GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.
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Thai
senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum
on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the
Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted
for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022
to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions
to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum
that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution
that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum
on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a
charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives,
saying "the referendum should be arranged on the
same day as the next general election that has tentatively
been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of
a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying
"It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum
on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed
with organising the referendum on the same day as the
general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
China
calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From
News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign
ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East
Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to
be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss
the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected
73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member
states.
The
meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended
to share information and to improve coordination between
China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat
the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to
discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus
epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening
joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing
a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public
health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs
Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and
Asean countries have been in close communication since
the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be
attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting,
said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign
ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of
the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between
ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health
threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency
meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodias
support of China and confidence in the measures taken
by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Vietnam opens consulate in Macau
From
News Reports:
Hanoi, January 9: Vietnam's Hong Kong Consulate General
launched a consulate office in the Macau Special Administrative
Region of China on Friday, reports the Vietnam News Service.
Consulate General of Hong Kong, Tran Than Huan, said at
the launching ceremony that the office aims to better
ensure the rights of Vietnamese citizens and tourists
in the region.
He said that the consulate office in Macau will provide
easier access to information about Vietnam, saying that
it would boost friendship and co-operation between Vietnam
and Macau.
The Consulate General said that the office expected to
recieve support from local organisations including the
Vietnam Fellow Countrymen Friendship Association in Macau.
More than 20,000 Vietnamse are employed as domestic workers,
in the service industry at Macau's casino's.
Vietnamese also operate tourist and services companies.
The
Southeast Asian Times
US invites Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary to
the White House
From News
Reports:
Hanoi, July 6, 2015: The General Secretary of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam will visit
the United States from July 6 to July 10 at the invitiation
of the United States State Department in a "landmark"
visit, Rueters reports.
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist
Party Nguyen Phu Trong will meet United States President
Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday.
Rueters quotes a senior state department official
saying that the meeting between the General Secretary
of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the
President of the United States "would skirt protocol"
because the General Secretary is "not part of a government".
"Obama saw the visit as crucial", Rueters reports
the senior state department official as saying.
Rueters also quotes the senior state department official
saying that "there was a broad agreement that it
made sense to treat General
Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party
Nguyen Phu Trong as the visit of "the top
leader of the country".
"It's a pretty big event," Rueters quotes the
state department official as saying.
The
Southeast Asian Times
France
agrees to return Aboriginal remains home to Australia
From
News Reports:
Canberra, November 25: French president Francois Hollande
and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have agreed
to work together to return Aboriginal remains to Australia
during the first official visit by a French head of state
to Australia last week, reports Australian Associated
Press.
The French head of state and the Australian prime minister
said that a joint expert committee is to be established
to help identify the origin of the Aboriginal remains
held in France.
The head of state and prime minister said in a joint statement
that the identification process would respect the sensitivities
and values of the two countries and consider the requests
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including
the French legal system.
"The French government will examine possible solutions
to enable the return of the Aboriginal human remains to
their community of origin." the statement said.
Australia believes the remains of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders are being held in Museum collections
around the world including in Europe and the
United States.
In 2010 a British museum agreed to return 138 sets of
Aboriginal skeletal remains to Australia including the
severed head of Australian Aboriginal warrior, Yagan,
to the Noongar of South West Western Australia after being
missing in action for about 177 years. Yagan was shot
dead for his resistance to British settlement on the Swan
river.
The
Southeast Asian Times
"No " to proposal to delete religion from Indonesian
national identity card
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Islamic-based political party politicians
oppose the proposal put by the newly selected Home Minister
Tjahjo Kumolo, that national identity cards (KTP) do not
include the religion of the car holder.
Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Aboebakar Al
Habsy said that not to include the religion of the card
holder on national identity cards (KTP)
contradicted the countrys founding philosophy of
Pancasila
If we believe that Pancasila is our state ideology
and our national identity, then why should we be ashamed
of including our religion on our national identity card,"
he said
Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo also proposed that the regious
beliefs of Indonesian citizens be omitted from official
government documents.
He said that the religion of Indonesian citizens on national
identity cards (KTP) or in official government documents
should not be imposed.
"It's up to the people", he said.
The
Souheast Asian Times
The
Wolf bridge: An insult to Thai monarchy
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 31: Thai University students, Patiwat
Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, were charged
in the Ratrachada Court on Monday, with defamation of
the Thai monarchy in a play titled "The Wolf Bridge"
performed at the Thammasat university in October 2013,
reports the Bangkok Post.
The students were charged with insulting the Royal Thai
family in the fictional depiction of the monarchy in a
play performed in commemoration of the 37th and 40th anniversaries
of the October 6, 1976 and October 14, 1973 pro-democracy
student uprisings at Thammasat University.
The prosecution cites nine passages from the plays's script,
a work of fiction that depicts a fictional monarch, that
allegedly insults the monarchy and as such is in violation
of the lese majeste law.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, actor and Pornthip Mankong, producer
of the play, in detention since arrested on 13 August,
have been refused bail are scheduled to appear in court
to enter pleas on December 29.
The
Southeast Asian Times
World
including
Asean PM's and Presidents to attend inauguaration of Indonesian
president
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 18: World Prime ministers, Presidents
and State representatives including US Secretary of State,
John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott will
attend the inauguaration of Joko Jokowi Widodo
as President of Indonesiaon on Monday.
The speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)
Zulkifli Hasan said that representatives from the ten
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member
nations have also been invited to attend the swearing
in of the former governor of Jakarta, Joko Jokowi
Widodo as president of Indonesia.
"The Prime Ministers and Presidents of Malaysia,
Singapore, Japan and South Korea are also expected to
attend", he said.
He said that the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly
(MPR) has also invited "domestic VIP's" including
former Presidents and Vice-Presidents.
All chairpersons of political parties have also
be invited, said the speaker.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Banned ISIS flag found flying in Aceh
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, September 12: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS) flag found flying from a coconut tree in Aceh on
Sunday has been torn down, reports the Jakarta Post.
The discovery of the banned ISIS flag was reportedly the
first in Aceh.
Police chief First Inspecter Azwan said that the flag
of the nationally banned movement was discovered by chess
players sitting at a food stall near the coconut tree
in the Sungai Raya district of East Aceh regency in Aceh.
He said that a bomb disposal team inspected the area before
the flag was taken down.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced Indonesia's
rejection of the State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and
banned the teaching of ISIL ideology in Indonesia last
month at his parliamentary state-of-the-nation address
and ahead of the 69th anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Singapore passes Trans- boundary Haze Pollution Act
From News Reports:
Singapore, August, 18: The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary
Haze Pollution Act by the Singapore parliament last week
will enable Singapore regulators to sue individuals or
companies in neighbouring countries for causing severe
air pollution in Singapore.
The Act that was first proposed in 2013 would enable Singapore
to impose fines of up to S$2 million on companies that
cause or contribute to transboundary haze pollution in
Singapore.
Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan
said that under the Act, Singapore will have the legal
right under the Objective Territorial Principle to take
legal action against air polluters.
"While neighbouring countries have the sovereign
right to exploit their natural resources in accordance
with their policies they also have a responsibility to
ensure that "slash and burn" agricultural practices
do not cause damage to Singapore", he said.
The passing of the 2014 Trans-boundary Haze Pollution
Act gives Singapore the legal power to serve notices on
those that do not have assets or a presence in Singapore.
Indonesia is yet to ratify an Agreement on Transboundary
Haze Pollution that was signed by ASEAN member counries
in November 2003 in order to
address haze pollution arising from land and forest fires.
A bill passed in the Indonesian House of Representatives
in July 2013 gave the Indonesian goverment the power to
seize assetts gained from illegal logging and illegal
clearing of forests for palm oil plantations.
The new bill, designed to protect more than 13 million
hectres from deforestation, gave the Indonesian government
a mandate to establish a task force including police to
monitor the prevention and eradication of deforestation.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Papua
Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From
News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary
of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will
be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations
from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory
of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and
Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last
year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found
that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea
by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West
Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from
Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security
forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team
of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were
surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and
that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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Philippines
media calls for swift justice
on anniversary of political
execution of radio broadcaster
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Radio
broadcaster, Percy 'Lapid'
Mabasa, 59, hosts the commentary
program "Lapid Fire"
that aired on Philippines
DWBL 1242 radio where he delivered
criticisms of alleged Philippines
government abuses and irregularities
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From News Reports:
Manila, October 5: The Freedom for Media
Freedom for All (FMFA) coalition in the
Philippines has called for swift justice
on the first anniversary of the political
assassination of radio broadcaster, Percy
'Lapid' Mabasa, 59, who was shot dead by
a drive-by gunman in an ambush in metro
Manila on October 3, 2022, reports the Philippine
Inquirer.
The FMFA coalition that includes the National
Union of Journalists of the Philippines
(NUJP), Philippine Center for Investigative
Journalism (PCIJ), Center for Media Freedom
and Responsibility (CMFR), Philippine Press
Institute (PPI) and Mindanao Institute of
Journalism (MIJ), said "the case against
the masterminds behind the political execution
of the radio broadcaster could be archived."
Radio broadcaster Percy Lapid, who hosted
the commentary program "Lapid Fire"
that aired on DWBL 1242 radio where he delivered
criticisms of alleged government abuses
and irregularities, was shot dead by Joel
Escorial, 39, who confessed that he was
the gunman in the drive-by fatal shooting
to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The FMFA coalition said that despite the
surrender and confession of the drive-by
gunmen, Joel Escorial, 39, who named accomplices
in the killing of the radio broadcaster
in his confession, that "the case against
the masterminds could be archived."
The Freedom for Media Freedom for All (FMFA)
calls for justice for radio broadcaster,
Percy 'Lapid' Mabasa, 59, saying "the
political assassination of journalists are
not just issues for journalists, but for
everyone who values life and freedom of
the press."
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines
(NUJP) spokesperson said after the assasination
of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid in on October
16, 2022. "the killing shows that journalism
remains a dangerous profession in the Philippines.''
Joel Escorial, 39, the gunman in the fatal
drive-by shooting of radio broadcaster Percy
'Lapid' Mabasa, 59, surrendered to the Philippine
National Police (PNP) with the gunman Joe,
saying in his confession that the order
to assassinate the radio broadcaster came
from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP in Manila.
Joel Escorial named his brothers Edmon,
30, and Israel Dimaculangan, 35, residents
of Las Pinas, and Orlando from Batangas
province as three of five accomplices involved
in the killing the radio broadcaster in
metro Manila on Monday October 3, 2022.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Families
of football fans killed in
stampede at Indonesian stadium
demand justice
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Devi
Athok Yulfitri, 44, with photos
of his daughters at his home
in Krebet Senggrong Village,
Malang Regency, East Java,
Indonesia, on Friday September
22, 2023
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From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 4: Families of survivors
and 132 football fans killed in the stampede
at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East
Java, Indonesia on October 1, 2022 are demanding
compensation for their loss, with Devi Athok
Yulfitri, 44, who lost two daughters and
his wife in the stampede, saying "I
will not watch football until I die,
"Its useless," he said.
Devi Athok Yulfitri said that families of
the survivors and families of the victims
who were killed in the stampede demand compensation
for their loss and suffering and an apology
from President Joko Widodo, saying "President
Joko Widodo promised to resolve the claims
of compensation swiftly and fairly."
He said that families of the victims of
the Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede have appealed
to the National Commission on Human Rights
(NCHR) and the House of Reprentatives (DPR)
legal affairs commission.
"We have not received any satisfactory
response or resolution from any of the parties
involved," he said.
Devi Athok Yulfitri, said that he had taken
his elder daughter, father of Natasya Devi
Ramadhani, 16, to watch football games since
she was a baby, saying "she wanted
to be a police officer."
"But she died because of the police,
he said.
"Now Im filled with regret,"
he said.
In October 2022 the Joint Independent Fact-finding
Team (TGIPF) found that tear gas fired at
spectators at the Kanjuruhan Stadium has
caused the deaths of 132 football fans and
injuries to 596 as they ran towards the
exits of the overcrowded stadium to escape
tear gas.
The crowd at the Kanjuruhan Stadium was
reportedly beyond capacity on Sunday 1 October
2022 , with 42,000 tickets sold for the
match in a stadium designed to hold 38,000
spectators.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) investigation into the firing of
tear gas at the Kanjuruhan Stadium found
that "the failure of police to follow
Federation Internationale de Football Association
(FIFA) regulations contributed to the deaths
and injuries at the stadium.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) investigation also found that Indonesian
National Police officers had attempted to
secure the crowd by firing tear gas indiscrimintely,
saying "the indiscriminate firing of
tear gas caused panic among spectators and
the ensuring stampede."
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team
(TGIPF) recommended that the Indonesian
National Police take action against police
officers who fired tear gas and against
Arema Football Club supporters who the TGIPF
claim started the provocation.
Indonesian National Police officers fired
tear gas to disperse Arema Football Club
supporters who had run onto the Kanjuruhan
Stadium field after a 3-2 home defeat to
Persebaya Surabaya despite the Federation
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
governing body for world soccer safety regulations
that firearms or crowd control gas should
not be used at football sports stadiums.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Plan
to wean Vietnam off fossil
fuels ends in imprisonment
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Ngo
Thi To Nhien, executive director
of the Vietnam Initiative
for Energy Transition Social
Enterprise jailed for three
years for
misappropriation of documents
Thursday September, 28 2023
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From News Reports:
Hanoi, October 3: Vietnam Initiative for
Energy Transition (VIET) executive director,
Ngo Thi To Nhien, was arrested by the Ministry
of Public Security (MPS) in Hanoi last month
and sentenced to three years in prison for
the misappropriation of documents at the
Hanoi's People's Court on Thursday, with
the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) saying
"Ngo Thi To Nhien was arrested on charges
of misappropriation of documents related
to state-owned Electricity of Vietnam (EVN),
reports Thanh Nien.
Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition
(VIET) executive director, Ngo Thi To Nhien,
who has worked with the European Union,
World Bank and the United Nations, was working
on an implementation plan for Vietnams
Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP),
a US$15-billion G7-funded project to wean
Vietnam off fossil fuels when she was arrested
on September 15.
Ministry of Public Security (MPS) spokeman,
Lieutenant General To An So, said on Saturday
that an investigation of documents collected
after the arrest of the executive director
of Initiative for Energy Transition (VIET)
Ngo Thi To Nhien, had found grounds to prosecute
her for the misapproriation of documents.
"The result of the investigation of
the documents collected since 2020 showed
that Ngo Thi To Nhien had access to information
that Vietnam and the United Kingdom were
implementing a plan to develope 220 kV and
500 kV power grids for the Vietnam Electricity
Corporation (EVN)," he said.
He said that Ngo Thi To Nhien had legitimised
the plan to develope the power grids for
the state owned Vietnam Electricity Corporation
(EVN) by signing labor contracts with Duong
Duc Viet and Le Quoc Anh for paid part-time
work, saying "the two part-time workers
had provided labor contract related to the
Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN)."
He said that the misappropriation of information
and documents of state-owned organisations
and agencies is a crime, saying "these
are confidential documents, not to be made
public or shared."
On January 24, 2022 the former director
of the Law and Policy of Sustainable Development
(LPSD) lawyer and environmentalist, Dang
Dinh Bach, 44, was found guilty of tax evasion
under Article 200 of Vietnams 2015
Penal Code at the Hanoi's People's Court
in a one day trial.
The Hanoi's People's Court claimed that
the former director of the Law and Policy
of Sustainable Development (LPSD) non-profit,
Non-Government Organisation (NGO) "had
contacted foreign-based organizations and
received funding."
The Hanoi People's Court claimed that Dang
Dinh Bach, 44 had "contacted foreign-based
organizations and received their funding
to implement projects at Law and Policy
of Sustainable Development (LPSD) without
obtaining aproval from authorities in charge."
The Hanoi Peoples Court accused Dang Dinh
Bach, 44 of tax evasion of more than 1.3
billion dong (US$57,300) between 2016 and
2020.
The conviction of Dang Dinh Bach, 44, director
of Law and Policy of Sustainable Development
(LPSD), who is also a member of the Vietnam
Environmental Network (VEN), the Vietnam
Sustainable Energy Alliance (VSEA), and
the Vietnam Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention
and Control Alliance (NCDs-VN), was reportedly
an attempt to prevent the establishment
of a network of Non-Government Organisations
(NGO's) in Vietnam.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Vietnam
opposes China's installation
of ship identification satelite
in lighthouses in East Vietnam
Sea
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Ministry
of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman,
Pham Thu Hang, calls on China
to respect Vietnam's sovereignity
over East Vietnam Sea Monday
September 23, 2023
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From
News Reports:
Hanoi, October 2: Vietnam opposes China's
installation of the BeiDou satelite network
in lighthouses in the Hoang Sa ( Paracel
) reef in the East Vietnam Sea, with the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying that
Vietnam considers the installation of an
automatic ship identification satelite network
a violation of Vietnam's sovereignty, reports
the Vietnam News Service.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman,
Pham Thu Hang, said "China's installation
and operation of the BeiDou satelite network
in two lighthouses in the Hoang Sa ( Paracel
) reef in the East Vietnam Sea is a violation
of Vietnam sovereignty."
"The lighthouses at Da Bac (North Reef)
and at Da Bong Bay (Bombay Reef) are connected
to China's land-based BeiDou satelite network
that automatically identifies ships in the
East Vietnam Sea," she said.
She said that any activities in the Hoang
Sa ( Paracel ) reef in the East Vietnam
Sea without Vietnam's permission violates
Vietnam's sovereignty and are invalid, saying
"Vietnam requests that China fully
respect Vietnams sovereignty over
Hoang Sa ( Paracel ) reef and not repeat
similar infringements."
China's claim of indisputable sovereignty
over the islands in the South China Sea
and adjacent waters was lodged with the
with the United Nations in 2009.
China's claim of sovereignty was disputed
by Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines
in an appeal to the rule of International
Law and Arbitration in the Permanent Court
of Arbitration in the Hague.
The 1982 United Nations convention on
the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) requires that
the China claim to any islands meet the
terms in the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) including
the naming of a territorial sea, a contiguous
zone, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),
or a continental shelf.
The United Nations Convention reportedly
requirers that all maritime boundary lines
be negotiated with neighbouring states.
"One country may not unilaterally
establish a maritime boundary", the
report states.
The report also states that the International
law of the sea does not permit historical
claims to override geographic boundaries,
saying that the UN Convention on the Law
of the SEA (UNCLOS) was designed to bring
"clarity and uniformity to maritime
disputes between neighboring states."
A United States report prepared by the
Bureau of Oceans and International and
Scientific Affairs, on the Limits in the
Seas Study, released by the US Department
of State, claims that almost all islands
in the South China Sea as shown on Chinese
maritime maps do not comply with the 1982
United Nations convention on the Law of
the SEA (UNCLOS), saying "China has
not clarified through legislation, proclamation
or other official statement the legal
basis for the map."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Sulawesi
miners demand Indonesia's
PT Merdeka Copper Gold operator
return their ancestral land
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The
Pohuwato community torched
the Pohuwato Regents office
in Gorontalo Province on Indonesia's
Sulawesi island demanding
the return of their ancestral
land on Thursday 21 September
2023
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From
News Reports:
Jakarta, October 1: About 2,500 Pohuwato
community members including miners torched
the Pohuwato Regent office in Gorontalo
Province on Indonesia's Sulawesi island
after vandalising the Pohuwato Regional
People's Representative Council building,
demanding that PT Merdeka Copper Gold operator
return their ancestral land, with special
operations, paramilitary, police deployed
to assist the Gorontalo Province police,
reports the Jakarta Post.
Pohuwato community members and miners demanded
that PT Merdeka Copper Gold operations return
their ancestral land at the offices of the
PT Puncak mining company in the Buntulia
District, Pohuwato Regency.
Pohuwato community members demanded the
suspension of PT Merdeka Copper Gold operations
at the PT Pani Gold Project before torching
the regents office and vandalising the Pohuwato
Regional House of Representatives (DPRD),
saying "there were no company respresentatives
willing to meet with the Pohuwato community,"
Gorontalo provincial police spokesperson
Senior Commissioner Desmont Harjendro said
that "40 Pohuwato community members
were arrested in the aftermath of the destructive
protests," saying "police are
questioning the suspects for their role
in the destructive protests."
He said that Gorontalo provincial police
arrested protesters who appeared to be inciting
Pohuwato community members, saying "those
arrested were throwing objects at police
injuring 11 police officers.
He said that 200 North Sulawesi regional
police (Polda) paramilitary Mobile Brigade
(Brimob) were deployed to assist the Gorontalo
provincial police, saying "with this
assistance we were able to secure the course
of the protest until it could proceed securely
and under control."
Indonesia's Peoples Consultative Assembly
vice chairman, Rachmat Gobel, who represents
the Gorontalo provincial electoral district,
called for "a wise and selfless approach
in resolving the complexities surrounding
gold mining in Pohuwato."
"The constitutional mandates the promotion
of general welfare and the elevation of
the living standards of the Indonesian nation,"
he said.
He said that gold mining disputes have often
created social conflicts between the interests
of investors and the interests of local
communities, saying "mining would be
easier to manage if conducted on state-owned
land as opposed to communal land."
The
Southeast Asian Times
PM
diputes allegations that Cambodia
is base for Chinese military
presence
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Jean-Francois
Tain, Minister attached to
the Prime Minister, said "Cambodia's
neutrality would dissolve
like salt water if Cambodia
was to permit a foreign military
base on it's territory"
at Phnom Penh International
Airport on Monday September
25, 2023
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From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 30: Cambodia has called
for an end to allegations that Cambodia's
Ream Naval Base in Sihanouk province on
the Gulf of Thailand is being used to host
a Chinese military presence after newly
elected Prime Minister Hun Manet disputed
the allegations at the 78th United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York on
Monday, reports Phnom Penh Post.
Minister attached to the Prime Minister,
Jean-Francois Tain, said at a press conference
at Phnom Penh International Airport on returning
from New York that "it was the first
time ever that a Cambodian leader had used
the United Nations assembly floor to address
allegations that the Ream Naval Base in
Sihanouk province on the Gulf of Thailand
is being used to host a Chinese military
presence."
"Cambodia will not authorise any foreign
military base on its territory as clearly
stated in its constitution," said Prime
Minister Hun Manet in his address at the
78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA
78) on Monday.
He said that allegations that "the
Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand
is used to host a Chinese military presence
has been debated for years," saying
"but this is the first time that Cambodia,
through Prime Minister Hun Manet, has declared
its position openly."
"Cambodia's neutrality would dissolve
like salt water if Cambodia was to permit
a foreign military base on it's territory."
he said.
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president
Pa Chanroeun said that he "welcomed
Prime Minister Hun Manet's clarification
of the Ream Naval Base allegations at the
United Nations General Assembly."
He said that he had called on Cambodia to
adhere to the essence of the 1991 Paris
Peace Agreements, "saying "the
Paris Peace Agreement does not permit foreign
military bases on Cambodia's soil."
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said in
April 2023 after he was endorsed by his
father Prime Minister, Hun Sen, as prime
ministerial candidate, "in accordance
with Article 53 that is newly included in
the Constitution, "the policy of Cambodia
is not to cling to China, nor to anyone
else."
"Cambodia enjoys close ties with China,
the US, Japan and many other countries,
regardless of their relations between each
other, under Cambodia's present foreign
policy," he said.
"The present foreign policy of Cambodia
in not one that shows favouritism towards
China or any other country," he said.
He said that the new Article 53 included
in the Constitution makes it clear that
our foreign policy is one of non-alignment,
saying "the new policy was one introduced
by our party, the Cambodian People's Party."
In June 2021 the United States Deputy Secretary
of State, Wendy R Sherman, led a delegation
to Cambodia calling on Cambodia for an explanation
for the demolition of the United States
funded Cambodian Navy tactical headquarters
facility at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on
the Gulf of Thailand, reminding the then
Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, that
the United States has provided $US3 billion
in assistance to Cambodia since the 1991
Paris Peace Agreements.
Cambodia had reportedly signed an agreement
with China that gave China exclusive rights
to the Ream Naval Base in Sihanouk province
on the Gulf of Thailand that includes an
agreement for the construction of a large
airport.
The agreement reportedly allows China to
post military personnel, store weapons and
berth warships at the Ream Naval Base on
the Gulf of Thailand for 30 years with automatic
renewal every ten years.
The United States Deputy Secretary of State,
Wendy R Sherman, said in Phnom Penh at a
meeting with then Prime Minister Hun Sen,
that the United States sought clarification
on the demolition of the United States funded
Cambodian Navy tactical headquarters facility
at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base that was demolished
without notification or explanation in October
2020.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Cambodia
commits to the Southeast Asia
Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty
in New York
|
|
 |
Senior
Minister Ouch Borith addresses
the Plenary Meeting to Celebrate
and Promote the International
Day for the Complete Elimination
of Nuclear Weapons in NewYork
Tuesday September 26, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 29: Cambodia commits
to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty at the Plenary Meeting
to Celebrate and Promote the International
Day for the Complete Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons in NewYork on Tuesday, saying "we
must redouble our efforts towards the shared
objective of a world free of nuclear weapons,"reports
the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia Standing Secretary of State of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Senior Minister, Ouch Borith, called for
"global action to achieve a nucler-free
world and demonstrate a genuine commitment
to disarmament and non-proliferation"
in his address at the Plenary Meeting in
New York to Celebrate and Promote the International
Day for the Complete Elimination of Nuclear
Weapons.
"Cambodia urges all nations, including
Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) to engage in
meaningful dialogue and demonstrate genuine
commitment to disarmament, non-proliferation,
and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT), he said.
He said that Cambodia and other members
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), firmly commits to the Southeast
Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
Treaty and its plan of action, saying "Cambodia
strongly encourages the Nuclear Weapon States
(NWS) to support ASEANs efforts by
signing the treaty," he said.
"We must redouble our efforts towards
the shared objective of a world free of
nuclear weapons," he said.
International Relations Institute at the
Royal Academy of Cambodia director-general,
Kin Phea, said that Cambodia as a signatory
of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty) has a role to play
in preventing nuclear weapons proliferation
in the region, saying "Cambodia has
suffered from years of war."
"Cambodia does not want to see war
in its own country or in the world,"
he said.
He said that there is a high probability
of the spread of nuclear weapons through
the war between Russia and Ukraine, the
Australia, United Kingdom, United States
(AUKUS) programme, initiated by the United
States, Britain and Australia, and on the
Korean peninsula.
In July 2023 Indonesia ASEAN chair for 2023
called on the Association of South East
Asian (ASEAN) Dialogue Partners Russia,
China, France, UK and US to immediately
sign the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast
Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ)
Treaty at the Meeting of the Commission
of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free
Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty in Jakarta, with Indonesia
Foreign Minister saying "all nuclear-weapons
states must advance nuclear non-proliferation
disarmament."
Indonesia Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Retno Marsudi, called on all nuclear-weapons
states to advance nuclear non-proliferation
disarmament, saying "Southeast Asia
is still not a truly safe region as long
as there are countries that have nuclear
weapons"
Indonesia Minister of Foreign Affairs called
on nuclear weapons states (NWS) Russia,
China, France, the United Kingdom, and the
United States, who are ASEAN Dialogue Partners,
to sign the the Protocol to the Treaty on
the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
(SEANWFZ) Treaty).
The
Southeast Asian Times
Malaysian
United Democratic Alliance
calls for repeal of the Sedition
Act 1948
|
|
 |
Muslin
preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin
at the Kuala Lumpur Court
of Appeal on Tuesday 26 September
2023 begins nine-month prison
sentence for insulting the
Sultan of Selangor
|
|
From
News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 28: The Malaysian
United Democratic Alliance (MUDA), that
withdrew from the ruling Pakatan Harapan
(PH) coalition earlier this month after
multi-million dollar corruption charges
were dropped against Deputy Prime Minister,
Zahid Hamidi, who is also president of the
largest political party in Malaysia, the
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO),
have called on the government to repeal
the Sedition Act 1948, reports the Star.
The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance
(MUDA) secretary-general, Amir Hariri Abd
Hadi, called for the repeal of the colonial-era
Sedition Act 1948 following the Kuala Lumpur
Court of Appeal's rejection of Muslin preacher
Wan Ji Wan Hussin's appeal to the September
10, 2014 charge of sedition.
A panel of three Court of Appeal judges
led by Justice Hadhariah Syed Ismail unanimously
ruled to reinstate the Selangor state Shah
Alam session court order in April 9, 2018
that sentenced Muslin preacher Wan Ji Wan
Hussin to nine months in prison.
"Wan Ji Wan Hussin's appeal had no
merit because there was a lot of evidence
showing that the appellant was the owner
of the Facebook page," said Justice
Hadhariah Syed Ismail.
Muslim Preacher, Wan Ji Wan Hussin, was
charged for sedition on September 10, 2014
under the Sedition Act 1948 for making a
statement allegedly insulting the Sultan
of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,
on Facebook on November 5, 2012.
Muslim Preacher, Wan Ji Wan Hussin questioned
whether the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin
Idris Shah "shouldn't be the head of
the state and that they were not as noble
as a Muslim caliph."
The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance
(MUDA), secretary-general, Amir Hariri Abd
Hadi said that the use of the Sedition Act
1948 began to increase from 2012 to 2014
after the repeal of the Internal Security
Act (ISA)1960.
The Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 that
was replaced by the Security Offences Special
Measures Act 2012 was passed by Parliament
and given the royal assent on 18 June 2012.
"Those investigated and prosecuted
since 2012 are politicians and opposition
activists who are now part of the government,"
he said.
He said that ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH)
leader Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahm is one
of almost fifty charged with sedition in
2014.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahm was investigated
for sedition on September 26, 2014 over
an alleged seditious speech he made as then
leader of the People's Justice Party (PKR).
On May 18, 2012 Human Rights Activist, Tenagita
Executive Director, Irene Fernandex, was
investigated for sedition for being unpatriotic,
a traitor to her country by saying that
Malaysia is not a safe country for Indonesian
workers in an article published in an Indonesian
newspaper.
She was later released and no charges were
made against her.
On February 21, 2012 Human Rights Lawyer
and Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman,
Karpal Singh, was convicted of sedition
for allegedly saying at his legal firm that
"the removal of Mohammad Nizar and
the appointment of Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir
as Chief Minister by Sultan of Perak is
questionable in court."
The
Southeast Asian Times
New
Cambodia PM addresses transition
to developing status at
United Nations in New York |
|
 |
Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Manet addresses
the 78th Session of the United
National General Assembly
in New York Friday, September
22, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 27: Newly elected
Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, who
was endorsed by his father, former Prime
Minister Hun Sen as prime ministerial candidate
for the ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPC),
receiving royal approval on August 10, said
in his inaugural address at the 78th United
National General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New
York on Friday "Cambodia is steadily
transitioning from least developed to developing
country status," reports the Phnom
Penh Post.
"Like many developing countries,
Cambodia has a lot more to do to reach
our goal of becoming an upper-middle-income
country by 2030 and a resilient, vibrant
and prosperous high-income country by
2050," he said.
"To this end my government is committed
to taking transformative actions through
our recently launched 2024-2028 Pentagon
Strategy Phase I for Cambodia's socio-economic
development over the next 25 years,"
he said.
Former Prime Minister Hun Sen said after
the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party
(CPP) won the 7th National Assembly elections
on July 23, and after he announced the
succession of his son, Hun Manet, that
the new government would implement the
new national development strategy 2024-2028
"Pentagon Strategy Phase 1."
He said the new government would introduce
new economic development policies and
programs that were initiated by the Hun
Sen government, saying "my government
focused on "Growth, Employment, Equity
and Efficiency" in its economic development."
In July 2022 the Standing Committee of
the Cambodia National Assembly adopted
amendments to the Cambodia's 1993 Constitution
that allow the party with the majority
seats in the National Assembly to appeal
to the King to appoint the Prime Minister
to form a government, with the Cambodian
Human Rights and Development Association
(ADHOC) saying "there is only one
party debating the law."
He said the draft laws proposed by the
ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP)
have to be fully discussed, "saying
there is only one party debating the law,
the ruling party."
"We want more parties to provide
input into Article 98 (1) that allows
the Cambodia National Assembly to dismiss
members of the Council of Ministers by
a motion of censure passed by an absolute
majority vote of all members of the National
Assembly", he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Former PM
Muhyiddin Yassin strikes out
abuse of power charges brought
by Malaysia Anti-Corruption
Commission
|
|
 |
Former
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
was charged with abuse of
power by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) Commissioner
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Friday March 10, 2023.
|
|
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 26: Former Prime
Minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin
filed an application to strike out four
charges of money laundering, terrorism
financing and proceeds of unlawful activities
at the Kuala Lumpur sessions court last
week after he was acquitted of four charges
of abuse of power brought by the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last
month, reports the Star.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
claimed when he was arrested in March,
2023 that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission's (MACC) charge "is aimed
to humiliate me by dragging me to court,
saying "this selective prosecution
is a political move aimed at crippling
and destroying the Malaysian United Indigenous
Party (BERSATU) and Perikatan Nasional
parties (NP)."
Defence council lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh
Teik said the application to strike out
four charges brought by the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) under
Section 4 (1) of the Anti-Money Laundering,
Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds
of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA)
are filed under the Criminal Procedure
Code (CPC).
"We will apply to the prosecution
for an agreement for variation of bail
and request the return of Former Prime
Minister of Malaysia Muhyiddin Yassin's
passport," he said.
High Court Judge, Muhammad Jamil Hussin,
said "the charges brought against
former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) were defective and not sufficiently
clear to allow him to prepare a defense."
"In order to prevent the abuse of
the court process and a miscarriage of
justice, I allow the applicants
request for the four charges to be dropped,"
he said.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
said following the High Court ruling that
the dismissal of the charges proved that
the charges brought by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) against him were politically
motivated and an attempt to discredit
him.
"The charges are meant to oppress
me, these false charges that do not disclose
any offense, I have not committed any
wrongdoing, he said.
In March 2023 the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) charged former Prime
Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, with four charges
related to the charge of abuse of power
of the Anti- Money Laundering Act, with
Commissioner Azam Baki saying then "the
charge of abuse of power relates to the
Jana Wibawa project that was planned to
assist ethnic Malays during and after
the Covic-19 pandemic."
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin,
who served as Prime Minister during the
Covid-19 pandemic from March 2020 until
he resigned in August 2021, claimed innocence
to the charge of abuse of power in the
Jana Wibawa project, saying "I did
not have the power to approve government
projects."
"That power was with the Ministry
of Finance," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Indonesia
President accused of abuse
of power for using State Intelligence
Agency for own political interests
|
|
 |
Indonesia
President Joko Widodo at the
national working meeting of
the National Secretariat of
volunteers in Bogor, West
Java, on Saturday September
16, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, September 25: Indonesia's Civil
Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform
has accused President Joko Widodo of abuse
of power for using the State Intelligence
Agency (BIN) for his own political interests,
with coalition member, the Indonesian Legal
Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI)
saying "this cannot be justified and
represents a threat to democratic life and
human rights in Indonesia," reports
Tempo.
President Joko Widodo said at a working
meeting of the National Secretariat of volunteers
in Bogor, West Java, on September 16, 2023
that he "knows what is going on inside
the political parties in Indonesa and what
direction the political parties are heading."
"I know internally what the parties
are like, I know, the parties, where they
want to go," he said.
"The information I receive from my
intelligence agencies is complete, the State
Intelligence Agency (BIN), intelligence
from the Indonesian National Police (Polri),
intelligence from the Indonesian National
Armed Forces (TNI) and the Army's Strategic
Intelligence Agency (BAIS), " he said.
President Joko Widodo said that he holds
information outside of the intelligence
agencies that includes numbers, data and
surveys
saying "everything is there."
I hold all of it and this informationn only
belongs to the president," he said.
Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector
Reform coalitioh member Indonesian Legal
Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI)
chairman, Julius Ibrani, said "we believe
this is a serious problem in the democratic
life of Indonesia," saying "this
isn't allowed and cannot happen in a democratic
country."
"The president and his intelligence
agencies are making the political parties
objects and targets of intelligence surveillance,"
he said.
He said that the Civil Society Coalition
for Security Sector Reform believes that
the president's statement at theworking
meeting of the National Secretariat of volunteers
indicates an abuse of power saying "intelligence
institutions are formed for and in the interests
of national security in achieving the political
goals of the state and not for the political
goals of the president."
"Data and information collection carried
out by intelligence should only be used
for policy making purposes, not misused
to spy on all the political actors for President
Joko Widodo personal political interests",
he said.
Indonesian Survey and Polling Institute
(SPIN) director, Burhanuddin Muhtadi, said
that it is appropriate for President Joko
Widodo to hold State Intelligence Agency
(BIN) information, saying "we're not
surprised if the President has complete
information related to the political parties'
direction of movement because the president
is the head of state."
"The head of government has comprehensive
and detailed instruments of power related
to the political party movements as well
as the instructions that exist under the
Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
(NKRI)," he said.
He said that he was of the opinion that
"President Joko Widodo was sending
a message to the political parties that
are not in line with the guidelines he wants."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Philippine
offshore gaming operators
from China to be phased out
|
|
 |
Senator
Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman
of the Senate Committee on
Ways and Means and Public
Order said that the report
submitted on Tuesday, September
19, 2023 represents a watered-down
version of the original report
delivered on March 22, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Manila, September 24: The Senate Committee
on Ways and Means and Public Order report
calls for Philippine offshore gaming operators
(Pogos) from China to be phased out within
three months after a majority of senators
approved the recommendations in a report
submitted on Tuesday, reports the Philippine
Inquirer.
Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Public
Order chairman, Senator, Sherwin Gatchalian,
said that he is "releaved that the
Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Public
Order report has finally obtained 10 signatures
for approval," saying "10 signatures
is a majority of the 18 members."
The 120 page report submitted for plenary
approval to the Senate Committee on Ways
and Means and Public Order showed that
the series of hearings conducted by the
committee on the social costs of Philippine
offshore gaming operators (Pogos) from
China that "the ills caused by the
Pogos outweighed the economic benefits."
"It is worthy to note that gambling
in general has been inherently associated
with crime. This poses a reputational
risk for the Philippines that can affect
its business and investment climate,"
the report said.
The report cited the Philippine National
Police in the report that showed that
99 Philippine offshore gaming operators
(Pogos) related criminal activities from
January 2017 to September 2022, with 30
cases of kidnap-for-ransom, 13 cases of
cybercrimes, 12 cases of human trafficking,
and 10 cases of serious illegal detention.
Senator, Sherwin Gatchalian, said that
"the Senate Committee on Ways and
Means and Public Order submitted on Tuesday
represents a watered-down version of the
original report delivered in March 2023,
saying "the Senate Committee on Ways
and Means and Public Order had called
for an immediate total ban on
Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
My original recommendation was for
a total ban, but there were other senators
who preferred a gradual phaseout,"
he said.
In March 2023 chairman of the Senate committee
on Ways and Means and Public Order, Senator
Win Gatchalian, called on the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor)
to initiate legal proceedings against officials
involved in the hiring of Global ComRCI,
a third-party auditor for the Philippine
Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) gross gaming
revenues, saying "we must prosecute
government officials and employees involved
in corruption to prevent such activities."
"The officials and employees of Pagcor
who were negligent or colluded with Global
ComRCI in the audit of Philippine Offshore
Gaming Operators must be held responsible
for the way the contract was secured,"
he said.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation
(Pagcor) terminated the 10-year, P6-billion
contract with third-party auditor, Global
ComRCI for Philippine Offshore Gaming
Operators (POGO) gross gaming revenues,
after a joint hearing by the Senate committee
on Ways and Means and Public Order found
numerous irregularities in the way the
contract was scured.
"The third party auditor, Global
ComRCI, was not suited to the task,"
said Senator Win Gatchalian.
He said that Global ComR, that submitted
surious documents to prove its financial
and technical capability, did not secure
business permits from the local governments
where they purportedly operated, and did
not have a proper office.
"By selecting Global ComR, the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor)
may have violated the strict qualifications
of Republic Act No. 11590 for the external
auditor of POGOs, including independent,
reputable, internationally known and duly-accredite
by industry experts," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Royal
Thai Navy seeks approval from
government for purchase of
made-in-China submarines
|
|
 |
Royal
Thai Navy commander-in-chief
Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet
seeks cabinet approval for
purchase of built in China
submarines Thursday September
21, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, September 23: The Royal Thai Navy
(RTN) seeks cabinet approval for the purchase
of three submarines built in China with
diesel engines also built in China to be
fitted in the submarines after China could
not provide a German made diesel engine
as stipulated in the original contract,
with Royal Thai Navy (RTN) commander-in-chief
Admiral, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, saying
"Germany has refused to sell its diesel
engine for installation in a Chinese-made
submarine," reports the Bangkok Post.
"The Thai navy has inspected and approved
the Chinese-made engine, ensuring both safety
and efficiency," he said.
He said that the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has
agreed to fitting the S26T Yuan-class submarine
it originally ordered from China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International Co (CSOC) in
2017 with a made-in-China diesel CHD620
engine.
"China Shipbuilding & Offshore
International Co (CSOC) has extended submarine
diesel engine warranty from two years to
eight years including upgrades as an incentive
for Thailand to select the Chinese-made
engine," he said.
The German government refusal to supply
the German-made 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.
Commander-in-chief Admiral, Choengchai Chomchoengpaet
said the German government refused to sell
the German made MTU 396 diesel engine to
China, saying " the German made MTU
396 diesel engine is designated military
defence equipment."
In 2017 the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) signed
a contract with state-owned China Shipbuilding
& Offshore International Co (CSOC) without
approval from the ruling Palang Pracharath
Party (PPRP) majority parliament led by
then Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha or
the Office of the Auditor General (OAG)
of Thailand.
The opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) lawmaker,
Yuttapong Charasathien, questioned in parliament
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.
The
Southeast Asian Times
United
Nations adopts Pacific proposal
to adopt the whale as "Ocean
Ambassador"
|
|
 |
78th
United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA) opening session of
the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG) Summit 2023, at
United Nations headquarters
in New York Monday September
18, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
New York, September 22: The 78th United
Nations National Assembly (UNGA) has adopted
the Aotearoa (New Zealand) Maori's and
Pacific Islanders proposal to adopt the
whale as the "Ocean Ambassador"
under the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund (H20
Fund) initiative, with Blue Green Future
co-founder Dr Ralph Chami, who presented
the proposal to the United Nations General
Assembly in New York, saying "when
it comes to saving the planet, one whale
is worth thousands of trees."
The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund (H20 Fund)
initiative co-chair, Lisa Tumahai, said
that "the Maori King, Te Arikinui
Tuheitia Paki, and other leaders of Aotearoa
(New Zealand) and the Pacific support
the proposal for the adoption of the whale
as "Ocean Ambassador" to the
United Nations."
"For the first time our tribes have
co-operated to work to implement Indigenous
customary protections across whale migration
routes between critical feeding and breeding
grounds, she said.
She said that the Hinemoana Halo Ocean
Fund (H20 Fund) aims to raise $100 million
for Maori and Pacific Islander led habitat
ecological restoration projects, saying
"this plan seeks to recover and protect
whale populations across the Pacific."
"The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund (H20
Fund) is the Pacific's first Indigenous
Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC)-led
climate finance mechanism," she said.
The Aotearoa (New Zealand) Maori and Pacific
Islanders have pledged to collaborate
in establishing the worlds largest
Indigenous marine protected area network,
covering an 2,200,000 km² area that
will protect Aotearoa's (New Zealand)
coastal waters and high seas that include
exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
Blue Green Future co-founder, Dr Ralph
Chami, who is also the International Monetary
Fund Institute for Capacity Development,
assistant director, said that he has developed
a model for valuing natural assets.
He said that he has developed a framework
for the development of natural capital
markets for eceosystem services that include
blue and green nature.
"When it comes to saving the planet,
one whale is worth thousands of trees,"
he said.
He said that a great whale sequesters
approximately 33 tons of CO2 over the
course of a lifetime, saying "that's
equivalent to 30,000 trees."
"Whales could capture approximately
1.7 billion tones of CO2 annually,"
he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
New
Cambodia PM announces adherence
to One China Policy on official
visit to Beijing
|
|
 |
Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Manet,
left, and Chinese President
Xi Jinping, right, in Beijing
on September 15. 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 21: Cambodia Prime
Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father
former Prime Minister Hun Sen and who received
royal approval for prime ministership on
August 10, announced in Bejing last week
at the celebration of the 65th anniversary
of Cambodia-China diplomatic relations that
"Cambodia adheres to the "One
China Policy," reports the Khmer Times.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said that
the purpose of his visit to Beijing was
to clarify the position of Cambodia's new
government to President of China Xi Jinping
"on Cambodia's stance on national independence,
sovereignty, territorial integrity and neutrality."
He said that in talks with President of
China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao
Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee
of the National People's Congress in Beijing
that he "reiterated Cambodia's irreversible
support for the "One China Policy."
He said that from the 193 member countries
of the United Nations, 181 are in agreement
with the "One-China-Policy" that
upholds the China claim that Taiwan, Xinjiang
and Hong Kong are inalienable parts of China,
saying "therefore Cambodia's stance
is correct."
Cambodia Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation Minister Delegate attached to
the Prime Minister, Jean-François
Tain, said that Prime Minister Hun Manet's
visit to China was motivated by the celebration
of the 65th anniversary of Cambodia-China
relations and to show gratititude for the
support China has provided as its leading
investor and source of developmental aid.
He said that China reaffirmed its steadfast
commitment to continued economic cooperation
in support of development for Cambodia that
includes the continued implementation of
foreign policy.
"The major principle of foreign policy
are enshrined in the Constitution,"
he said.
He said that Cambodia does not hesitate
to build relationships with countries that
are beneficial to its development, saying
"today, international relations are
no longer based on ideological politics
as was the case during the Cold War."
In April 2023 Lieutenant General, Hun Manet,
said after he was endorced by his father
Prime Minister, Hun Sen, as the prime ministerial
candidate, that in accordance with Article
53, newly included in the Constitution,
"the policy of Cambodia is not to align
with China, nor to anyone else."
"Cambodia enjoys close ties with China,
the US, Japan and many other countries,
regardless of their relations between each
other, under Cambodia's present foreign
policy," he said.
"The present foreign policy of Cambodia
in not one that shows favouritism towards
China or any other country," he said.
He said that new Article 53 included in
the Constitution makes it clear that our
foreign policy is one of non-alignment,
saying "the new policy was one introduced
by the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP)."
The
Southeast Asian Times
Indonesia
workers call on Constitutional
Court to repeal Omnibus Law
on Job Creation Law
|
|
 |
Thousands
of Indonesian workers protest
against emergency decree that
allows employers to arbitralily
determine labor's working
hours and salary at the Horse
Statue in central Jakarta
on Thursday September 14,
2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, September 20: Thousands of workers
protested against the emergency decree
signed by President Joko Widodo on March
21 that allows employers to arbitralily
determine labor's working hours and salary,
with the Trade Union Confederation (KSPI)
and Confederation of All Indonesian Workers'
Union (KSPSI AGN) that includes 32 federations
calling on the Constitutional Court to
repeal the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law (Perpu), reports Antara.
The Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) and
Confederation of All Indonesian Workers'
Union (KSPSI AGN), Secretary General,
Arif Minardi, called on the Constitutional
Court after the protest at the Arjuna
Wijaya statue in central Jakarta on Thursday.
"The signing of the emergency decree
on the Omnibus Law on Job Creation Law
(Perpu) that determines the Provincial
Minimum wage (UMP) and that has revised
over 70 existing laws is clearly violating
constitutional provisions and the Manpower
Act 2003 that protect workers rights,"
he said.
Former chief justices of the Constitutional
Court of Indonesia who voted against the
Omnibus Law on Job Creation Law (Perpu)
that was first passed into law in November
2, 2021 said after the emergency decree
signed by President Joko Widodo on March
21, 2023 that "signing the Omnibus
Law on Job Creation Law (Perpu) into law
by decree was a bad precedent."
Former chief justice of Indonesia's Constitutional
Court Jimly Asshiddiqie said that the
passing of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law (Perpu) by emergency decree by President
Joko Widodo is contrary to the Constitution
of the Republic of Indonesia.
He said that President Joko Widodo's signing
of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation Law
(Perpu) into law by emergency decree was
a bad precedent, saying "the signing
of the Omnibus Job Creation Law by decree
violates the principles of the law-making
process."
He said the Omnibus Law on Job Creation
Law (Perpu) was in violation of workers
constitution rights on various grounds
including job security and workers benefits
saying "the Constitutional Court
stated on November 25, 2021 that Omnibus
Job Creation Law was conditionally unconstitutional."
President Joko Widodo said at the passing
of the emergency decree that determined
the Provincial Minimum wage (UMP) and
the revision of over 70 existing laws
was vital to investment in the development
of at least 27 industrial parks in regions
across Indonesia with most outside Java.
"Industrial parks will be developed
in regions across Indonesia in order to
provide employment opportunities and promote
equal development in all corners of the
country," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Cambodia
to seek return of Sam Rainsy
under new ASEAN Extradition
Treaty
|
|
 |
Sam
Rainsy, second right, former
opposition party president
of the court-dissolved Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP)
arrives at the Kuala Lumpur
international airport for
a two day visit on Wednesday
May 31, 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Phnom Penh, September 19: Cambodia's National
Election Committee (NEC) has ordered former
opposition leader, Sam Rainsy , to return
to Phnom Penh from self-exile in France
to pay 20 million ($4,876) Riels in fines
over election violations, saying "the
National Election Committee (NEC) will seek
cooperation under the ASEAN Extradition
Treaty to bring him back to Cambodia,"
reports the Khmer Times.
National Election Committee (NEC) spokeman,
Hang Puthea, said the National Election
Committee (NEC) wants former opposition
party president of the court-dissolved Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy,
to pay the fines at the Phnom Penh Election
Secretariat or at the National Election
Committee (NEC) office in Phnom Penh within
30 days
of receiving the order.
He said that the National Election Committee
(NEC) order to pay the fines was made on
the findings of the Phnom Penh Municipal
Election Commission, saying "the Municipal
Election Commission found Sam Rainsy and
37 former members of the court dissolved
Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) guilty
of inciting voters to destroy or damage
the ballots during the 7th National Assembly
elections on July 23, 2023."
He said that Sam Rainsy and the 37 members
and activists of the court-dissolved Cambodia
National Rescue Party (CNRP) were fined
10 million Riel each, saying "the National
Election Committee (NEC) would seek cooperation
from ASEAN countries to bring them back
to Cambodia under the ASEAN Extradition
Treaty."
In March 2023 the Indonesian Law and Human
Rights Ministry, Director General of Legal
Administrative Affairs, and chairman of
the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM),
Cahyo R, said that efforts for a binding
Extradition Treaty for all ASEAN member
states will demonstrate ASEAN's strong commitment
to working together with the international
community in tackling and eradicating transnational
crime."
He said that the eradication of transnational
crime is vital in supporting the realization
of a safe, stable, and prosperous ASEAN
region," saying Indonesia encourages
the realization of an ASEAN Extradition
Treaty.
In November 2015 the former opposition party
president of the Supreme Court dissolved
opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party
(CNRP), Sam Rainsy, fled Cambodia for France,
fearing arrest after parliamentary immunity
was removed and Sam Rainsy faced multiple
criminal defamation charges for accusations
of corruption against then prime minister
Hun Sen's Cambodia's People's Party (CPP).
In June 2022 Sam Rainsy was entenced by
the Phnom Penh Municipal Court 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
Southeast Asian Times
Malaysians
accuse PM of helping deputy
PM avoid prosecution in exchange
for political support
|
|
 |
Protesters call for charges
against Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid
to be reinstated in Kuala
Lumpur Saturday September
16, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 18: Malaysians accused
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of helping
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,
who is also president of Malaysia's largest
political party, avoid prosecution in exchange
for political support, calling for reinstatement
of all charges at a protest in Kulala Lumpur
on Saturday, reports Associated Press.
Protesters carrying placards saying "Indict
Zahid - Save Malaysia," accused Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim of interference in
the Kuala Lumpur High Court corruption trial
involving Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi in the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) charity
foundation, saying "Prime Minister
Anwar Ibrahim has let Deputy Prime Minister
Ahmad off the hook in return for political
support."
The Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed 41
criminal breach of trust (CBT), corruption
and money laundering charges involved in
the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) charity that
was founded by the Deputy Prime Minister
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Malaysians called for the 41 charges against
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
to be reinstated.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
is also president of the United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO) the largest political
party in Malaysia that was formed to protect
and defend the institution of the Conference
of Malay Rulers and the King,
In January 2022 the Kuala Lumpur High Court
ordered non-contested UMNO president Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi to enter a defence against
41 criminal breach of trust (CBT), corruption
and money laundering charges involved in
the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB) charity foundation,
with High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah
ruling then that the prosecution had established
a prima facie case against Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"After conducting maximum evaluation
of the evidence I find the prosecution has
proven all ingredients of the charges against
the accused," he said.
Ahmad Zahid Hamid pleaded not guilty to
12 criminal breach of trust (CBT) charges,
eight counts of bribery and 27 for money
laundering charges that he had allegedly
committed between January 13, 2014 and December
23, 2016, involving tens of millions of
ringgit from the Yayasan Akalbudi (YAB)
charity foundation.
The High Court judge dismissed the defence
argument that Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should
be granted immunity from all the charges,
saying he found no merit in granting immunity
against the charges.
The defence had argued that Ahmad Zahid
Hamidi should be granted immunity as "he
had truthfully disclosed all information
pertaining to the transactions involving
Yayasan Akalbudi funds during investigations
conducted by the Malaysian Anti Corruption
Commission (MACC)".
The charges, under Section 409 of the Penal
Code, provide for a jail term of between
two and 20 years including a whipping and
a fine on conviction.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Pita resigns
as leader of Move Forward
Party: Constitution court
takes action on alleged election
violations
|
|
 |
Pita
Limjaroenrat, 41, resigned
as leader of the Move Forward
Party (MFP) on Friday September
17, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 17: Pita Limjaroenrat
resigned as leader of the Move Forward Party
(MFP on Friday after the Constitutuional
Court took action on allegations made by
the Election Commission (EC) that Pita Limjaroenra
as presidential candidate had violated the
election law, with Pita Limjaroenrat saying
"regardless of my status, Im
not going anywhere," reports the Bangkok
Post.
"While the Move Forward Party boasts
the largest number of members of parliament
in the opposition bloc, I cannot accept
the position of opposition leader because
the Constitutional Court has suspended me
from performing my duties," he said.
He said that he has consulted with the executive
committee and party members of parliament,
saying "the Move Forward Party has
concluded that the position of opposition
leader is of the utmost importance in the
parliamentary system."
"The position should be undertaken
by the main opposition party in the House
of Representatives," he said.
He said that the Move Forward Party (MFP)
should lead the opposition, saying "the
opposition is responsible for keeping the
government under scrutiny and for pushing
for changes that are not included in government
policies."
On July 13 in the first session of parliament
after the May 14 elections a total of 394
from 500 parliamentarians of mostly unelected
senators, voted against Move Forward Party
(MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenra's nomination
for Prime Minister, with 312 voting to support
the nomination, eight abstained and one
did not exercise the right to vote.
The parliament again rejected Move Forward
Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenra nomination
in the second session of parliament on July
19, with the members enforcement of Parliament
Regulation No. 41 of the Constitutuional
Court's decision to proceed with the Election
Commission (EC) allegations that the presidential
candidate had violated the election law.
The Election Commission (EC) alleged that
Pita Limjaroenrat violated the election
law that includes the undeclared ownership
of shares in media company iTV Plc, saying
"Pita Limjaroenrat is accused of running
for office while failing to declare shares
in a media company."
The Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita
Limjaroenra, won the 14 May elections with
151 seats of 500 parliamentary seats, followed
by the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) with 141 seats
and the Bhumjaithai with 71 seats.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Supporters
of 2017 Constitution demand
new government return Thaksin
Shinawatra to Bangkok prison
|
|
 |
Former
fugitive Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra prays at portrait
of King Maha Vajiralongkorn
on arrival at Don Muang airport
in Bangkok, Tuesday August
22, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 16: The International
Student Network (I.S.N.) in Bangkok and
the People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT),
submitted a pettition to the new Pheu Thai
Party (PTP) government on Wednesday demanding
that former fugitive Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra return to the Bangkok Remand
Prison from the Police General Hospital
in central Bangkok, reports the Bangkok
Post.
The International Student Network (I.S.N.)
in Bangkok and the People for Reform of
Thailand (NSPRT), a faction of the People's
Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that
supports the 2017 Royal Thai Armed Forces
(RTAF)
Constitution, said that "changing the
democratic regime of government with the
King as Head of State or changing the form
of the State shall be prohibited" and
that "the Prime Minister may not present
such a draft Constitution Amendment to the
King for signature."
Former fugitive Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
has remained at the Bangkok Remand Prison
hospital since King Maha Vajiralongkorn
granted Thaksin Shinawatra a pardon on his
return to Thailand on August 22, reducing
an eight-year prison sentence to one year.
The International Student Network (I.S.N.)
in Bangkok and the People for Reform of
Thailand (NSPRT) represented by Pichit Chaimongkol,
claims that "former fugitive Prime
Minister Thaksin Shinawatra spent only one
night in prison since his return to Thailand
before he was admitted to hospital. "
We and many Thai people do not believe
that Thaksin was or is genuinely ill,"
he said.
He said that former fugitive Prime Minister
Thaksin Shinawatra claims to be gravely
ill, saying "his illness is just an
excuse for him to stay out of prison where
he should be."
"We demand that he is returned to prison
immediately," he said.
Fugitive former 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.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
has faced numerous arrest warrants since
he fled Thailand including an arrest warrant
for the Thaksin government's conversion
of mobile phone operators' concession fees
into excise tax that allegedly benefited
Thaksin's own company.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP),
that was founded by Thaksin Shinawatra,
called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution,
drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and
signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn,
saying that the party is seeking to amend
the section of the Constitution that deals
with the Royal Thai Armed Forces appointed
Senate that nominates and elects a prime
minister.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Call for
Munir 2004 assassination to
be declared a human rights
violation
|
|
 |
The
Solidarity Action Committee
for Munir (KASUM), wife Suciwati,
centre, at the National Human
Rights Commission in Jakarta
on Thursday September 7, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: The Solidarity Action
Committee for Munir (KASUM) called on the
National Human Rights Commission (Komnas
HAM) to declare the assassination of human
rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 24, who
died of arsenic poisoning on a Garuda Airways
flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore
on September 7, 2004, "a gross human
rights violation, reports Indoleft.
The Solidarity Action Committee for Munir
(KASUM) Secretary General, Bivitri Susanti,
said in a speech marking 19 years since
human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
was assassinated that the National Human
Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has made
no move to declare the assassination of
human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
24, "a gross human rights violation."
The Solidarity Action Committee for Munir
(KASUM) Secretary General, Bivitri Susanti,
said that "on dozens of occasions we
have enquired about what steps Komnas HAM)
has made on Munir's assassination."
"But there has been no point of clarity
on the case," he said.
He said that Solidarity Action Committee
for Munir (KASUM) have met with the National
Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), the
Indonesian National Police and the Indonesia
Attorney General's Office to provide assurances
of human rights violations to National Human
Rights Commission (Komnas HAM).
"Solidarity Action Committee for Munir
(KASUM) has also taken part in various court
hearing into the Munir case," he said.
Human rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib,
who was founder of the Commission for Missing
Persons and Victims of Violence, or Kontras,
and who revealed that Indonesian Army Special
Forces, or Kopassus, soldiers had helped
abduct 13 critics of the then Soeharto government
between 1997 and 1998. was assassinated
aboard a Garuda Airways flight while travelling
from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore
on September 7, 2004.
In December 2008 Former State Intelligence
Agency (BIN) deputy director, Muchdi Purwopranjono,
who was formally Kopassus Commander Major
General, and reportedly involved in an alleged
Rose Team military campaign
that led to the elimination of opponents
of Indonesias New Order
government, was found not guilty by three
judges of the South Jakarta District Court
for assigning an agent to poison the civil
rights lawyer following the absence of key
witnesses for the prosecution.
Dutch forensic scientists found that human
rights lawyer, Munir Said Thalib, 39 had
ingested enough arsenic to raise suspicion
that he had been poisoned during his journey
from Jakarta to Amsterdam via Singapore
in September 4, 2004.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Papua New
Guinea opens embassy in Jerusalem
in recognition of Jerusalem
as the capital of Israel
|
|
 |
Papua
New Guinea Prime Minister,
James Marape, and Prime Minister
of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu,
at the opening of the Papua
New Guinea embassy in Jerusalem
as the capital of Israel on
Tuesday September 5, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 14: Papua New Guinea
officially recognised Jerusalem as the capital
of Israel with the opening of a Papua New
Guinea embassy in Jerusalem on Tuesday,
with Papua New Guinea opposition leader,
Joseph Lelang, saying "Papua New Guinea
has aroused the ire of the Palestinian Authority,"
reports Reuters.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape
and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu,
attended the opening of the Papua New Guinea
embassy in Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,
with Papua New Guinea becoming the fifth
embassy to recognise Jerusalem as the capital
of Israel and with Papua New Guinea opposition
leader, Joseph Lelang, saying "it was
a reckless move,"
Papua New Guinea opposition leader, Joseph
Lelang, said that" Papua New Guinea
has aroused the ire of the Palestinian Authority,"
saying "hamas has warned us in the
strongest possible terms that Papua New
Guinea must reconsider that decision and
move out."
"This is a serious warning and I feel
for the foreign mission staff and the ambassador
who will be based there," he said.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape
said that the decision to open the embassy
in West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel
was based on Papua New Guinea's Christian
principles and worldview that emanate from
Judaism.
"For us to call ourself Christian,
paying respect to God will not be complete
without recognizing that Jerusalem is the
universal capital of the people and nation
of Israel," he said.
In December 2017 the United Nations Security
Council draft resolution called on all countries
to refrain from opening embassies in Jerusalem.
Eight of 10 Association of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN) member nations, Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were included
in the 128 countries that rejected the United
States decision to recognise Jerusalem as
the capital of Israel, Laos is not a member
of the United Nations Security Council.
The Philippines, an Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member country,
was one of nine countries, including the
United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel,
Marshal Islands, Togo, Micronesia and Nauru
that opposed the United Nations Security
Council draft resolution.
China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom
and France were among the 128 member countries
that approved the United Nations Security
Council draft resolution.
Canada, Mexico and Australia were among
the 35 registered absentions.
In 2017 United States President Donald Trump
acted under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of
1995 that accepts Jerusalem as the Israeli
capital and requires the United States to
relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
in the United States decision to relocate
the embassy
The
Southeast Asian Times
New ruling
Pheu Thai Party election promises
missing from parliament policy
statement on Monday
|
|
 |
Move
Forward Party (MFP) deputy
leader, Sirikanya Tansakul,
said that "Monitoring
and following up on what has
been promised by the new ruling
Pheu Thai Party (PTP) is an
important democratic principle,"
in the parliament on Monday
11 September 2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Bangkok, September 13: Opposition Move Forward
Party (MFP) said that the new ruling Pheu
Thai Party (PTP) election promises were
missing from the policy statement delivered
by newly elected Prime Minister, Srettha
Thavisin, in Parliament on Monday, with
Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy leader,
Sirikanya Tansakul, saying "the policies
lack specifics and commitments," reports
the Bangkok Post.
Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy leader,
Sirikanya Tansakul, said after the newly
elected Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin
delivered the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP)
policy statement in the parliament, saying"the
policies lack specifics and commitment and
fail to provide timelines for implementation."
Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy leader,
Sirikanya Tansakul, who was the first Member
of Parliament to take to the floor of the
parliament said "only concrete and
tangible promises would be indicators of
the governments responsibilities to
the people."
"Monitoring and following up on what
has been promised is an important democratic
principle, she said.
Opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy
leader, Sirikanya Tansakul, said "the
policy statement delivered by Prime Minister,
Srettha Thavisin did not inform the public
of what his government would do in the next
four years."
" The policies are empty, say nothing
about the countrys direction and provide
no details at all," she said.
Oppposition Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy
leader, Sirikanya Tansakul, said that the
ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Prime Minister,
Srettha Thavisin, policy statements were
written as if he is making a wish list,
saying "the Prime Minister set no clear
goals for the country."
"Unlike when he was the CEO of the
Sansiri Real Estate company," she said.
Oppposition Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy
leaderr, Sirikanya Tansakul, said that Srettha
Thavisin had set a clear goal to increase
income at the Sansiri Real Estate company
to Bt150 billion within three years.
"I expected that Srettha Thavisin experience
at the Sansiri Real Estate company would
be reflected in the policy satement,"
she said.
Oppposition Move Forward Party (MFP) deputy
leader, Sirikanya Tansakul, asked Prime
Minister, Srettha Thavisin for details of
the Bt10,000 Digital Wallet scheme that
he had promised in the policy statement,
asking "where the government would
obtain the Bt560 billion required to fund
the
scheme ?"
On July 21 Move Forward Party (MFP) leader
Pita Limjaroenra withdrew his nomination
for prime ministerial candidate after the
joint sitting of the House of Representatives
and the Senate of 728 members rejected his
nomination for prime minister for the second
time since the May elections.
Move Forward Party (MFP) said that laws
on rights and liberty are the core of the
Move Forward Party (MFP) manifesto and the
party would seek amendments to the Lese
Majeste Law in Articles 112 and 116 of the
Criminial Code and Computor Crimes.
The
Southeast Asian Times
US
and Vietnam sign Comprehensive
Stategic Partnership including
Vietnam's committment to "four
no's"
|
|
 |
US
President Joseph Biden, left,
and General Secretary of the
Communist Party of Vietnam
(CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong in
Hanoi Saturday September 9,
2023 to sign the Comprehensive
Stategic Partnership
|
|
From
News Reports:
Hanoi, September 12: The United States of
America and Vietnam that are signatories
to a Comprehensive Partnership that was
elevated to the highest level with the signing
of a Comprehensive Stategic Partnership
in Hanoi on Saturday, includes Vietnam's
committment to the "four no's"
in the Vietnam National Defence White Paper,
reports the Vietnam News Agency.
United States President, Joseph R. Biden
and General Secretary of the Communist Party
of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong signed
the Comprehensive Stategic Partnership at
the headquarters of the Communist Party
of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi
during the U.S. President Joseph R. Biden's
official two-day visit to Vietnam.
The signing of the Comprehensive Stategic
Partnership on Saturday includes Vietnam's
committment to the "four no's"
included in the Vietnam National Defence
White Paper 2019 that stipulates that Vietnam
will not use force or threaten to use force
in international relations.
The National Defence White Paper 2019 reaffirms
Vietnam's commitment to the "three
no's" defence policy that were included
in the three previous National Defence White
Papers in 1998, 2004, and 2009, and that
the National Defence White Paper 2019 includes
a fourth commitment to the reaffirmaton
of Vietnam's non-participation in military
alliances.
The new National Defence White Paper 2019
reaffirms that Vietnam will not join military
alliances with another country, will not
align with one country against another and
will not allow foreign military bases on
Vietnamese soil and also the fourth commitment
that Vietnam will not use force or threaten
to use force in international relations.
ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute Singapore, coordinator
Vietnam Studies Programme and senior fellow,
Le Hong Hiep, said ahead of the US President,
Joseph R. Biden, official visit to Vietnam
that "the most senior level in Vietnam's
diplomatic hierarchy was the Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership, saying that elevation
to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership represents
a remarkarble breakthrough in bilateral
ties."
Vietnam only forms such partnerships with
those that it views as of great importance
for its security, prosperity, and international
standing, he said.
He said that Vietnam will be inviting Washington
into a club of just four other Comprehensive
Strategic Partners, China, India, Russia
and South Korea.
Uunited States National Security Advisor,
Jake Sullivan, said ahead of the US President
Joseph R. Biden official visit to Vietnam
that "the visit is a remarkable step
in the strengthening of our diplomatic ties."
"It reflects the leading role that
Vietnam will play in our growing network
of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific,"
he said
The
Southeast Asian Times
ASEAN
committs to initiatives in
ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific
|
|
 |
ASEAN
Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF)
included in 43rd ASEAN Summit
titled "ASEAN Matters:
Epicentrum of Growth,"
hosted by Indonesia ASEAN
chair 2023 in Jakarta from
September 2 to 7, 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 11: The Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders
said in a statement at the conclusion of
43rd ASEAN Summit hosted by Indonesia ASEAN
chair 2023 in Jakarta last week that "ASEAN
is committed to implementing the ASEAN Outlook
on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiatives,"
reports Reuters.
"ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
(AOIP) will be at the forefront of our engagement
with partners to foster mutual trust, respect
and benefit through ASEAN-led mechanisms,"
said the statement.
ASEAN leaders said that the ten ASEAN member
states are committed to implementing the
ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)
through specific projects and activities
aligned with its objectives and principles.
"ASEAN also welcomes the organisation
of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific forum," said
the statement.
We welcome enhanced cooperation between
the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)
and initiatives from dialogue partners in
the Indo-Pacific through ASEAN-led platforms,"
said the statement.
Australia Prime Minister Albert Albanese
reaffirmed committment to development funding
in the Indo-pacific at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific
Forum (AIPF) at the 43rd ASEAN Summit titled
"ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,"
last week saying "Australia would advance
economic growth in the Indo-Pacific."
"Development funding to support the
implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the
Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative would enable
support for the ASEAN Political- Security
Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community
(AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
(ASCC)," he said.
The United States committed $150 million
in funding under the new Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework (IPEF) trade pact to ASEAN for
infrastructure development and security
in May 2022, with the Deputy Assistant to
the Unite States President Joe Biden and
Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on
the United States National Security Council,
Kurt Campbell saying "Washington remains
focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term
challenge of China," saying "We
need to step up our game in Southeast Asia."
"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
(IPEF) commits the United States to work
with partners on key economic priorities
including ensuring smooth supply chains,
fighting corruption and promoting green
energy," he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
President
Marcos thanks Australia for
supporting Philippines over
China's incursions in West
Philippine Sea
|
|
 |
Australia
Prime Minister Albert Albanese
and Philippine President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr sign joint declaration
of strategic partnership in
Manila Friday September 8,
2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Manila, September 10: Australia and the
Philippines signed a joint declaration of
Strategic Partnership including defence
and security in Manila on Friday with Philippine
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr thanking the
Australian government for "supporting
the Philippines over China's incursions
in the West Philippine Sea, reports the
Philippune Inquirer.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr
thanked Australian Prime Minister Albert
Albanese, "for encouraging the Philippines
to remain steadfast in protecting its territory,
" saying "thanks to you, Mr Prime
Minister, for the strong support that you
have given to the Philippines."
Australian Prime Minister Albert Albanese
said that Australia's position on the Philippine
claim over the West Philippne Sea will continue
to be consistent, saying Australia supports
the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
in the Hague ruling in 2016 that ruled that
China violated the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by China's
invoking of historic rights in its claim
over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration
(PCA) in the Hague ruling saying that "the
Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague
has no jurisdiction on this matter."
Australian Prime Minister Albert Albanese
said that Australia and the Phillippines
agree on the need to uphold international
law, saying "we have collective responsibility
for security including support for the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
(UNCLOS).
"That's very important," he said.
Philippines Presidential Communicatios Office
(PCO) secretary, Cheloy Garafil, said that
the joint declaration of Strategic Partnership
seeks to foster cooperation in defence and
maritime security, counterterrorism and
law enforcement, climate action, education
and people-to-people exchanges.
"Australia is now the Philippines second
largest partner in defence and security
after the United States," he said.
In February 2023 the United States and the
Philippines announced a new agreement under
the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
(EDCA) that added four United States Armed
Forces bases in the Philippines to the existing
five, with US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin
saying then "these efforts are especially
important as the Peoples Republic
of China continues to advance its illegitimate
claims in the West Philippine Sea."
China foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao
Ning, warned of heightened tensions in the
region following the US- Philippines 2014
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
new agreement that included four additional
United States Armed Forces bases in the
Philippines to the existing five.
"The Philippines allowing US access
to four additional defense sites on its
territory has "escalated tension in
the region and endangers regional peace
and stability, he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Myanmar
seat at ASEAN Summit remains
empty: Myanmar chair 2026
goes to Philippines
|
|
 |
The
ASEAN seat reserved for Myanmar
at the 43rd Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Summit hosted by Indonesia
ASEAN chair 2023 and related
summits in Jakarta 2-7 September
2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta September 9: Myanmar's ceded the
Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) rotating chair 2026 at the 43rd
ASEAN Summit leaders meeting in Jakarta
on Monday, with ASEAN secretary general
Kao Kim Hourn announcing "the Philippines
will take over the ASEAN chairmanship for
2026," reports Reuters.
ASEAN member Philippines President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. agreed at the 43rd ASEAN Summit,
hosted by Indonesia ASEAN chair 202,3 to
take over the ASEAN chair for 2026 saying
"it is my pleasure to announce that
the Philippines is ready to take the helm
and ASEAN chair in 2026."
"We will fortify the foundations of
our community-building and navigate ASEAN
as it embarks on a new chapter," he
said.
ASEAN secretary general Kao Kim Hourn announced
that Myanmar had ceded the ASEAN chair 2016
to the Philippines following the ASEAN Leaders
review and decision on the implementation
of the Myanmar Point Consensus (5PC) plan
that was initiated in Jakarta in April 2021.
The ASEAN leaders said in a statement
on Monday "we were gravely concerned
by the lack of substantial progress on
the implementation by the Authority in
Myanmar, despite their commitment to the
Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan in April
2021."
"We strongly condemned the continued
acts of violence in Myanmar," said
the ASEAN leaders
The ASEAN leaders said that they reaffirmed
ASEANs commitment to assisting Myanmar
in finding a peaceful and durable solution
to the ongoing crisis, saying "Myanmar
remains an integral part of ASEAN."
"We appreciate the ASEAN chairs
efforts to ensure progress on the implementation
of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan,"
said the ASEAN leaders.
The ASEAN Leaders said they appreciate Indonesia's
ASEAN chair 2023 efforts in the implementation
of 5PC with the sole objective of restoring
peace, stability, democracy "in a MyanmarOwned
and Led comprehensive political resolution."
Indonesia ASEAN chair for 2023 affirmed
ASEAN unity of the official ASEAN position
on Myanmar at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers
Retreat (AMM) in Jakarta in February 2023
, saying "the ASEAN foreign ministers
reaffirmed a united approach in the implementation
of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan,"
She said that Indonesia has proposed and
negotiated the implementation of the Five-Point
Consensus (5PC) plan, saying "support
from all ASEAN members shows the strong
unity of ASEAN members to implement the
Five-Point Consensus."
The ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) plan
that was introduced at the ASEAN Leaders
Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta in April 2021,
was attended by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw)
of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief Senior
General Min Aung Hlaing.
Then the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar,
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min
Aung Hlaing agreed to the ASEAN Five Point
Concensus (5PC) plan that included an
immediate end to all forms of violence,
the release of political prisoners, implementation
of the rights of women and children, unimpeded
humanitarian access and facilitation and
mediation with the Secretary General of
ASEAN.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Australia
PM releases Australia's Southeast
Asia Economic Strategy at
ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum in
Jakarta
|
|
 |
Prime
Minister of Australia, Anthony
Albanese, at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific
Forum on Monday at the 43rd
ASEAN Summit hosted by Indonesia
ASEAN chair 2023 in Jakarta
from September 2 to 7
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarra, September 8: Australia Prime Minister,
Anthony Albanese, released the Invested:
Australia Southeast Asia Economic Strategy
to 2040 at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum
in Jakarta on Wednesday, saying " the
Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040 is an ambitious
plan that takes us beyond catching up, "the
Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040 positions
us for what's ahead."
"Australia's economic future lies with
Southeast Asia, "he said.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
announcing a $95 million package for business
to invest in the Southeast Asian region,
saying "specialist Investment Deal
Teams based in Southeast Asia including
in Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos would assist
Australian business."
"Southeast Asias fast-growing
economies present a major opportunity for
Australian business," he said.
The Invested: Southeast Asia Strategy to
2040, released at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific
Forum at the 43rd ASEAN Summit hosted by
Indonesia ASEAN chair 2023 in Jakarta from
September 2 to 7, made 75 recommendations
including streamlining foreign investment
and visa processes, increasing flights between
Australia and the region, and new political
risk insurance to underwrite businesses
expanding into Southeast Asian countries.
In November 2022 Australia Prime Minister
Albert Albanese committed to development
funding in the Indo-Pacific at the ASEAN-Australia
summit included in the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) 40th and 41st
summits in Phnom Penh, saying "Australia
would advance economic growth in the Indo-Pacific."
He said that Australia would advance economic
growth under the Australia for ASEAN Futures
Initiative (Aus4 ASEAN Futures Initiative)
committing AUS$470 million in development
funding to support the implementation of
the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)
initiative that would enable support for
three ASEAN Community councils.
The Australian support for the implementation
of the Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)
initiative would enable support for the
ASEAN Political- Security Community (APSC),
the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
The
Southeast Asian Times
Indonesia
names Human Trafficking a
new security challenge at
27th ASEAN Political-Security
Community Council
|
|
 |
ASEAN
Secretary-General, Dr Kao
Kim Hourn, end of row, Indonesia
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Retno Marsudi, centre, Coordinating
Minister for Political, Legal
and Security Affairs of Indonesia
Moh Mahfud, 6 from left, and
ASEAN members at 27th ASEAN
Political-Security Community
(APSC) Council Meeting in
Jakarta Monday September 4,
2023
|
|
From
News Reports:
Jakarta, September 7: Indonesia's Foreign
Minister, Retno Marsudi, and Coordinating
Politics, Law, and Security Minister, Mahfud
MD, named Human Trafficking as a new security
challenge in ASEAN at the 27th Meeting of
the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council
(APSC) on Monday included in the 43rd ASEAN
Summit hosted by Indonesia ASEAN chair 2023
in Jakarta from September 2 to 7, reports
Antara.
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
said "there were three aspects involved
in handling new security challenges in the
ASEAN region, saying "the first aspect
is to address new scurity challenges."
"A more comprehensive approach is needed
to eradicate human trafficking crimes, including
by completing the long-delayed ASEAN Extradition
Agreement," she said.
She said that concrete steps to overcome
Human Trafficking are necesary, including
strengthening border management, cybersecurity
cooperation in the ASEAN region and the
provision of effective and efficient mutual
legal assistance.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said at the
27th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security
Community Council (APSC), attended by Secretary-General
of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN state leaders
and ASEAN partner country leaders, that
the second aspect involved in the handling
of new security challenges in the ASEAN
region that includes Human Trafficking is
to improve the implementation of human rights.
"The Preamble to the ASEAN Charter
underlines the requirement to overcome human
rights challenges. that continue to grow,
in an effort to ensure the human rights
of the ASEAN community," she said.
She said that Indonesia is pursuing the
"Leaders' Declaration on ASEAN Human
Rights Dialogue," saying "Engaging
in inclusive dialogue is key,"
She said that Indonesia would host the 5th
Human Rights Dialogue, calling for support
from all parties to help the dialogue generate
better democracy and good governance in
the ASEAN region including the organisation
of human rights dialogue every year.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the
third aspect involved in the handling of
new security challenges in the ASEAN region
that includes Human Trafficking is maritime
cooperation in the ASEAN region.
"The vast Indo-Pacific region holds
strategic potential, however, the interests
of other big countries in the world can
endanger the peace and stability in our
region," she said.
She called for consistent application of
international law, including the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS), and regional agreements on the
Zone of Peace, Freedom, and Neutrality (ZOPFAN)
and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free
Zone Agreement (SEANWFZ), the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
(TAC), and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
(AOIP), as an important part of the joint
effort in handling new security challenges
in the ASEAN region.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Indonesia
ASEAN chair 2023 warns ASEAN
that ASEAN entity depends
on ASEAN
|
|
 |
Indonesian
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi
at the opening of the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers' Meeting
(AMM) at the 34th ASEAN Coordinating
Council (ACC) hosted by Indonesia
ASEAN chair 2023 in Jakarta
on September 4 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 6: Indonesia's Minister
for Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, called
on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) "to make bold decisions"
at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting
(AMM) at the 34th ASEAN Coordinating Council
(ACC) hosted by Indonesia ASEAN chair for
2023 in Jakarta on Monday, saying "whether
ASEAN can move forward or not entirely depends
on us," reports Antara.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi,
introduced ASEAN Concord IV at the ASEAN
Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) saying
that ASEAN Concord IV would serve as the
foundation for "ASEAN Community Vision
2045"
"ASEAN Concord IV would strengthen
ASEAN's ability to address future challenges,"
she said.
She said that ASEAN must be ready to make
bold decisions, saying "we cannot
let our differences prevent us from moving
forward."
The 34th ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC)
functions as a supervisory council that
is tasked by ASEAN leaders with overseeing
the formulation and implementation of
documents.
"In this upcoming 43rd ASEAN summit,
we will adopt many important decisions
that would chart the future of ASEAN as
a community and an institution,"
she said.
She said that the decisions include measures
that can be taken to expedite the ASEAN
decision process in crises and emergency
situations, saying "including decisions
to strengthen ASEAN's capacity to respond
to emerging challenges in the Southeast
Asian."
She said that ASEAN is facing various
fateful challenges and opportunities,
saying "ASEAN's credibility and relevance
are at stake."
"Whether ASEAN can move forward or
not entirely depends on us," she
affirmed.
The
Southeast Asian Times
ASEAN
and China endorse guidelines
for maritime Code of Conduct
in the Indo-Pacific
|
|
 |
ASEAN
and China at the 26th China-ASEAN
Summit at the 43rd ASEAN Summit
and Related Summits in Jakarta
from Saturday 2 to Thursday
7 September 2023
|
|
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 5: The 10 Association
of South East Asean (ASEAN) member countries
and China agreed to complete negotiations
on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC)
for the South China Sea in the Indo-Pacific
within three years, with Indonesia ASEAN
Political and Security Cooperation director,
Rolliansyah Soemirat, saying "guidelines
on the maritime Code of Conduct (CoC) provided
in the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) will
be endorsed by ASEAN and China at the 26th
China-ASEAN Summit at the 43rd ASEAN Summit
in Jakarta on Wednesday," reports Antara.
ASEAN Political and Security Cooperation,
director, Rolliansyah Soemirat, who is also
Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman,
said that "Indonesia has taken the
initiative to accelerate Code of Conduct
(CoC) negotiations on the disputed South
China Sea in the Indo-Pacific with Guidelines
provided in the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO).
"Indonesia's initiative in the form
of Guidelines can serve as practical guidelines
that also contains substantive material
to keep the CoC effective and actionable,"
he said.
He said the Guidelines for acceleration
of the Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations
were adopted at the ASEAN Defence Senior
Officials Meeting (ADSOM) and ADSOM-Plus
held in Jakarta last month.
He said the Guidelines for the Code of Conduct
(CoC) provoded in the ASEAN Maritime Outlook
(AMO) were adopted by the ten ASEAN member
countries and eight dialogue partner countries
including Australia, China, India, Japan,
New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and
the United States.
The China Communist Party (CCP) Central
Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office
director, Wang Yi, said at the 26th China-ASEAN
Summit on Thursday "aspirational, yes,
everyone agreed to have some kind of timeline
to complete the CoC in three years."
Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson,
Rolliansyah Soemirat, said that Indonesia
initiated guidlines for the Code of Conduct
(CoC) provided in the ASEAN Maritime Outlook
(AMO) for potential maritime cooperation
in the Indo-Pacific, saying the ASEAN Maritime
Outlook (AMO) is a strategic document designed
to strengthen maritime cooperation between
ASEAN member countries with countries in
the Indo-Pacific.
He said that the Guidelines provided in
the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) will be
reviewed every three years, saying "the
ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) will serve
as a practical guide for ASEAN member countries
and partners in the Indo-Pacific to understand
and advance ASEAN maritime cooperation.
China's claim over the South China Sea in
the Indo-Pacific is contested by ASEAN member
countries, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and
the Philippines with the Philippines first
proposing a Code of Conduct (CoC) in 1997
but it was not adopted by ASEAN and China.
Instead five years later in 2002 the Philippines
steered the adoption of a nonbinding Declaration
of Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South
China Sea, calling on the claimnants including
China to exercise self-restraint.
Negotiations on the maritime draft Code
of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea
follows the Arbitration Court in the Hague
ruling in July 2016 that ruled in favour
of the Philippines against China's claim
of historic rights over the South China
Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration
in the Hague ruling, saying that "the
Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague
has no jurisdiction on this matter."
China reportedly claims that the Arbitration
Court in the Hague tribunal made an illegal
and invalid final verdict on the South China
Sea dispute.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang
said ahead of the ruling in 2016 that the
dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it
was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not
exploitation rights.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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 |
|
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
|
|
|
; |
|
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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 Singapores residential, hospitality, retail, commercial
and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore
listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The
Southeast Asian Times
China to invest in rail and road construction
in Indonesia
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 10: Indonesia's Railway
Corporation (PT KAI) and state construction company PT Jasa Marga
signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with China Investment Fund (CIF) to develop indonesia's
railway services and toll road construction.
Witness to the signing, coordinating Minister for the Economy
Sofyan Djalil, said that the MoU will provide the groundwork for
further cooperation between China Railway and P KAI and China
Investment Fund (CIF).
"The MoU is the first step towards further development of
public services between China and Indonesia" he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng said that the MoU would
spark more cooperations between China and Indonesia and would
bring about "real benefits to the public."
The Southeast Asian Times
Penang health department
shuts down soya bean factory
From News Reports:
Penang, October 19: Five Penang food factories including a 100
year old soya bean factory at Tanjong Bungah were ordered closed
by the state health department for failure to observe health standards.
State health, food safety and quality division, deputy director
Ku Nafishah Ku Ariffin said soya bean products were processed
in an unclean "rusty and moldy kitchen".
"Our inspectors found that wet products were left to dry
on "dirty" bamboo sticks along with bathing towels.
The bamboo sticks were also dirty and dusty," she said.
A "sweets" factory in Teluk Kumbar, a noodle factory
in Simpang Ampat and a sauce factory in Bukit Metajam were also
closed by the state health department
The
Southeast Asian Times
Fuel
smugglers including military personnel under arrest
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 15: Riau Islands Police have arrested 30 suspects
including several Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and seized
64 cars, two boats and 106 tons of fuel.
Riau Islands Police chief Brig. Gen. Arman Depary said in Batam
last week that the seized cars had been modified to hold 100 litres
of fuel.
"The Military (TNI) personnel are suspected of fuel smuggling
and have been handed over to the military base", he said.
TNI Commander Gen. Moeldoko said that the alleged suspected fuel
smugglers are honor-based service military personnel.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Thai
coup blammed for fall in tourist arrivals
From News
Reports:
Bangkok, August 18: The Thai tourism sector suffered its largest
fall in international visitors to Thailand in June, the first
month after the establishment of marshal law and the military
seizure of the Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Tourism reportedly accounts for 10 percent of the Thai economy.
Data from the Thai Department of Tourism shows that inernational
tourist arrival numbers in July fell by 10.9 percent compared
to the same time last year.
International arrivals in July totalled 1.91 million compared
to 2.15 million in July 2013.
Arrivals from China with a18 percent share of all visitors to
thailand and the largest group of visitors to Thailand, fell by
25.3 percent.
Arrivals from the United Kingdom with a 4 percent share of all
visitors to Thailand, was one of the few large markets to record
a gain, of 6.2 percent
The
Southeast Asian Times
US
Senate approves sales of nuclear equipment to Vietnam
From News Reports:
Hanoi, July 31: The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed
legislation approving a 123 agreement on civil nuclear commerce
with Vietnam at a business meeting of the committee last week.
The 123 agreement under the US Atomic energy Act of 1954 establishes
a civil nuclear commerce agreement that allows the US to export
nuclear reactors, research information and equipment to Vietnam.
The civil nuclear commerce agreement between the US and Vietnam
is "part of Vietnam's effort to ease its shortage of energy
towards meeting over 10 percent of the domestic power demand by
2030", reports the Vietnam News Service
The
Southeast Asian Times
Court for construction
Industry
established
in Malaysia
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, May 3: The first two Construction Courts for Malaysia
were opened by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria in Kuala Lumpur
and Shah Alam last week, reports the Star.
The courts will deal with disputes in the construction industry.
Works Minister Datuk Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof said that the
establishment of the courts will transform the way the construction
business in the country operates.
"The construction industry stakerholders can now have their
disputes resolved by judges with expert knowledge and experience
in construction industry disputes', he said.
The proposal by the Construction Industry Board (CIDB) for the
establishment of the construction courts was first put to the
Judiciary in January 2013.
Britain is the only other country that has a specially designated
court that deals with construction industry disputes.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Bali communities want larger share of tourism revenue
From News Reports:
Denpasar, April 14: Bali community-based tourism operators have
called for amendments to regulations that stipulate that the local
community pay the Bali regency administration 60 percent of their
total tourism revenue.
Penglipuran tourist village in Bangli, community-based tourism
manager, Nengah Moneng, said that he objected to the fact that
his community received only 40 percent of the total revenue.
"We want to have 60 percent share of the tourist revenue
to pay for operating costs", he said.
The Penglipuran tourism manager said that operating costs for
trekking, traditional dance, cultural shows including religious
rituals had increased.
The cost of operating lodges and community halls for tourism had
also increased.
"An increase in revenue for not only the Bangli community
but for tourism based communities across Bali would benefit tourism
island-wide" said the tourism manager.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Riau
forest fires force Chevron to shut down oil wells
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 21: PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI), the Indonesian
subsidiary of US-based oil company Chevron has shut down 573 oil
wells in the Riau province of Sumatra.
The deteriorating quality of air due to forest fires that have
been raging for the last month has forced PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia
(CPI) to shut down its oil wells and evacuate workers and there
families.
Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulator, SKK Migas, public
relations officer, Handoyo Budi Santoso, said that oil assets
in Riau province are important to national crude oil production.
"The biggest production loss came from the shutdown of Rokan
block, operated by Chevron Pacific Indonesia, the country's biggest
producer of crude oil production", he said
The Jakarta Posts reports that potential losses are estimated
at about 12,000 barrels of oil a day.
The Southeast Asian Times
Sabah caters to influx of tourists from China
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 5:
The New Straits Times reports that there was an 86 percent increase
in tourist arrivals from China
to Sabah in the last two years.
Data from the Sabah Tourism Board reportedly shows that 193,010
tourist tourists arrived in Sabah from China in 2011 increasing
to 360,361 in 2013
Sabah West Coast Coffeeshop Association chairman, Yong Chee Yun,
said coffee shop operators were catering to the influx of tourists
from China.
"Coffee shops displayed tourist friendly signs in Chinese
saying 'how are you?' and menues included China's favourite foods",
he said.
Sabah and Labuan Chapter chairman of the Malaysian Association
of Hotels and general manager of the At Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru
Resort,
said that staff members are encouraged to learn Mandarin.
"So that they can converse better with guests" he said.
The
Southeast Asian Times
Pilots
strike forces Merpati to cancel
flights
From
News Reports:
Jakarta,January 29: A pilots strike forced State-owned PT Merpati
Nusantara Airlines to cancelled all scheduled flights to Surabaya,
Merauke and Timika on Saturday, reports The Jakarta Post.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra said that the
airline had not paid salaries to pilots and cabin crew for two
months.
The Jakarta Post reports that PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines was
required to restructure its operations.
Merpati corporate secretary Riswanto Chendra Putra says that Merpati
has signed a memorndum of understanding (MoU) with PT Armagedon
Indonesia and PT Bentang Persada Gemilang to restructure the company.
The airline has debts of Rp 6.5 trillion (US$533 million) reports
the Jakarta Post.
"The management would pay the salaries around March or early
April, said the Merpati corporate secretary.
Merpatis workers union advisory board official, Erry Wardhana,
said about 200 Merpati pilots planned to strike again next Saturday
for an indefinite period.
"The pilots would strike until 1,600 Merpati employees were
paid", he said.
The union advisory board official says that this is the first
time that Merpati workers have gone on strike over unpaid wages.
The pilots are owed wages for December and January reports the
Jakarta Post.
The
Southeast Asian Times
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