
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Lanh
Thavry, a former Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP)
official, leaves the Phnom
Penh Municipal Court on July
25, 2022 where she was charged
with incitement
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From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 15: The Phnom Penh Municipal
Court sentenced a further seven former members
and supporters of the Court-dissolved opposition
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to
prison on Thursday for plotting to overthrow
the ruling Hun Sen government and for insulting
the King on Facebook, with Mich Heang shouting
"it was injustice the court is just
a government’s tool, "reports
the Phnom Penh Post.
Judge Khun Sona sentenced five males, Long
Ry, Men Thavarin, Morn Phalla, Monh Sarath,
and Mich Heang and two females, Kim Tola,
and Lanh Thavry from 18 month to three years
prison for incitement and treason in plotting
to overthrow the ruling Hun Sen government
and insulting King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia
on Facebook between 2018 and 2021.
Mich Heang claimed that he was expressing
his opinion on the Facebook post, saying
"it is a right guaranteed by the Constitution."
"I did not have any intention to incite
people against the government or insult
the King," he said.
He said that he did not agree with his conviction.
"I did not commit anything as accused.
I will appeal against it," he said.
He shouted "it was injustice, the court
is just a government tool," when Judge
Sona announcement the sentence.
In June, 2022 the Phnom Penh Municipal Court
sentenced 42 former members and supporters
of the Court-dissolved opposition Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP) including former
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president
Sam Rainsy to prison.
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)
president Sam Rainsy was sentenced 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.
The Phnom Penh Municiple Court accused the
Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM)
former president Sam Rainsy and supporters
of inciting the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces
to revolt against the Hun Sen government
and for invovlement in the plan for Sam
Rainsy's return to Cambodia from Paris.
Cambodia Justice Ministry spokesman, Chin
Malin, said that the former Cambodia National
Rescue Party (CNRP) party members, had attempted
a coup d'etat that was led by former Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Sam
Rainsy, saying "Sam Rainsy proclaimed
that he would return to Cambodia on November
9, 2019 to arrest Prime Minister Hun Sen."
"Sam Rainsy had incited and appealed
to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, civil
servants and the public to rise up against
the Hun Sen government and to raise funds
to provide the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces
to execute the plan, he said.
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) former
president and co-founder of the party, Sam
Rainsy, went into exile in Paris in 2015
fearing arrest after parliamentary immunity
was removed and he faced multiple criminal
defamation charges for his accusation of
corruption against the Hun Sen Cambodia's
People's Party (CPP).
In September 2013 the opposition Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP) boycotted parliament
following the July general elections which
saw the fourth consecutive victory of the
Cambodian People's Party gain 68 seats of
the National Assembly and the opposition
occupying the remaining 55 seats, claiming
that that up to 1.25 million Cambodians
who were eligible to vote were not on the
electoral role and accused the ruling Cambodia's
People's Party (CPP) of poll fraud.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Thailand PM
Prayut Chan-o-cha waits on
Constitutional Court to rule
on tenure
|
|
 |
|
Deputy
Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon,
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,
and Interior Minister Anupong
Paojinda wait for Constitutional
Court ruling on expiry of
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
tenure
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, August 14: Ministers of the ruling
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) coalition
say they will "bow out" with Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha if the Constitutional
Court rules that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
term ends at the end of August with Interior
Minister Anupong Paojinda saying that he
and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon
"would unlikely be interested in succeeding
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,"
reports the Bangkok Post.
Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said
there was no possiblility that he or Deputy
Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon would
take over as the Prime Minister, saying
"no, definitely not."
He said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and
himself, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda
"see no need to put political protégés
in place before they leave politics."
"I have no personal interest in contesting
the next general election, he said.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP), president
Cholnan Srikaew, has threatened to seek
the Constitution Court interpretation ahead
of the expiry of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
tenure that he says is on August 24, saying
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
maximum eight-year tenure ends this month."
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
term began the day he was installed as
the head of the now-defunct National Council
for Peace and Order (NCPO) after the 2014
coup," he said.
Ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP)
Deputy Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam,
claims that Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
term began on June 9, 2019, when his Prime
Ministership received royal endorsement
under the 2017 constitution, saying "this
means he would be entitled to serve up
to 2027."
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
can legally serve for up to eight years
as prime minister from 2019 as stipulated
by Section 158 of the constitution,"
he said.
In May 2014 Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
was commended by Privy Council president
Prem Tinsulanonda for his leadership in
the establishment of Marshal Law that
effectively ousted the Yinluck Shinawatra
government in May, 2014, with Privy Council
president Prem Tinsulanonda saying "the
Royal Thai Army must take action when
the nation is in crisis."
"The people supported the military
action", he said.
Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was officially appointed
commander of the National Council for
Peace and Order by Thai King Bhumibol
Adulyadej following the declaration of
Martial law under the 1914 Martial Law
Act at Bangkok military headquarters in
May, 2014.
The Bangkok Post reported in May 2014 that
the Royal Thai Army declared martial law
on the grounds that ongoing protests between
political rivals were a threat to Thailands
security and to the safety of life and property.
Martial law was declared after a meeting
that failed to find a solution to the
political deadlock that was mediated by
Military commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha
and attended by representatives of the
red-shirt movement, the government, The
Pheu Thai party, the Democratic party,
the Peoples Democratic Reform Committe,
the senate and the Election Commission.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Australian
advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi
pleads not guilty to violation
of Secrets Act in Myanmar
military court
|
|
 |
|
Australian
economist, Professor Sean
Turnell, right, and former
Mynamar State Councillor,
Aung San Suu Kyi, in Syndey,
Australia in November 2013
with the Lowy Institute
|
|
From
News Reports:
Naypyitaw, August 13: Australian economist,
Professsor, Sean Turnell, who served as
adviser to former Mynamar State Councillor,
Aung San Suu Kyi, pleaded not guilty to
violation of the Burma Official Secrets
Act 1923 at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar military court at the
Naypyitaw prison on Thursday, reports
Associated Press.
Australian economist, Professor Sean Turnell,
was arrested following the arrest of former
Mynamar State Councillor, Aung San Suu
Kyi, by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of
Myanmar after the military takeover of
the elected National League for Democracy
(NLD) government in February 2021.
Australian economist, Professor Sean Turnell,
who has been held at the Naypyitaw prison
since his arrest, denied allegations of
violations of the Burma Official Secrets
Act 1923 at his first court appearance
at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
military court at the Naypyitaw prison
on Thursday.
Australian economist, Sean Turnell, pleaded
not guilty to violation of the Burma Official
Secrets Act 1923 at the Myanmar military
court that was relocated from Naypyitaw
city to the Naypyitaw prison compound
in June, 2022.
The trial of Australian economist, Sean
Turnell, who also faces prosecution under
the Burma Immigration (Emergency Provisions)
Act, 1947, is adjourned until next week
with former Mynamar State Councillor, Aung
San Suu Kyi, expected to testify.
In June 2022 ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar,
Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia and Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Prak Sokhonn, called on the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration
Council (SAC) appointed foreign minister,
Wunna Maung Lwin, to release Aung San Suu
Kyi from solitary confinment at the Naypyitaw
prison.
He called on Myanmar's State Administration
Council (SAC) appointed foreign minister,
Wunna Maung Lwin, "to exercise compassion
and return former State Councillor Aung
San Suu Kyi to house arrest on humanitarian
grounds in light of her fragile health and
overall well-being."
The trial of former State Councillor Aung
San Suu Kyi for incitement under Section
505(b), that criminalizes speech deemed
by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
to incite public unrest, was conducted
at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
courtroom in Naypyidaw after the takeover
of the elected National League for Democracy
(NLD) in February 2021 but was continued
at a purpose built military court at the
Naypyitaw prison from June, 2022.
The Southeast Asian Times
|
Thailand
to buy submarines with made-in
China diesel engines
|
|
 |
|
Royal
Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson,
Pokkrong Monthatphalin, said
on Tuesday that China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International
Co (CSOC) has sent specifications
of an improved version of
the China-made CHD620 diesel
engine.
|
|
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 12: The Royal Thai Navy
(RTN) is to buy S26T Yuan-class submarines
constructed by state-owned China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International Co (CSOC) with
China-made CHD620 diesel engines after cancelling
the contract on grounds that China could
not provide German-made MTU396 diesel engines,
with Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson
saying “If the substitute from China
Shipbuilding & Offshore International
Co (CSOC) cannot pass the test the contract
must be terminated, reports Bangkok Post.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) purchase of three
S26T Yuan-class submarines from China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International Co (CSOC),
worth 13.5 billion baht (US$408 million),
was stalled due to China's failure to obtain
German-made diesel engines as stipulated
in the contract.
The German government refusal to supply
MTU396 diesel engines to state-owned China
Shipbuilding & Offshore International
Co (CSOC) to be fitted in the S26T Yuan-class
submarines built in China for the Royal
Thai Navy (RTN) is based in the 1989 European
Union (EU) arms embargo imposed on China.
State-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore
International Co (CSOC) has reportedly called
on the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to alter the
contract to replace the German-made MTU396
diesel engines with diesel engines made
in China.
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Pokkrong
Monthatphalin, said on Tuesday that China
Shipbuilding & Offshore International
Co (CSOC) has sent specifications of an
improved version of the China-made CHD620
diesel engine.
"The engines must match the specifications
before the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) carries
out a thorough assessment", he said.
He said that if the specifications prove
satisfactory the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) will
ask the China Shipbuilding & Offshore
International Co (CSOC) to send the engine
for testing, saying "if it passes the
test there will be no need to amend the
contract."
“If the substitute from China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International Co (CSOC)cannot
pass the test the contract must be terminated,"
he said.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) signed a contract
with state-owned China Shipbuilding &
Offshore International Co (CSOC) in 2017
without approval from the ruling Palang
Pracharath Party (PPRP) majority parliament
led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
or the Office of the Auditor General (OAG)
of Thailand.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) lawmaker,
Yuttapong Charasathien, has questioned whether
representatives from the Royal Thai Navy
(RTN) and representatives of the state-owned
China Shipbuilding & Offshore International
Co (CSOC)
who signed the 2017 agreement for delivery
of the submarines had the authority to do
so and why the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) required
the submarines in Parliament.
The Southeast Asian Times
|
Indonesian
minister accused of reviving
authoritarianism of President
Suharto New Order regime
|
|
 |
|
Luhut
Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating
Minister for Maritime Affairs
and Investment and founding
commander of the Special Detachment
88 anti-terror squad has called
for active Indonesian National
Armed Forces (TNI) officers
to hold positions in state
ministries and institutions
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, August 11: The proposal for active
Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)
officers to hold positions in state ministries
and institutions by founding commander
of the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror
squad, Coordinating Minister for Maritime
Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan,
is reportedly "an effort to revive
the authoritarianism of the New Order
regime of President Suharto," reports
Antara.
Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI)
Chairperson, Muhammad Isnur, said that the
call for active Indonesian National Armed
Forces (TNI) officers to hold positions
in state ministries and institutions "is
in line with government policy moves that
show signes of the revival of the New Order
(Orba) regime of former president Suharto."
He said that there are many policies by
President Joko Widodo that show signs
of the revival of the authoritarianism
of the New Order regime, saying "efforts
to militarise civilians through the Reserve
Component (Komcad) system for state civil
servants (ASN) is one example."
He said that the Coordinating Minister for
Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar
Pandjaitan, proposal to revise Law Number
34/2004 on the National Armed Forces (TNI)
is in line with growing signs of authoritarianism.
"This proposal poses a serious threat
to democracy as a fruit of reformasi that
is the political reform process that began
in 1998," he said.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs
and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan,
who proposed revision to the National Armed
Forces (TNI) law that would allow active
National Armed Forces (TNI) officers to
hold positions in government ministries
and institutions, said that revision was
necessary.
"Active National Armed Forces (TNI)
officers should be assigned to government
ministries and institutions at the request
of the institutions and with the agreement
of President Joko Widodo.
In Septemeber 2019 thousands of university
students protested against proposed amendments
to the yet to be passed Criminal Code (RKUHP)
and the Corruption Eradication Commission
(KPK) law that was passed in the the House
of Representatives, saying that the ammendments
are an attempt to roll back two decades
of political reform and a return to the
New Order era under President Suharto.
Students demand that the House of Representatives
hold off the passage of the revised Criminal
Code (KUHP), saying that "the revised
Bill threatened democracy and civil liberties"
and that ammendments to Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK) that "weakend the
commission" should be revoked.
President Joko Widodo reportedly ordered
that deliberation of the Criminal Code
(KUHP) in the House of Representatives
be postponed until the new 2019-2024 parliamentary
period.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Thai
tax court rules in favour
of fugitive ousted former
PM Thaksin and against summons
of daughters
|
|
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|
Daughter
of fugitive ousted Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn
Shinawatra, 36, was nominated
the opposition Pheu Thai Party
(PTP) candidate for prime
minister in the next general
election in 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 10: the Central Tax Court
in Bangkok issued a ruling in favour of
fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
in the sale of Shin Corporation to Temasek
Holdings in 2006 on Monday, with the Central
Tax Court ruling against the summons of
his daughters, Panthongtae and Pintongta,
saying they were proxies, reports the Bangkok
Post.
The Central Tax Court revoked the Revenue
Department order for ousted former Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to pay 17 billion
baht in tax over the 2006 sale of a stake
in Shin Corporation to Temasek Holdings,
ruling against the summons for assessment
of the daughters the former Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Central Tax Court ruled that the Thailand
Revenue Department order for a tax assessment
of the daughters of former Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra, was unlawful under Section
19 of the Revenue Code, ruling that both
daughters of former Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, Panthongtae and Pintongta were
proxies.
The Central Tax Court found that daughters,
Panthongtae and Pintongta, acted as proxies
on behalf of their father in the Shin Corp
share sale in January 2006.
The Central Tax Court ruled that proxie
ownership did not constitute a change of
share ownership in Shin Corp, saying that
former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
retained share ownership and was not liable
to pay about 17 billion baht in tax under
Section 39 and Section 40(2) of the Revenue
Code.
The Central Tax Court ruled to revoke the
Revenue Department Por Ngor Dor 12 form
demanding a 17.6 billion baht back tax payment,
saying "the Revenue Department’s
tax appraisal was made after the Supreme
Court’s Criminal Division for Holders
of Political Positions ruled to seize former
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra assets
worth about 46 billion baht.
In 2010 nine judges of Thailand's Supreme
Court ordered in absentia the seizure of
baht 46 billion, about US $1.4 billion,
from fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra’s US$2.29 billion in frozen
assets, after deciding that he had abused
his political power for personal gain.
But the judges said that "to seize
all the money would be unfair since some
of it was made before Thaksin Shinawarta,
61, became prime minister."
Prosecutors had argued that Thaksin Shinawarta
and his former wife, Potjaman Pombejra,
concealed ownership of shares in his family
business Shin Corporation while in office
from 2001 to 2006, and that he abused power
by tailoring policies to benefit the company.
Thaksin Shinawarta was accused of abusing
his authority while the Prime Minister by
issuing measures which caused the state
damage and benefited businesses controlled
by his family including the Ratchadaphisek
land deal, the purchase of rubber seedlings,
the procurement of luggage trolleys at Suvarnabhumi
airport, the two- and three-digit lottery
case and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand's
soft loan to Myanmar.
Fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
fled to Dubai in 2008 to avoid facing trial
for malfeasance in the raising or approval
of alleged fraudulent Krung-Thai-Bank (KTB)
non-performing loans worth almost baht 12-billion
under Article 157 of the Criminal Code -
the law that governs the behaviour of officials
of State agencies; the Commercial Banks
Act; the Securities and Exchange Act, and
the Public Companies Act.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Thai Women
imprisoned for violation of
Lese Majeste law leave by
ambulance after 64 days on
hunger strike
|
|
 |
|
Netiporn
"Bung" Sanesangkhom,
26, and Natthanit "Bai
Por" Duangmusit, 20,
taken from the Central Women's
Correctional Institution in
Bangkok by ambulance after
a 64 day hunger strike
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, August 9: Two women charged with
violation of the Lese Majeste law and
sedition were taken from the Central Women's
Correctional Institution in Bangkok by
ambulance after a 64 day hunger strike,
reports the Bangkok Post.
Natthanit "Bai Por" Duangmusit,
20, and Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom,
26, who are members of the pro-democracy
group Thalu Wang or "shattering the
palace" that was formed earlier this
year advocates for the abolition of Article
112 of the Thailand Criminal Code that makes
it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten
the monarch of Thailand.
The pro-democracy group Thalu Wang or
"shattering the palace" advocate
amendements to the 2017 Constitution including
the section that states "changing
the democratic regime of government with
the King as Head of State or changing
the form of the State shall be prohibited"
that includes the section that states
"the Prime Minister may not present
such a draft Constitution Amendment to
the King for signature."
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR, Krisadang
Nutcharus, said that Natthanit Bai Por Duangmusit,
20, and Netiporn Bung Sanesangkhom, 26,
were extremely weak, saying "the two
women had been in custody at the Central
Women's Correctional Institution in Bangkok
for more than three months awaiting trial
under the kingdom's lese majeste laws."
"Their condition is not good,"
he said.
He said that more than 200 Lese Majeste
cases have been brought since November
2022, saying that conviction under the
Lese Majeste law carries a jail term of
up to 15 years in prison with pro-democracy
activists facing multiple charges that
could result in consecutive sentences
lasting for decades."
In May 2021 Panusaya "Rung"
Sithijirawattanakul, 22, who was one of
eight protesters who co-lead the United
Front of Thammasat and Demonstration student
organisation that reinstalled a plaque
commemorating the 1932 Revolution that
overthrew Thai absolute monarchy at the
Sanam Laung Royal Plaza at the Grand Palace
in Bangkok in September 2020, was released
from the Central Women's Correctional
Institute in Bangkok after a 38 day hunger
strike.
The eight protesters who were arrested in
March 2021 and who include Panusaya "Rung"
Sithijirawattanakul, 22, submitted a 10
point manifesto to the Thai Parliament on
August 10, 2020, calling for amendements
to the Thailand Constitution, that was drafted
by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed
into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, but
stating in the manifesto that demands for
reform of the monarchy are not a proposal
to abolish the monarchy.
Protests by the United Front of Thammasat
and Demonstration student organisation
calling for the reform of the monarchy
went ahead at the Thammasat University
Tha Phra Chan Campus in August 2020 ahead
of the submission of the 10 point manifesto
to the parliament, despite guidelines
signed by Thammasat rector Assoc Prof
Gasinee Witoonchart that effectively banned
thousands of protesters from holding the
anti-monarchy protest on campus, with
Panasaya "Rung" Sitthijirawattanakul,
22, saying "if they lock the gates,
we will break the chain."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
ASEAN to
establish ASEAN Centre for
Climate Change in Brunei
|
|
 |
|
ASEAN
Foreign Ministers ratifide
the climate agreement made
by the 10 ASEAN memner states
in November 2021 at the United
Nations Conference on Climate
Change COP26 in Glasgow, at
the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers'
Meeting (AMM) in Phnom Penh
on Wednesday 3 August 2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 8: ASEAN Foreign Ministers
ratifide the climate agreement made by the
10 ASEAN memner states at the United Nations
Conference on Climate Change COP26 in Glasgow,
last year at the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers'
Meeting (AMM) this week with plans to establish
an ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC)
in Brunei-Darussalam, reports the Phnom
Penh Post.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers plan to establish
an ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC)
in Brunei-Darussalam in order to increase
climate change cordination and cooperation
among the ASEAN member states.
"The establishment of an ASEAN Centre
for Climate Change (ACCC) would increase
resilience to climate change and reduce
carbon emissions," said the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers in a statement.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers said they favoured
the ratification of the climate agreement
made at the United Nations Conference on
Climate Change COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland
in November 2021 that included the phasing
out of coal-fired power plants, with Indonesia's
President Joko Widodo's claimingt that deforestation
in Indonesia is in decline and that Indonesia
was phasing out coal fired power.
Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaign spokesperson
M Iqbal Damanik said that President Joko
Widodo's claim of success in the reduction
of forest and land fires, the plan to
rehabilitate 600,000 hectares of mangrove
forest by 2024 and the phasing out of
coal fired power plants by 2040 for transition
to renewable energy was "empty talk".
He said that President Jokowi's claim
that forest and land fires were in decline
by 82 percent between 2020-2021 and that
the decline was the result of government
policies is "empty talk."
He said that the decline in deforestation
by 82 percent between 2020-2021 was largely
influenced by natural factors, saying
"deforestation declined in the wet
season."
"The decline in forest fires cannot
be claimed by Jokowi as a success,"
he said
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Australia
walks out on ASEAN meeting
over Russia invasion of Ukraine
|
|
 |
|
Australian
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Penny Wong, walks out on Russian
counterpart Foreign Minister,
Sergey Lavrov, address at
the 12th East Asia Summit
Foreign Ministers Meeting
held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
on Friday August 5, 2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 7: Australian Minister
of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, walked out
on Russian counterpart Foreign Minister,
Sergey Lavrov, address to the 12th East
Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Meeting held
in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Friday, reportedly
in protest over "the Russian slaughter
of civilians in its brutal invasion of Ukraine,
reports The Australian.
Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Penny Wong walked out during Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov’s address
at the 12th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers
Meeting, that was included in the 55th
ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM)
held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
from July 29 to August 5.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers called for respect
of sovereignty, political independence
and territory integrity in the ongoing
Russia-Ukraine conflict in a joint communique
of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting
(AMM).
ASEAN Foreign Ministers called for compliance
with international laws and the United
Nations Charter in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine
conflict
saying in the joint communique "the
Meeting underlined the importance of an
immediate cessation of hostilities and
the creation of an enabling environment
for the peaceful resolution of conflict."
" We support the efforts of the United
Nations Secretary-General in the search
for a peaceful solution," said the
joint communique.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers also called for
"the facilitation of rapid, safe
and unhindered access to humanitarian
assistance for those in need in Ukraine,
and for the protection of civilians, humanitarian
personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations"
in the joint communique.
In March 2022 ASEAN foreign ministers
issued a statement demanding immediate
ceasefire in Ukraine following the special
emergency session of the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) that voted in
favour of the resolution that condemned
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with abstentions
from two of eight ASEAN memeber countries,
Laos and Vietnam.
Of the 193 United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) members, 141 voted in favour of
the resolution, with 5 against including
Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Russia
and Syria and with 35 abstentions including
ASEAN member countries Laos and Vietnam
and including China and India.
Eight ASEAN member states including ASEAN
rotating chair for 2022 Cambodia, Brunei
Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand,
voted in favour of the resolution that
demands that "Russia immediately,
completely and unconditionally withdraw
all of its military forces from the territory
of Ukraine within its internationally
recognized borders."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Cambodia,
China renew committment to
Mekong-Lancang Cooperation
and China's Belt and Road
Initiative
|
|
 |
|
China
State Councillor Wang Yi Sokhonn,
left, and Thailand Minister
of Foreign Affairs Prak at
the sidelines of the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers' Meeting
(AMM) at Phnom Penh on Wednesday
August 3, 2022
|
|
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 5: Cambodia and China
pledged to implement the outcome of the
7th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) meeting
that was held in Myanmar last month at the
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting held in
Phnom Penh this week, with Cambodia Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Prak Sokhonn, and China State Councillor
and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi,
pledging to implement the Mekong-Lancang
Cooperation (MLC) projects in the next five
years, saying that "the Mekong-Lancang
Cooperation (MLC) projects would boost econmic
development," reports Phnom Pehn Post.
The 7th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC)
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, "Solidarity
for Peace and Prosperity" that was
held last month, was co-chaired by China
State Councillor and Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Wang Yi, and Myanmar Minister of
Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin, with
Cambodia Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak
Sokhonn, and Foreign Ministers
from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam participating.
Ministers at the 7th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation
(MLC) meeting in July, reaffirmed commitment
to promote cooperation between the Mekong-Lancang
Cooperation (MLC) with international and
regional initiatives, including China's
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development
Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative
(GSI).
ASEAN member Indonesia President Joko Widodo
committed to the Global Development Initiative
(GDI) and the Global Security Initiative
(GSI) that was initiated by China in a vist
to Beijing last month, with China President
Xi Jinping saying that China welcomed Indonesia
support and commitment to the Global Development
Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security
Initiative (GSI).
"China is ready for closer communication
and cooperation with Indonesia in the Global
Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global
Security Initiative (GSI)," he said.
He said that China proposed the Global Security
Initiative (GSI) to uphold the principle
of indivisible security, build a balanced,
effective and sustainable security architecture,
and oppose the building of national security
on the basis of insecurity in other countries.
The Southeast Asian Times
|
Indonesia
sees Taiwan as part of China
under One-China Policy
|
|
 |
|
United
States House of Representatives
Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting
the Taiwan parliament on Wednesday
August 3, 2022
|
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From News Reports:
Jakarta, August 5: ASEAN member, Indonesia,
says "Indonesia sees Taiwan as a part
of China, during the United States visit
to Taiwan on Wednesday with Indonesia saying
"Indonesia continues to stick to the
One-China Policy, " reports Antara.
United States House of Representatives Speaker,
Nancy Pelosi, said in Taiwan on Wednesday
that the United States Congress delegation
visit to Taiwan confirmed the United States
firm commitment to supporting democracy
in Taiwan.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Teuku
Faizasyah, called all parties to take concrete
steps to ease geopolitical tensions following
United States House of Representatives Speaker
Nancy Pelosi visit to Taiwan, saying "Indonesia
continues to stick to the One-China Policy."
"Indonesia sees Taiwan as a part of
China", he said.
He said that Indonesia is concerned by the
increasingly intense rivalry between superpowers,
saying "it holds the potential for
open conflict that will disrupt stability
and peace, including in the Taiwan Strait."
In July 2022 John Lee Ka-chiu, 64, was sworn
in as the 6th Chief Executive of the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
by the President of China, Xi Jinping, in
Hong Kong .
with the President saying "there should
be no compromise on the principle of patriots
administering Hong Kong."
The new Chief Executive of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Lee
Ka-chiu, who was selected by the 1,461 member
election committee, to be the next Chief
Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR), replaced incumbant Hong
Kong Chief Executve Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor
who ended her five year term on
July 1.
The Hong Kong District Councillor elections
required candidates to pledge allegiance
to the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR) that upholds the one country
two system Beijing policy and to the ruling
that allows only candidates deemed patriots
to stand for election.
In June 2022 Timor Leste's Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Magno,
said that Timor-Leste will continue to adhere
to the one-China policy that includes Taiwan
and Hong Kong saying "the one-China
policy is the cornerstone of developing
bilateral relations."
China State Councilor and Foreign Minister,
Wang Yi, said that China appreciates that
Timor-Leste abides by consensus reached
in the establishment of diplomatic ties
between Chna and Timor-Leste in 2002 that
includes the one-China policy.
"The one network, one expressway and
one port projects in Timor-Leste jointly
built by China and Timor Leste the two under
the Belt and Road Initative (BRI) have become
a benchmark for practical cooperation,"
he said.
In June 2021 Papua New Guinea Minister of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade,
Soroi Eoe, upheld the one-China policy in
talks with China State Councilor and Foreign
Minister, Wang Yi, in Guiyang City, Guizhou
province, reaffirming China's claim that
the People's Republic of China is the legal
government representing all China's citizens
in Taiwain, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.
China State Councilor and Foreign Minister,
Wang Yi, said that China values Papua New
Guinea's recognition of the one-China policy
and non-interference in China's internal
affairs in Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong,
saying "China would support Papua New
Guinea on its development path." he
said.
In November 2018 Papua New Guinea became
the second Pacific nation after East Timor
to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with China on the Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI).
In January 2019 Cambodia's Prime Minister
Hun Sen issued a joint communique reaffirming
China's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan
on the conclusion of a four day visit to
China that included the siging of infrastructure
project agreements under China's Belt and
Road Initiative, reports the Associated
Press.
The joint communique between Cambodia and
China states in part that “Cambodia
is opposed to the idea of Taiwanese independence
in any form and will continue to support
the peaceful development and reunification
of China, ” and that “Cambodia
will continue to adhere to the One-China
Policy and recognise that the government
of the People’s Republic of China is
the sole legitimate government representing
the whole of China and that Taiwan is an
integral part of China’s territory.”
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
ASEAN confirms
plan to ban, prevent use or
test nuclear weapons in ASEAN
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The
Myanmar chair remained empty
at the 55th ASEAN Foreign
Ministers Meeting (AMM) in
Phnom Penh on Tuesday August
2, 2022
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From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 4: The 55th ASEAN Foreign
Ministers Meeting (AMM) chaired by Cambodia
in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, confirmed the
plan of action (PoA) by the Southeast Asia
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) that
followed the 10th Review Conference of the
Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations
headquarters in New York on Monday, with
Cambodia Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn,
agreeing to continue to ban and prevent
the use or testing of nuclear weapons in
the Asean region, reports the Phnom Penh
Post.
Cambodia Foreign Minister, Prak Sokhonn,
said at the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free
Zone (SEANWFZ) meeting hosted by Cambodia
"the ASEAN Foreign Ministers agreed
to continue to implement the action plan
that has been drafted and implemented
in the past from 2023 until 2027 to continue
to ban and prevent the use or testing
of nuclear weapons in Asean region,”
In February 2022 ASEAN Foreign Ministers
including Cambodia Foreign Minister, Prak
Sokhonn, said at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’
Meeting (AMM) Retreat) held by Cambodia
ASEAN chair for 2022 in Phnom Penh, that
while ASEAN welcomed the five Nuclear-Weapon
States (NWS), Britain, China, France,
Russia and United States, statement on
"Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding
Arms Races", that ASEAN remains concerned
over the existence and modernisation of
nuclear weapons.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers issued a statement
on the disarmament and non-proliferation
of nuclear weapons saying that while "ASEAN
member states welcome the intention expressed
by the five Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS)
to avoid military confrontations, to strengthen
stability and predictability, and to increase
mutual understanding and confidence, to
ensure that the world remains peaceful,
stable and secure," ASEAN remains
concerned.
The ASEAN foreign ministers said in the
statement "ASEAN remains concerned
over the existential threat facing humanity
posed by the existence and modernisation
of nuclear weapons," saying "We
firmly believe that the total elimination
of nuclear weapons is the only way to
guarantee against their use and threat
of use."
The ASEAN foreign ministers called on
the five Nuclear -Weapon States (NWS)
to fulfill their obligations in advancing
nuclear disarmament in accordance with
the Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation
of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
"We reiterate our commitment to preserve
the Southeast Asian region as a Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone and free of all other
weapons of mass destruction, as enshrined
in the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) and
the ASEAN Charter, and to strengthen the
nuclear non-proliferation regime in achieving
general and complete nuclear disarmament,
as stipulated in Article VI of the Treaty
on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
(NPT)," said the ASEAN foreign ministers.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Opposition
Pheu Thai Party claims Thai
PM eight-year term ends this
month
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Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
secured 256 votes of confidence
against 206 votes of no confidence
with nine abstentions at the
four day no-confidence censure
debate in the Bangkok Parliament
ending Saturday July 24, 2022
|
|
From News Reports:
Bangkok, August 3: The ruling Palang Pracharath
Party (PPRP) coalition has challenged opposition
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) claim that Prime Minister
Prayut Chan-o-cha eight year term expires
this month, saying that the Prime Ministers
term began with Royal endorsement that meant
he is entitled to serve until 2027, reports
the Bangkok Post.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP), president
Cholnan Srikaew, has threatened to seek
a court interpretation ahead of the expiry
of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha tenure
on August 24, insisting that Prime Ministers
Prayut Chan-o-cha maximum eight-year tenure
ends this month.
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
term began the day he was installed as the
head of the now-defunct National Council
for Peace and Order (NCPO) after the 2014
coup," he said.
Ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) Deputy
Prime Minister, Wissanu Krea-ngam, claims
that Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha term
began on June 9, 2019, when his premiership
received royal endorsement under the 2017
constitution, saying "this means he
would be entitled to serve up to 2027."
"Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha
can legally serve for up to eight years
as prime minister from 2019 as stipulated
by Section 158 of the constitution,"
he said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and ten
cabinet ministers survived the four day
no-confidence censure debate in the Bangkok
Parliament that ended on 23 July 2022, with
opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) president
Cholnan Srikaew accusing the Prime Minister
and the cabinet ministers of corruption
of violations of the Constitution and laws
including ethical standards, mismanagement
of state affairs negligence in the performance
of duties, allowing rampant corruption to
take place, failure to implement policies
stated in parliament, violations of human
rights and the undermining of parliamentary
democracy.
Opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) Member
of Parliament, Amarat Chokepamitkul, said
at the censure debate that "the Royal
Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) procurement and
construction projects are not transparent
and are wasteful."
She claimed that the Royal Thai Armed Forces
(RTARF) drafted Constitution provides Prime
Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha with extended
power through the Royal Thai Armed Forces
(RTARF) appointed 250 seat Senate, accusing
the Prime Minister of "being a tyrant
who is bent on undermining the democratic
system."
"Several of the army’s construction
projects were implemented by handpicked
contractors, often before bidding was held
or before bid results were announced,"
she said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Myanmar
military arrest Tokyo documentary
filmaker in Yangon for participating
in protest
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Activists
at Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Japa in Tokyo with placard
of Japan documentary film
maker, Toru Kubota, who was
arrested by the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in Yagon
on Saturday July 31, 2021,
|
|
From
News Reports:
Yangon, August 2: The Japan embassy in
Yangon has confirmed the arrest of a Tokyo
documentary filmaker by the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar with an unidentified
embassy official saying "I can confirm
a Japanese national was arrested in Yangon
on Saturday," reports Reuters,
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
that declared martial law after the takeover
of the elected League for Democracy (NLD)
government, arrested Tokyo documentary
filmaker, Toru Kubota, 26, and two unidentified
protesters against Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar rule.
The unidentified Japan embassy official
said "the Japan embassy in Yangon
is in contact with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar ruling State Administration
Council (SAC) to secure the release of
the Japanese national."
"The Japan embassy has no information
on whether the Tokyo documentary filmaker
was arrested for participating in the
protest, " said the unidentified
embassy official.
Organisor of the Yangon Democratic Youth
Strike, identified as Toru Kubota, confirmed
the arrest of the two unidentifed protesters
against Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
rule, saying "the arrests were also
reported by other groups against the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar take over
of the elected League for Democracy (NLD)
government."
He said that Tokyo-based documentary filmaker,
Toru Kubota, was arrested for participating
in the protest, saying that protesters
chanted slogans opposing the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the
elected League for Democracy (NLD) government
in February 2021.
He said that Tokyo-based documentary filmaker,
Toru Kubota, was arrested not for taking
pictures of the protest but for participating
in the protest.
"Tokyo-based documentary filmaker,
Toru Kubota, was taking pictures a short
distance from our protest," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Myanmar
military execution of
pro-democracy activists shows
lack
of support for ASEAN
|
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Cambodia
Prime Minister, Hun Sen, said
in a statement following the
execution of pro-democracy
activists by the Armed Forces
(Tatmadaw) of Myanmar "this
is an issue that ASEAN takes
seriously"
|
|
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, August 1: ASEAN Chair for 2022,
Cambodia, declared the execution of four
Myanmar political activists by the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar as highly reprehensible,
saying in a statement that the execution
represented a lack of will by Myanmar to
support the ASEAN chair implementation of
the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC), reports
the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia prime Minister Hun Sen said in
the ASEAN statement that followed the execution
of pro-democracy activists, Kyaw Min Yu,
Hla Myo Aung, Aung Thura Zaw Phyo Zeya Thaw
last week that "the execution represented
a gross lack of will to support the ASEAN
chair effort to expedite progress on the
implementation of ASEAN Five-Point Consensus
(5PC).
"The execution of the pro-democracy
activists has presented a lack of will
by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
ruling State Administration Council (SAC)
in building trust and confidence to engender
a dialogue among all parties in order
to end violence," said the statement.
"ASEAN denounces and is strongly disappointed
by the execution of four opposition activists
despite appeals by Prime Minister Hun Sen
of Cambodia, in his capacity as the ASEAN
chair, and other ASEAN member states, for
the sentences to be reconsidered, "
said the statement
"This is an issue that ASEAN takes
seriously,” it said.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly
sent a letter to the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar ruling State Administration Council
(SAC) chairman, Senior General Min Aung
Hlaing ahead of the execution of the Myanmar
pro-democracy activists urging him to reconsider
the plan to execute the political activists.
In March 2022 ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar,
Cambodia Deputy Prime Minister, Minister
of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
Prak Sokhonn, met with three ministers
of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
in Naypyitaw on the first visit of the
ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar since the
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover
of the
elected National League for Democracy
(NLD) in February 2021.
ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar met with
the three Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
ministers in an effort to implement the
ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) that
was introduced by the ASEAN Leaders Meeting
(ALM) in Jakarta in April 2021 and that
was attended by Myanmar commander-in-chief
of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Sr Gen
Min Aung Hlaing.
The ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) includes
restrain of security forces, commencement
of dialogue with ASEAN, facilitation of
mediation with Secretary General of ASEAN,
Special ASEAN envoy and delegation to
visit Myanmar and ASEAN provision of humanitarian
assistance.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration
officials barred from accepting
gifts
|
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|
Bangkok
Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt,
adopts Anti-Corruption Organization
of Thailand (ACT) policies
that barr officials from accepting
gifts on Tuesday, July 26,
2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, July 31: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA) adopted Anti-Corruption Organization
of Thailand (ACT) policies on Tuesday that
includes barring officials from accepting
gifts, with Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt
saying "all City Hall officials will
have to sign a document acknowledging their
participation in the anti-corruption policy,"
reports the Bangkok Post.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the public
did not trust Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA) when it comes to transparency, saying
that his team has been working with Anti-Corruption
Organization of Thailand (ACT) on ways to
prevent malpractice.
"The Anti-Corruption Organization of
Thailand (ACT) has recommended five policies
including barring officials from accepting
gifts," he said.
He said that the Anti-Corruption Organization
of Thailand (ACT) recommended that the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration (BMA) investment
arm, Krungthep Thanakom, become a member
of the Private Sector Collective Action
against Corruption (CAC) and require its
trading partners to become members.
He said that the Anti-Corruption Organization
of Thailand (ACT) recommended that Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration (BMA) shorten
the deadline for issuing a licence to build
a small house, saying "shortening the
time for issuing a licence prevented unscrupulous
officials from making excuses and demanding
bribes to have the licence granted quickly."
"All Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA)-operated hospitals will have to pledge
to end all collection of commissions on
the purchases of medicinal products from
pharmaceutical firms," he said.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said public
participation was crucial in fighting corruption,
saying Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA) Traffy Fondue (TF), that is for reporting
problems and submitting suggestions, has
launched "Krungthep Prongsai"
or Transparent Bangkok, in order for the
public to give anonymous tip-offs on corruption
at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
(BMA).
Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand
(ACT) secretary-general, Mana Nimitmongkol,
said last month that the Parliament House
of Thailand in Bangkok has adopted Anti-Corruption
Organization of Thailand (ACT) policies
that include the scrutiny of public spending,
saying "public spending in parliament
is sad and shameful."
"One example was the purchase of overpriced
wall clocks to be hung in every room in
parliament including under-the-stairs storerooms
and toilets," he said
He said that corruption thrives where people
with power wield influence over state officials
and politicians who feel submissive to them.
"It was laughable to think that parliamentarians
who could afford a wristwatch and a smart
phone would need a wall clock to check the
time," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times
|
South
Korea to work with Indonesia
to develop new national capital
in Borneo
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Indonesia
President Joko Widodo and
South Korea President Yoon
Suk-yeol in Seoul on Thursday
July 28, 2022 to revise agreement
to work together on development
of new Indonesian national
capital
|
|
From
News Reports:
Seoul, July 30: Indonesia and South Korea
revised the agreement to work together on
the development of a new Indonesian national
capital city (IKN) Nusantara in East Kalimantan
in Borneo that would replace Jakarta, with
Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) of East
Kalimantan, saying "the construction
of the new capital has the potential to
displace 20,000 indigenous people, reports
Antara.
President Joko Widodo met with South Korea
President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Thursday
where Indonesia and Japan revised the
2019 agreement to work together on the
$32 billion (IKN) Nusantara development,
with
South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying
"the new agreement laid the groundwork
for our companies to actively contribute
to building the new Indonesian capital's
infrastructure, electronic government
and smart city systems."
Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam) of East
Kalimantan on Borneo Island, Pradarma
Rupang, said ahead of the meeting between
Indonesia President Joko Widodo and South
Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul
on Thursday "the construction of
the new capital (IKN) Nusantara in East
Kalimantan has the potential for the eviction
of 20,000 local and indigenous people."
“IKN Nusantara development will cause
multi-layered damage to 53 villages located
around the proposed IKN Nusantara development,"
he said.
He said that indigenous peoples have lived
in the forest long before the proposed
new capital IKN Nusantara development,
saying "the 260,000 hectares of land
proposed for the IKN Nusantara development
is not empty land."
He said that 40 percent of the total area
proposed for the IKN Nusantara development
is occupied by indigenous peoples, saying
"this data was confirmed by the Agrarian
and Spatial Planning Ministry for the
National Land Agency (BPN).
(IKN) Nusantara Management Authority,
Bambang Susantono, said that IKN Nusantara
is set to become a liveable city by 2024,
saying "later IKN Nusantara will
be a complete urban ecosystem with educational
facilities, health facilities, daily necessities
facilities, as well as amusement centres."
"Tourist destinations will be intergrated
with the central government in the IKN
Nusantara," he said.
President Joko Widodo met with South Korea
President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Thursday
after visiting China President Xi Jinping
in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday where
he committed to the Global Development
Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security
Initiative (GSI) initiated by China and
after visiting Japan Prime Minister Fumio
Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday where Indonesia
and Japan reaffirmed cooperation toward
realising a free and open Indo-Pacific
as outlined in the ASEAN Outlook on the
Indo-Pacific (AOIP), with Japan announcing
that the Japan Gound Self-Defence Force
(JGSDF) would participate in the Grand
Shield annual joint exercise for the first
time between the Indonesian National Armed
Forces (TNI) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command (INDOPACOM) next month.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Japan
to participate in first
Indo-Pacific joint defence
exercise
|
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|
Japanese
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
(R) and Indonesian President
Joko Widodo in Tokyo Wednesday
July 27, 2022
|
|
From News Reports:
Tokyo, July 29: Indonesia and Japan reaffirmed
cooperation toward realising a free and
open Indo-Pacific as outlined in the ASEAN
Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) at a
meeting between Indonesian President Joko
Widodo and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio
Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday, ahead of
Japan's particpation in the first Indo-Pacific
joint defence exercise in Indonesia, reports
Antara.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said
ahead of the Japan Gound Self-Defence Force
(JGSDF) participation in the Grand Shield
joint exercise in Indonesia for the first
time next month that "Japan vows to
help further strengthen maritime security
in the region."
The Japan Gound Self-Defence Force (JGSDF)
is to participate in the Grand Shield annual
joint exercise between the Indonesian National
Armed Forces (TNI) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command (INDOPACOM) next month, with
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying
"I hope bilateral security cooperation,
including defense exchanges, will further
advance cooperation."
Japan Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, who
was elected Prime Minister in November 2021,
reaffirmed predecessor Prime Minister Yoshihide
Suga's support of Indonesia's adoption of
the 'ASEAN Outlook on Indopacific' (AOIP)
initiative, saying "maintaining and
strengthening the rules-based, free and
open Indo-Pacific international order has
become more important " at a meeting
with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in
Jakarta in May 2022.
"We are facing many challenges, including
the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the South
China Sea territorial disputes including
Vietnam's East Sea and nuclear arsenal in
North Korea," he said.
In October 2020 then Prime Minister of Japan,
Yoshihide Suga, said at a meeting with Indonesia
President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential
Palace in West Java that Japan fully supports
Indonesia's adoption of the 'ASEAN Outlook
on Indopacific' initiative.
He said that Japan's determination to contribute
to peace and prosperity in the Southeast
Asia is evident by Japan's recognition that
ASEAN plays an important role in realizing
a free and open Indo-pacific, saying "Japan
and Indonesia are maritime countries located
in the Indo-pacific region."
"Japan and Indonesia are strategic
partners," he said.
In October 2020 United States National Security
advisor, Robert O'Brien, said that the United
States as a Pacific power
would conduct maritime security missions
in the western Pacific, saying in a statement
that the presence of the United States Coast
Guard in the Indo-Pacifc ensures that the
United States will remain the maritime partner
of choice in the region,
He said that new-generation Coast Guard
vessels would conduct maritime security
missions including fishing patrols in the
western Pacific in order to enhance maritime-domain
awareness and enforcement efforts.
He said that the United States maritime
security missions would be conducted in
the western Pacific in collaboration with
regional partners that have limited offshore
surveillance and enforcement capacity.
"China's illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing and harassment of vessels operating
in the exclusive economic zones of countries
in the Indo-Pacific threatens United States
sovereignty and the sovereignty of our Pacific
neighbors, endangering regional stability,"
he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
China
and Indonesia to step up bilateral
relations
|
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Indoneisa
President Joko Widodo and
China President Xi Jinping
in Beijing Monday July 25,
2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Beijing July 28: China welcomed Indonesia's
participation in BRICS and commitment to
the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
and the Global Security Initiative (GSI)
initiated by China, during President Joko
Widodo's visit to Beijing on Monday and
Tuesday, with Indonesia President Joko Widodo
and China President Xi Jinping agreeing
to step up bilateral relations between Indonesia
and China, reports Antara.
China President Xi Jinping said that China
welcomed Indonesia's continued participation
in BRICS, a multilateral forum of emerging
national economies including Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa, saying "China
welcomes Indonesia's preparedness to cooperate
with BRICS in the future."
China President Xi Jinping said that China
welcomed Indonesia support and commitment
to the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
and the Global Security Initiative (GSI),
saying "China is ready for closer communication
and cooperation with Indonesia in the Global
Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global
Security Initiative (GSI)." he said.
"A sound China-Indonesia relationship
not only serves the shared long-term interests
of both countries, but also has positive,
far-reaching impacts regionally and globally,"
he said.
China President Xi Jinping said at the Boao
Forum for Asia annual conference in China
on April 21, 2022 that China proposed the
Global Security Initiative (GSI) "to
uphold the principle of indivisible security,
build a balanced, effective and sustainable
security architecture, and oppose the building
of national security on the basis of insecurity
in other countries."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
First
pro-democracy executions
under Myanmar military Counter-Terrorism
Law
|
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Pro-democracy
activists protest the executions
in Yangon, Myanmar, Monday
July 25, 2022
|
|
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, May 6: Pro-democracy activists,
Kyaw Min Yu, 52, Hla Myo Aung, Aung Thura
Zaw and opposition legislator Phyo Zeya
Thaw, 41, who were sentenced to death by
the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military
court on January 2, 2022, were executed
on Saturday.
The four pro-democracy activists, who were
tried in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of
Myanmar military court under the Counter-Terrorism
Law, 2014, were sentenced to death by hanging.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar rejected
appeals from the four activists, announcing
that the death sentence would go ahead on
June 3, 2002 with United Nations spokesman,
Stephane Dujarric, saying he was "deeply
troubled by the military’s decision
to proceed with the executions of political
dissidents."
“This is a blatant violation of the
right to life, liberty, and security of
person as per Article 3 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights,” he said.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that
declared martial law after the takeover
of the elected League for Democracy (NLD)
government in February 2021 transferred
all executive and judicial authority to
regional military command under martial
law.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared
the National Unity Government (NUG) and
the People's Defence Force (PDF) that were
founded after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar takeover of the elected National
League for Democracy (NLD) government, "terrorist
groups."
The four pro-democracy activists are the
first to be executed of 114 sentenced to
death including 41 in absentia by the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar since the overthrew
the elected National League for Democracy
(NLD) government.
Pro-democracy activist, Kyaw Min Yu was
arrested in October 24, 2021 in Yangon charged
with allegedly inciting unrest and allegedly
taking part in terrorist acts, under the
Counter-Terrorism Law, 2014.
Former National League for Democracy legislator,
Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, was arrested on November
18, 2021 in a raid on Yangon Dagon Seikkan
township, charged under the Counter-Terrorism
Law, 2014 and the Public Property Protection
Act.
Pro-democracy activists Hla Myo Aung and
Aung Thura Zaw, were convicted in the Armed
Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court
for killing an alleged informant under the
Counter-Terrorism Law, 2014.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Indonesia's
curruption commission to investigate
alleged bribes paid to legislators
for division of Papua
|
|
 |
|
Merauke
Regent Romanus Mbaraka denies
paying bribes to House of
Representatives (DPR) legislators
to divide Papua with control
of new regions to Indonesia
central gvernment
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, July 26: Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK) is to investigate bribes
allegedly paid by Merauke Regent Romanus
Mbaraka to House of Representatives (DPR)
legislators to amend the 2001 Special Autonomy
(Otsus) Law on Papua in order to include
the division of Papua into six regions that
would be controlled by the Indonesia central
government, reports the Jakarta Post.
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
spokesperson, Ali Fikri, said that the commission
is ready to investigate bribery allegations
made against Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka
to House of Representatives (DPR) lawmakers
after verification of the report recieved
from the Anti-Corruption Forum on Tuesday
July 19, 2022, saying " Corruption
Eradication Commission (KPK) public complaints
team will study the report."
He said that verification and study will
be conducted to confirm whether or not the
allegations fall into the realm of a corruption
crime , saying "the Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK) has the authority to decide
if it is corruption or isn't."
The Anti-Corruption Forum report was submitted
to the Corruption Eradication Commission
(KPK) in Jakarta after a video in which
Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka allegedly
admits to bribing House of Representatives
(DPR) lawmakers went viral.on social media.
The video reportedly shows Merauke Regent
Romanus Mbaraka making a speech about costs
incurred to change an Article in the revised
Papua Special Autonomy Law that would divide
Papua into six autonomous regions (RUU DOB),
that would be in the control of the Indonesia
central government.
The Anti-Corruption Forum report asserts
that the bribery of House of Representatives
(DPR) lawmakers is related to amendments
to the 2001 revised Special Autonomy (Otsus)
Law on Papua without involving or discussing
the division of Papua into six autonomous
regions (RUU DOB) with the Papuan people.
Merauke Regent Romanus Mbaraka denied that
he had bribed House of Representatives (DPR)
lawmakers to amend the 2001 Special Autonomy
(Otsus) Law on Papua within days of the
video going viral, saying " "truthfully
and absolutely I say that there were no
bribes paid to the House of Representatives
(DPR) lawmakers."
"If anyone writing in the mass media
says there were bribes, I deny it all, it
is absolutely untrue. And it can be proven.
It is absolutely untrue," he said.
In April 2022 the House of Representatives
(DPR) legislative body (Baleg) approved
the draft law for the establishment of three
of six new provinces in South Papua, Central
Papua and Papua Central Highlands, with
Papua People's Council (MRP) Manokwari chairman,
Timotius Murib, saying "the House of
Representatives (DPR) legislators approved
the establishment of new regions in Papua
without adequate consultations."
He warned that new regions in Papua could
eliminate the Papua People’s Council
(MRP) cultural territories, saying "the
Papua People’s Council (MRP) consists
of customery leaders."
"These bills ignore the rules stipulated
in the 2001 Special Autonomy (Otsus) Law
on Papua that requires consultations with
the people of Papua," he said
He said that the under the 2001 Special
Autonomy (Otsus) Law on Papua the establishment
of new regions must be consulted with and
approved by the Papua People’s Council
(MRP).
"The inclusion of Papua People’s
Council (MRP) in consultations on the revised
2001 Special Autonomy (Otsus) Law on Papua
in July 2021 are explicitly required by
law," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
PM
survives four day censure
debate in the Bangkok parliament
|
|
 |
|
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
secured 256 votes of confidence
against 206 votes of no confidence
with nine abstentions at four
day no-confidence censure
debate in the Bangkok Parliament
that ended Saturday July 24,
2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, July 25: Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha and ten cabinet ministers survived
the four day no-confidence censure debate
in the Bangkok Parliament that ended on
Saturday, accused of violaton of the Constitution
from the opposiion Pheu Thai Party (PTP),
but proving the Office of Innovation for
Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s Institute
prediction that the ruling Palang Pracharath
Party (PPRP) coalition was unified,"
reports the Bangkok Post.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha secured
256 votes of confidence against 206 votes
of no confidence with nine abstentions,
saying at a press conference after the no-confidence
censure debate, "yes, it's a relief.
"
Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon
received the highest number of votes with
268 and Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce
Minister Jurin Laksanawisit the lowest
of 241 votes of confidence.
Six opposition coalition parties led by
the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), the largest
party in the legislature filed a motion
of no-confidence against Prime minister
Prayut Chan-o-cha and 10 cabinet ministers
last month, with Office of Innovation
for Democracy at King Prajadhipok’s
Institute director, Stithorn Thananithichot,
saying that Prime Minister Gen Prayut
Chan-o-cha should survive the motion of
no-confidence.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and ten
cabinet ministers were accused of violations
of the Constitution and laws including
ethical standards, mismanagement of state
affairs negligence in the performance
of duties, allowing rampant corruption
to take place, failure to implement policies
stated in parliament, violations of human
rights and the undermining of parliamentary
democracy.
Opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) president
Cholnan Srikaew accused the Prime Minister
and the cabinet ministers of corruption
in the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines
with allegations of the government embezzling
funds from the state budget for the procurement
of China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd vaccine.
"A discrepancy of 2 million-baht
between the approved funds from the state
budget for five batches of Sinovac Biotech
Ltd vaccine and the amount actually paid
have been found," he said.
Opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) Member
of Parliament, Amarat Chokepamitkul, said
at the censure debate that "the Royal
Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) procurement
and construction projects are not transparent
and are wasteful."
She claimed that the Royal Thai Armed
Forces (RTARF) drafted Constitution provides
Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha with
extended power through the Royal Thai
Armed Forces (RTARF) appointed 250 seat
Senate, accusing the Prime Minister of
"being a tyrant who is bent on undermining
the democratic system."
"Several of the army’s construction
projects were implemented by handpicked
contractors, often before bidding was
held or before bid results were announced,"
she said.
Thai Sang Thai Party or Building Thailand's
Future party that was co-founded by four
former ministers of the ruling Royal Thai
Armed Forces, Palang Pracharath Party
(PPRP) in January, submitted a petition
to the Parliamentary Committee on Corruption
Prevention and Suppression to investigate
members of the Senate , saying "more
than 50 relatives of senators filled seats
on Senate working panels during 2019-2022
with the state paying more than 2.3 billion
baht for the senators and their assistants."
Thai Sang Thai Party communications director,
Treerat Sirichantaropas said that some
assistants were not appointed for their
merit, saying "assistants were appointed
to exploit the position for their own
financial gain and that is a waste of
taxpayer money."
He said that relatives of Prime Minister
Chan-o-cha were appointed as senators
by the Royal Thai Armed Forces that is
led by the Prime Minister, saying "the
senators also voted for the Prime Minister
in office."
In August 2016 about 50 million Thai's
voted in a referendum that resulted with
61 percent approval for the 250-seat senate
to be fully appointed by the Royal Thai
Armed Forces (RTARF) administered government
under Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha
whose administration followed the May
2014 the Royal Thai Army declaration of
martial law.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
New
US ambassador to Australia
to make big impact in Pacific
|
|
 |
|
New
United States ambassador to
Australia, Caroline Kennedy,
arrives in Sydney on Friday
July 22, 2022
|
|
From
News Reports:
Sydney, July 24: New United States ambassador
to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, said on
arrival in Sydney on Friday that the U.S.
and Australia will make an impact in the
Pacific," saying "China certainly
has a big presence here in the region, but
I think our partnership does as well,"
reports Australian Associated Press.
"The United States and Australia working
together will make a big, big impact in
the Pacific", she said.
She said that the United States-Australia
partnership will work together in the region
on security, economic engagement, climate
change, health, and security, saying "
"America has a lot of work to do in
the Pacific."
"We're putting our embassies back in
the Pacific, and the Peace Corps is coming
and USAID is coming back," she said.
The new United States ambassador to Australia
said that "there was a big agenga in
the United States Australia relations seen
in the work done bilaterally, regionally
and globally in the Australia, United Kingdom
and the United States (AUKUS) and the Australia,
India, Japan and United States, Quadrilateral
Security Dialogue (Quad)
In May 2022 Newly elected Prime Minister
of Australia, Anthony Albanese, declared
Australia's commitment to the Australia,
India, Japan and the United States, Quadrilateral
Security Dialogue (Quad) saying that the
new Australian government's priorities align
with the Quad agenda.
"Taking action on climate change and
building a stronger and more resilient Indo-Pacific
region through better economic security,
better cybersecurity, better energy security
and better environmental and health security
aligns with the Quad agenda."
"We know that China is seeking to exert
more influence in the Pacific and we know
that climate change is such an important
issue," he said.
"That's why my government will take
ambitious action on climate change and increase
our support to partners in the region as
they work to address it, including with
new finance," he said.
In September 2021 Malaysia's 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."
In September 2021 China Ministry of Foreign
Affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian said in Beijing
following the annoucement in Washington
DC of the formation of the Indo-Pacific
AUKUS alliance 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.
In September 2021 then Australian Defence
Minister Peter Dutton, said that the AUKUS
partnership that included the rotational
deployment of all U.S. military aircraft
to Australia, would "significantly
enhance Australia's Force Posture Cooperation
and Alliance Integration, increase interoperability
and deepen alliance activities in the Indo-Pacific."
He said that the AUKUS security partnership
would include greater air cooperation through
rotational deployments of all types of U.S.
military aircraft to Australia.
"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."
he said.
He said that Australia remains committed
to fulfilling all of its obligations as
a non-nuclear weapons state, including with
the International Atomic Energy Agency,
saying "Australia, United Kingdom and
the United States AUKUS are deeply committed
to upholding our leadership on global non-proliferation."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Vietnam
National Assembly presents
draft law for democracy at
grassroots level for deliberation
|
|
 |
|
Minister
of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh
Tra at the National Assembly
in Hanoi on Friday May 27,
2022
|
|
From News Reports:
Hanoi, May 31: Vietnam presented a report
on the draft law on the implementation of
democracy at grassroots level at the third
session of the National Assembly on Friday
with the Minister of Home Affairs saying
that the draft law on the implemention of
democracy at grassroots level is intended
to ensure that state power belongs to the
people, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh
Tra said that the 7 chapters and 74 articles
on the draft law on the implemention of
democracy at grassroots level is intended
to ensure that state power belongs to the
people, saying "the draft law affirms
the nature of the Vietnamese state as a
law- governed socialist state of the people,
by the people and for the people.
"The draft law on the implementation
of democracy includes the authorisation
of the implementation of grassroots democracy,"she
said.
She said that the draft law specifically
stipulates the rights and obligations of
citizents, cadres, civil servants, public
employees and employers, saying "Vietnamese
have the right to complain, initiate lawsuits
and denounce violations relating to the
implementation of democracy at the grassroots
level."
"Vietnamese are under obligation to
propose and report violations to the implementation
of democracy at grassroot level to the authorities,"
she said.
National Assembly Law Committee chairman
Hoang Thanh Tung said that the Law Committee
agrees with the draft law to regulate the
implementation of democracy at the grassroots
levels including communes, wards, townships
and residential communities, agencies, agencies
of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)
and public non-business organisations, socio-political
organisations and business National Assembly
Law Committee also agreed to assign competent
agencies, organisations and individuals
to specify the implementation of democracy
within agencies and particular institutions
such as Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)
agencies, the National Assembly, the People's
Council, the People's Court, the People's
Procuracy, the People's Army, the People's
Public Security, and socio-political organisations
from central to local levels.
"National Assembly Law Committee agreed
that the law should have a separate chapter
stipulating the content, form and method
of implementing democracy at grassroots
level in enterprises, including specific
provisions for State-owned enterprises that
directly manage and use resources of the
State," he said.
In May 2021 Vietnam's National Election
Council (NEC) chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, deemed
the National Assembly (NA) election held
on Sunday May 23, 2021 a success, saying
that 95.65 percent of 66 million Vietnamese
voted for a Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV)
representative candidate in the 15th National
Assembly 2021 - 2026 tenure election.
Almost all registered voters cast a ballot
in 80,000 polling stations in 32,000 constituencies
over 63 provinces for one of 868 candidates
nominated by the ruling Communist Party
of Vietnam (CPV), for 500 deputies to represent
them in the National Assembly.
National Election Council (NEC) chairman
Vuong Dinh Hue, who is also National Assembly
Chairman and member of the Politburo and
Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee,
said ahead of the election on May 23, 2022
that "voting in National Assembly elections
gives power to the people," said after
the elections "early voting results
have shown a high voter turnout."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
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 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
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