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GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.

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 Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Malaysia's public donations for Palestine transferred to travel agency, shooting club and gold mining

Aman Palestin Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Awang Suffian Awang Piut, said Aman Palestin Bhd was permitted to purchase gold bars with public donations on Tuesday November 21, 2023

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, December 10: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating the transfer of public donations from Non Government Organisation (NGO,) Aman Palestin Bhd, to various companies after launching an investigation last month into alleged misappropriation of RM70 million by Aman Palestin Bhd., reports the Star
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, said the investigation into the misappropriation of public donations is ongoing and is conducted under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), and the Penal Code.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki said "the MACC is investigating the transfer of public donations to various companies by Non Government Organisation (NGO,) Aman Palestin Bhd
"The public donations have been transferred to a tour and travel agency, a shooting academy and a gold mining company," he said
He said that other companies that have recieved public donations meant for aid for Palistine include a tech company, a research centre and a media agency, saying "none had any direct connection with aid for Palestinians."
"Public donations to Non Government Organisation (NGO,) Aman Palestin Bhd, were used to purchase gold, cryptocurrency, properties and land," he said.
In November the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, said the MACC has frozen RM15 million in 41 bank accounts connected to the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd., and other companies in the alleged misappropriation of alleged RM70 million by the Aman Palestin Bhd., Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
In October the Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) in Perlis State suspended Aman Palestin Bhd fund raising activities effective October 12, pending the completion of an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Perlis Mufti, Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said he had instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) not to allow Aman Palestin Bhd to collect donations in places of worship and relevant religious premises within the state.
He said he held reservations about the collection and distribution of donations by Aman Palestin Bhd, calling for more transparency.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnamese Chinese interpreter sentenced to 16 years in prison for human trafficking to Cambodia

Vietnamese, Chinese interpreter, Ly Phuong Thao, 37, was convicited of human trafficking under Article 150 of the Vietnamese Penal Code at the Da Nang City People's Court Monday December 4, 2023

From News Reports:
Hanoi, December 9: The Da Nang City People's Court sentenced a Vietnamese, Chinese interpreter, Ly Phuong Thao, 37, to 16 years in prison on Monday for human trafficking for receiving $2,700 in brockerage fees for recuiting Vietnamese by falsly offering "high paying easy jobs" in Cambodia, reports Khmer Times.
Vietnamese, Chinese interpreter Ly Phuong Thao, learned in December 2020 that a Chinese online gaming operation in Sihanouk Province in Cambodia offered a brockerage fee of between $300 to $500 for recruitment of an employee at the gaming operation, saying the operation would pay brokers all costs involved in the transport of recruits to Cambodia.
Vietnamaes interpreter, Ly Phuong Thao, was sentenced to prison for defrauding 9 Vietnamese in December 2020 in a scheme that offered "high paying easy jobs " at a Chinese online gaming operation in Sihanouk Province in Cambodia where recruits were to receive a monthly payment of $850 to $1,200.
The victims were led to believe that "high paying easy jobs" offered by Ly Phuong Thao at a Chinese online gaming operation in Sihanouk Province involved computor data entry work.
Instead the victims were forced to work long hours for a monthly payment of $500 to $600, for luring and guiding customers to spend money on online gaming.
The victims were forced to compensate the Chinese online gaming operation in Sihanouk Province from $1,000 to $2,000 if customers did not spend the required amount on online gaming.
The victims reportedly worked in secured areas, under constant surveillance by security guards and were reportedly "sold" to another casino if found to be ineffective or disobedient.
Vietnamese interpreter, Ly Phuong Thao, had sent 9 Vietnamese to the Chinese online gaming operation in Sihanouk Province in December, 2020, recieving a total of $2,700 in brockerage fees.
Of the nine victims, seven attempted to escape, with only two succeeding, helpinh Cambodian authorities to rescue the remaining victims and leading to the arrest of Vietnamese, Chinese interpreter, Ly Phuong Thao.
In January 2020 hundreds of thousands of Chinese nationals fled Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville following the ban on illegal online and casino gambling operations that took effect on the January 1, 2020 with Cambodia's General Department of Immigration spokesman General Keo Vanthan saying in January that about 447,000 Chinese nationals have fled Cambodia including those holding long term visas.
"Most left Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville," he said.
Sihanouk provincial police, Major General Chuon Narin, said in January 2020 that he had received an order from National Police chief, General Neth Savoeun, to close all illegal online and casino gambling operations in the province including in Sihanoukville.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia fires tear gas at West Papuans commemorating declaration of independence

Papuans fly the banned Morning Star flag in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Friday December 1, 2023 at the commemmoration of the founding of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) on December 1, 1961

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 8: The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police of Indonesia (Polri) fired tear gas at West Papuans in Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Friday as the West Papuans commemorated the declaration of the 62nd anniversary of West Papua independence, with Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) critical of the use of tear gas in dispersing a peaceful protest, reports Indoleft.
Papua Legal Aid Institute (LBH Papua) Director Emanuel Gobay criticised the use of tear gas in dispersing a peaceful protest that was organised by the National Alliance Party (Papua New Guinea), saying "the misuse of protocols resulting in injuries to people and the improper use of firearms is prohibited under Emergency Law N0. 12/1951.
He said the rally started peacfully in Achmad Yani Street, at Ramayana Mall in Sorong City at 10.00am, but at 11.15am the National Police of Indonesia (Polri) ordered the protesters to disperse the protest at 1.00 p.m.
"The police said the Sorong City Government had organised a Santa Clause carnival," he said.
He said that protesters did not disperse at 1.00 p.m, saying that the National Police of Indonesia (Polri) dispersed the crowd forcefully with tear gas at 1.10 p.m.
"There was retailiation from the protesters who threw objects at the police following the deployment of tear gas ," he said.
He called on the National Police of Indonesia (Polri) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for misusing tear gas and guns and violating the rights of peaceful protesters.
The National Police of Indonesia (Polri) West Papua Police Sr Comr. Pol Adam Erwindi said "the conflict between the police and the protesters erupted when protesters refused to disperse, blocking the road."
"The National Police of Indonesia (Polri) attempted to disperse the protesters but objects were thrown at them, prompting the use of tear gas at 1.20 p.m. concluding the demostration at 2.20 p.m."
In December 2019 about 6,000 joint Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police of Indonesia (Polri) personnel were deployed to secure Papua and West Papua provinces including Jayapura, Nabire, Paniai, Deiyai, Manokwari, Fakfak and Sorong following mass protests in August and September 2019 calling on Indonesia for a referendum for independence for Papua and West Papua that had spread to almost all regions.
Calls for a referendum and self determination were dismissed in August 2019 by Indonesia's former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, who said then that the “NKRI the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is final, ” he said.
He said the New York Agreement, signed in 1962 by the Netherlands and Indonesia, had officially made Papua and West Papua legitimate territories of Indonesia.
“That means NKRI is final, NKRI is non-negotiable, including Papua and West Papua,” he said.
"Referendums are for occupied countries that are given the choice to be independent or to join with the occupying country", he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia returns to Suharto era with village support of Joko widodo presidential candidates in 2024 elections

University of Indonesia (Puskapol UI) Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Political Studies, Hurriyah, says "the New Order regime of former president Suharto could perpetuate its power with impunity."

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 7: The University of Indonesia (Puskapol UI) Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Political Studies, Hurriyah, warned that efforts to mobilise village officials for political support in the 2024 presidential elections was practiced by the New Order regime of former president Suharto, with Puskapol UI Director, Hurriyah, saying "efforts of this type could threaten democracy," reports Indoleft.
Puskapol UI Director, Hurriyah, said that "the biggest loss in efforts to mobilise village officials for political support in general elections is the erosion of our democracy."
"We're already in 2024, but no longer is the momentum of our democracy being consolidated, but is instead being setback, returning to the Suharto authoritarian era."
Puskapol UI Director, Hurriyah, warned that "the New Order regime of government by President Suharto was "mono-loyalty" in character with the weapon being the mobilisation of the state apparatus," saying "the mobilisation of the state apparatus does not just include the security forces."
"Village officials are an important form of mobilisation of the state apparatu," he said
"Village officials despite governing at grassroot level should not be underestimated because of their closeness to the people at the grassroots," she said.
"With hands that reached down to the grassroot level of government, the New Order regime could perpetuate its power with impunity," she said.
She said that "the New Order regime of former president Suharto had a serious impact on the centralisation of power, it had become hegomonic," saying "the New Order regime of former president Suharto could perpetuate its power with impunity."
"The New Order regime of former president Suharto could influence, reach into, into almost all political and government institutions," he said.
Puskapol UI Director, Hurriyah said "don't let our democracy, that today, according to political scholars and democratic institutions, is backsliding, saying "the decline is like that, yes, its experiencing an erosion that's actually becoming worse."
In August 2022 the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) said that the proposal by the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad, that Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officers hold positions in state ministries and institutions, "is an effort to revive the authoritarianism of the New Order regime of President Suharto, saying "it is in line with government policy moves that show signs of the revival of the New Order regime of former president Suharto."
He said that there are many policies under President Joko Widodo administration that show signs of the revival of the authoritarianism of the New Order regime, saying "efforts to militarise civilians through the Reserve Component (Komcad) system for state civil servants (ASN) is one example."
"This proposal poses a serious threat to democracy as a fruit of reformasi the political reform process that began in 1998," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Eldest son of Indonesia's President Joko Widodo accused of election violations in 2024 campaign

Vice presidential candidate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, campaigning for the 2014 general elections at the Car Free Day event in Jakarta on Sunday, December 3, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 6: Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) called on the General Elections Commission (GEC) for firm action against the eldest son of President Joko Widodo for election violations in the 2024 campaign, with Member of Parliament, Gilbert Simanjuntak saying "I doubt that the General Elections Commission will take firm action," reports Tempo.
Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) member of Parliament, Gilbert Simanjuntak, accused the eldest son of President Joko Widodo, vice presidential candidate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, of campaigning for the 2014 general elections at the Car Free Day event in Jakarta on Sunday morning, saying "political activities were prohibited at the event."
"During the Car Free Day event on Sunday, December 3, President Jokowi’s eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka distributed free milk," he said.
Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) member of Parliament, Gilbert Simanjuntak, said that under the Jakarta Governor's Regulation No. 12/2016 political activities were prohibited in car fee zones on the Car Free Day event that is held in Jakarta every Sunday.
He said that "the General Elections Commission (GEC) belongs to the nation and the people, not to certain families," saying "the General Election Commission is paid by the state from the peoples taxes."
On October 16, 2023 the Indonesian Constitutional Court panel of nine judges, led by Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, who is the brother-in-law of President Joko Widodo, amended the Election Law that made President Joko Widodo’s eldest son eligible to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in February 2024.
The Constitutional Court panel of nine judges voted five in favour and four against to amend the Law on General Elections that would allow President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, who is the Mayor of Surakarta city in Central Java, to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in the February 2024 elections.
The Constitutional Court amended the the Law on General Elections with Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, saying "Article 169 Letter Q of Law No.7/2017 on General Elections will now read as follows: a minimum age of 40 years or having held an elected position through general elections, including regional leaders."
The Constitutional Court rejected petitions seeking to lower the minimum age for presidential and vice presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years that would have ruling out President Joko Widodo’s eldest son to run for President in the 2024 elections, with Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, saying "the age limit for a presidential and vice presidential candidate has to be determined by legislators."
The Southeast Asian Times

Terrorist attack on Catholic Mass service in Philippines Muslim Mindanao leaves four dead

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) guard the entrance of the Dimaporo gymnasium at the Mindanao State University in Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur province in Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Sunday, December 3, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, December 5: A terrorist attack at a Catholic Mass service killed four and injured 43 at the Dimaporo gymnasium at the Mindanao State University in Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur province in Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Sunday, with Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. saying "this is plain and simple terrorism,"
"Here in my province, we uphold basic human rights, and that includes the right to religion," he said,
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. said that "terrorists attacks on educational institutions must also be condemned, saying "education institutuions are places that promote the culture of peace and mold our youth to be the future shapers of this country," he said.
The governor called on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police "to investigate the terrorist attack fully, leaving no stone unturned," saying "the perpetrators should be unmasked."
"This is plain and simple terrorism," he said.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police chief Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, said that police are investigation a range of motives including the possible of retaliation by ISIS-inspired group Dawlah Islamiyah.
"Eleven members of the ISIS-inspired group Dawlah Islamiyah incuding its self-procalimed leader were killed in military operations in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday," he said.
Police chief Brigadier General Allan Nobleza said ordinance disposal experts in Lanao del Sur, and counterparts in the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, are working together to determine the type of improvised explosive device (IED) was used in the attack.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman said "the bombing is an act of barbarism, snatching away lives of innocent people who were attending a Holy Mass."
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Member of Parliament, Amir Mawallil, condemned the "terrorist attack" calling the attack "a brazen attack," saying the Mindanao State University is home to both Muslims and Christians alike."
"Our students should not be living in fear inside our schools, colleges and universities. This is the sad reality that we need to address." he said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law over Muslim Mindanao in the southern Philippines on May 22, 2017 with the arrival of about 400 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) security forces on May 31, 2017
In October 2017 President Rodrigo Duterte declared an end to the five month seige of the southern Philippine city of Marawi with the recovery of the bodies of the last of the Abu Sayyaf Maute ISIS militants.
The Abu Sayyaf Maute ISIS militant five month siege of Marawai in Muslim Mindanao in the southern Philippines had left more than 1,100 dead.
Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said then that combat operations had ended, saying that "there are no more Abu Sayyaf Maute ISIS militants inside Marawi City.”
“Philippine security forces, aided by the government and the massive support of the Filipino people, have nipped the budding infrastructure and defeated terrorism in the Philippines,” he said.
He said that the Philippines have contributed to the prevention of the spread of ISIS in Southeast Asia "by crushing the most serious attempt to export violent extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and the region."
The Southeast Asian Times

Bangkok Court sentences 2013 and 2014 protesters against former PM Yingluck Shinawatra to prison

Protesters against the ruling Pheu Thai Party at the entrance gate of the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok on Friday November 29, 2013

From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 4: The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced six protest leaders to prison from six months to nine years with five receiving suspended sentences for demonstrations against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party in 2013 and 2014, reports the Bangkok Post.
Nussor Yeema, Uthai Yodmanee, Nititorn Lamlur, Ms Chitpas Kridakorn, Pansuwan Na Kaew, Prakobkit Inthong and Kittisak Prokkati were charged with illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand constitutional monarchy in demonstrations led by the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) against the Yingluck government between November 23, 2013, and May 1, 2014.
The court found Nussor Yeema, a former security guard of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), guilty of illegal assembly and sentenced him to six months without suspension.
Uthai Yodmanee and Nititorn Lamlur, both leading members of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), were sentenced to four years and nine months in prison and fined of 200,000 baht each for illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand's constitutional monarchy Ms Chitpas Kridakorn, former Democrat Party member, received a nine-month prison term and a fine of 40,000 baht for inciting civil servants to stop work.
Pansuwan Na Kaew and Prakobkit Inthong were sentenced to prison four years and nine months and a fine of 180,000 baht each for their part in the demonstrations against the former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Kittisak Prokkati was acquitted of all charges with the court finding that the defendant had expressed his opinion honestly based on academic information.
The Bangkok Criminal Court suspended prison sentences by two years for all defendants excluding Nussor Yeema, for illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand's constitutional monarchy in demonstrations led by the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
n November 2013 then Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra extended the Internal Security Act (ISA) following the occupation of the Finance Minstry, the Budget Bureau, the Foreign Ministry and the Pubic Relations Department by thousands of anti government protesters.
The Prime Minister announced the extended Internal Security act to cover Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and in Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani in a televised address on Tuesday.
The Internal Security Act allows authorities to impose curfews, establish checkpoints and restrict the movement of protesters.
The Southeast Asian Times

Senator calls for former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs to be judged by fellow Filippino's not ICC

Philippines Senator Christopher Bong Go says "let the Filipinos judge and decide" alleged humn rights violations in the Philippines

From News Reports:
Manila, December 3: Philippines Senator Christopher Bong Go, who served as a special assistant to former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) "war on drugs" campaign claims "there is no need for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged human rights violations in the Philippines," after President Ferdinand Marco Jr said he would consider resuming membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) following former President Rodrigo Dutere's withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Senator Christopher Bong Go said that former President Rodrigo Duterte should be judged by fellow Filipino's, not by a foreign court, saying "democracy exists here."
"Investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) are conducted
in lawless countries where crimes are committed," he said.
Senator Christopher Bong Go said "there is no dictator here in the Philippines", saying "let the Filipinos judge and decide."
President Ferdinand Marco Jr said last month that the Philippines was considering proposals to resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after a House of Representaives resolution reinforced the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs," saying "problems of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained."
He said that the withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague by former President Rodrigo Dutere brings into question whether or not it is "actually possible" that the Philippines can resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., dissolved former President Rodrigo Duterte's Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC)
on the same day that he was inaugurated the 17th President of the Philippines on June 30, 2022 saying “Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order: The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission is hereby abolished and its jurisdiction, powers and functions shall be transferred to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs."
President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 in the Government of Philippines war on drugs campaign.
"A preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's Civil Society Organisations condemn criminalisation of defamation of government minister

Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, at the East Jakarta District Court Thursday June 8, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 2: Indonesia'a Civil Society Organizations (CSO) have condemned the criminalisation of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, for allegedly defaming Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, saying " Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar, are treated as enemies of the state," reports Indoleft.
More than 350 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) claim that the public prosecutor at the East Jakarta District Court treated Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and Lawyer Haris Azhar, as enemies of the state during the seven month trial that ended last month, saying "the ordeal reveals the deteriation of Indonesia's civic and democratic space."
"The indictment of Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar reveals how dangerous it is to be a human rights defender in Indonesia for merely speaking truth to power, seeking justice and accountability, and expressing evidence-based criticisms against the government," said the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) representatives.
Society Organizations (CSO) argues that the criminalisation of Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar Fatia is in contravention with several of Indonesia’s international commitments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
On Tuesday November 14, 2023 the public prosecutor demanded three years and six months prison sentence for Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and four years for Lawyer Haris Azhar, at the East Jakarta District Court for alleged defamation under Article 27 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 45 paragraph (3) of the Electronic and Information Transaction (EIT) Law.
The charge of defamation against Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, were brought by the Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, in September 2021
The Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, alleged that Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, had defamed him in a video on Haris Azhar's YouTube channel on August 20, 2021
The Metro Jaya Special Crimes Detective Directorate in Jakarta alleged that Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, had accused Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan of conflict in his mining interests in Papua.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Senator Leila de Lima calls for investigation of chief justices over use of convict testimony against her

Former Philippines Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, calls for an investigation into former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra Friday November 24, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, December 1: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, who was released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame on bail last month, has called for an investigation into
former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra after the Court of Appeals ordered the Office of the Ombudsman to act on her complaints against the two Justices over use of convicted criminals as witnesses against the former Senator, report the Philippine Inquirer.
The Court of Appeal also reversed the Ombudsman dismissal of former Senator, Leila de Lima's, complaint against former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra over the prosecution under the then President Rodrigo Duterte government use of convicted criminals as state witnesses who signed affidavits against the Senator in exchange for dismissing the charges against them.
The Court of Appeal reversed the Ombudsman dismissal of former Senator, Leila de Lima's, complaint, making the complaint null and void citing "lack of due process."
"With the reversal of the Ombudsman dismissal by the Court of Appeal, I expect the Ombudsman to now conduct a full investigation of both chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra, said former Senator Leila De Lima.
Former Senator Leila De Lima said that former Chief Justice Menardo Guevarra, who serves as the solicitor general, should at least be required "to answer the administrative aspect of the case and defend his role in supporting criminal convicts as state witnesses even if they are disqualified from being granted immunity under the law."
Former Senator Leila De Lima argued that former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra violated Republic Act No. 6981, or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, as well as Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code, and Section 3(e) of the Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Former Senator, Leila de Lima, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under the former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, called for protective custody for seven prisoners on her release on bail from the philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame last month.
Former Senator, Leila de Lima, called for the transfer of seven prisoners from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in the Muntinlupa City Region (NCR) "for their own protection" after the prisoners had retracted their testmonies in a letter addressed to Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Friday November 17, 2023.
"We no longer desire to live our lives with the knowledge that we allowed ourselves to become pawns or instruments of injustice… If given the chance to retract, it will be our way of expressing our sincerest apologies to Senator De Lima and her family,” the inmates said in the letter.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission seizes gold bars purchased with public donations for Palestine

Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, centre, and board of directors of the Muslim Non-Gvernment Organisations (NGO) Aman Palestin Bhd, have given the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) three days to release frozen accounts or legal action will be taken

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 29: Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, that is under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged misuse of public donations for Palestine, revealed on Tuesday that gold bars seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) were purchased by public donations collected by Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, with lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, saying "its board of directors are allowed to invest in several ways," reports the Star.
Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, for the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd., denied that gold bars that were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a raid on the Aman Palestin Bhd, premises were the result of the misappropriation of the public donations, saying "the board of directors are allowed to invest in several ways."
He said that there are 16 powers given to the board of directors of Aman Palestin Bhd., saying "it is not wrong, after all the gold is valuable and easy to convert into cash before sending to those in need."
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that launched an investigation into the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, last month, said the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), and the Penal Code.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, said it has frozen RM15 million in 41 bank accounts connected to the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd., and other companies in the alleged misappropriation of alleged RM70 million by the Aman Palestin Bhd., Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
The Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) in Perlis State suspended Aman Palestin Bhd fund raising activities effective October 12, pending the completion of an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Perlis Mufti, Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said he had instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) not to allow Aman Palestin Bhd to collect donations in places of worship and relevant religious premises within the state.
He said he held reservations about the collection and distribution of donations by Aman Palestin Bhd, calling for more transparency.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines considering proposals to resume membership of International Criminal Court in The Hague

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction to conduct an investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s "war on drugs" on Friday November 24, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, November 29: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the Philippines was considering proposals to resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after former President Rodrigo Dutere withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17, 2019, saying "problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained," reports the Philippine Inquirer.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said "the Philippines considers the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines to be interference" ahead of the House of Representatives Resolution on Monday November 20, 2023 that reinforced the Supreme Court ruling that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs" under the former President Rodrigo Dutere administration.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday November 24 after the House of Representaives Resolution reinforced the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs" that "problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained."
He said that the withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague by former President Rodrigo Dutere brings into question whether or not it is "actually possible" that the Philippines can resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" campaign.
Vice President Sara Duterte said that she respects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to consider proposals for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite maintaining her position against cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an investigation into the "war on drugs" under the former President Rodrigo Dutere administration.
"We will continue to work with the Department of Justice regarding the Philippine position on the matter of jurisdiction and sovereignty," she said.
Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, said following the House of Representatives Resolution on Monday November 20, 2023 that "the question of cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been asked of the President many times and he has consistently said that our courts will not be rendered subordinate to the ICC and that we are a sovereign nation with its own system of Justice."
"Lets stand our ground as the President has done, many times," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Court sentences Andal Ampatuan Jr., to 210 years in prison for embezzlement on anniversary of Maguindanao massacre

The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court sentenced Andal Ampatuan Jr. to 210 years in prison on Thursday, 23 November 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, November 28: The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court sentenced Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, who is accused of organising the November 23, 2009 massacre of political opponents and reporters in the southern Philippines, to 210 years in prison for 21 counts of corruption for embezzling funds for the purchase of fuel and lubricants amounting to P44-million, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Former Maguindanao governor, the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, was accused of organising the November 23, 2009 massacre in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Province, southwestern Mindanao, southern Philippines in which 58 political opponents, including the prospective candidate's wife and sister and 31 reporters were killed.
The political opponents and reporters were massacred while on their way to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu to challenge the incumbent Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court Associate Justices, Sarah Jane Fernandez, Karl Miranda and Kevin Narce Vivero said that the prosecution had proved that Andal Ampatuan Jr., also a former Mindanao governor, has conspired with his father, the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, and officials in the Maguindanao Provincial Government to award the contract for purchase of fuel and lubricants to the Andal Ampatuan Jr. gas station from 2001 to 2008.
Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court said that evidence showed that the Maguindanao Provincial Government released cash advances as payment for the fuel and lubricants, saying "it was revealed later that no complete delivery of the fuel and lubricants was made."
"While the Court cannot determine if there was no delivery at all or if there was only partial delivery of the fuel and lubricants to the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, the accused undoubtedly caused undue injury to the Provincial Government of Maguindanao because public funds were released as payment for goods not completely delivered," said the court
In April 2019 the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division anti-corruption court, Justices Bayani Jacinto, Alex Quiroz and Reynaldo Cruz sentenced the second son of the late Andal Ampatuan Sr,, Sajid Ampatuan, also a former Maguindanao governor, to a total maximum prison term of 556 years that included a prison term of six months and one day to eight years for each count of falsification, eight to 12 years for corruption and reclusion perpetua or 40 years imprisonment for corruption.
The former governor of Maguindanao province, Sajid Ampatuan, and co-accused officials claimed to have purchased timber and other construction materials for the repair of a school building in Maguindanao Province.
The former governor of Maguindanao province, Sajid Ampatuan, and co-accused official were charged with fabricating 73 disbursement vouchers to embezzle provincial funds from May to September 2009 in the purchase of construction materials from a fictitious or non existent supplier.
The late Andal Ampatuan Sr his sons Andal Ampatuan Jr., Sajid Ampatuan pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges of murder against them in the November 23, 2009 massacre of 58 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Province, southwestern Mindanao, southern Philippines.
The dead were reportedly shot at close range, some with their hands tied behind their backs, and dumped or buried in shallow graves on a remote road close to Ampatuan.
More than 100 court hearings have been held since the Maguindanao massacre trial began in 2010 with 104 including eight members of the Ampatuan clan arraigned.
89 of the 193 allegedly responsible for the massacre remain at large not including three wittnesses that have since been killed.
In June 2012 Shariff Aguak police superintendent Marcelo Pintac confirmed that Alijol Ampatuan, 36, a potential witness to the massacre had been killed.
Three witnesses and three relatives of other witnesses were killed including the driver for the Ampatuan family and a supposed key witness to the massacre, the driver Esmail Amil Enog, who testified that he had driven dozens of armed men who participated in the massacre, was mutilated and dismembered.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha richer on leaving office than when he took office

Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) former, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and wife, Naraporn, on their trip to Japan on Wednesday October 25, 2023, saying "trip to Japan was the first family trip abroad in 10 years"

From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 27: Thailands National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has revealed the declared assets and debts of 18 pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) members including the declared assets and debts of former Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, showing that the former Prime Minister was richer on leaving office than when he took office after declaring martial law in 2014, reports the Bangkok Post.
National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assistant secretary-general Phuthep Thaweechotethanakul, said on Friday that former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was 2 million baht richer on leaving office after losing the elections in May 2023, with assets worth 89.2 million than when he took office in 2014 with assetts worth 87.3 million and a small debt of 757.26 baht.
The former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn, declared 130.2 million baht worth of assets without debt in 2023, an increase of 27.9 million baht on their declaration in 2014, when Commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha declared martial law under the Royal Thai Army (RTM).
In 2014 former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn declared assets worth 128.6 million baht and debts of 654.745 baht.
In 2022 former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn declared that assetts worth 98.6 million baht were bank deposits, investments, two land plots, four cars worth 10.7 million baht, including a Porsche Panamera, nine gold wristwatches, nine guns and two bicycles, reporting an income tax payment of 343,814 baht.
Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's wife, Naraporn, declared assets totalling 31.5 million baht that included bank savings, four plots of land, a Toyota Alphard and sets of accessories, paying an annual income of 453,351 baht and annual expenses of 400,000 baht.
National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assistant secretary-general Phuthep Thaweechotethanakul, said the NACC was running a further check on former interior minister Anupong Paojinda's assets and liabilities, saying "this was part of a routine check."
In April 2023 the Supreme Administrative Court ordered the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to disclose two of three sets of documents to Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid within 15 days.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid claimed then that pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon had omitted to declare the ownership of 22 luxury gold watches and rings on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assets declaration list in 2017.
Acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon claimed that he had "borrowed the gold watches from a long-time collector friend.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid filed a petition at the Supreme Administrative Court demanding disclosure of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation into the undisclosed assets following the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissal of accusations that General Prawit Wongsuwon had falsely declared his wealth in the declaration of assets.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled in 2018 that there were no grounds to accuse General Prawit Wongsuwon of falsely declaring his wealth in the 2017 declaration of assets.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid, said that he intends to organise a campaigne to collect at least 20,000 signatures to initiate impeachment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commissioners for "disregarding the very law they are meant to uphold."
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Senator Leila de Lima calls for protective custody for prisoners retracting testimony against her

Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) calls for protection of prisoners who have retracted their testimonies against alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade

From News Reports:
Manila, November 26: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, who was released on bail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame last week, has called for protective custody of seven prisoners who have retracted their testimonies against her, with the prisoners saying "we retracted in the interest of truth and justice," reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, called for the transfer of the prisoners from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro the after the prisoners retracted their testmonies in a letter addressed to Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Friday November 17, 2023.
"We no longer desire to live our lives with the knowledge that we allowed ourselves to become pawns or instruments of injustice, the inmates said in the letter.
Lawyer Bonifacio Tacardon, said that he has "filed an urgent motion for transfer of the seven prisoners, German Agojo, Tomas Doniña, Jaime Patcho, Engelberto Durano, Jerry Pepino, and Hans Anton Tan from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in the Muntinlupa City Region (NCR) for their own protection."
In May 2022 the prosecution star witness Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, withdrew his statements that accused Senator Leila de Lima of drug trafficking at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during the Senator's term as Justice Secretary.
"The withdrawal by the former Bureau of Corrections officer of the accusations against Senator Leila de Lima in an affidavit should compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to drop all charges against Senator Leila de Lima," said Lawyer, De Leon for Senator Leila de Lima.
Lawyer, De Leon said then that the Rafael Ragos retraction followed the retraction of key witness Rolan Kerwin Espinosa, who said he had been misled by the police into signing his affidavit against the senator in exchange for dropping charges against him.
Sen. Leila de Lima has denied charges of alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP), accusing President Duterte of political persecution.
In April 2009 Senator De Lima in her role as the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, said that the Commission would prove there is a Davao Death Squad (DDS) in Mindanao in the southern Phillipines that was initiated and funded by former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte
"The Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigation had "found evidence of complicity and at times direct involvement of government officials and members of the police in killings by the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS)."
The Southeast Asian Times

US$12.5 billion embezzled from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank "just the tip of the iceberg"

From News Reports:
HCMCity, November 25: The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 under the Ministry of Public Security has charged Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, and 86 others with embezzlement, bribery and violation of banking regulations, with former represenatative of the National Bank of Vietnam in New York, Bui Kien Thanh, saying, "And when the bubble bursts, the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) embezzlement of US$12.5 billion will be just the tip of the iceberg," reports the Vietnam News Agency.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 found that Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat (VTP) Group, used the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) to raise capital, saying

Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group at the opening of The Reverie Saigon in Times Square on Tues September 1, 2015 was arrested on Saturday October 7, 2023 for embezzlement

"Chairwoman Truong My Lan, directed bank appointees to provide loans resulting in the embezzlement of VNÐ304 trillion (US$12.5 billion) from the bank."
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 claims that ghost companies were established to borrow from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) for use by Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group.
Former represenatative of the National Bank of Vietnam in New York, Bui Kien Thanh, said "the value of the known embezzlement amounts to about 6 percent of Vietnam's GDP" saying "apart from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) scandal, real estate is another bubble that can burst at any time in Vietnam."
"A large group of companies often borrow seven or eight times more than the value of their assets," he said.
"No country's banking system operates in that way," he said.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 found that "although Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, did not hold any position at the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) she had held a controlling stake in the bank of 85 percent to 91.5 percent since 2012.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 claimed that Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, appointed relatives to positions on the Board of Directors Executive Board of the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) , saying "all transactions of the bank basically served Truong My Lan's purpose."
The Southeast Asian Times

Senator Maria Marcos against ICC investigation into "war on drugs"

From News Reports:
Manila, November 24: Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, is against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague investigation into the former President Rodrigo Dutere's "war on drugs," saying "Lets stand our ground as the President has done, many times," reports the Philippine Inquirer..
On Monday the House of Representatives Resolution No 1477 reinforced the Supreme Court ruling that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has jurisdiction in the Situation in the Philippines, with Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, saying "the question of the cooperation with ICC has been asked of the President many times."
"The President has consistently said that our courts will not be rendered subordinate to the ICC and that we are a sovereign nation with its own system of justice," she said.

Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, statement against ICC in The Hague investigation in "war on drugs" on Monday November 20, 2023

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said in April 2023 after the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague rejection of the Philippine government appeal to halt investigations into the "war on drugs" that "the Philippines considers the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines to be interference."
"The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines is an attack on the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines," he said.
The House of Representatives Resolution No 1477 reinforced the Supreme Court ruling in July, 2021 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague has jurisdiction in the Philippines despite the former Philippines President Rodrigo Dutere withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity had been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019, saying "a preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Conference of rulers consent to proposals and improvements to Syariah law before Federal Parliament

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur November 21, 2023.

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 23: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in reply to a question from the Kelantan Member of Parliament who was petitioned by two women to challenge the Kelantan Syariah law, that "the Conference of Rulers in Malaysia would have to give their consent to any proposals and improvements to Syariah law proposed by a special committee before the proposals and improvements were tabled in Parliament," reports Bernama.
Member of Parliament for Gua Musang in Kelantan, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to make clear the Ferederal Government stance on the Notice of Pettition filed by two women lawyers challenging the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, and the federal government's efforts to safeguard the Syariah Court.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in reply that "the Conference of Rulers have given consent to the committee to study ways to enhance the powers of the Syariah Court for Muslims in Malaysia,"
"That is why we have this special committee, to coordinate the implementation of Syariah law," he said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that "any decisions by the Federal Court in the constitutional challenge by the two Kelantan Muslim women would not hinder the Federal Governments efforts to strengthen the Syariah Court through the special committee," he said.
He said the Conference of Rulers have given their consent to the selection of members on the special committee, saying "the committee members will be required to engage with the State Islamic Religious Councils and state governments before any matter is finalised."
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the public should have a correct understanding of the Notice of Pettition filed by two women lawyers challenging the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, saying "the case is not about challenging Syariah law but rather challenging considerations involving state powers in the Constitution.
Kelantan lawyers Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku are challenging the constitutionality and validity of Kelantan's Shariah laws at the Federal Court saying " 20 provisions of the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 are invalid and null and void.
Of the 20 provisions of Shariah Law offences listed by the Kelantan state legislature that include Sections 5, false claim; Section 11, destroying or defiling place of worship; Section 13, selling or giving away child to non-Muslim or morally reprehensible Muslim; Section 14, Section 16 and Section 17, sodomy, sexual intercourse with corpse, sexual intercourse with non-human; Section 30, words capable of breaking peace; and Section 31, sexual harassment, 13 were enacted in November 2021.
"The Kelantan state legislature has no powers to make laws on these matters, " said the lawyers.
The Southeast Asian Times

China renames German-made diesel engines for made-in-China submarines for Thailand

Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm Adung Phaniam said that changing the engine's name did not breach the 2017 contract with China at the Royal Thai Navy headquarters on Monday November 20, 2023

From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 22: A made-in-China version of the German-made MTU 396 diesel engine is to be fitted in three made-in China Yuan-class S26T submarines for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), after China's failure to obtain German-made diesel engines as stipulated in the 2017 contract with the state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), with Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm Adung Phaniam, saying "China has given the German made MTU 396 diesel engine a new name," reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Navy, Adm Adung Phaniam said at a ceremony for the 117th anniversary of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) on Monday that the new name for the made-in-China version of the German made MTU 396 diesel engine is CHD620.
"The China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) is prepared to install the made-in-China CHD620 diesel engine in three made-in-China Yuan-class S26T submarines for the Royal Thai Navy," he said.
Royal Thai Navy, Adm Adung Phaniam said that changing the engine's name did not breach the 2017 Royal Thai Navy (RTN) contract with state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), saying "China produces the CHD620 diesel engines for Germany."
In April 2022 Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to cancel the 2017 contract with state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) to build S26T Yuan-class submarines, saying "China cannot fulfil the 2017 agreement that stipulates the fitting of German-made MTU396 diesel engines in the three made-in China Yuan-class S26T submarines."
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."
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) was based on the 1989 European Union (EU) arms embargo imposed on China.
The then 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 in Parliament.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) agreement to purchase three S26T Yuan-class submarines from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), worth 13.5 billion baht (US$408 million), was stalled due to China's failure to obtain German-made diesel engines as stipulated in the 2017 contract.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's demand for jail sentences for NGO's "not objective," says lawyer

Indonesia calls for prison sentences for Indonesia Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, left and Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, Tuesday November 14, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 19: The public prosecutor (JPU) has called for prison sentences for the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, charged with defaming Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, with co-founder of the Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) Nurkholis Hidayat, saying "the sentences demanded by the prosecution were not objective, reports the Jakarta Post.
Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Nurkholis Hidayat, who claims "to independently, fairly and objectively serve democracy, human rights and the rule of law by countering abuse of powers, corruption and human rights violations, said at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday "We believe that these sentences are far from being objective."
The public prosecutor (JPU) demand a maximum sentence of three years and six months in prison for Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and four years in prison for co-founder of the Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Haris Azhar.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Nurkholis Hidayat, said the prosecution did not address freedom of expression, conflicts of interest by public officials or the narrative of Anti Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (Anti-SLAPP, litigation intended to silence critics), saying "which are the essence of Azhar and Maulidiyanti's criticisms of Coordinaring Maritime and Investment Minster, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan."
"The prosecutors demand for prison sentences were part of "malicious Prosecution" or a form of criminalisation because the charges are not based on the arguments made in court," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) co-founder Nurkholis Hidayat said that demands for the prison sentences read by the prosecutor at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday contain personal hostilities, bias, or other reasons outside of the interests of justice.
"This can be seen from the demand for maximum sentences, of four years in prison, and the prosecution stating that there are no mitigating factors," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Muhammad Isnur, said that he believes "the prosecution demand for prison sentences for Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar are a danger alarm for democracy, in particular civil liberties in Indonesia."
"The sentence demands further reinforce the view that the public prosecutor's office is a law enforcement institution that has made a huge contribution to the poor state of human rights in Indonesia, in particular freedom of opinion," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Muhammad Isnur, said that the prosecution has also acted unprofessionally because it has initiated demands that are manipulative, evil and political, saying "the Information and Electronic Transaction Law (ITE) confirms that this legal product is problematic, is catchall, and undermines the public's digital rights."
In September 2021 Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, brought defamation charges against the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar.
Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, complained to the police about a statement made by Fatia Maulidayanta, in a video on Haris Azhar's YouTube channel on August 20, 2021.
The Police report alleged that Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar had accused Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan of economic conflict of interest over mining in Papua.
The Metro Jaya Special Crimes Detective Directorate in Jakarta declared Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar suspects in the defamation of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan good name.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia endorces Critical Minerals Dialogue at APEC

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Fransisco on Friday November 17, 2023

From News Reports:
San Fransicso, November 20: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders endorced a Critical Minerals Dialogue at the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Fransisco on Friday, with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying "Australia's in a strong position when it comes to critical minerals," reports Reuters.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) leaders that include 15 of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members have endorsed a Critical Minerals Dialogue.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) members including Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam endorsed the Critical Minerals Dialogue saying " it was to strengthen collaboration in critical minerals supply chains and to boost regional competitiveness."
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Critical Minerals Dialogue will assist the region in transitioning to clean energy, saying
"Australia's vision is to become a renewable energy superpower for our region."
"Australia will play a crucial role in building the region's supply chains as it undertakes this energy transition." he said.
In September 2023 Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, released the Invested: Australia Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta, saying "Australia's economic future lies with Southeast Asia, "he said.
He announcing a $95 million package for business to invest in the Southeast Asian region, saying "Southeast Asia’s fast-growing economies present a major opportunity for Australian business,"
In May 2022 United States President Joe Biden launched the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Washington to invest $150 million in the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for infrastructure development and security.
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.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Defense Ministers welcome new ASEAN Timor-Leste member

Timor-Leste Defence Minister, Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gome, left, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. right, at the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Jakarta on Thursday November 16, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 19: The 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus, attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, welcomed the newly admitted 11th ASEAN member, Defense Minister, Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gome, of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to participate in the ADMM Plus meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, reports Antara.
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, chair of the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus meeting, said that the meeting with Defence Minister from new ASEAN member Timor-Leste and Defence Ministers from ASEAN member countries "was an opportunity for constructive discussions of mutual interest."
"I convey to all Defence Ministers today that Timor-Leste Defense Minister Gome is welcome to participate in the ADMM Plus meeting," he said.
The 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus was attendend by Defence Ministers from nine ASEAN member countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, excluding Myanmar.
ASEAN observer countries including Defence Ministers from Australia, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, and Russia also attended the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Jakarta on Thursday.
In February, Indonesia as ASEAN chair for 2023 supported full partnersip of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste as the 11th member of the regional Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) with President of Indonesia, Jokowi Widodo saying in a joint statement with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the Bogor Presidential Palace, that " the acceptance of Timor- Leste as a member of ASEAN was in accordance with the results of the ASEAN Summit 2022 in Cambodia.
Cambodia as chair of Asean for 2022 admitted Timor Leste to the ASEAN membership as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits held in Phnom Penh in November 2022 with a statement saying "ASEAN will grant Timor-Leste observer status and allow Timor-Leste participation at all ASEAN meetings."
The statement said that "ASEAN agreed to formalize an objective criteria-based roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership", saying "the roadmap will be based on the milestones identified in the reports of ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams."
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's Democratic Action Party calls for ratification of UN Convention to end public whipping

Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair, Kasthuri Patto, calls on Malaysia to ratify the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat) in order to end public whipping as stipulted by the State Syariah Court

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 18: Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) has called on Malaysia to ratify the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat), with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair calling for an end to public whipping as stipulted by the State Syariah Court, reports Free Malaysia Today.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair Kasthuri Patto called on Malaysia to establish a council to produce sentencing guidelines for Malaysians convicted of crimes and to end public whipping.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair Kasthuri Patto said that "the best way forward is to produce sentencing guidelines for the benefit of judges and the deputy public prosecutor, saying "the guidelines can be applied with transapency, accountability and integrity to uphold the rule of law and the sancitiy of the judicial system."
"The resentencing of seven death row inmates to life imprisonment of 30 years in the first batch of cases reviewed by the Federal Court following the reforms last week, recieved positive feedback, especially from the inmates of the families," she said.
She called on the Malaysian government to sign the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat)
"to move away from cruel punishment, to embrace rehabilitation justice in line with international standards."
"This is our chance to do the right thing, to be a beacon of human rights, the rule of law and justice," she said.
In February 2022 the Malaysian Federal Court ruled that the State Syariah Court review of Islamic Religious Council decisions was unconstitutional in the Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) constitutional challenge of the State Shariah Court power to review a fatwa edict.
The Federal Court nine-judge panel headed by chief justice, Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, ruled unanimously in favour of the Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) constitutional challenge of the State Shariah Court power to review a fatwa edict issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) that had labelled the Sisters in Islam (SIS) as a deviant organisation in 2014.
The Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) filed an application to the Federal Court on January 21, 2022 to challenge the State Shariah Court power to review the fatwa edict issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) after the Kuala Lumpur High Court had dismissed the Sisters in Islam's (SIS) application.
The Federal Court nine-judge panel ruled that Section 66A of the Administration of the Religion of Islam in the State of Selangor Enactment 2003 as it stands is unconstitutional.
“I find Section 66A, as it stands, is unconstitutional and void, as it is a provision the legislative assembly has no power to make,” she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Senator Leila de Lima to help ICC in investigation into former President Duterte's war on drugs

Former Philippines senator Leila de Lima released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in Camp Crame after seven years in detention on Monday November 13, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, November 17: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, was realeased on bail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in Camp Crame where she has been detained since her arrest in 2017 for alleged involvement in the drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under the former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, with lawyer Dino de Leon, saying "the former Senator is interested in helping the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs."
Lawyer Dino de Leon said "the former senator would continue the work that she has started," saying "the former senator is willing to provide the International Criminal Court (ICC) with evidence that she has or that her committee was able to secure before she was detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in 2017.
He said former Senator Leila De Lima believes in the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, and her quest was and always has been that human rights violations do not happen in the Philippines, saying "the former Senator has tried her best as a Senator which is why she was politically persecuted."
In May 2022 the prosecution star witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, who gave evidence against Senator Leila de Lima, that led to her arrest in 2017 for involvement in alleged drug trafficking at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) during the Rodrigo Duterte administration, was withdrawn with the senator's lawyer Dino de Leon, saying "the greatest frame-up in Philippine history is unraveling."
"The withdrawal by the former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, of the accusations against Senator Leila de Lima in an affidavit should compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to drop all charges against Senator Leila de Lima," he said.
He said that former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, said in the affidavit that was notarized on April 30, 2022 in Pasig City that the then Justice Secretary, Vitaliano Aguirre II, had coerced him into testifying against Senator Leile De Lima.
Lawyer, De Leon said then that the Rafael Ragos retraction followed the retraction of key witness Rolan Kerwin Espinosa, who said he had been misled by police into signing an affidavit against the senator in exchange for charges dropped against him.
In July 2021 the Philippines Supreme Court ruled that the International Criminal Court (ICC) can prosecute government officials for alledged crimes against humanity committed before the Philippines withdrew from the tribunal in 2019 and despite President Rodrigo Dutere claim that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said then that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 in the Government of Philippines war on drugs campaign.
"A preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's anti-LGBT movement threatens to set fire to British band, Coldplay, concert in Jakarta

Indonesia's Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protest at British embassy in Jakarta calling for cancellation of British band, Coldplay, performance at Bung Karno Sports Stadium in Jakarta on Friday November 10, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 15: Indonesia's Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protested opposition to the concert by Grammy Award-winning British band, Coldplay, at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Firday, threatening to set fire to the stage if the Coldplay performance goes ahead on Wedneday November 15, reports Rueters.
Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati coveyed opposition to the British band Coldplay concert at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Friday, saying "don't let the event go ahead."
"The Islamic community will be angry, the people will be angry, everyone will bring petrol and we'll set fire to Coldplay's stage", she said at the British Embassy on Friday.
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protested against the planned Coldplay concert in Indonesia, saying "the band campaigns for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people."
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati said that "it was not just the issue of LGBT demanding "the Coldplay concert be cancelled because of the current situation in Palestine."
"It's not that we are against concerts. This isn't any old concert. It's because they'll be LGBT propaganda in it", said the spokesperson.
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati said "there were lots of people being massacred in Palestine that we should be mourning," saying "why should they force us to have fun."
In May, 2023 the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), that incorporates all Indonesian Muslim organisations, called on the Indonesia President, Joko Widodo, to ban the planned tour of Indonesia by Thai musicians and actors, Putthipong Assaratanakul, 24, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn, 24, 'Billkin and PP Krit' on June 10, saying "the Thai musicians and actors represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights,
On May 22, 2023 the Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) secretary-general, Nasrudin Hassan, called on the British Coldplay band to cancel the concert to be held at Kuala Lumpur's National Stadium Buki Jalil on 22 November, asking the question "why does the government want to nurture a culture of hedonism and perversion in this country?
Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) secretary-general, Nasrudin Hassan advised the Malaysian government to cancel the performance, saying "it brings nothing good to religion, race and country.
In December 2022 The United States special envoy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+persons (LGBTQI+ persons), Jessica Stern, planned visit to Indonesia was cancelled after the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman, Anwar Abbas said "the visit would harm Indonesia's religious and cultural values."
"The visit was intended to undermine Indonesia's cultural and religious rights," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hanoi Peoples Court sentences 22 to prison for loss on Da Nang Queang Ngai Expressway project

Expressway Corporation (VEC) former chairman Mai Tuan Anh, left, and former director, Tran Van Tam, at the People's Court of Hanoi on Friday November 10, 2023

From News Reports:
Hanoi, November 15: The People's Court of Hanoi sentenced 22 defendents including a former director and chairman of the Expressway Corporation (VEC) to prison for causing loss of VNÐ460 billion (US$18.7 million) to the state in the construction of the second phase of the Da Nang - Queang Ngai Expressway project, with the court ruling "there was a lack of rigorous guidance in the project's direction," reports the Vietnam News Service.
The People's Court of Hanoi sentenced Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) former director, Tran Van Tam, to five years and six months in prison for "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences" and for "negligence causing serious consequences."
Chairman of the Board and former Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) Director, Mai Tuan Anh, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for "negligence causing serious consequences."
Former Expressway Corporation (VEC) Deputy Directors, Nguyen Minh Hung and Le Quang Hao, were sentenced to 11 years and 8 years
respectively for "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences."
The remaining 18 defendants were also convicted of "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences", and were sentenced from 5 to 10 years in prison.
The defendants include three former leaders of the Project Management Board of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project, Hoang Viet Hung, Nguyen Tien Thanh and Ðo Ngoc An.
The construction of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project managed by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) totalling 140 kilometres began in May 2013.
Phase 1 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project that spans 65 kilometres from Ða Nang to Tam Ky in Quang Nam Province was opened in 2017
Phase 2 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project that spans 75 kilometres from Tam Ky to Quang Ngai in Quang Ngai Province was opened in September 2018.
Numerous defects appeared after the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project went into operation affecting traffic safety and overall performance with the Peoples Court of Hanoi ruling "there was a lack of rigorous guidance in the project's direction."
"Construction management and inspection and control of construction quality was insufficiently conducted at various stages and steps according to construction regulations," said the Peoples Court of Hanoi.
The Peoples Court ruled that in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project managed by the Expressway Corporation (VEC) project, that construction materials did not meet technical standards and design requirements, resulting in damage and serious consequences for the operation of the expressway.
In January 2012 the World Bank loaned Vietnam $613.5-million for the construction of the Da Nang – Quang Ngai Expressway,
with World Bank country director in Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, saying "It is the first time that the World Bank is financing an expressway in
Vietnam,"
"This is in recognition of Vietnam’s need for modern infrastructure as it addresses emerging challenges of a lower middle income country.”
World Bank country director in Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, said then "the Da Nang – Quang Ngai highway is expected to reduce the incidence of accidents, and facilitate domestic and international trade."
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian fleeing death sentence released from immigration detention centre in Australia

Malaysia's former Special Action Squad member Corporal, Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, released from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Australia cannot be departed

From News Reports:
Australia, November 14: Malaysia's former Special Action Squad member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, who was arrested by the Australian Immigration officials in Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland in January 2015, after fleeing Malaysia in October 2014 ahead of a death sentence by the Kuala Lumpur Federal court in absentia for the murder of Mongolian translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28. was released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Australia, with his lawyer saying "Sirul Azhar Umar cannot be deported back to Malaysia," reports Reuters.
Lawyer, William Levingston, said that Sirul Azhar Umar was released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Sydney together with more than a hundred other immigration detainees after a High Court decision on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, saying "but he could not be deported back to Malaysia".
"My client faces death by hanging in Malaysia for a murder conviction and until the death penalty is abolished by the Malaysian government, the Australian government would not be able to deport Sirul due to non-refoulement obligations under international law," he said.
The Australian High Court overturned a 20-year precendent that had allowed for the ongoing detention of non-citizens without visas provided the government stated an intent to remove the detainees as soon as "reasonably practicable".
Special Action Squad, member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, who fled Malaysia in October 2014, was one of two Malaysian special police sentenced to death in January 2015 in the Kuala Lumpur Federal court in absentia for the murder of Mongolian translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28.
Special Action Squad, member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, claims that a superior had ordered him to assist Malaysian Strategic Research Centre executive director, Abdul Razak Baginda, 56, saying that he had done no more than to meet Altantuya Shaariibuu and advise her not to harass Abdul Razak Baginda or create a 'ruckus' outside Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda's residence.
Translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was believed to have been pregnant, reportedly died of two bullet wounds to the head with C4 explosives reportedly used in an effort to destroy her body in a jungle clearing at Mukim Bukit Raja on October 18, 2006.
Malaysian Strategic Research Centre executive director, Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, who worked for the then deputy prime minister, Najib Razak, was aquitted of any charges with Judge Mohammad Zaki Mommad Yasin saying that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of conspiring to murder the Mongolian woman.
”He is therefore acquitted and discharged,” he said.
In 2009 the trial of the two Special Action Squad members Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar,
charged with killing the woman interpreter ended with a guilty verdict and a death sentence, with Judge, Mohammad Zaki Mohammad Yasin saying that he found the defence of the two elete guards, who pleaded not guilty, "unbelievable".
In 2013 the court of appeals acquitted the two Special Action Squad members Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, of the murder but in 2015 a Federal Court decision overturned the Court of Appeal decision that had revoked the 2009 High Court guilty verdict and death sentence handed down to the two men.
In 2018 following the election of Dr Mahatir Mohomad, as Prime Minister, Member of Parliament, Lim Lip Eng called on police to reopen the investigation into the murder of the Mongolian translator, lodging a report with the Jinjang police station on 26 May.
"Both the High Court and Federal Court had failed to discover the motive behind the murder or the identity of the person who ordered the murder," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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Australia
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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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