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GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to 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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Minister
of Indonesia's fisheries arrested
for corruption in export of
lobster seeds to Vietnam
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Maritime and Fisheries Minister,
Edhy Prabowo, was arrested
on Wednesday by the Corruption
Eradication Commission (KPK)
for alleged corruption in
the issue of permits for the
export of lobster seeds to
Vietnam for lobster farming
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From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 27: The Corruption Eradication
Commission (KPK) has arrested the Maritime
and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo, ministry
officials and family members including his
wife for alleged corruption in the issue
of permits for the export of lobster seeds
to Vietnam for lobster farming after the
minister reversed the ban on the export,
with Indonesian Forum for the Environment
(Walhi) calling for the return of the ban,
reports the Jakarta Post.
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
deputy chairman, Nurul Ghufron, said that
Maritime and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo
was arrested at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport
on Wednesday on his return from a visit
to the United States.
He said that the minister, ministry officials,
family members including his wife were arrested
in a sting operation under Operasi Tangkap
Tangan (OTT) in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang,
and Bekasi, saying that the 17 arrested
are undergoing questioning at Corruption
Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters
in Jakarta.
Maritime and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo
reportedly reversed the ban on lobster seeds
exports that was put in place in order to
maintain sustainability by his predecessor
Susi Pudjiastuti in 2016.
Minister Edhy Prabowo reversed the ban on
the export of lobster seeds in December
last year, saying he would resume the export
of lobster seeds to Vietnam due to high
demand for lobsters in Vietnam.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)
investigations found that 25 of the 30 companies
that were issued with lobster seeds export
permits were established two to three months
before the resumption of the export of lobster
seeds was announced.
The Maritime and Fisheries Minister Edhy
Prabowo, who is a member of the Gerindra
Party, is under investigation for his involvement
in the issue of lobster seeds export permits
to companies whose share holders include
Gerindra Party members and a former House
of Representatives (DPR) deputy speaker.
The Indonesian Forum for the Environment
(Walhi) Head of Executive Advocacy Department,
Zenzi Suhad, has called on the Maritime
Affairs and Fisheries to ban the export
of lobster seeds, saying "the export
of lobster seeds must be stopped if the
government wants to maintain the sea as
a source of food."
He said that a large number of companies
who had been issued with a lobster seeds
export permits would push for a quota, saying
that the Maritime and Fisheries Minister,
Edhy Prabowo had issued export permits to
31 companies.
The Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries
and Aquaculture, at the James Cook University,
in the state of Queensland in Australia,
the Nha Trang University in Nha Trang, Vietnam
and the Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development Centre in Lombok, Indonesia
claim in a study on Lobster Aquaculture
Development in Vietnam and Indonesia conducted
by
Clive M. Jones, Tuan Le Anh, and Bayu Priyambodo,
that Vietnam is the only country in the
world where lobster farming is fully developed
and commercially succesful.
"The Vietnamese lobster farming industry
is valued at $US120 million," the study
shows.
The study of Lobster Aquaculture Development
in Vietnam and Indonesia shows that the
Vietnamese lobster farming industry relies
on the import of lobster seeds from Indonesia.
"Vietnam produces about 1600 tonnes
of premium grade lobsters that are exported
to China where the price is high,"
the study shows.
The lobster seed fishery in Indonesia is
well developed with a catch of 10-20 times
greater than that in Vietnam.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Parliament
rejects Family Resilience
Bill that rejects LGBT
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Legislative
Board of the House of Representatives
(DPR-RI) chairman, Supratman
Andi Agtas, says that five
parties rejected the Family
Resilience Bill bill with
four voting for the bill
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From
News Reports:
Jakarta, November 26: The Family Resilience
Bill that stipulates that family members
report Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) members of the family to government
authorities for rehabilitation was rejected
in the Indonesian parliament on Tuesday,
with the Legislative Board of the House
of Representatives (DPR-RI) saying that
five parties holding two-thirds of the
seats rejected further deliberation of
the Family Resilience Bill, reports the
Jakarta Post.
The Legislative Board of the House of
Representatives (DPR-RI) chairman, Supratman
Andi Agtas, said that the Legislative
Board cannot proceed with further deliberation
of the bill, saying "five parties
rejected the bill and four voted for the
bill."
He said that the National Democratic (Nasdem)
party gave the decisive vote to reject
the bill on Tuesday after its indecision
led to an impasse last week.
The Family Resilience bill that was first
proposed by the conservative Islamic party,
the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), in
2015
specified that Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) and Bondage, Dominance, Sadism
and Masochism (BDSM) practitioners must
undergo rehabilitation, with families
obliged to report them to government authorities.
Article 86 of the 146 Articles in the
Family Resilience Bill states: "Families
experiencing a family crisis due to sexual
deviations are obliged to report their
family members to the agency that deals
with family resilience or a rehabilitation
institution appointed by the government
for treatment."
Article 87 of the 146 Articles in the
Family Resilience Bill states: "Every
adult who experiences sexual deviation
is obliged to report himself to the body
that handles family resilience or a rehabilitation
institution to get treatment."
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) legislator,
Netty Prasetiyani, said at the Legislative
Board of the House of Representatives
(DPR-RI) meeting in September that the
government must protect families from
vulnerability, saying "protection
of families is the basis for making public
policies."
"If each family is able to build
immunity and antibodies against life challenges,
then family resilience will become a pillar
of national resilience," he said.
Golkar party, lawmaker, Nurul Arifin,
who voted against the passing of the Family
Resilience Bill said that the Bill gave
power to the government to record any
family conflicts or problems.
The Family Resilience Bill allows the
government to gather very intimate information
on every family in Indonesia," he
said.
The Southeast Asian Times
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Philippines
defence lawyer in ASEAN lamp
post summit corruption case
shot dead
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Lawyer
Joey Luis Wee, 51, has been
added to the list of 50 lawyers
and judges slain in the Philippines
since President Duterte assumed
office in 2016
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From News Reports:
Manila, November 25: A high profile defence
lawyer was shot dead in a drive-by attack
in Cebu City where the 12th ASEAN summit
that introduced the blueprint for the ASEAN
charter was held in 2007, with chief of
the Mabolo Police Station saying that police
will look into cases handled by the lawyer
that include his defence of high ranking
government officials for corruption in the
installation of decorative lamp posts on
the road leading to the ASEAN summit venue,
reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Major Dindo Juanito Alaras, chief of the
Mabolo Police Station confirmed that lawyer
Joey Luis Wee, 51, died of bullet wounds
to the head, saying "the defence lawyer
received two bullets to the head in his
office building in Barangay Kasambagan,
Cebu City on Monday afternoon."
"Defence lawyer Joey Luis Wee was rushed
to hospital but died less than an hour after
he was admitted," he said.
He said that the initial investigation shows
that the lawyer disembarked from his vehicle
and walked towards the stairs of his office
in the Archi Building when he was shot dead
in a drive-by attack.
"The assailants fled on the motorcycle
immediately after shooting the lawyer,"
he said.
He said that the investigation will look
into the cases handled by the defence lawyer
to determine the possible motive behind
the killing, saying "we will look into
the cases he handled to get some leads in
our investigation."
Lawyer Joey Luis defended 14 former Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials
charged with corruption in the installation
of 124 decorative lamp posts along the ceremonial
routes that led to the Cebu International
Convention Centre for the 12th Asean summit
in January 2007.
In 2008 Associate Justice Francisco Villaruz
Jr directed the sheriff to arrest the regional
director, the assistant regional director
of the Public Works and Highways Department
(PWHD) who was the former Cebu Mayor and
20 others in the Bids and Awards Committee
of the Public Works and Highways Department
(PWHD) after an investigation by Ombudsman
office inspectors found a huge discrepancy
between the cost price and the selling price
of the 124 decorative lamp posts.
The chairman of the Construction and Development
Corporation was also arrested, charged with
violating the Philippine Republic Act 3019
in the alleged overpriced acquisition and
installation of lamp post street light facilities
in Cebu for the 12th Association of Southeast
Asian Nations, ASEAN, Summit in 2007.
The Ombudsman office inspectors found that
the made-in- China decorative lamp posts
were marked up at over 2000 percent and
that at least 30 of the lamp posts were
installed in a holiday resort and not on
the road leading to the summit.
An invoice showed that 124 decorative lamp
posts were bought in China for about 14
million pesos, or about 11,000 pesos each
and another invoice showed that the 124
decorative lamp posts cost 30 million pesos
or 250,000 pesos each.
The Ombudsman office investigators found
in 2008 that the actual amount paid by the
Philippines Public Works and Highways Department
for the supply and installation of 124 decorative
lampposts was almost 350 million pesos or
almost US$8 million.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Japanese
Communist Party calls on government
for transparency of RCEP free
trade agreement negotiations
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Japan
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
and Japan Minister of Economy,
Trade and Industry, Hiroshi
Kajiyama, were among the ministers
of 15 countires that signed
the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP)
free trade agreement online
in Hanoi November 15, 2020
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From
News Reports:
Tokyo, November 24: The Japanese Communist
Party JCP) that holds twelve seats in the
House of Representatives, has accused the
government of conducting the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations
in secret, calling for transparency and
information of the socio-economic impact
of the free trade agreement on livelihoods
in East Asia and South East Asia, reports
the Japan Press Weekly.
Japanese Communist Party Secretariat, Koike
Akira, called on the Japanese government
for transparency of Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement
negotiations signed by 15 countries including
10 member states of ASEAN and five partners,
Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and
Korea but excluding India online in Hanoi
on November 15 after eight years of negotiations.
Japanese Communist Party Secretariat,
Koike Akira said that the Japanese government
has not made clear if Japan's agricultural
products including rice, wheat, beef,
pork, dairy products and sugar have been
excluded from the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade
ageement.
"We should examine if the RCEP that
covers East Asia and South East Asia is
a mutually-beneficial agreement,"
he said.
He said that a radical review of the global
economy that pursues strong international
competitiveness at the expence of local
economies and people's daily lives should
be undertaken, saying "Japan should
respect economic sovereignty and food
sovereignity."
He said that figures released by the United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) show that the trade balance of
the 10 ASEAN member countries would deteriorate
after the implemintation of the Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
free trade agreement while exports from
Japan, China and South Korea would increase,
saying "the RCEP free trade agreement
would accelerate the shift of industrial
production bases to China."
"The shift of production to China
would result in a hollowing-out of domestic
industry," he said.
Premier Li Keqiang said in Beijing at
the 23rd China-ASEAN leaders online meeting
ahead of the signing of the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) that the free
trade agreement would build a joint China-ASEAN
fast track regional trade network, saying
China-ASEAN two-way trade has increased."
"China's investment in ASEAN member
countries surged by more than 70 percent
this year, he said.
In March ASEAN called on India to return
to the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement
negotiations after India's withdrawal
in 2019 with India saying "the RCEP
would bring untold hardship to farmers,
shopkeepers, and small and medium-sized
enterprises in India."
The RCEP failed to reach consensus at
the 35th Asean Summit in Bangkok in November
2019 with India and other RCEP members
failing to reach agreement on tariffs.
Indian National Congress Party president
Sonia Gandhi said that India feared that
cutting tariffs on dairy and other products
would allow for a greater influx of Chinese
goods and agricultural imports from Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
countries.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Military
removal of billboards promoting
Islamisation of Pancasila
questioned
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Indonesian
Military (TNI) personnel remove
an unauthorized billboard
depicting a photo of Islam
Defenders Front (FPI) founder
and cleric Rizieq Shihab in
Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
on Friday
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From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 23: The Indonesian Military
(TNI) removal of unauthorised billboards
installed in Jakarta by Islam Defenders
Front (FPI), who are promoting the Islamization
of the Indonesian Constitution or Pancasila,
has raised questions about the military
involvement in civilian matters, with Institute
for Security and Strategic Studies saying
"military should avoid aggressive actions
such as taking down the FPI billboards,
reports Tempo.
The billboards installed by Islam Defenders
Front (FPI) after the return of founder
and cleric Rizieq Shihab to Indonesia last
week after three years in self exile in
Saudi Arabia, showed images of the cleric
calling for the Islamization of the Indonesian
Constitution or Pancasila.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, said in a speech in Petamburan,
Central Jakarta, on his arrival in Indonesia
last week that he would continue to agitate
for the Islamization of Indonesian society.
“My return home today is to call on
all Indonesian Muslims to join in a moral
revolution, " he said.
"Do you agree?" he asked the
mass crowd that had gathered outside his
home.
"Are you ready to start a moral revolution
today?" he asked his supporters.
Institute for Security and Strategic Studies
researcher Khairul Fahmi said that the
Indonesian Military (TNI) involvement
in the removal of billboards erected by
Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in Jakarta
raised questions over the Indonesian Military
(TNI) involvement in civilian matters,
saying "there should not be any overlap
of authorities and functions across state
organizations."
He said that the military should not insinuate
that the Indonesian Constitution or Pancasila
is under serious threat, saying "the
removal of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI)
billboards implies that Indonesia would
break apart and be in chaos because of the
provocative actions of a few.”
Jakarta Military (TNI) commander Maj. Gen.
Dudung Abdurachman said that the government
would disband the Islamic Defenders Front
(FPI) if necessary, saying "the Islamic
Defenders Front (FPI) should not disrupt
the unity of Indonesia by claiming to represent
the Muslim population."
"The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI)
have installed banners and billboards
in Jakarta calling for revolution,"
he said.
He said that the Jakarta Satpol PP Public
Order Agency had removed the banners and
billboards a number of times but they
were reinstalled, saying the installation
of the billboards was in violation of
public order.
The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) cannot
act as they please,” he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Islam
Defenders Front (FPI) ordered
to remove anti-Pancasila billboards
in Jakarta
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Indonesia
Armed Forces (TNI) and the
National Police take down
an Islam Defenders Front (FPI)
billboard on Jl. Budi Kemuliaan,
Gambir, Jakarta, Friday, November
20, 2020 that says "under
the command of the Imam"
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From
News Reports:
Jakarta, November 22: Islam Defenders Front
(FPI), cleric Rizieq Shihab, who returned
to Indonesia last week after three years
in self exile in Saudi Arabia, was ordered
to remove billboards erected in Jakarta
showing images of the cleric calling for
the Islamization of the Indonesian Constitution
or Pancasila, reports the Jakarta Post.
Jakarta Public Order Agency spokesman Arifin
ordered the Islam Defenders Front (FPI),
to remove the billboards, saying the erection
of the billboards was in violation of public
order.
He said that the Islam Defenders Front (FPI)
billboards would be removed by the Indonesia
Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police.
Jakarta Military Commander Dudung Abdurrahman
reportedly warned against putting up billboards
for the promotion of mass-organization against
Pancasila.
“Don’t attemp to distrupt the
unity of Indonesia by claiming to represent
the Muslim population,” he said.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, said in a speech in Petamburan,
Central Jakarta, last week after his arrival
in Indonesia from Saudi Arabia that he would
continue to agitate for the Islamization
of Indonesian society.
“My return home today is to call on
you and to invite all Indonesian Muslims
to join in a moral revolution, " he
said.
"Do you agree?" he asked the mass
crowd that had gathered outside his home.
"Are you ready to start a moral revolution
today?" he asked his supporters.
In February 2017 Islamic Defenders Front
(FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab was summoned
by the West Java police for allegedly insulting
Pancasila state ideology, saying he was
questioned on the history of Pancasila and
state ideology and the implementation of
Islamic Law.
"I answered 36 questions on a thesis
entitled the Impact of Pancasila on the
implementation of Islamic Law in Indonesia,"
he said.
"I proved scientifically that the Pancasila
is not against Islam and that it welcomes
the implementation of religious law, "
he said.
Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of former
first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, filed
charges against Rizieq Shihab in October
2016 for alleged defamation of the Pancasila
and her father, former President Sukarno.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Thai
Parliament rejects amendments
to proposed peoples constitution
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|
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|
Internet
Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw)
director, Jon Ungphakorn,
third from left and iLaw manager,
Yingcheep Atchanont, fourth
from left, submitt more than
100,000 signatures in support
of the proposed amendments
to the constitution drafted
by the Internet Law Reform
Dialogue (iLaw) to parliament
House Speaker, Somboon Uthaiwiankul,
second from left, in September
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, November 21: Thai Parliament rejected
the proposed amendments to the constitution,
known as the peoples constitution, drafted
by Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw) for
deliberation but accepted a proposed amendment
to the constitution drafted by the government
and another by the opposition for deliberation,
with iLaw saying "the door for amendments
to the constitution has been cracked open,"
reports the Bangkok Post.
Civil group Internet Law Reform Dialogue
(iLaw) manager, Yingcheep Atchanont, said
"although the people’s constitution
was defeated the process of amending the
constitution had begun."
He said that the Internet Law Reform Dialogue
(iLaw) will not initiate any more drafts
in the foreseeable future, saying "the
next move is for the people to make."
"The door for amendments to the constitution
has been cracked open," he said.
The civil group Internet Law Reform Dialogue
(iLaw) draft proposal for amendments was
overwhelming rejected in the Senate recieving
212 votes in favour with 138 opposing the
draft proposal and 369 legislators abstaining.
The government sponsored proposal for amendments
received 647 votes that included 176 from
the Senate and the opposition proposal received
576 votes including 127 from the Senate.
The constitution drafted by civil group
Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), reportedly
considered to be the most democratic,
calls for amendments to all sections of
the constitution including amendments to
sections relating to monarchy reform.
The government sponsored proposal for amendments
and the opposition proposed amendments for
deliberation that was passed by the parliament
on Wednesday call for the formation of a
panel to write a new charter but without
changes to the sections relating to the
monarchy.
The Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw)
submission of the draft proposal for amendments
to the constitution to the Parliament in
September follows the submission of a 10
point manifesto by student organisation
United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration
and the Free Youth Movement in August.
The 10 point manifesto called for reform
of the monarchy but stated that demand for
amendements to the constitution did not
include a proposal to abolish the monarchy
but a proposal for the monarchy to continue
in a democracy.
The 10 point manifesto called for repeal
of the criminalisation of criticism of the
Thai King under the Lese Majeste law, repeal
of the order that transferred army units
to new King Maha Vajiralongkorn personal
command, repeal of the law that gave the
new King full control of the crown's reportedly
extensive property holdings and repeal of
the monarchy empowerment to endorse a military
coup.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Thai
MP's flee parliament as protesters
call for amendments to the
constitution
|
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Members
of Parliament fled Parliament
House in Bangkok via the back
exit to a waiting Marine Department
boat at Kiak Kai pier on the
Chao Phraya river on Tuesday
as protesters called for monarchy
reform at the gates of Parliament
House
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, November 20: Members of Parliament
fled Parliament House
in Bangkok to a waiting Marine Department
boat at Kiak Kai pier on the Chao Phraya
river on Tuesday as Free Youth Movement
protesters demonstrated at the gate calling
for members to accept deliberation of the
proposed draft amendments to the constitution
that includes monarchy reform, reports the
Bangkok Post.
Free Youth Movement and supporters lay siege
to Parliament House on Tuesday to pressure
legislators to accept deliberation of the
proposed constitutional amendment drafted
by civil group Internet Law Reform Dialogue
(iLaw), that includes amendments to the
constitution as submitted in a 10 point
manifesto to the parliament in August by
the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration
and the Free Youth Movement.
Legislators began a two-day debate on Tuesday
on whether the parliament would accept deliberation
of the proposed draft amendments to the
constitution that include the constitution
drafted by civil group Internet Law Reform
Dialogue (iLaw), and proposed drafts of
amendments to the constitution from government
and opposition parties.
Pro-monarchy Thai Pakdee group led by Dr.
Warong Dejgitvigrom, who submitted a letter
to the Office of the Attorney General on
Tuesday calling for the Constitutional Court's
intervention to halt all moves to amend
the 2017 constitution, said that the Thai
Pakdee group opposes the deliberation of
proposed draft amendments to the constitution
by the government, the opposition and the
civil group Internet Law Reform Dialogue
(iLaw),
"All the proposed draft amendments
propose the creation of a Constitution Drafting
Assembly to write a new charter." he
said.
He said that the creation of a Constitution
Drafting Assembly would pave the way for
writing a clause or several clauses that
would change the status of the monarchy,
saying "the Thai Pakdee group supports
amending the constitution section by section
but not the entire constitution."
Pro-monarchy Thai Pakdee group swore to
defend the Thai monarchy from reform following
the submission by the student organisation
the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration
and the Free Youth Movement of a 10 point
manifesto to parliament on August 10.
The 10 point manifesto includes amendments
to the constitution that disallows criticism
of the king under the Lese Majeste Law,
the examination in parliament of any wrongdoing
by the king and calls for reform of the
monarchy including amendment to the constitution
that empowers the king to endorse military
coups.
The manifesto states that the demands made
in the manifesto are not a proposal to abolish
the monarchy, saying that the 10 point manifesto
is a proposal for the monarchy to continue
in a democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Former
Thai Tourism governor to serve
50 years in jail for accepting
bribes from US film producers
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Former
Tourism Authority of Thailand
governor, Juthamas Siriwan,
at the opening of the 2006
Bangkok International Film
Festival, that was then ranked
one of the top 15 film festivals
in the world and predicted
to become the Cannes Film
Festival of Southeast Asia
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, November 19: Thailand's Supreme
court has upheld a 50 year prison sentence
for former Tourism Authority of Thailand
governor, Juthamas Siriwan, 73, and 40
years in prison for her daughter, Jittisopha
Siriwan, 46, found guilty of accepting
bribes for awarding US film producers
contracts for managing the Bangkok International
Film Festival over four years, reports
the Bangkok Post.
The former Tourism Authority of Thailand
governor Juthamas Siriwan were charged
with bribery in 2015 for accepting US$1.8
million (Bt60 million) from American film
producer Gerald Green, 83, and his wife,
Patricia Green, 60, who were awarded Bangkok
International Film Festival management
contracts from 2004 to 2006 and between
2003 and 2007.
US Federal Bureau of Investigation inquiry
in 2006 found that the US film producers
paid US$1.8 million (Bt60 million) in
bribes to Thai government officials including
Juthamas Siriwanin in return for a $10
million-contract to manage the Bangkok
International Film Festival.
American film producer, Gerald Green, and
his wife, Patricia Green, reportedly established
a compamy, the Film Festival Management
company, in 2003 to bid for the film festival
management contract.
The United States Justice Department arrested
Los Angeles-based, Gerald Green and his
wife Patricia Green on their return from
Thailand in 2007 for paying bribes to
Thai officials.
In August 2010 Los Angeles Federal Court
judge George Wu sentenced Gerald Green
and his wife Patricia Green to six months
in jail and six months in home detention
for paying bribes to Thai officials, including
the former Tourism Authority of Thailand
governor Juthamas Siriwan in exchange
for contracts to manage the Bangkok International
Film Festival.
They were also ordered to pay $250,000
in restitution.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged
Juthamas Siriwan and her daughter Jittisopha
Siriwan with violations of the US Money
Laundering Control Act in 2009 alleging
that they violated US Foreign Corrupt Practices
Act (FCPA) including conspiracy to launder
money, transporting funds to promote unlawful
activity, and aiding and abetting.
The double jeapardy provision in US law
did not allow Juthamas Siriwan and her
daughter Jittisopha Siriwan to be prosecuted
and stand trial for the same crimes in
the US.
In August 2015 the Thai National Anti-Corruption
Commission (NACC) and the Office of the
Auditor-General (OAG) gave former Tourism
Authority of Thailand governor, Juthamas
Siriwan, 14 days to report to the Attorney
General or a warrant would be issued for
her arrest for accepting bribes in exchange
for awarding US film producers the Bangkok
International Film Festival contract.
In 2007 Former Tourism of Thailand Authority
governor, Juthamas Siriwanand, who denied
allegations of accepting bribes , threatened
to sue the United States Justice Department
for implicated her in its charges against
two American film producres who won contracts
to manage the 2004 Bangkok International
Film Festival.
American film producer, Gerald Green,
and his wife, Patricia Green, served prison
sentences of six months for violation
of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
(FCPA) and were released in May 2011.
Gerald Green died in July 2015 in Los
Angeles aged 83.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Islamic
cleric under investigation
for violation of Covid-19
protocol at daughters wedding:
7000 guests
|
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|
About
7,000 of the 10,000 invited
by Islamic Defenders Front
(FPI) cleric Rizieq Shihab
attended the wedding ceremony
for his daughter, Najwa Shihab,
at his home in Central Jakarta
on Saturday
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 18: Indonesia's National
Police summoned Islamic Defender Front (FPI)
cleric, Rizieq Shihab, who returned to Indonesia
last week after three years in self-exile
in Saudi Arabia, to the South Jakarta Police
station for alleged violation of coronavirus
health protocols after he invited 10,000
guests to his daughters wedding ceremony
on Saturday, reports the Jakarta Post.
National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen.
Argo Yuwono said at his office in South
Jakarta on Monday that all parties responsible
for the organisation of the crowd of about
7,000, that attended the wedding ceremony
at the home of cleric, Rizieq Shihab, on
Saturday would also be summoned.
"Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan who
also attended the wedding will be summoned,"
he said.
Insp. Gen. Argo Yuwono said that the National
Police Criminal investigation Unit (Bareskrim)
and Metro Police would investigate all parties
deemed responsible for the organisation
of the crowd for alleged criminal acts under
Article 93 of Law No. 6 of 2018 for violaton
of coronavirus health protocols including
quarantine.
He said that members of the community development
(Binmas) who are in charge of health protocols,
heads of neighborhood unit (RT, RW) and
sub-districts, Central Jakarta Mayor, the
Religious Affairs Office (KUA) officials,
the Covid-19 Task Force, the Jakarta Legal
Bureau, and the Governor including wedding
guests will also be summons, saying "we
want clarification."
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, was fined Rp 50 million ($3,500)
on Sunday for reportedly organising a mass
gathering in South Jakarta on Friday to
celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad,
that was reportedly attended by Jakarta
Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria.
Mass gatherings in support of Islamic Defender
Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab, began
on Tuesday 10, November on his arrival in
Indonesia from self exile in Saudi Arabia
with thousands of Islamic Defender Front
(FPI) supporters crowding the Soekarno Hatta
International Airport in welcome.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, said in a speech at his home in
Petamburan, Central Jakarta, last Wednesday
the day after his arrival in Indonesia that
he would continue to agitate for the Islamization
of Indonesian society.
“My return home today is to call on
you and to invite all Indonesian Muslims
to join in a moral revolution, " he
said.
"Do you agree?" he asked the mass
crowd that had gathered outside his home.
"Are you ready to start a moral revolution
today?" he asked his supporters.
In February 2017 Islamic Defenders Front
(FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab was summoned
by the West Java police for questioning
into charges of alleged insult of Pancasila
state ideology, saying he was questioned
on the history of Pancasila and state ideology
and the implementation of Islamic Law.
"I answered 36 questions on a thesis
entitled the Impact of Pancasila on the
implementation of Islamic Law in Indonesia,"
he said.
"I proved scientifically that the Pancasila
is not against Islam and that it welcomes
the implementation of religious law, "
he said.
Sukmawati Sukarnoputri, daughter of former
first president of Indonesia, Sukarno, filed
charges against Rizieq Shihab in October
2016 for alleged defamation of the Pancasila
and her father, former President Sukarno.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Islamic
cleric returns to Indonesia
from exile in Saudi Arabia
to mass gatherings of supporters
|
|
|
|
|
Islamic
Defender Front (FPI) cleric,
Rizieq Shihab, said on his
return to Indonesia at the
Soekarno Hatta International
Airport that he would continue
to agitate for the Islamization
of Indonesian society
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, November 17: Islamic Defender Front
(FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab, who returned
to Indonesia last week after three years
in self-exile in Saudi Arabia, was fined
by the Jakarta Municipal Police on Sunday
for disregarding National Police calls for
supporters gathering to hear him speak en
masse, to observe Covid-19 health protocols,
reports the Jakarta Post.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, said in a speech at his home in
Petamburan in central Jakarta after arriving
in Indonesia on Tuesday November 10, that
he would continue to agitate for the Islamization
of Indonesian society.
“My return home today is to call
on you and to invite all Indonesian Muslims
to join in a moral revolution, "
he said.
"Do you agree?" he asked the
mass crowd that had gathered outside his
home.
"Are you ready to start a moral revolution
today?" he asked his supporters.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, was fined Rp 50 million ($3,500)
on Sunday for reportedly organising a mass
gathering in South Jakarta on Friday to
celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad,
that was reportedly attended by Jakarta
Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria.
National Police Chief Idham Azis said
that police have acknowledged that mass
Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) gatherings
have caused Jakarta residents and various
communities across Indonesia concern,
saying "wearing masks, maintaining
distance, washing hands and avoiding crowds
must be carried out to ensure safety."
"That's the rule, which applies to
anyone," he said.
Mass gatherings in support of Islamic
Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab,
began last Tuesday on his arrival in Indonesia
from self exile in Saudi Arabia with thousands
of Islamic Defender Front (FPI) supporters
crowding the Soekarno Hatta International
Airport to welcome him.
Thousands had marched on the toll road
towards the airport causing long traffic
jams and flight delays as air crew were
unable to reach the airport.
A mass crowd also gathered at his home in
Petamburan, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday
last week where he met with politicians
including Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.
Islamic Defender Front (FPI) cleric, Rizieq
Shihab, supported Jakarta Governor Anies
Baswedan, in the Jakarta 2017 election that
ousted incumbant governor, Basuki Tjahaja
Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent.
In February 2017 Islamic Defenders Front
(FPI) cleric, Rizieq Shihab was questioned
by police for insulting Pancasila state
ideology after having failed to attend the
the West Java Police headquarters in Bandung
on two previous summons.
Rizieq Shihab reportedly agreed to anwer
the third summons following the threat
of arrest by the West Java police.
He said then that he was questioned on
the history of Pancasila and state ideology
and the implementation of Islamic Law,
saying "I answered 36 questions on
a thesis entitled the Impact of Pancasila
on the implementation of Islamic Law in
Indonesia," he said.
"I proved scientifically that the
Pancasila is not against Islam and that
it welcomes the implementation of religious
law, " he said.
Daughter of former first president of
Indonesia, Sukarno, Sukmawati Sukarnoputri,
filed charges against Rizieq Shihab in
October 2016 for alleged defamation of
the Pancasila and her father, former president
Sukarno.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Indonesia
calls on US for a strategic
partnership with ASEAN in
Indo-Pacific
|
|
|
|
|
US
National Security Advisor,
Robert C.O'Brien, reaffirmed
the US commitment to a free
and open Indo-Pacific at the
8th ASEAN-US Summit held online
at the 37th ASEAN Summit on
Saturday in Hanoi, with Vietnam
holding the ASEAN chair for
2020
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, November 16: Indonesia called for
a strong strategic partnership between ASEAN
and the United States at the 8th ASEAN-US
Summit held online at the 37th ASEAN Summit
on Saturday, with Indonesia's Foreign Ministry
saying that a strong ASEAN-US partnership
would promote a free and open Indo-Pacific
and the US Security advisor reaffirming
the US support for the ASEAN Outlook on
the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), reports the Jakarta
Post.
Indonesia Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno
LP Marsudi, called for a strong ASEAN-US
partnership at the online meeting held in
Hanoi, attended by US National Security
Advisor, Robert C.O'Brien, and representatives
from ASEAN member countries, saying that
Indonesia wants the United States to be
a strong strategic partner with ASEAN in
the region including the Indo-Pacific.
"Indonesia expects the ASEAN-US strategic
partnership to be a positive force for peace,
stability and prosperity in the ASEAN and
US committment to a free and open ASEAN
Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) ,"
she said.
She said that the United States continues
to be ASEAN's second largest trade and investment
partner with an increase of 39 percent from
US$211.8 billion to $294.6 billion, saying
"US investment in the region had increased
by 110 percent from $11.65 billion to $24.5
billion in the last four years."
US National Security Advisor Robert C.O'Brien,
who said last month that the US as a Pacific
power would conduct maritime security missions
in the western Pacific, reaffirmed the US
commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific
at the 8th ASEAN-US Summit on Saturday.
He said last month ahead of the announcement
that the United States Coast Guard would
patrol the Indo-Pacific that the US would
conduct maritime security missions 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.
U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said
at the ASEAN-US Ministerial meeting held
at the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting
(AMM) online in Hanoi last month that the
US-ASEAN Strategic Partnership is built
on shared principals as outlined in the
U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and the ASEAN
Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) that
includes ASEAN centrality, respect for sovereignty
and rule of law, good governance, transparency,
inclusivity, rules-based frameworks and
openness.
He said that the US Government works alongside
the private sector to improve the lives
and well-being of people across the Indo-Pacific,
saying that the Indo-Pacific accounts for
more than half the world’s population
and 58 percent of the world’s youth.
"It is important to provide people
with skills and resources to participate
in the global economy and create conditions
for self-reliance," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
China
welcomes regional free trade
agreement at China-ASEAN meeting
|
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China
Premier Li Keqiang, top left,
at the 23rd China-ASEAN leaders
online meeting in Beijing
on Thursday attended by Vietnamese
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan
Phuc, Thailand’s Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,
Philippine President Rodrigo
Duterte, Brunei’s Sultan
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian
President Joko Widodo, Malaysian
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,
Singapore’s Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong, Lao Prime
Minister Thongloun Sisoulith,
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister
Aun Pornmoniroth and Myanmar
Union Minister for International
Cooperation U Kyaw Tin that
|
|
From
News Reports:
Beijing, November 15: The signing of the
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) agreement is welcomed by China, said
Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing ahead of the
signing of the free trade agreement in Hanoi
today after eight years of negotiations
between the now 15 members including China
after the withdrawal of India last year,
reports Xinhua.
Premier Li Keqiang said that China welcomed
the signing of the Regional Economic Partnership
(RCEP) free trade agreement, at the 23rd
China-ASEAN leaders online meeting at the
Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday,
saying "ASEAN has become China's larget
trading partner."
"The signing of the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) free
trade agreement would build a joint China-ASEAN
fast track regional trade network,"
he said.
He said that despite the decrease in global
trade, economic recession and distruption
to travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
China-ASEAN two-way trade has increased,
saying "China's investment in ASEAN
member countries surged by more than 70
percent this year.
The 8th Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) ministers online meeting
of members in Hanoi in August that includes
the 10 member states of ASEAN and five partners,
Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and
Korea but not including India, acknowledged
that the Covid-19 pandemic had affected
trade and investment flows in the region.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) ministers said that signing the free
trade agreement would provide a basis for
strengthening investor confidence, saying
the free trade agreement would show the
regions support for an open comprehensive
and rules-based multilateral trading system.
In March ASEAN called on India to return
to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) free trade agreement negotiations
after India's withdrawal in 2019 with India
saying "the RCEP will bring untold
hardship to farmers, shopkeepers, and small
and medium-sized enterprises in India."
The RCEP failed to reach consensus at the
35th Asean Summit in Bangkok in November
2019 with India and other RCEP members failing
to reach agreement on tariffs.
Indian National Congress Party president
Sonia Gandhi said that India feared that
cutting tariffs on dairy and other products
would allow for a greater influx of Chinese
goods and agricultural imports from Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
countries.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Myanmar
Election Commission rejects
call for re-run of election
|
|
|
%20official%20U%20Myint%20Naing.jpg)
|
|
Union
Election Commission (EUC)
commissioner, U Myint Naing,
says that the result of the
election result is final and
that there will be no re-run
of the election
|
|
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 14: The Union Election
Commission announced on Friday that there
will be no re-run of the November 8 elections
that shows that the National League for
Democracy (NLD) party led by State Councillor,
Aung San Suu Kyi, has won the majority of
seats in the Union Parliament, saying "the
result of the election is final," reports
the Myanmar Times.
The military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) that won only 21 seats of the
440 seats in the Union Parliament claimed
that the Union Election Commission (EUC)
has mismanaged the election, with the chair
of the party and former general, U Than
Htay, calling for a re-run of the elections
with military cooperation.
The United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) have claimed election irregularities
including, advance voting, voter impersonation,
under -18 voters and that employers had
paid their employees to vote for the National
League for Democracy (NLD).
He said that the party would mount a legal
challenge to establish whether the results
were fair and lawful, saying "the legitimacy
of the results of the election remain in
dispute."
Union Election Commission (EUC) commissioner,
U Myint Naing, said that other large parties
that had contested the election have approved
the result, saying that accusations by the
military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) against the Union Election
Commission (EUC) are unfounded,
"Irregularities that were reported
during the election have been resolved,"
he said.
In March 2020 Myanmar's more than 600 upper
and lowers house members of parliament voted
on proposed amendments to the 2008 military-drafted
Constitution but failed to achieve the required
votes on hundreds of proposed amendments
to the military-drafted 2008 Constitution
that would have reduced the number of military
appointed Members of Parliament.
Parliament Committee secretary, U Myat Nyarna
Soe, who submitted the proposed amendments
to the 2008 military Constitution to the
Parliament said that the amendments require
the approval of more than 75 percent of
all Members of Parliament, saying that "under
the constitution, 25 percent of parliament
seats are reserved for military officers
who strongly oppose any major changes to
the constitution."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Myanmar
military party wants re-run
of elections claiming irregularities
|
|
|
|
|
The
Myanmar military United Solidarity
and Development Party (USDP)
has called on the Union Election
Commission (UEC) for a re-run
of the elections to be held
in cooperation with the military
in order to achieve "a
free, unbiased and disciplined
vote"
|
|
From
News Reports:
Yangon, November 12: The Myanmar military
United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) has called on the Union Election
Commission (UEC) for a re-run of the elections
held on Sunday that showed in preliminatry
counting on Wednesday that the National
League for Democracy (NLD) led by State
Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, had won 399
of the 440 seats in the Union Parliament,
saying that the Union Election Commission
(UEC) had failed to manage the election
in a proper manner, reports the Myanmar
Times.
The United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) chair and former general U Than Htay
called for a re-run of the elections to
be held in cooperation with the military
in order to achieve "a free, unbiased
and disciplined vote."
He said that the legitimacy of the results
of the election remain in dispute, saying
"the party would mount a legal challenge
to establish whether the election results
were fair and lawful."
He said that the United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) had claimed 21 seats in the
preliminary counting, saying the result
was worse in the 2015 elections when the
party secured 41 seats in the Union Parliament.
The United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) claims that there were numerous incidents
of electoral malpractice including voter
list errors, saying "voters had received
more than one voting slip."
He called on party supporters to collect
evidence of election fraud and submit it
to the party.
Union Election Commission (UEC) official
U Myint Naing said that the election was
conducted successfully and had been widely
accepted as credible."
"The United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) should file complaints or objections
if they have evidence of malpractice or
fraud, " he said.
National League for Democracy (NLD) spokesman,
Myo Nyunt said that the United Solidarity
and Development Party (USDP) should submit
complaints if they have evidence of election
fraud.
The Carter Center election observation non-government
organisation (NGO) that was established
in Yangon in 2013 by former US president
Jimmy Carter said that observers found voters
in Myanmar were able to freely express their
will and choose representatives in Sunday’s
election, saying that observers had not
found major irregularities at polling stations.
The Carter Center said that reform is required
to the legal framework that undermines the
quality of Myanmar’s democracy including
the practice of reserved seats for military
appointees in Parliament.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) also
noted the lack of transparency in making
decisions in the cancelation of voting in
ethnic minority areas and weaknesses in
the management of early voting.
Southeast
Asian Times
|
Thai
Muslims show support for Thai
monarchy amid calls to stay
out of politics
|
|
|
|
|
Thai
Muslims demonstrate their
support for the Thai monarchy
at the Central Islamic Council
of Thailand in Bangkok on
Tuesday saying "Muslims
have a duty to protect the
nation, religion and the monarchy"
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, November 12: About 6,000 Thai
Muslims demonstrated their support for
the Thai monarchy at the Central Islamic
Council of Thailand in Bangkok on Tuesday
despite calls from Thai Muslims to the
Sheikhul Islam of Thailand organisation
to cancel the demonstration and to stay
out of politics, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand organisation
director, Aziz Pitakkumpol, said that
Muslims have a duty to protect the nation,
religion and the monarchy, saying "the
royals are a pillar of the nation."
He said that the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand
organisation has helped Thais of all ethnicities
and religions to live in harmony, saying
"anyone can practice their religion,
especially Muslims who have benefited
from the monarchy."
Central Islamic Council of Thailand in
Bangkok, secretary general Police Maj.
Gen. Surin Palarae said that the demonstration
of support for the Thai monarchy was not
political, saying that he and other Muslims
were indebted to the royals.
"The royals have ensured fairness,"
he said.
About a hundred Thai Muslims said in an
open letter to the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand
organisation that Muslims should not use
the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand to organise
a demonstration, saying that "the plan
to hold the demonstration in support of
the Thai monarchy should be reviewed in
order to protect Islam."
Bangkok Muslim reseracher, Saromon Rondin,
questioned the Sheikhul Islam of Thailand
organisation's effort to protect the Thai
monarchy, saying that "the mission
of the Sheikhul Islam in Thailand organisation
is to be a representative of Muslims in
Thailand."
"The political views of Muslims in
Thailand are diverse," he said.
He said that the organisation of the demonstration
of support for the Thai monarchy at the
Central Islamic Council of Thailand in
Bangkok on Tuesday shows that the Sheikhul
Islam of Thailand is taking sides and
is abandoning a group with a different
view.
"Religious organizations must maintain
political neutrality," he said.
In August anti-government protesters submitted
a 10 point manifesto to the parliament
calling for reform of the monarchy but
stating that their demand for amendements
to the constitution did not include a
proposal to abolish the monarchy but a
proposal for the monarchy to continue
in a democracy.
The anti-government protesters demand
amendments to the constitution that would
repeal the criminalisation of criticism
of the king under the Lese Majeste law,
repeal of the order that transferred army
units to new King Maha Vajiralongkorn
personal command, repeal of the law that
gave the new King full control of the
crown's reportedly extensive property
holdings and repeal of the monarchy empowerment
to endorse a military coup.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Aung
San Suu Kyi claims victory
in Myanmar's military townships
|
|
|
|
|
The
National League for Democracy
(NLD) party led by Aung San
Suu Kyi has claimed victory
in the Myanmar 2020 elections
|
|
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 11: The National League
for Democracy (NLD) party led by Aung San
Suu Kyi has claimed victory in the Myanmar
2020 elections held on Sunday including
at Meikhtila township in Madalay Region,
a military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) stronghold that won all votes
in the military township in the 2015 general
elections, with National League for Democracy
(NLD) party candidate saying "the 2015
election result and the 2020 result in villages
in Madalay appear to have been reversed",
reports the Myanmar Times.
National League for Democracy (NLD) candidate
U Sint Soe, who won the majority of votes
in the military dominated Meiktila township
in the Sunday elctions, said that the National
League for Democracy (NLD) victory over
the military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) in Mandalay's key constitutuencies
that include Yamethin, Pyawbwe and Tharzi
"is a significant victory."
"The military United Solidarity and
Development Party (USDP) won all votes in
the Madalay Region in the 2015 elections,"
he said.
He said that the National League for Democracy
(NLD) party won two thirds of the rural
vote in 14 wards and 297 villages in Meiktila,
saying "those who voted green (USDP)
in the past have
now switched to red (NLD)."
"Voters have voted for Aung San Suu
Kyi," he said.
The military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) candidate,
U Maung Thin, for hluttaw in Meikhtila township
in Madalay Region, said that he won the
hluttaw seat of Constituency 1 by a narrow
margin.
He claimed that the National League for
Democracy (NLD) candidates lost at most
of the military polling stations, saying
"there are many military bases in this
constituency."
The National League for Democracy (NLD)
in Rakhine State reportedly lost to the
local Arakan National Party (ANP) in Rakhine
State, adding Rakhine State to the list
of ethnic areas where the National League
for Democracy (NLD) has not won votes despite
its overwhelming electorial victory in other
parts of Myanmar.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) cancelled
the 2020 election in nine northern townships
in Rakhine State due to the armed conflict
between the Armed Forces of Myanmar and
the Arakan Army, limiting voting to state
capital Sittwe and southern Rakhine State
where only 25 percent of its 1.6 million
eligible voters exercised their right to
vote.
Preliminary results of the elections on
Monday showed that the National League for
Democracy (NLD) has lost its seats in the
township of Taungup, Ramree, and Manaung
in Rakhine State, seats that it had won
in the 2015 elections.
The Arakan National Party (ANP) in Rakhine
State has reportedly urged supporters to
vote for the state-based ethnic party rather
than an outside party, with many ethnic
Rakhine voters responding by voting for
candidates of their own ethnicity.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Aung
San Suu Kyi ahead in votes
caste at new joint military-civilian
polling stations
|
|
|
|
|
About
37 million voters of Myanmar's
population of 56 million were
eligible to cast their vote
on Sunday for 90 political
parties at the military-civilian
joint polling station
|
|
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 10: The National League
for Democracy (NLD) party lead by State
Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi leads in the
initial count of advance votes in Yangon
on Monday in the multi-party elections despite
instructions by the Armed Forces of Myanmar
for personnel to vote for the military United
Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
at the newly introduced military-civilian
joint polling stations, reports the Myanmar
Times.
National League for Democracy (NLD) vice
chair for Pabedan township, U Maung Maung,
said on Monday that the party dominates
the majority of advance votes, saying "we
have received more than 200 votes for the
National League for Democracy (NLD) while
other parties have received
20-30 votes."
"The result of advance votes seems
promising," he said.
National League for Democracy (NLD) Bahan
township election campaign team member,
Daw Yi Yi said on Monday that the majority
of votes are for the National League for
Democracy (NLD) candidates U Tun Myint and
U Ba Myo.
National League for Democracy (NLD) election
campaign manager for Sanchaung township
Pyithu Huttaw, U Chit Ko, said that almost
all advance votes are for candidate U Nay
Phoo Ba Swe.
Captain Ye Win Aung, at No 2 military-civilian
joint polling station in Sat Thaw Thar village
in Hmawbi township in the Northern District
of Yangon said "votes were cast in
accordance with instructions given by the
military to vote for a party that would
benefit the military and the people."
"The military didn't say which party
we should vote for," he said.
Military personnel and their families cast
ballots at polling stations outside their
military bases for the first time in this
year's election following the parliament's
abolishment of polling stations inside military
basis in July.
U Tun Win, a military relative in Myitkyina,
said he was pleased to cast his vote at
a polling station outside the military base,
saying "I am glad I could cast my ballot
with freedom for the party I support."
The National League for Democracy (NLD)
swept to victory in the November 2015 election
that was the first multi party election
since 1990 but was annulled by the Myanmar
military under the 2008 military drafted
Constitution that allows for the allocation
of 25 percent of parliamentary seats to
unelected military personnel.
In March 2020 Myanmar's more that 600 members
of parliament voted on proposed amendments
to the 2008 military-drafted Constitution
but failed to achieve the required votes
on hundreds of proposed amendments to the
military-drafted 2008 Constitution that
would have reduced the number of military
Members of Parliament.
Parliament Committee secretary, U Myat Nyarna
Soe, who submitted the proposed amendments
to the 2008 military Constitution to the
Parliament said that the amendments require
the approval of more than 75 percent of
all MPs, saying that "under the constitution,
25 percent of parliament seats are reserved
for military officers who strongly oppose
any major changes to the constitution."
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Myanmar's
military party warns Aung
San Suu Kyi of impeachment
over claim of election mismanagement
|
|
|
|
|
Armed
forces of Myanmar, Commander-in-chief
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,
has warned the National League
for Democracy (NLD) party
led by Aung San Suu Kyi of
impeachment for mismanagement
of the 2020 elections
|
|
From
News Reports:
Yangon, November 9: About 37 million eligible
voters of Myanmar's population of 56 million
cast their vote on Sunday for 90 political
parties that includes the civilian National
League for Democracy (NLD) party lead by
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President
of the party U Win Myint and the military
United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) led by commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s
armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,
who has warned the National League for Democracy
(NLD) party of impeachment, reports the
Myanmar Times.
The military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) led by commander-in-chief of
Myanmar’s armed forces, Senior General
Min Aung Hlaing, warned ahead of the elections
of the impeachment of National League for
Democracy (NLD) party president U Win Myint
if he fails to uphold his constitutional
responsibilities, saying "the National
League for Democracy (NLD) administration
would be held accountable for the mismanagement
of the Union Election Commission (UEC) ."
Commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed
forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,
accused the Union Election Commission
(UEC) of mishandling of the election,
saying he would be very wary about the
election results.
"The Union Election Commission (UEC)
has failed to get political parties to
observe special restrictions introduced
following the surge in Covid-19 infections."
he said.
He accused the National League for Democracy
(NLD) administration of weakness and deficiencies
in its management of the election, claiming
that Union Election Commission (UEC) had
mishandled voter lists, ballot envelopes
and ballot boxes, saying "the Union
Election Commission had over four years
to prepare for the 2020 election."
He said that weakness and deficiencies
that were not seen in the 2010 and 2015
elections are appearing in the 2020 elections,
saying "the deficiencies could have
an adverse impact on the outcome of the
election", he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
|
Aung
San Suu Kyi deploys her party
representatives to military
voter townships for 2020 elections
|
|
|
|
|
National
League for Democracy (NLD)
party leader and State Counselor
Aung San Suu Kyi at flag raising
ceremony to mark first day
of 60 day election campaign
at National League for Democracy
(NLD) headquarters on September
8, 2020
|
|
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 8: The National League
for Democracy (NLD) party led by State
Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, has deployed
more than 1000 representatives to polling
stations in the military township of Meikhtilam
in Madalay Region in a bid to win votes
away from military United Solidarity and
Development Party (USDP) that won all
the votes in the township in the 2015
elections, reports the Myanmar Times.
National League for Democracy (NLD) sub-committee
member in Meiktila township, U Sein Wan,
said the Meiktila township is a known
bailiwick of the Myanmar military United
Solidarity and Development Party (USDP),
saying "competition is intense."
The military United Solidarity and Development
Party (USDP) holds 110 seats of the 440
seats in the House of Representatives
and the remaining 330 seats are directly
elected by the first-past-the-post system
in each township.
The National League for Democracy (NLD)
sub-committee member in Meiktila township,
U Sein Wan, said that party representatives
were deployed to 290 polling stations
in Pyithu Hluttaw, Region Hluttaw, Amyotha
Hluttaw and at polling stations in remote
areas.
"The National League for Democracy
(NLD) is determined to wrest control of
the township, saying "the military
United Solidarity and Development Party
(USDP) won the votes in all constituencies
in the township in the 2015 elections."
The National League for Democracy (NLD)
swept to victory in the November 2015
election that was the first multi party
election since 1990 but was annulled by
the Myanmar military under the 2008 military
drafted Constitution that allows for the
allocation of 25 percent of parliamentary
seats to unelected military personnel.
In March 2020 Myanmar's more that 600
members of parliament voted on proposed
amendments to the 2008 military-drafted
Constitution but failed to
achieve the required votes on hundreds of
proposed amendments to the military-drafted
2008 Constitution that would have effectively
reduced the number of military Members of
Parliament.
Parliament Committee secretary, U Myat Nyarna
Soe, who submitted the proposed amendments
to the 2008 military Constitution to the
Parliament in January said in March that
the amendments require the approval of more
than 75 percent of all MPs, saying that
"under the constitution, 25 percent
of parliament seats are reserved for military
officers who strongly oppose any major changes
to the constitution."
The
Southeast Asian Times
| 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 |
|
| MEDIA
CHECK |
| Cambodia-China
Journalist Association
(CCJA) launched in Phnom
Penh
...open
here |
|
|
| The
Southeast Asian Times wishes
its readers a happy Christmas
and all the best for the New
Year with a special thankyou
to its treasured letter writers
|
|
| Has
the ancient Syrian city of
Palmyra suffered
a fatal blow, or will it rise
again? asks Australian reporter
Chris Ray...
Open
page here |
|
|
Darwin
reporter John Loizou asks
a survivor of the 1965 killings
in Bali "why didn't you
try to stop them" in
"Remembering the slaughter
in Paradise"
........open
page here
|
|
| "Goodbye
America"
says B.A. Hamzah as he calls
for Asians to determine their
own political destiny in "Time
for Asia to set it's own course,
minus the U.S."...open
here |
|
| Is
prescribed burning of grasslands
in northern Australia out of
control? ......Chris
Ray reports ...
open page here |
|
| "Rockefeller
and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi"
by Kerry B. Collison "is
undoubtedly fictional but by
no means improbable, "
says Johannes Nugroho ....open
page here |
|
Viet
Nam is planning to go nuclear
by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in
"Calculating
the costs of nuclear energy
in Vietnam"
...open
page here |
|
| Bombed
by the Americans for Christmas
in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital
is still a war zone...Christina
Pas reports...Open
page here |
|
|
The
founder of the Revolutionary
Front of Independent East
Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri,
the now former Prime Minister
of Timor Leste, after losing
the May 12, 2018 election
to the National Congress for
Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT)
party, led by Xanana Gusmao,
has accused the opposition
of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri
also accused the opposition
of a coup attemp claiming
then that the crises that
led to his resignation was
the result of a conspiracy.
"I have no doubt about
that" he told Darwin
reporter John Loizou in an
interview in Dili on 6 November
2006
......open
page here
|
|
|
Cuba's
302 physicians in East Timor
work at five hospitals and
remote villages throughout
the republic...writes Darwin
reporter John Loizou ...open
page here
|
|
| 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 |
|
| A
cartoon goes inside the tour
bus in Manila on the day that
ended with the slaying of eight
Hong Kong tourists
...Open
page here |
|
Published
by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com
|
The
Southeast Asian Times cannot be
bought
|
|
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| ; |
|
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|
| |
|
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|
Oz $ buys
|
|
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only
|
US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
Euro..0.6794
HongsKong...5.8808
Indonesia Rupiah.9,997.47
Japan..78.8528
Laos..6,140.58
Malaysia Ringgit.....3.0900
Myanmar..923.19
Viet
Nam Dong..16,849.44
Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the
Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property
sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell
condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min
Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded
its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore
properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties
in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial
and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore
listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The
Southeast Asian Times
China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway
Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga
signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's
railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy
Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for
further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China
Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of
public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would
spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would
bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times
Penang health department
shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100
year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed
by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director
Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed
in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry
on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels.
The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory
in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also
closed by the state health department
The
Southeast Asian Times
Fuel
smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects
including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized
64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam
last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres
of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling
and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel
smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Thai
coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News
Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest
fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first
month after the establishment of marshal law and the military
seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational
tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared
to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared
to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to
thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by
25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all
visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record
a gain, of 6.2 percent
The
Southeast Asian Times
US
Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed
legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce
with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes
a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export
nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam
is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy
towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by
2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The
Southeast Asian Times
Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia
were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur
and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the
establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction
business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their
disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience
in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the
establishment of the construction courts was first put to the
Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated
court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have
called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local
community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their
total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism
manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that
his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue
to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for
trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious
rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had
also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community
but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism
island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Riau
forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian
subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil
wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have
been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia
(CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there
families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public
relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets
in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan
block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest
producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated
at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times
Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase
in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010
tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing
to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun,
said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists
from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese
saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods",
he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association
of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru
Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Pilots
strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From
News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati
Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya,
Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the
airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two
months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was
required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati
has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon
Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports
the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early
April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpati’s workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana,
said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday
for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were
paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first
time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the
Jakarta Post.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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