Survey
after survey shows that Thais
Do
not mind corruption
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 29, 2023
|
Re: "Make wages real", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Saturday May 13, 2023.
Lungstib writes it's time to look at why life here is so expensive
and who is raking in the money in but still won't pay a living wage.
Sir, don't look any further for an answer.
A great deal of it is graft at all levels, be it infrastructure
or politicians and everything in between.
Another one is monopolies of big companies like CP among others,
controlling large swathes of the economy.
That alone could add up to half the price of goods and services.
The government stands by and does nothing.
Since the former senior country economist at the World Bank, Sawai
Boonma, wrote his column about fighting corruption in 2010, nothing
in Thailand has really changed.
And worst of all is that survey after survey shows the majority
of Thais do not mind corruption as long as they get something out
of it.
So, can we assume that the population itself is ultimately to blame
that life here is so expensive?
S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The people of Papua News
Guinea wants life reflective
Of gold, copper, zinc, nickel oil and gas
deposits
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday May 29, 2023
First published in the National Friday May 26, 2023
|
Papua New Guinea boasts of several huge golds, copper
and nickel mines with LNG gas deposits predicted to be the worlds
largest gas deposit and of high quality and grade earning huge income
for the country.
But what is as funny about this so-called rich and blessed country
is that it cannot manage well money gained through its resources
to bring tangible development and addressing the plights and welfare
of its citizens.
A country of several gold mine with a largest LNG gas deposit and
vast forests of high quality timber resources with its sea filled
with marine resources.
This blessed Papua New Guinea must not remain like that in the eyes
of other Pacific island neighbours and powerful countries of the
world.
Fiji, which is smaller than Papua New Guinea do not have gold mines,
LNG gas projects, timber and marine resources, its people are living
a more decent and developed lifestyle than Papua New Guineans.
Why is this, a question we all Papua New Guineans need to ask ourselves.
Fiji has no valuable resources as us and even cash crops as coffee,
tea, cocoa, copra and oil palm but has its own flight school.
It is a mockery for Papua New Guinea to send students to attend
flight school in Fiji.
We must lead a life that is reflective of a country of gold, copper,
zinc, nickel oil and gas deposits.
Remote communities, including islands and atolls community are hoping
for schools and aid post to be built for them.
While some are hoping for a road to connect them to the outside
world.
Others are hoping for footbridge, electricity, water supply, communication
and radio signals in their communities.
Why our towns and cities daily filled with betel nut and cigarette
sellers? Is this a good sign of a country that boast of all the
resources of the world?
Why our towns and cities having beggars and drug addicts fronting
the streets and public places daily?
Why are there prevalent robberies and other lawlessness in the country?
Why people are leaving their villages to take up residency in urban
settlements and makeshift home and slums.
All those acts of eyesore activities and conduct will be minimised
or stopped if we manage well funds from our resources in a meaningful
and productive manner.
Paul Minga,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Thailand's public debt
is much higher
Than the official 60 percent figure
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 28, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday May 26, 2023
|
Re: "Government faces 4 economic time bombs",
Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday May 18, 2023.
After reading the article by economist Chartchai Parasuk, I wish
nothing but the best of luck to the incoming government; it's clear
that whoever is in charge will have their hands full.
Firstly, even though Thailand s household debt to GDP ratio at about
86 percent favours quite well in comparison to other countries such
as Switzerland, which has a rate of 129 percent, it should be mentioned
that Thailand's non-mortgaged debt to GDP ratio is among the highest
in the world at over 60 percent, while Switzerland's is at less
than 5 percent. Mr Chartchai makes clear that the non-mortgaged
household debt to GDP ratio is the critical figure since these contain
high-interest rates, while the mortgaged ratios have low-interest
rates and are usually long-term. Disturbingly, it's been found that
those making less than 15,000 baht per month have seen their debts
increase by over 25 percent during the last year.
Secondly, Thailand's public debt is much higher than the official
60 percent figure when one considers that lots of public debt is
hidden in the government books at public banks, and the full cost
of such things as the Covid-relief packages have yet to be fully
accounted for.
Even worse is that there's been negative excess liquidity in the
economy for about the last two years and that inflation has increased
by over 8% during this period without a concomitant wage increase.
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call
for Papua New Guinea government to refrain
Fom
calling Papua New Guinea a Christian country.
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 27 2023
First published in the National Friday May 19, 2023
|
Is Papua New Guinea a Christian country in the true
sense of the word?
Sadly, this is so far from the truth we see played out in PNG.
I dont think Papua New Guinea is a Christian country.
We are simply professing to be a Christian country without providing
tangible evidence to support our empty claim.
Deeply rooted corruption in a nation that profess to be a so-called
Christian country is painting a wrong image on what true Christianity
is genuinely about.
It hinders people from opening their hearts to know Christ.
I plead to our Government, of the day, to refrain from using the
word Christian country.
Christianity comes from the noble of Christ and if we profess His
Name.
Lets live up to it.
Marcel Ezra Mapai
Author and speaker,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Khaka means house
Khana
means party and group
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 26, 2023
First Published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday May 24, 2023
|
Yesterday, I went to Thammasat University at Tha Phrachan
Campus and paid respect to the statue of Pridi Banomyong, the founder
of the university and also a prime minister of the country.
His story in English, written on an engraved black marble at the
bottom, said he was a leader of "Khaha Ratsodon, People's Party"
not Khana Ratsadon, as I remembered.
According to Ajarn Plueng Na Nakhon's dictionary, Khaka means house
while Khana means party and group.
I just hope someone helped correct this misspelling, as this name
is important, isn't it?
Teacher Yongyut,
Nakhon Nayok,
Thailand
Call for Democratic Party
to back
Pita Limjaroenrat for Prime Minister
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 25, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 23, 2023
|
Re: "Lese majeste stance could sink Dems'
PM vote", in Bangkok
Post, Thursday May 18, 2023.
Now is the moment of truth for the Democrat Party: it alone has
a long history in Thailand of adhering to the core principle of
democracy: "rule by the people".
Thais have spoken: they want the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its
leader Pita Limjaroenrat above other choices.
The Move Forward Party (MFP) and Pita have never been coy that they
want to modify the way our lese majeste law has been administered.
The junta-appointed Senate stands in the way of MFP achieving this
goal.
The Democrats should show that they believe that "vox populi,
vox Dei" "the voice of the people is the voice
of God" and back Pita for Prime Minister.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call to follow the King
of Thailand's advice
On the Lese Majeste Law Section 112
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday May 24, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 22, 2023
|
Re: "Conflict or coup, warns academic",
Bangkok Post, May 21, 2023
Move Forward Party (MFP) should not give up its core principles,
even if it means joining the opposition.
If it compromises here and there to win votes, it'll lose the millions
who thought Move Forward Party (MFP) will bring the reforms which
we so badly need.
Move Forward Party (MFP) should list its priorities: what are
"must haves", and what are "nice to haves"?
Hold your ground on the former, compromise on the latter.
For me, monopolies must be broken to lower living costs; education
must focus on critical thinking for us to thrive in tomorrow's world.
Decentralisation, such as direct election of provincial governors,
is key to make the government more responsive to voters.
But we should educate the public on why we should follow our national
father's advice before voting on Section 112 - so that can wait.
Stay true to yourself.
If the situation turns south as a result, all will know that senators
thwarted the will of the majority, hold them accountable, and turn
to the Move Forward Party (MFP) in greater numbers.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call
for politicians to understand
Papua
New Guinea not under colonial rule
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 23, 2023
First published in the National, Friday May 19, 2023
|
Papua New Guinea no longer lives under colonial or
white mens rule.
This is something our half-breed leaders or dual citizenship politicians
should understand.
Our forefathers have fought hard to get this beautiful nation out
from the hands of foreigners to make sure it stands on its own two
feet.
Their vision was for Papua New Guineans to one day run their own
nation.
We already gained independence.
We have doctors, teachers, nurses, lawyers, pilots, engineers, scientists,
geologists and so forth.
We have our own parliament, our own constitution, our own national
flag, our own airline, our own schools and universities, our own
telecommunication company and the list goes on.
We are not primitives.
Frustrated Citizen
Lae,
Papua New Guinea
Give Pita Limjaroenrat
a chance
As Prime Minister of Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 22, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday May 20, 2023
|
Re: "Senators slow to warm to Pita's PM bid",
in Bangkok Post,
May 17,
2023.
While this letter is hardly Shakespeare, the results of the May
14 Thai election are just as overwhelming as they are undeniable.
The simple fact of the matter is that "the old guard"
did not only unexpectedly lose Thailand's recent election in a result
which shocked even many seasoned Thai political experts, but lost
an election in what was arguably an outright shellacking delivered
by the hands of very angry Thai voters who clearly all but chucked
Thailand's past political norms straight out the window.
That all said, it is no secret to regular Post readers that I am
a die-hard Trump supporter and, as such, I think I might have some
advice for any Thai senator who might be "slow to warm"
about the notion of putting Khun Pita Limjaroenrat into the prime
minister's chair at only 42 years of age.
My message basically is to learn from my country's recent election
mistakes: Specifically, back in 2016 or so, nobody took Trump supporters
like me seriously. Indeed, so much of Washington's established Senate
and Congress had become so disconnected from the will of increasingly
poor blue-collar workers, a rapidly declining middle class and rural
voters like me that the establishment simply assumed Hillary Clinton
would crush us stupid "deplorables" as she called
us at the polls.
My message to any Thai politician who might read this is that an
unwillingness to accept change led my country to nothing but heartbreak,
violence, unnecessary political polarisation, as well as the looming
possibility of an authoritarian government being democratically
elected, perhaps as early as 2024.
So, for any Thai senator or politician who might read my letter,
I would say that
Mr Pita Limjaroenrat the MFP and Pheu Thai seems to have clearly
won this election fair and square.
While I would prefer a more conservative prime minister, and while
I really prefer monarchy and tend to dislike democracy, America's
"Trump years" strongly suggest that the most constructive
thing the Thai Senate can do is respect the overwhelming will recently
expressed by Thailand's voters.
I would suggest the "powers that be" give Mr Pita
a chance as prime minister and support the formation of a revised
government which respects the minority rights of political parties
who lost but is otherwise generally on par with these overwhelming
election results.
I also suggest that whatever new administration emerges, deeply
thank Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha for several decades of patriotic military
and political service to a nation which he clearly loves.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Has
any promised concession been given for return
Of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday May 21, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday May 18, 2023
|
Re: "In Quote of presumptive premier",
in Bangkok Post,
Opinion, Tues May 16, 2023.
The response of our presumptive premier, Khun Pita Limcharoenrat,
to foreign media on the return of former premier, Khun Thaksin Shinawatra,
was simple, wordy, but unhelpful.
Naturally, anyone has the right to return to his birthplace in Thailand
from overseas.
But the question is whether, as a Thai fugitive and as the father
of the leader of a major influential party, whether he will be treated
by the next government as a privileged returnee without facing charges
and sentences.
In allying with his daughter's party to command a majority vote
in the House, has any promised concession been given?
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move
Forward Party proposal to reform Lese Majeste Law
In line with King Bhumibol's advice
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday May 18, 2023
|
Re: "Historic win faces hurdles",
in Bangkok Post, May 16, and "Move Forward
Party pushes to amend royal insult law," in Bangkok
Post, February 10, 2021.
In deciding whether to support Pita Limjaroenrat for prime minister,
our senators should look to our beloved national father, His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, for guidance.
Many senators are concerned that Mr Pita and the Move Forward Party
(MFP) might damage the monarchy and curb the government's frequent
usage of S112 to silence critics.
But the monarch was a prominent critic of how we've been using S112.
He does not seem to object to our having lese majeste laws but rather
to how we've been using them.
HM King Bhumibol told us, "The king is a human being and,
as such, should be subject to criticism.
Charges against those accused of lese-majeste should be dropped,
and those held in jail for lese-majeste should be released.
The use of the lese-majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy"
(Grossman and Faulder, King Bhumibol Adulyadej; A Life's Work, Editions
Didier Millet, 2012).
Move Forward Party (MFP) proposal to reform our usage of S112 seems
to be in line with King Bhumibol's advice, for Move Forward Party
(MFP) wants to allow honest criticism, sharply reduce punishment,
and allow only the Royal Household Bureau instead of anybody at
all to file lese majeste complaints.
Since the Royal Household Bureau would know King Bhumibol's wisdom
far better than almost any other Thai, this step would greatly reduce
abuse.
In any event, such changes would be made through parliament, and
senators would have ample opportunity to provide input.
Senators should follow our beloved national father in listening
to the people's voice and protecting the royal institution.
Burin
Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
New Thai government openly
challenges Beijing
By
supporting Taiwan independence
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday May 13, 2023
|
Re: "Senators coy over PM pick vote",
in Bangkok Post, Saturday 13, 2023.
History could repeat itself for the election when the party with
the largest number of elected MPs cannot form the government.
The only difference could be that this time the party with the highest
number of Member of Parliament seats might not be the Pheu Thai
Party, but instead the Move Forward Paty backed by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
It is alarming that of the many young supporters of the Move Forward
Party who vote for the party because of dissatisfaction with the
Prayuth government, only a few are aware of the background of Mr
Thanathorn, who still wields enormous influence within the party.
Notwithstanding his support for the student movement and protests
to undermine the monarchy in the name of democracy, Mr Thanathorn
went as far as openly supporting the Taiwan independence and the
illegal riots in Hong Kong from 2019-2020.
Imagine a new Thai government that openly challenges Beijing by
supporting Taiwan independence.
Would that put the economy and security in jeopardy?
In such circumstances, the 250 senators may have all the reason
not to support the Move Forward Party to form a government, and
they could compromise and vote for an outsider as prime minister,
with the support of Pheu Thai and the Bhumjaithai Party, the likely
first and second runner up in this lacklustre election.
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thai
senators have good reason
Not to support the Move Forward Party
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 18, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 15, 2023
|
Re: "Senators coy over PM pick vote",
in Bangkok Post Saturday May 13, 2023.
History could repeat itself for the election when the party with
the largest number of elected Members of Parliament cannot form
the government.
The only difference could be that this time the party with the highest
number of Member of Parliament seats might not be the Pheu Thai
Party, but instead the Move Forward Paty backed by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.
It is alarming that of the many young supporters of the Move Forward
Party who vote for the party because of dissatisfaction with the
Prayuth government, only a few are aware of the background of Mr
Thanathorn, who still wields enormous influence within the party.
Notwithstanding his support for the student movement and protests
to undermine the monarchy in the name of democracy, Mr Thanathorn
went as far as openly supporting the Taiwan independence and the
illegal riots in Hong Kong from 2019-2020.
Imagine a new Thai government that openly challenges Beijing by
supporting Taiwan independence. Would that put the economy and security
in jeopardy?
In such circumstances, the 250 senators may have all the reason
not to support the Move Forward Party to form a government, and
they could compromise and vote for an outsider as prime minister,
with the support of Pheu Thai and the Bhumjaithai Party, the likely
first and second runner up in this lacklustre election.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thai's
should be able
To
disagree with the King
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday May 17, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday May 14, 2023
|
Re: "Critics' feast", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, May 11, 2023 and "Don't mess with
lese majeste law: Prayut", in Bangkok Post, May
6, 2023.
Eric Bahrt boldly wonders whether enforcing the lese majeste law
is not an act of lese majeste in itself and that by enforcing the
law one is in effect disagreeing with His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej The Great's statement in 2005 that "the use of the
lese majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy" and thus
one should be allowed to disagree with the King.
Perhaps activist Srisuwan Janya and the cabinet's legal expert Wissanu
Krea-ngam should take advantage of this opportunity to clear things
up.
On the other hand, it should be food for thought for journalists
from this newspaper as well.
S de Jong,
Bangkok,
Thailand
ASEAN call for continued
engagement with Myanmar
Is a case of floggng a dead horse
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 16, 2023
|
Indonesias call as ASEAN chair 2023 to continue
engagement with Myanmar military is a case of flogging a dead horse.
We read in The Southeast Asian Times 14 May that Indonesia, ASEAN
chair 2023, calls on ASEAN to continue engagement with Myanmar military.
So what tangible or qualitative difference has ASEANs engagement
with the rogue military rulers of Myanmar made since the military
takeover over two years ago?
I am inclined to believe the call is a case of flogging a dead horse!
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Thailand's two major parties
have same wish
To halt return of pro-military party in
election
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 15, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday May 8, 2023
|
Re: "Minority govt perils", in Bangkok
Post, Editorial, Monday May 8, 2023.
It is a bleak thought, somewhat, to realise what the 250 senators
could do in selecting our next prime minister and having a government
with a minority of Members of Parliament s in the House of Representatives.
Painfully so, when the outcome of two polls appears to indicate
that no single party will end up with 251 MPs out of a total of
500.
Based on the polls, a rough calculation could be 320 members (240+80)
for two major parties.
To stymie the senators, the two could form an alliance since both
appear to people to have the national interest at heart.
One is experienced and relatively efficient, but tainted with a
few past lapses, and the other idealistic, young and extremely keen
and confident to make Thailand better.
Hearteningly, both have the same wish in precluding the return of
the junta-incumbents whose expected fortunes on May 14 appear to
be miserable.
This scenario is attainable only if we all have the spirit of fair
play and sportsmanship.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Former PM Thaksin Sinawatra
could have been
Thailand's
greatest elected leader
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 14, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday May 5, 2023
|
Re: "Thaksin's tweet sparks debate",
and "In Quote", in Bangkok Post Tuesday
May 2, 2023.
Thaksin doesn't need anybody's permission to return to care for
his new grandchild s a Thai; it's his right to return home at any
time.
As a graduate of criminal justice Eastern Kentucky University, class
of 1975, he knows that all are equal before the law.
He'll have the same visitation rights as any other inmate and can
hug all seven grandchildren through his bars.
Years ago, I was introduced to then-prime minister Thaksin, and
he said, "Oh, you're the letter writer!"
Had he followed my common-sense writings on governance, he'd be
billions of baht poorer but able to spend his retirement adored
by his grandchildren with an unblemished legacy.
He could have been Thailand's greatest elected leader, bar none,
but he chose the low road.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for investigation
into Papua New Guinea's
Forest Management Area (FMA) logging project
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 13, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday May 4, 2023
|
Since last year, the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority\rquote
s (PNGFA) Project Acquisition branch has been working to acquire
forest areas in Madang and around the country.
And in this process, the rights of the landowner have been trampled
on.
Landowners in the Middle Ramu Block 3 Forest Management Area (FMA)
are now very well aware of this acquisition drive.
We unknowingly assisted in the process thinking that we were assisting
to speed up the process of the acquisition of our area for logging.
But we now realise that after obtaining landowner consent for an
Forest Management Area (FMA) logging project to occur in our areas,
the officers involved in this acquisition do not put these projects
on public tender.
Instead, they select a developer of their own choice and award our
forest areas to the developer who entertains them.
These officers are in the process of acquiring Raikos Forest Management
Area and Ramu Block 4 Gama local level government in Madang, through
the same illegal process.
The Marape Government, through Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang, Usino-Bundi
MP Jimmy Uguro, Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Middle Ramu MP Harwai
Kamdaru, must rein in and investigate these officers within the
Forest Authority and question their acquisition process and ulterior
motives.
These projects are within your constituencies.
Landowners are uneducated and don\rquote t have the financial capability
to hire lawyers to fight their cases in court.
Proactive measures now will prohibit future illegal logging project
acquisition from illiterate landowners.
Maus blong garamut,
Madang,
Papua New Guinea
Elections in Thailand
A road show to look progressive
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday 12, May 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday 5, May 2023
|
Re: "Poster boys and girls near final straight",
in Bangkok Post PostScript, Sunday April 30, 2023.
Yes, the Thai election season of festivities and freebies has begun.
All parties are now playing the game of snakes and ladders.
The men who used to don military uniforms loaded with medals and
limbs decorated with pricy wristwatches and rings, now wear jackets
with big numerals won in an election lottery.
The parties are already nervous about a spate of lawsuits and decisions
from various courts to disqualify them.
The soggy flags, posters, and policies will keep us guessing about
the fate of Thai democracy.
A rat race to join a new coalition government is on the cards.
In addition, the spectre of another coup may repeat, brewing a new
crisis. It has happened in the past and may happen again.
In any country where the military remains the supreme authority
or a catalyst, the elections usually become a road show to look
progressive.
Some examples are Turkey, Pakistan, Sudan, South America, and a
few Asean countries.
The election fiascos have a shared history that binds Thailand with
its neighbours. Let us hope that things are different this election
cycle.
I am sure Roger will have a good time covering the twists and turns
of Thai politics.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea does
not have laws
To protect prisoners from deadly force
by law enforcers
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday May 11, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday May 2, 2023
|
It is utterly disgusting that the Internal Security
Minister and Correctional Service Commissioner are justifying the
killing of the 16 prison escapees as the right thing to do.
Although prisoners do not have full constitutional rights they must
be treated with the respect due to their inherent dignity and value
as human beings.
Papua New Guinea does not have sufficient laws that protect convicts
from the use of deadly force by law enforcers at least restraint
and human dignity must be observed.
However, international institutions such as the United Nations and
Amnesty International require that deadly force should be used in
a finite set of circumstance, for example, when escapees are armed
and shooting back, where deadly force is the last resort.
Among those killed, some were remandees waiting for their cases
to come up, and it takes months and even years to process cases
in our slow criminal justice system.
The 24 prisoners attempted to escape the Lakeimata prison in West
New Britain on April 23 by cutting open part of the fence.
Commissioner Steven Pokanis confirmed that of the 24 prisoners who
fled from the high security facility, 16 were shot dead, one was
injured and seven others were still at large.
Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang claimed the justification by Minister
Peter Tsiamalili Jnr was irresponsible and insensitive to the grieving
families and will only serve to encourage police brutality.
This is not the first time prisoners have been summarily executed
during an escape.
Perhaps prisons are not supposed to be a gangsters paradise
but certainly they are not supposed to be hell either.
The appalling conditions of some of the prison facilities around
the country due to poor management is one factors forcing prisoners
to dash for freedom.
David Lepi
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Institutionalised
corruption is widespread
In
all levels of government in Papua New Guinea.
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday May 10, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday May 2, 2023
|
A corrupt conduct is an action or decision made that
is not in accordance with the generally accepted best-practice principles
and norms of society, which is not intended to benefit the public.
A key manifestation of corrupt conduct is sustenance of power and
control over resources and people, for self-benefit.
It applies to both individuals and institutions of government and
private sector.
Institutionalised corruption is widespread in all levels of government
in Papua New Guinea.
It started with the adoption and implementation of the Organic Law
on Provincial and Local Level Governments in 1998 (1998 Organic
Law).
The 1998 Organic Law completely changed the manner in which the
national elections were conducted and the political landscape.
The elections became a national disaster.
The Law expanded and made Parliament, National Government, and National
Executive Council (NEC) disproportionally too powerful, relative
to the provincial and local level governments.
This development led to wasteful misuse of public funds and resources
under the expansionary fiscal policy that the Government is currently
pursuing.
The misguided fiscal policy made Papua New Guinea become a heavily
indebted country from borrowings, driven by corrupt motivations.
For example, the 2020 and 2021 Covid-19 loan funds provided by the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) were widely misused and never
fully accounted for.
Further, the Prime Minister is swaying the National Budget funds
far and wide to amass political numbers to stay in power and control.
The result of the corrupt political regime and government is high
unemployment and inflation in Papua New Guinea.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout of Papua New Guinea
is intended to address its own loan funds that were misused by the
Government, which has been conveniently termed by the Fund as Improving
Governance.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout will actually make
the country worse off, with deterioration in unemployment and cost
of living, because increasing inflation from exchange rate depreciation
will accelerate business rationalisation and closures.
The bailout will inflate corruption in Papua New Guinea, and will
not lessen it.
Papua New Guinea must implement legal, institutional and political
reforms to reduce corruption and government spending, and live within
its means, rather than living with borrowed money.
Concerned citizen,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Motorists ignore traffic
lights
At
zebra crossings in Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday 9 May 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 29, 2023
|
Re: "Mean streets of the capital",
in Bangkok Post Editorial, Saturday April 29, 2023.
This editorial reports about new zebra crossings in the capital;
yes, in Thong Lor we now have one more zebra crossing with traffic
lights, in addition to the one at Camillian Hospital and the one
in front of Thong Lor Police Station, which was recently upgraded
to a red zebra crossing.
Did it change anything?
No, every day, hundreds of motorists ignore the traffic lights at
the zebra crossings, even the one at the police station.
Do the motorists have to worry?
Not at all; they continue to ignore the red lights.
The police must know it because it happens within their view, but
no action at all, probably because it is too much work to stop unruly
motorists and issue them a ticket.
Thong Lor is one of the meanest streets in Bangkok, with speeding
motorists and very noisy vehicles; who cares.
Outpatients and nurses use the zebra crossing at the Camillian Hospital;
their written complaints about motorists jumping the red lights
are being ignored by the police.
This is the main cause of the mean streets in Bangkok; there is
no enforcement of the traffic regulations by the police. Speed bumps
and speed limits are useless.
I experience this every day.
The only solution is to educate the motorists by issuing traffic
tickets; Thong Lor police could collect at least 100,000 baht daily.
Marcus Redfort,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Jeepney
drivers and operators in Philippines
Want government subsidies and assistance
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday May 8, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday May,
4 2023
|
Jeepneys are a point of pride for the nation and a
crucial part of its transportation system, serving as vital last-mile
transportation.
They are a vital aspect of the Philippines cultural and national
identity.
To improve public transportation, the Philippine government introduced
the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in 2017.
The PUVMPs objective is to replace old buses, jeepneys, and
other public utility vehicles with more comfortable, safer, and
environmentally friendly alternatives in three years.
However, jeepney drivers find it difficult to afford the expensive
new vehicles, which cost between P2.6 million and P2.8 million,
and must pay for the additional expenses of establishing cooperatives.
This means that standard fares for commuters are expected to rise,
which will hurt students and minimum-wage workers.
While jeepney drivers and operators are not against modernization,
they require government subsidies and other forms of assistance.
The COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and corruption have made it challenging
for Filipinos, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds,
to adapt to the rapid changes.
The government must ensure that the modernization process includes
the affected industry and provides subsidies that can be repaid
over a longer period of time. Furthermore, using locally produced
units rather than relying on foreign firms for upgraded vehicles
would be beneficial.
Modernizing jeepneys is critical, but imposing strict deadlines
is not a fair solution. Despite the existing systems flaws,
the government is still responsible for protecting vulnerable individuals,
such as drivers and operators.
The government must address their concerns and implement an inclusive
modernization plan that considers the impact on impoverished people.
Additionally, jeepneys have been an important part of Philippine
culture for many years, and it will be fascinating to see if the
culture can continue despite the changes.
In conclusion, the governments modernization plan must be
comprehensive and inclusive, considering the needs of jeepney drivers
and commuters.
Although the goal of the initiative is to improve public transportation
and reduce the impact of climate change, it should not come at the
expense of human rights.
The government must ensure that the regulations are not discriminatory
against the poor and provide assistance to those in need. It will
take a collaborative effort to delay jeepney modernization and prevent
the elimination of these cultural icons.
Daisy-Ree V. Ferrer,
Quezon City University,
Batasan Campus,
Philippines
How
can the Laos one party state contribute
To
democratic governance in ASEAN
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday May 7, 2023
|
We learn with disquiet from The Southeast Asian
Times report Laos political activist who called
for end of one party rule survives assisination attempt
( 6/5/23 ) that for daring to speak out about human rights issues
and calling for an end of one party rule in Laos political activist
Anousa Jack Luangsuphom 25 has been shot and is fighting for his
life.
According to Amnesty International regional official Joe Freeman
Laos is one of the most repressive countries in Asia
and the Communist ruled, single-party country is known
to stifle dissenting voices and political opposition .
Is it any wonder then that the Laos government did not
identify the perpetrator despite the available footage .
My question is how come such a repressive country is a member of
ASEAN?
How can it be expected to contribute in consolidating democratic
good governance in the region ?
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
Development in Thailand
Connected to Indo-Pacific region
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday May 6, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 29, 2023
|
Re: "The politics of post-poll govt formation"
and "Any peaceful solutions to the conflict over Taiwan?"
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday April 21, 2023
On the same opinion page, two giants of international affairs express
their views. Highly respected scholar Thitinan Pongsudhirak says,
"more time is needed beyond this election for change and adjustment
to take place in favour of pro-democracy forces".
And former Minister of Foreign Affairs Kasit Piromya asks regarding
China-Taiwan, "But how to peacefully end an unfinished war
with each party seeking opposite, and even clashing, goals?"
Developments in Thailand as well as the Southeast and East Asia
regions increasingly connected with the Indo-Pacific region, are
vital parts in the emergence of a new world order.
It could strengthen our peace-building role if we conceptualise
the challenges in a polycentric framework using two coordinates:
how much priority is given to a healthy environment as our common
goal, with the economy and state-governed security as enabling factors,
versus the highest priority for military security and economic interests
with the environment reduced to our backyard, with the lowest priority.
And, how much power do we adhere to states as owners of territory
or corporations who can acquire legal ownership of natural resources
by commercial transaction in proportion to the full "ownership"
of sovereignty by the people? Should ownership be transformed
into trusteeship?
In a polycentric world, each country will adhere to a typical priority
rank of these factors.
If this framework would be accepted as an analytic tool for dialogue,
with supporting evidence on the impacts of various combinations
of factors including for future generations by independent academia,
the Asia-Pacific region, with Thailand at its heart, would become
a welcome lab for 'Earth System Governance'.
It is the assumption of the authors of the book Reflections on Earth
Trusteeship. Mother Earth and a new 21st-century governance paradigm,
to be launched April 28 at Chulalongkorn University, that an Eco-Peace
scenario grounded in Earth Trusteeship will produce the best outcome
for all.
Hans Van Willenswaard.
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippines Land Transportation
Office
Provides preferential treatment to LBTQIA+
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday May 5, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday May 1,
2023
|
What was Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Jay
Art Tugade thinking? Recently brought to our attention was the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) advisory to the effect that LBTQIA+
are now included among senior citizens, pregnant women, persons
with disability (PWDs), and other disadvantaged groups, as similarly
entitled to preferential treatment via the priority lanes
set up in all Land Transportation Office (LTO) offices across the
archipelago.
Needless to say, that really threw everyone for a loop, including,
most ironically, the LBTQIA+ community most of whom, through their
organization called Bahaghari (rainbow), said
for their group to be lumped together with persons with physical
or mental handicaps who need help is dangerous.
Not only is it a grotesque and really obtuse idea, but it also hurts
senior citizens, pregnant women, PWDs, and others similarly situated,
who are now practically robbed of their rightful and legal spaces
on those lanes as able-bodied persons are now shamelessly asserting
entitlement to the same priority. Is it too difficult for the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) bright boys to imagine how those people,
despite being straight, can so easily pretend to be LBTQIA+ just
to get ahead of everyone else?
It negates the legislative intent to give senior citizens, et al.
the priority they deserve in the delivery of
government service.
Seriously, what is the Land Transportation Office (LTO) protocol
to determine the genders of many charlatans and
impostors competing against senior citizens,
et al.?
Can its security guards accost them and interrogate them about their
sexual preferences to justify their being on those lanes?
Sad to say, as crazy ideas from government agencies go, this one
most likely takes the cake.
This is an egregious overreach on the part of Land Transportation
Office (LTO) . It should put the kibosh on this stupidity at once.
Stephen L. Monsanto,
Manila,
Philippines
Papua New Guinea coronation
money guzzlers
To attend the coronation of King Charles
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday May 4, 2023
First Published in the National Tuesday May 2, 2023
|
It has been reported that 31 people are travelling
with the Governor-General
(G-G) and his wife to see the coronation of King Charles.
I estimated that the airfares alone will cost up to K880,000.
Plus, accommodation in London will cost another K31,000.
The only two who maybe will be allowed into Westminster Abbey are
the G-G
and his wife.
I say maybe as even peers and earls and some royals are not attending,
so why do these hangers-on think they will attend
the coronation.
This is nothing but a blatant abuse of power to extract monies that
can be used for the urgent health and educational needs.
For example, the continuous instances of relatives having to provide
medicines, food, etc for a sick relative in a public hospital.
Or the schools outside Port Moresby lacking basic supplies such
as chalk, books and desks.
Those coronation money guzzlers will be among a small crowd watching
as this king and wife pass by within 40 seconds.
Waste of money! A TV in Port Moresby will show the whole thing free!
Maggie
Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea
Call for class action
provision in Malaysia
To
save the environment
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 3, 2023
First published in the Star, Monday April 24, 2023
|
The apex courts judgment on Taman Rimba Kiara
is a great achievement for the rakyat as it sends a clear signal
that the judiciary stood firm with the rakyat to save the environment
and ecological aspects of the park for present and future generations.
We, the rakyat, are hopeful that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)s
new mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh will drive home the message
to his team for fresh pro-rakyat thinking.
In addition, we trust the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office
(PPTGWP) will get the same message.
There is no need to continue with the business as usual
attitude.
We at Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL) look to the Law and Institutional
Reform Minister to initiate a class action provision.
It is celebration time for the Save Taman Rimba Kiara Group, TTDI
RA and many others who have been waiting for this judgment. Congratulations
to them.
As a matter of fact, those who had been irresponsible in pursuing
the legal action against the rakyat and wasting taxpayers
money must be made accountable for the losses.
We at Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL) have been advocating for the
election of the mayor and councillors for Kuala Lumpur City Hall
(DBKL) as well as all other local councils to make them accountable
and responsible towards the rakyat.
Reinstate local government elections at national level.
Datuk M. Ali,
Chairman,
Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL)
Kuala Lumpur
Call
for Thailand
To legalise gambling
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday May 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday April 21, 2023
|
Re: "Govt cash cow", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Friday April 2, 2023
I fully agree with Khun Samanea Saman that the Government Lottery
Office is a cash cow, and the priorities of this government like
those of its predecessors are grossly misplaced.
A clean government would not place running a lottery over fighting
corruption; quite the contrary.
Not only that, the government should get out of running games of
chance which the lottery surely is.
Gambling is not a vital public service but a cash cow that the private
sector is drooling to get into, as shown by the burgeoning underground
lottery.
Legalise gambling, turn it over to the private sector, and control
and tax it heavily, like with the alcoholic beverage industry.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Myanmar will remain serious
international concern
If Myanmar military expected to take initiative
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 31, 2023
|
It is very good of former United Nations Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon ( who is now the deputy chair of The Elders,
a group of former world leaders that work to promote peace ) to
make time to go to Myanmar to meet with Armed Forces
( Tatmadaw ) of Myanmar Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung
Hlaing and urge the Myanmar military mob who had grabbed power from
the democratically elected government to start constructive
dialogue with all concerned parties
take the initiative to
lift Myanmar out of the post coup political crisis (
Myanmar crisis serious international concern warns
former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon The Southeast Asian
Times 27/4/23 ).
I wonder how many people of Myanmar believe that will happen given
the militarys record over the two years since the coup?
The Myanmar crisis is indeed of serious international
concern as Ban Ki-moon has warned.
It will remain that way if we expect the Myanmar military to take
the initiative to do whats right.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Call for Malaysia to map
out new strategy
For the rubber industry
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 30, 2023
First published in the Star, Thursday April 13, 2023
|
The rubber industry in Malaysia has passed through
major crossroads, but challenges continue to plague it in the upstream,
mid-stream and downstream sectors.
Mired in poverty, 450,000 rubber smallholders perennially plead
for more government assistance to augment the low farm gate price
of rubber.
Yet our Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) standard Malaysian rubber
factories are facing procurement challenges for raw materials because
subsidies via the Rubber Production Incentive (Insentif Pengeluaran
Getah) failed to arrest the annual decline in natural rubber production.
Vast areas of rubber plantations are now left unharvested, with
the loss estimated to be RM3bil per year.
Our dipped latex products factories now depend on imported latex
concentrates as smallholders are not incentivised to collect latex
anymore.
Meanwhile, dry rubber products manufacturers have to compete in
the brutal global market.
As a result, only about 60,000 tonnes of dry rubber are consumed
locally per year.
Have our past rubber master plans failed to achieve their objectives?
Apart from meagre production subsidies, there has been no sustainable
plans to increase producers income, leaving smallholders vulnerable
to the international commodity price.
At the same time, local Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) factories
are facing procurement issues for raw materials. The Malaysian Rubber
Boards epricing system is laudable, but it does not benefit
smallholders in Sabah as the state continues to adopt a monopsony
system, which results in even lower farm gate prices.
It doesnt take rocket science to understand that smallholders
income can only be increased by higher productivity and/or higher
prices for their produce.
Developing new rubber raw materials that can generate higher sales
value to our smallholders must therefore be a top priority for the
nations rubber research activities.
Before we plunge deeper into the abyss, our nations rubber
experts and industry leaders should join hands now to map out a
new strategy for the industry.
Chik Chan Chee,
Puchong,
Selangor,
Malaysia
There
are other ways
To launch a space rocket
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 29, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday April 27, 2023
|
Re: "Giant SpaceX rocket left craters,
serious damage to launchpad", in Bangkok Post, Monday
April 2, 2023.
There are other ways to launch a spacecraft. A large proportion
of the propulsion is needed to get a heavy craft off the launch
pad and its initial 20 or so metres into the air.
Picture it as a truck laden with boulders, which has stalled to
a stop, while heading uphill on a steep grade.
To get the thing rolling again, the driver has to goose the gas
pedal intensely.
Launchpads for space travel are most often located near the equator
and their trajectories are eastward - to take slight advantage of
the Earth's rotation.
That's fine, but they're all located near sea level, where air is
thick, therefore offering more air resistance than higher elevations.
Here's a proposal for a space launch site which is closer to the
equator than all major launch sites currently in existence: Kenya.
Kenya also has the tallest mountain in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro.
I haven't been there though I'd love to visit, but perhaps Kenyans
could build a launch pad part way up the dormant volcano btw, I've
built buildings on volcanic rock.
It fractures easily, but probably absorbs heat well.
In a southwestern US desert, there is a prototype rocket launch
apparatus the size of a five-storey house, which launches propane
tank-sized rockets.
It uses centrifugal force to propel the rocket hundreds of metres
up, until the projectile fires its propulsion fuel to go further.
Could Thailand partake in space launch activities?
Possibly.
But it would take innovative thinking, investment and collective
will.
However, there could be big returns on investment ... the sky is
no limit.
Ken Albertsen,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Armed Forces
of the Philippines to respond
To ballooning military and other uniformed
pension services
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 28, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday April
15, 2023
|
This is in response to Inquirers article, Govt
eyes reforms in military personnels pension to avoid fiscal
collapse Philippine Inquirer March 28, 2023.
The article pertains to Finance Secretary Benjamin Dioknos
proposal for a radical change to the military and uniformed personnel
(MUP) pension as part of the government program to address the ballooning
government budget deficit and avert possible fiscal collapse.
The current military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system
covers retirees from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau
of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine
National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Philippine Coast
Guard, and the Bureau of Corrections.
The services rendered by these various defense, security, police,
and other uniformed services are generally referred to as common
goods.
By technical definition, common goods are distinguished by nonrivalry
and nonexcludability.
Nonrivalry in consumption means that one persons
consumption of a good does not preclude consumption of the good
by others.
Nonexcludability means there is no effective way of excluding
individuals from the benefit of the good once it comes into existence.
Everyone can simultaneously obtain the benefit from a common
good such as street lighting, a global positioning system, or environmental
protection.
On the other hand, the Philippine Constitution specifically provides
an equal protection clause that guarantees no law shall be enacted
that will exclude someone regardless of race, nationality, or religion
from benefiting national defense, public highway system, or police
services.
Since the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension is not
a common goods but rather an individual pension
benefit, therefore pension for retired military and uniformed personnel
(MUP) has to be taken out from the Department of National Defense
(DND) budget, and so with the Philippine National Police and other
uniformed services from their respective department budgets.
To do this, the Department of National Defense (DND) has to do a
lot of organizational soul-searching within the Armed Forces of
the Philippines and so with other departments with a uniformed service
attached to its organizational structure.
On the part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the persistent
issue of officers use of enlisted personnel as personal drivers,
cooks, and gardeners continues despite the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFA) effort to get rid of this practice.
The utilization of junior officers enlisted in various Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP), garrison noncombat units is squandered,
serving menial janitorial jobs and errands despite that these enlisted
personnel are receiving salaries comparable to public school teachers
and public nurses.
In some isolated cases, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers
on trial for some administrative cases under the Unified Military
Justice System Articles of War have been on floating inactive status
for years and continue to receive basic salary and allowances but
when cases are resolved, these officers are already eligible to
receive military pension.
Probably its time for the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) and other uniformed services to rationalize and revisit the
original purpose of the various military and police specialization
and organization in order to come up with a responsive armed force
attune to changes and in response to the ballooning military and
other uniformed pension services.
By then, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed
services can have a better argument on military and uniformed personnel
(MUP) pension anchored on sound economic principles and rationality,
rather than through emotions and self-preservation.
Proscoro Ervin Mundo, Ph.D.,
faculty of management and development studies,
University of the Philippines Open University,
Manila,
Philippines
Systematic
corruption is a pervasive problem
In Papua New Guinea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday Apri 27, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday April 20, 2023
|
I would like to shed some light on the issue of systematic
corruption in this beautiful resource-rich country.
Systematic corruption is a pervasive problem that plagues many countries
around the world including Papua New Guinea.
It is a form of corruption that is deeply entrenched in the political
and economic systems of a country, and it affects every aspect of
society.
Simply put, systematic corruption is defined as the use of public
office for private gain, often with the aim of maintaining power
or privilege.
Systematic corruption can be in the form of:
Bribery: Bribery refers to the offering, giving, soliciting, or
receiving of any item of values as a means of influencing the actions
of an individual holding a public or legal duty; Embezzlement Stil
pasin: Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in ones
trust or belonging to ones employer;
Nepotism Wantok system/ save pes: The practice
among those with power of influence of favouring relatives, friends
or associates especially by giving the jobs;
Cronyism save pes: The appointment of friends
and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard
to their qualifications; and,
Patronage: A type of corruption or favouritism in which a party
in power rewards groups, families or ethnicity for their electoral
support using illicit gifts or fraudulently awarded appointments
or government contracts.
To combat systematic corruption, there needs to be a multi- faceted
approach.
Government needs to adequately fund and empower the system that
is already in place to curb the rampant cases of corruption.
These include the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate
and Independent and Independent Commission Against Corruption.
A Post Courier report on March 22 titled Fraud Squad Office
Struggling to Investigate Cases is a worrying sign.
The report further says: To this end, no effort has been
made by the Government on how they can support and assist in investigating
the corruption complaints due to manpower and resources shortages.
The directorate is struggling to investigate multi-million-kina
fraud cases because they do not have stationary nor they have a
proper office.
This is blatant ignorance by the Government.
Sadly, not much has been done by the current and previous governments
to adequately fund this important institution.
Transparency Internationals corruption perception index in
2022 shows Papua New Guinea ranked 130 out of 180 countries in the
world.
This is a worrying sign for Papua New Guinea as it tries to become
the richest black country in the world.
There needs to be a cultural shift in how corruption is viewed.
It is important to create a culture of transparency and accountability
where individuals are encouraged to speak out against corruption
and where those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable
for their actions.
In conclusion, systematic corruption is a pervasive issue in Papua
New Guinea.
It is a complex issue that requires a multi- faceted approach to
address.
Joel Willie,
Papua New Guinea
NCD
Call for Thai border authorities
To
treat refugees humanely
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 26, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 11, 2023
|
Re: "Refugees 'voluntarily' go home,"
in Bangkok Post Saturday April 8, 2023
Tak Deputy Governor Surapol Wongsukphisarn is to be praised for
emphasising that authorities stress voluntary repatriation of those
fleeing Myanmar fighting not forcing them to go to areas which might
be dangerous.
Thus, in this case, Thai rangers escorted the returnees to boats
which would take them across the Moei River to safety.
Tak's practices are fully in keeping with Thailand's agreement with
the US to commit to advance the peace, sustainability and prosperity
of our two countries and the Indo-Pacific region.
In their joint communique of July 10, 2022, Thai DPM and Foreign
Minister Don Pramudwinai and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
agreed that Thailand and the US would strengthen our shared values
and ideals, including the rule of law; protecting human rights and
human security; adhering to humanitarian principles, including non-refoulement.
Thai border authorities in all provinces should take the same care
to adhere to our promises as Tak has done, and treat refugees humanely
including ensuring that those who wish to return can do so safely.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand still waiting
for Paetongtarn Shinawatra
To say no, yes or maybe to joining coalition
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 24, 2923
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday April 20, 2023
|
Re: " 'No alliance' with coup makers,"
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday April 19, 2023.
So Paetongtarn "Ung-Ing" Shinawatra, a Pheu Thai
Party PM candidate, finally said no to joining any coalition government
containing the coup-makers after the May 14 election.
Or did she?
Ms Ung-Ing said: "We did not give a clear answer previously
because we wanted to show respect to the people as the election
date was not yet fixed.
"If you ask me if we want to join hands with those involved
in the two previous coups, the answer is clear in itself."
That's her answer, crystal clear!
So no, yes or maybe?
The people are still waiting, Ms Ung Ing.
Do you have the courage to shout out a loud and clear no?
Do you need your father's permission?
Or will his jail-free return to Thailand be the price we pay for
no change?
Move Forward Party knows where it stands.
Do you?
Sad Optimist,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand does not come
close to being
admired
For its values and inspiration
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday April 24, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday 20 April, 2023
|
Re: "Body art 'can boost Thai soft power,'
" in Bangkok Post, April 16, 2023 and
in Bangkok Post, April 17, 2023
As 18 months have elapsed since my previous letter on the topic,
yer 'umble hopes to avoid the slings and arrows of PostBag's diligent
monitors of "serial single-topic writers."
However, allow me to once again spit in the wind regarding Thailand's
derisory misappropriation of the "soft power" concept.
The original and nearly lone promoter of political "soft
power" is Joseph S Nye, a professor at Harvard University's
Kennedy School of Government. In his 1990 book, Nye posited that
a country's ability to influence other nations without using coercion
or force is a sign of "soft power."
This is achieved, Nye said, through and this is a key part Thai
leaders seem to ignore the attractiveness of a country's political
and foreign policies, as well as culture.
The idea was largely dismissed as most pragmatic theorists agree
that nation states typically respond only to force and economic
incentives.
How does "body art" even fit into the government's
"5F" approach to promoting Thai "film, food,
fashion, festivals, and fighting?
Yes, the food can be amazing, but Thai film is a tough sell internationally,
and people everywhere seem to enjoy their own fashion and festivals.
Promoting tattoos seems desperate.
Foreigners can visit Thailand, even live here on a permanent basis,
and enjoy all of its cultural amenities to their heart's content.
But Thailand's disappointing global ranking in education and training,
human rights, and other issues to say nothing of military and political
corruption and infrastructure failures don't come close to meeting
Nye's criteria as a nation admired for its values and inspirational
in its prosperity and openness.
Khun Bill,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea engineers
and maintenance crew
Keep
Air Nuigini flying with zero accidents
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 23, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday April 20, 2023
|
Is Air Niugini dying a slow, painful death?
The only reason Air Niugini is up in the skies is because of our
smart engineers.
Whenever you safely disembark long narapela ron blo PX
thank the engineers and the maintenance crew.
Air Niugini or PX its airline code, Iata Designator, is falling
apart because of the years of politicising the national flag carrier
like everywhere else across the state-owned enterprises.
Consequently, the fleet management, operation and aptitude for business
had greatly suffered bringing the airline company to its lowest
point for the very first time.
Air Niugini is among the few or if not one or two airlines in the
world still flying the Fokker aircrafts.
Do you know that the manufacturer of your favourite Fokker 100 flying
to Kagamuga, Tokua or Nadzab, and the lighter Fokker variants Fokker
F27 and Fokker F28 servicing the smaller airports like my beautiful
Mendi, declared bankruptcy on May 15, 1997 and subsequently folded?
This means finding spare parts and living up to the demands of wear-and-tear
are serious problems.
It is sad to say but the most feasible approach to keep the aircraft
flying would be to salvage or cannibalise parts of defunct and decommissioned
Fokker craft littering the hangars.
And that is basically what the PX engineers are doing improvising
with whatever they can find to keep the kumuls in
the skies.
Nonetheless, our hardworking engineers and their maintenance crew,
who are often under-rated, yet have held an unimpeachable record
of zero-accidents and fatalities since Air Niugini took to the skies
in 1973.
Lukim yu ken long narapela ron blong Air Niugini.
David Lepi
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Who
is responsible for fire
In
northern Chiang Mai
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 21, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Tuesday April 11, 2023
|
e:
"Forest suffers 'worst wildfire in 20 years',"
in Bangkok Post, Friday April 7, 2023.
Living in the very far north of Chiang Mai province and up against
the Burmese border, my district has been very badly affected by
smoke pollution, and if I'd followed government guidelines, I wouldn't
have gone outside the door for three weeks.
We have big mango and orange plantations which don't burn, farmers
producing vegetables for local consumption who are not burning,
and hillside ethnic minority villages Lahu, Lisu and Akha, who this
year have mainly halted burning.
Two weeks ago, massive amounts of smoke and falling burnt leaf remains
came down from the forest not one kilometre from our local nursery
school full of 4 and 5-year-olds badly susceptible to this smoke
pollution.
Whether they are legally owned areas, national forest or just areas
of degradation people want to use doesn't really matter; what does
is that the local villagers know who is responsible for that fire
and did nothing.
The locals know centralised government doesn't give a damn and that
a fire and smoke police doesn't exist, but for the life of me, I
can't understand why they don't organise themselves, force the headman
into action, and do something for their and everyone's health.
Fire maps showed hot spots quite clearly on the edge of our villages
for 10km along the border area, and the culprits were local.
It's time to stop blaming our neighbours and "the others"
and take proper local action to put things right.
Lungstib,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The truth about Philippines
maternal mortality
Is
much worse than reported
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday April 21, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Monday April 10,
2023
|
I read with interest and concern Kathleen de Villas
article, DOH braces for more women giving birth in hospitals
in Philippine Inquirer News, April, 2, 2023 where the Department
of Health (DOH) was quoted as referring to Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA) data that the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was
84.86 per 100,000 live births in 2021, thus on track to meet the
Sustainable Development Goal maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 70
per 100,000 live births by 2030 for the country.
Sadly the truth is much worse than what was reported:
On February 22, 2023, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) actually
reported 2,478 women died of maternal causes in 2021. maternal mortality
ratio (MMR) in 2021 was thus 189.21 per 100,000 live births 2,478/1,309,601
x 100,000.
Before 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) reported the highest
number of maternal deaths at 2,511 in 1952 and 2,645 in 1951, making
2021 the third deadliest year for childbearing in the Philippines
in 69 years.
In 2019, 1,458 women died of maternal causes, or four per day; 2021
with 2,478 maternal deaths, saw seven mothers dying every day only
1952 and 1951 saw seven maternal deaths per day.
In the Southeast Asian region, only Cambodia 218 and Timor Leste
204 had more maternal deaths.
The year 2021 was the deadliest in the country not only because
of COVID but because the entire health system was reeling.
More people died from preventable causes almost 160,000 than from
COVID 105,000 when you look at excess mortality.
It is now apparent maternal health was so affected that it has set
us back by half a century.
But we should have seen this coming.
The country has reduced spending on reproductive health from 15.8
percent in 2018 to 8.3 percent in 2021 Technical Note on Key Observations
on the Philippine National Health Accounts 2020 and 2021-USAID Protect
Health.
Now is the time to rethink and strengthen social policies in the
country that can address this burden on women and the vulnerability
of the health and population sectors. We cannot be an upper-middle-income
country with seven mothers dying every day.
Juan Antonio A. Perez III, MD, MPH,
Former undersecretary and executive director,
Commission on Population and Development,
Manila,
Philippines
Thailand Election Commission
wants
Details of election promises
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday April 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday April 13, 2023
|
Re: "EC wants Pheu Thai's giveaway details,"
in Bangkok Post, Sunday April 9, 2023.
The Election Commission (EC) is correct in ordering the Pheu Thai
Party to provide details of its policies involving budget spending
to the EC, as required by law. This will enable voters to separate
hot air from dreams which could come true. But the EC should go
further by:
mandating that all parties - not just the government's main opponents
reveal the feasibility of their campaign promises involving taxpayer
money to the EC and
posting the parties' feasibility data on the Election Commission
website for other parties to scrutinise with fine-tooth combs.
Let's promise what can come true, not mirages.
Burin Kantabutra.
Bangkok,
Thailand
If
you don't like it
Please
go to another place
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 19, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Thursday April 13, 2023
|
Re: "UTN leader stands up for patriotism,
tells 'nation haters' to leave," in Bangkok Post,
Sunday April 9, 2023.
While it was not surprising to see the two Ps do a theatrical split,
to broaden their collective net to catch conservative voters in
the upcoming general election, many observers are shocked by the
extreme royalist right-wing positioning being staked out by Gen
Prayut's United Thai Nation (UTN) Party.
In sharp contrast to Gen Prawit's newfound enthusiasm for democracy
and inclusion, UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga has vowed to
take action against "nation haters".
Appearing on stage with him at a campaign rally were Prime Minister
Prayut, Dr Rienthong Nanna, the ultra-royalist owner of a hospital
and chairman of the party's committee on quality of life improvement,
and party secretary-general Akanat Promphan, stepson of Suthep Thaugsuban,
who led the 2014 street protests that paved the way for the military
coup led by Gen Prayut.
Mr Pirapan didn't mince words.
"Someone asked me what I would do if my party was taking
care of the country, and I replied 'It's easy. Thailand is a land
for patriots and the land is holy with the monarchy serving as the
pillar of the country. If you don't like it, you have no right to
change it because the entire nation wants it. If you don't like
it, please go to another place. No one is stopping you. Go now.
Any country you like, you can go and stay there. But Thailand will
be like this forever.' "
Mr Pirapan is caretaker Prime Minister Prayut's anointed successor
when he completes his constitution-limited two-year term following
the upcoming election.
Sad Optimist.
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for plan of action
To put Papua New Guineans first
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 18, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday April 1, 2023
|
All over Papua New Guinea, we can hear the voices
of change.
Our government officials, public servants, and not just politicians
travelling across our country on duty, leave break, or on holidays
must have in the last 50 years listened to those voices and learned
from them.
I think I have the real solution now that all our past prime ministers
and their successive administrations since 1975 have failed to identify
while in office.
Our continuing conversation with Papua New Guineans in these past
half-century tells us one thing.
We should have learned by now that today Papua New Guineans are
desperately hungry for leaders who offer more than just empty slogans
during and after all major elections, every five years.
Every government has failed to respond with the substance our people
demand with a vision and plan for the future.
There is one solution only that will contribute towards how we can
all change our country, and that is Putting Papua New Guineans
first.
Todays parliament and government must now outline our plan
of action to put our people first, and fight for what Papua New
Guineans deserve.
Putting people first really means we all deserve a much better deal
than before; good job opportunities, affordable and quality education
and health care, safe communities, prosperous provinces and a safe,
secure and an affluent society, and a strongly united country in
a modern global world.
It is our grand plan to unite Papua New Guineans behind the hope
we all share that we can create a better future for our children
and the next generation of smart Papua New Guineans and a lucky,
wealthy country.
Reginald Renagi,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for Judges to send
corrupt politicians
To
long-term prison sentences
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 17, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday April 11, 2023
|
Papua New Guineans have yet to see a local judge handing
down a landmark court decision and sending a corrupt politician
or a senior public servant to a long prison term for a high profile
corruption or a scandal.
There have been many so-called high profile corruption court cases
involving politicians and public servants hitting the news and drawing
everyones attention.
The news makes the public think that the accused would get sentenced
for committing such serious crimes involving substantial amounts
of money.
But what the people anticipate to see in the near future never eventuates
and the cases are delayed, prolonged or shelved away.
Judges should set precedents in sending corrupt politicians and
public servants to jail following fair and transparent trials and
decisions in the best interest for the country.
Stopim stilman,
NCD
Papua New Guinea
The whole world knows
that Air Niuginis aircraft
Are all but time-expired
The
Southeast Asian Times Sunday Aptil 16, 2023
First published in the National Tuesday April 11, 2023
|
There are a number of contributing factors all playing
a part in the slow but certain demise of our beloved airline.
Certainly, we have few or no suitable people at the top end of the
company to ensure all stays on course without yaw.
The whole world knows that Air Niuginis aircraft are all but
time-expired, and as such fuel consumption from older turbo-fan
aircraft along with the lack of parts and poor reliability are all
eating away at its very limited revenue income stream.
I find it a very sad day when the CEO of PX cant tell the
media exactly how many aircraft he has operating.
He says 12 to 15.
Really, Mr CEO, is that 12 or 15?
Grounded aircraft are still incurring cost whether they are flying
or not.
To have little idea exactly how much revenue he has accrued each
day is nonsense, and if true he should not be there.
The elephant in the room here is the agreement known as the Cape
Town Agreement.
Air Niugini and or Papua New Guinea Air for that matter will never
be afforded proper financial support under this internationally
competitive financing for any new and or replacement aircraft until
such time as the Papua New Guinea Attorney-General Department gets
off its backside and gets that agreement signed so proper airline/aviation
financing for replacement aircraft can be sought.
So whats the delay? What are we hiding?
Or are we worried that once this membership is obtained and the
agreement is in place some may find themselves on the wrong side
of a large repossession battle over non-payment of leasing charges?
Either way, its a lose-lose for all airlines in PNG until
this mess is sorted.
Mangi Delta Fly
Boroko,
National Capital District (NCD),
Papua New Guinea
Fifa stripping Indonesia
of hosting World Cup
Is a hasty, unfair and wrong decision
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 15, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 8, 2023
|
Re: "Fury, sadness grip Indonesia",
in Bangkok Post, Friday March 31, 2023I strongly object to
Fifa stripping Indonesia of hosting the Under-20 (U20 ) World Cup
just because some people protest against Israel's participation.
It is a hasty, unfair and wrong decision.
As soon as anyone in the world just mentions Israel in a negative
way, the whole world's establishment is up in arms and attacks the
person or organisation complaining or criticising Israel.
Why?!
Israel is also committing unspeakable atrocities and suppressing
the Palestinian/Arab population, illegally occupying Arab territories
and basically running an apartheid state within Israel.
No wonder Muslim countries and their populations protest against
it.
I do too!
Why does Fifa allow this anomaly, and why does Israel enjoy this
special treatment?
Why does it not then ban the Arab countries which refuse to play
against Israel? Can you imagine Israel playing in Iran or Saudi
Arabia?
Yeah. Israel can do no wrong, no matter how much wrong it does.
As they say on the terraces: "Are you blind, ref?"
In this case, Fifa
Bring on the Video Assisted Referee (VAR) and revise the above decision
thoroughly and fairly.
Zoom in on the guilty party.
Miro King,
The impartial referee,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Military
justification for takeover of Myanmar
All
lies and fabrication
The
Southeast Asian Times, ThursdayApril 14, 2023
|
What the Myanmar military top dogs said to justify
their violent military takeover of the government of Myanmar and
imprison Aung San Sui Kyi and other pro- democracy leaders of the
democratically elected government was all lies and fabrications.
We now have a confirmation of that from The Southeast Asian Times
report Myanmar military dissolves political parties under
new Political Parties Registration law ( 13 April 2023
).
The real reason for the military coup is abundantly clear : it was
a power grab by the military top brass .
The banning of political parties is a self-serving agenda of the
rogue military rulers to hang onto power.
Any body who cant see that needs a medical check up.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
No riding elephants
In Chiang mai
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 13, 2023
First publshed in the Bangkok Post Wednesday April 5, 2023
|
Re: "Be
kind to elephants", in Bangkok Post PostBag,
Saturday April 1, 2023
Thank you, Nuntanit Bumrungsap, for bringing more attention by writing
letters that address the barbarity of elephant riding. In Chiang
Mai, many agencies that promote elephant tourism now have signs
reading: "No Riding".
Our message is getting out there and that is why no amount of insults
or ridicule will ever stop me from fighting for justice.
Eric Bahrt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Malaysia's
expensive airfaires pose huge burden
On
fellow Malaysians having to cross the South China Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 18, 2023
First published in the Star, Saturday April 8 2023
|
Wanita Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Sabah notes
the announcement by Transport Minister Anthony Loke regarding additional
flight frequencies to Sabah and Sarawak for Hari Raya Aidilfitri
using wide-body or larger aircrafts to accommodate demand.
Although Loke did also mention that airfares are expected to decrease
with the additional flights, the government should already have
prepared contingency plans and options before passenger dissatisfaction
was voiced.
How long do Malaysians have to encounter the same scenario year
in, year out, where flight tickets between Peninsular Malaysia and
Sabah and Sarawak rise sharply before major celebrations such as
Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
The government should anticipate that the price of air tickets will
fly high during festive seasons and thus take the appropriate measures
before airline companies raise their prices.
A proactive, quick reaction to such expected market speculation
will discourage public perception of the government as a square
block which only implements knee-jerk reflex responses after passengers
air their grievances.
Why did the government wait for people to complain before making
the announcement of additional flights during Aidilfitri?
The Transport Ministry should be aware by now that this is an annual
occurrence.
Besides Aidilfitri, East Malaysians on the Peninsular relive the
same predicament annually for Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah, Hari Gawai
in Sarawak and for Christmas.
The expensive airfares pose a huge burden to our fellow Malaysians
who have to cross the South China Sea to be able to reunite with
their families as ticket prices can leap anywhere from 156 to 1,374
percent compared to non-festive periods.
Although Malaysia practises an open market system whereby prices
are determined by a supply-and-demand mechanism, no other options
are available for airline passengers because air travel is their
only suitable mode of transportation.
We do not believe there is any justification for the costs to have
suddenly compounded in terms of fuel prices or flight crew salaries
and wages in the period before and after Aidilfitri, that is, from
18 to 26 April 2023.
Therefore, despite the controlled free market
system here, the government should intervene by setting price controls
or a ceiling which must be adhered to by local commercial airlines
that provide the relevant routes.
The government could also instruct the airline companies to increase
the flight frequencies so that airfare prices can be reduced thereby
enabling more passengers to utilise their services.
This was carried out by the former Minister of Transport and Malaysian
Chinese Association (MCA) President Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong
when the country was undergoing the 15th General Election (GE15).
In fact, he also requested the airline companies not to hike the
price of airplane tickets during GE15, especially on voting day.
We hope that today's unity government has the political will to
solve this problem to facilitate and not stymy air travel, as well
as for the well-being of the rakyat.
Dr Pamela Yong,
Deputy Secretary General,
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Over population and over
consumption
Cause
of world's environmental problems
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday April 11, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday April 8, 2023
|
Re: "The
worldwide population boon", in Bangkok
Post Opinion, Friday March 31, 2023
Overpopulation is the most problematic or one of the most problematic
environmental problems worldwide.
Imagine a human is born and how many resources that human would
consume all through their lifetime?
Over-consumption is another cause of the world's environmental problems.
The world's wealthiest people consume much more than the poor and
middle class. Please consider carefully, if there is a smaller population
and less consumption, then ecosystems the world over would be back
to flourishing, wild animals would have their habitats back, there
would be no more extinction, there would be less pollution, lower
class people's hardship in their labour would be reduced with a
decreased-in-size industrial civilisation, for example.
If each human stops having children, the virtues above will happen
again like long ago in the world's history.
Therefore, there must be a reduction or an end to the world's over-population
and less consumption.
Nuntanit Bumrungsap,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for deployment of
woodchippers
To all Thai farms throughout the year
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday April 10, 2023
Bangkok Post, Saturday April 8, 2023
|
Re: "Forest suffers 'worst wildfire in
20 years,'" in Bangkok Post, Friday April 7,
2023.
Tambon organisations, credit unions, agricultural cooperatives,
and corporate farms should work under the guidance of the Ministry
of Agriculture and Cooperatives to purchase and deploy woodchippers
and make them available to all farmers on a rotating basis throughout
the year.
The ministry must mandate that all organic waste is composted. Farmers
should be instructed on how to do it in a scientific way using active
biological cultures formed from organisms native to local wild areas
and fed with molasses provided by the government.
If this initiative were implemented in an efficient manner, it would
dramatically improve the quality of agricultural products, reduce
the need for water, fertiliser, and pesticide, and improve yields.
And it could, in a single stroke, reduce the annual air pollution
problem, which virtually everyone in the nation suffers from.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture needs to
forgo paying for his staff to deliver speeches at the United Nations
and begin to care for the Thai people in practical ways.
And all ensuing complaints and financial incentives from the multinational
agri-chem industry must be ignored.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Keep in mind that leadership
In
Papua New Guinea matters
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 9, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday April 6, 2023
|
When the incompetent, corrupt, money-loving, shallow-minded,
stubborn, and ignorant are in power, nothing good will ever happen
in our country.
Keep in mind that leadership matters.
Politicians, senior bureaucrats, departmental heads, constitutional
office holders, heads of government agencies and institutions, the
heads of disciplinary forces, and everyone across both the public
and private sectors have to lead in the way of honesty and transparency.
They have to honour this great nation, build it, and lead in the
way of righteousness.
They have to honour the blood shed in colonial times for the liberation
of this land.
They have to think about the future and make fair and just decisions
for the common good.
They have to let go of pride and serve with love and respect.
Respecting the rule of law is what brings about meaningful growth,
order, justice, and peace.
We have millions of people in our country who havent been
connected to towns and cities.
We have families struggling financially because of inflation.
We have young people doing nothing productive in their communities
across the nation.
Our country and its people are suffering, yet most of those in positions
of authority are still misbehaving.
We have a lot of lawbreakers leading this nation.
They are great pretenders.
They are wolves in sheepskin.
They know who they are.
In the dark, they plan how to rob.
In the dark, they share the stolen wealth.
In the dark, they laugh and party.
In the dark, they plan the downfall of the truth-tellers.
However, in the light, they share sweet talk.
They talk about benefits and plans.
They talk about liberation and growth laws to brainwash the public
for favour and trust.
In fact, their time is limited.
Now, this message is for our leaders.
You do the right thing, and we prosper together as one people and
as a great nation.
Be competent, transparent, and accountable. Stop finger pointing.
Work together for the liberation and growth of our nation.
Stop being ignorant, stubborn, and a money-lover.
Be a person of values.
Abel ToPidik Rudolf,
Port Moresby,
Papu New Guinea
Politics in Thailand is
no different
Than what we see in Western countries
The
Southeast Asian Times,Saturday 8 April, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday April 6, 2023
|
Re: "Lots of promises as big day approaches,"
in Bangkok Post, Sunday April 2, 2023.
Election season in Thailand is full of surprises.
The Thai landscape gets infested with posters, billboards with fancy
pictures, and placards glorifying candidates as saviours of the
nation.
Thai politicians are a unique species that start croaking like frogs.
Some turn into chameleons changing colours and hopping from one
party to another.
All their agendas and manifestos are like lucrative offers in shopping
malls.
They promote "90 percent Off" on everything to
deceive credulous voters.
Politics in Thailand is no different than what we see in Western
countries.
With so many alleged cases of womanising, bribery, hush money, and
corruption, some people in the USA still think that the likes of
Mr Trump can "Make America Great Again."
Nikita Khrushchev put it rightly: "Politicians are the same
all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers."
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Don't ride elephants
In Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday 7 April 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 30, 2023
|
Re: "Don't ride elephants", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Saturday March 25, 2023 and "Pattaya
honours elephants as part of their heritage", in
Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 14, 2023.
Riding elephants is not honouring them.
When they are trained to be submissive for riding and circus performances,
there is a cruel process called "broken spirit",
or phajaan in Thai, which means "breaking the love between"
referring to the love between a baby elephant and his or her mother.
Still-nursing baby elephants are roped around their four legs, dragged
away from their mothers and immobilised in cages.
Further on, they're punished every time they try to be instinctive
and natural in their behaviour until their spirits are broken finally,
and they become obedient.
What everyone can do is refuse to support the elephant riding and
circus industries.
Nuntanit Bumrungsap
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand awaits the advent
of a society
That values freedom of speach
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday April 6, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday, March 30, 2023
|
Re: "Healthy
options?" in Bangkok Post PostBag,
Saturday March 25, 2023.
Although Jayut Jayanandana is obviously not trained in medicine,
he makes two excellent points.
Allopathic medicine, which dominates in Western countries and increasingly
globally, is extremely costly, is overly focused on alleviating
symptoms, and, due to profit-driven obsessions with pharmaceutical
treatment, is a leading cause of death.
Western medicine, combined with the agrochemical cartel and its
handmaiden the processed food industry is the leading cause of death
and disability in the developed world.
More than 90 percent of Americans are metabolically disabled, addicted
to sugar and are either prediabetic or diabetic.
More than half of what they eat bears no resemblance to real food.
Insulin resistance which is associated with the consumption of sugar-laden,
highly processed food, causes many common cancers.
Mr Jayut also rightly questioned whether Health Minister Anutin
is fit for the job and wonders why the vaccine debacle is a taboo
topic for Thai media.
Apparently, the answers to these important questions await the advent
of a society which values freedom of speech more than the present
one does.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for sunken HTMS Sukhothai
To be left to
rest on the ocean floor
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday April 5, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 30, 2023
|
Re: "Vessel yet to be salvaged",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday March 30, 2023.
The navy continues to seek 200 million baht for the salvage of the
sunken HTMS Sukhothai, but your story makes no mention of why the
navy sees the need to salvage this vessel.
Even if the vessel is salvageable and can be made seaworthy again,
which is highly doubtful, where are you going to find the men to
crew it, given even educated Thais' profound belief in ghosts and
spirits?
Unless the navy can come up with the most convincing reason why
Thai taxpayers should shell out this huge sum of money, HTMS Sukhothai
should be left to rest on the ocean floor as a memorial to the 24
sailors and the other five who remain missing and are surely also
dead, in much the same way as USS Arizona and USS Utah are memorials
to those killed in the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbour.
David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for state of emergency
To put out 55,000 fires in Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday April 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday April 3, 2023
|
Re: "Smog lingers across North",
Bangkok Post, March 28, 2023 and "Agro-troops needed",
in Bangkok PostBag, March 11, 2023.
I felt like a lonely voice when I advocated for a state of emergency
and the deployment of the 3rd Army It is encouraging to see that
these "outlier" ideas have now become part of the
public discourse.
Among other things, it details a post-hoc attempt to put out 55,000
fires with a limited number of army troops and helicopters.
The government should consider this to be a war: a battle against
a man-made environmental catastrophe that is sickening and killing
its citizens.
Thailand needs a massive mobilisation of troops sanctioned by an
official state of emergency declaration.
Jonathan Nash,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea manpower
security strength
Four times higher than police
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday April 3, 2023
First published in the National Friday March 31, 2023
|
It is encouraging and motivating to know that the
security industry has been recognised by the Minister for Internal
Security Peter Tsiamalili Jnr.
The significant contribution from the security industry relates
to complementing the duties of reducing the law and order issues
affecting all sectors of our communities in the country.
The manpower strength of security companies put together currently
on active duty is 29,445 in comparison to 6,832 active police officers
in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
This is about four times more manpower serving around the country
to complement the police functions in combating escalating law and
order issues.
The security industry also provides an employment opportunity for
the youths in mostly urban centres.
The due recognition and acknowledgement by the national minister
is morale boosting and motivating to the 562 currently licenced
and registered security companies operating.
More than 90 per cent are nationally owned.
Only 15 are foreign owned.
There are certain regulative and motivating measures which the minister
can look into which are:
Under the public-private partnership concept, make arrangements
for local security firms to be established in government project
areas, state-owned enterprises and under joint venture agreements
in the extractive industry sector;
The household benefit relieve package announced by Treasurer Ian
Ling-Stuckey should be channelled to this established industry to
alleviate families of security personnel;
Liaise with the Minister for Labour to ensure most of these firms
have complied and met the minimum wages rate of K3.50 per hour;
Rectify the reserve business listing under recent amendment to Investment
Promotion Authority Act to ensure these 15 foreign-owned firms are
scrutinised for compliance and adherence; and,
Provide training and logistics support with the support with the
Department of Internal Security, development partners and other
stakeholders on a regular interval to appraise the skills and knowledge
of combating latest trend of crime involving technological advances
and international and domestic illegal drugs/firearms trade and
counter-terrorism activities.
Philip Ukuni,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Why not publicise
Covid-19 induced deaths
And hospitalisations
now
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday April 2, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 30, 2023
|
Re: "More
than a forced smile," Bangkok Post
Editorial, Monday March 27, 2023
In connection with your editorial, I would like to offer one observation.
During the pandemic, the Post published daily figures of Covid-induced
deaths and hospitalisations; a chilling array of statistics.
Why not now publish similar figures to show how relatively rare
such cases are? Maybe then, more people will be encouraged to discard
the pointless masks which hide all signs of relaxed happiness and
we will once again be surrounded by a contagion of those warm Thai
smiles.
Warner,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Civil
war for Myanmar democracy
Undermined by Rohingya advocacy mugwumps
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday April 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 30, 2023
|
Re: "Repatriation needs right conditions,"
in Bangkok Post Opinion, March 27, 2023
The people's civil war for Myanmar democracy is constantly undermined
by "Rohingya advocacy mugwumps".
Competitively, these mugwumps resent that a Myanmar civil war for
liberty has broken out.
The war takes international attention away from their own "apartheid"
cause.
A "racist equity cause" that ignores the horrible
plight of dozens of other government-oppressed ethnic groups in
favour of the advocate's chosen oppressed "ONE", the Rohingya.
In true mugwumpian style, they complain that civil war fighting
is "affecting" the peace of mind of the "neutral"
Rohingya remaining in Rakhine State.
Rohingya, who are approvingly described as working out an accord
with the coup-installed dictatorship!!!
All this, while the mugwumps ignore a millions-plus other ethnic
groups brutally forced into internal displacement, desperately living
hand to mouth in the jungle. These ethnic groups are also fleeing
the sadistic rule of the government, but fighting back.
They do not accept the mugwumpy-promoted "victim dependency
status".
Is it any wonder that the international community does not know
how to respond to the Myanmar tragedy?
Sam Wright,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Will
AUKUS establish
equilibrium
In
the Indo-Pacific?
The Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 31, 2023
|
Can Joseph Black tell us where since the days of colonial
expansion and post world war alliances have America and European
nations established equilibrium?
In Latin America? in Africa?
In the Middle-East?
In Asia?
Now Black makes the preposterous claim that AUKUS will establish
equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific!
Wow!
With his assertion that the AUKUS alliance and submarine deal will
establish equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific ( Letter , The Southeast
Easian Times 21/3 ), Joseph Black is perpetuating a myth .
In reality nothing of the sort will happen.
It hasnt happened anywhere where nations are armed to the
teeth!
Joseph Black displays a poor understanding of history.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
Call
on PM Prayut Chan-o-cha
To resurrect police reform Vicha report
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 26, 2023
|
Re: " 'Crypto kidnapper' turns himself in",
Bangkok Post, Sunday March 26, 2023.
Eight years ago, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha vowed to cleanse
us of corruption, including in the police force, of which he's commissioner.
Yet, even this week's charging of a senior Immigration Bureau cop
for abducting a Chinese man and his interpreter makes hardly a ripple
in the news.
This is because arrests of Thai cops are commonplace nowadays, including
those of 100+ other Immigration Bureau police.
Despite such widescale arrests, Prayut strenuously insists that
the Royal Thai Police (RTP) rot is not pervasive from to bottom
and is limited to the Royal Thai Police (RTP).
If that were true, Prayut, why have you been trying so assiduously
to keep ex-graftbuster Khun Vicha Mahakun's recommendations to reform
the entire police force and public prosecutor's office top secret
from voters for two+ years?
Your star as a would-be reformist is fading fast in opinion polls,
Prayut.
Making the Vicha report public and promising to implement its recommendations
immediately might yet resurrect your hopes for another term at the
helm.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Thailand to enhance
solidarity
With BIMSTEC members
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday March 29, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday March 23, 2023
|
Re: "Rebooting South, SE Asian cooperation",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday March 14, 2023
Having the chairmanship of The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) in 2023, Thailand can
contribute to enhancing solidarity among all Bimstec's members in
the efforts of making it a more significant and influential entity
in the sphere of current international relations.
Such a role might be most beneficial in a world characterised by
global vulnerabilities, perplexities and discontinuities.
The 20th Ministerial Meeting of Bimstec will be held in Bangkok
in November 2023 as a prelude to the Sixth Bimstec Summit, which
is expected to increase the reputation of this organisation.
Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Two
modes of reforming Philippines Constitution
Constitution
assembly or constitutional convention
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 27, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday March
23, 2023
|
If our lawmakers are truly convinced that amending
the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution would be a boost
to our economy, then they should get their act together and exercise
their power as a constituent assembly (con-ass).
Their one and only job here is to agree on how to phrase the proposed
amendments.
The Commission on Elections will take care of the plebiscite.
The rest is up to us, voters.
From numerous televised Charter change or Cha-cha debates, weve
learned that there are two plausible modes of reforming our Constitution,
con-ass or constitutional convention (con-con).
Unfortunately, lost in all those congressional hearings is the fact
that the choice between the two modes will ultimately depend on
the type of reform contemplated.Simply put, if the plan merely covers
a specific provision or a small set of prescriptions, then a con-ass
would be appropriate.
On the other hand, if the intent is to overhaul the Constitution,
or even replace it altogether, then a con-con would be absolutely
essential.
It is worth mentioning that the 1987 Constitution has made a distinction
between the kind of reform that can be pursued, namely, amendment
or revision.
And so, the con-ass mode would be more appropriate when pursuing
an amendment, for instance, inserting the words as may
be provided by law in certain economic provisions of the
Charter.
Whereas, it must be via the con-con route if revision is intended,
such as shifting to a federal system or a parliamentary form of
government.
Lawmakers should be thrilled that they can now proceed with their
committee hearings totally focused on reform work.
But they should also shed the hubris that killed previous Cha-cha
attempts by adopting a more strategic mindset.
The 1987 Constitution requires that the Senate and the House of
Representatives vote separately.
The voting threshold for each chamber is three-fourths of all its
members.
Once this is attained, the next step for both chambers is to set
the schedule for a plebiscite where the electorate can either reject
or ratify the proposed amendment. It is not unreasonable to think
that this entire process can be accomplished this year.
If lawmakers have other reform ideas in mind and will not commit
to focusing solely on the economic provisions, then the process
outlined here will not be applicable. Sadly, constitutional reformists
will just have to live with another deadlock between the two chambers
of Congress.
Michael Henry Yusingco,
Manila,
Philippines
Vietnam's severe human
right's restrictions same as
Post coup Fiji under Bainimarama government
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 27, 2023
|
The Southeast Asian Times article
Vietnam rejects US human rights report 2022 ( 26 March
2023 ), comes as no surprise.
It is the standard denial by countries that have poor human rights
record.
But the US Department of State did not pluck things out of thin
air in the compilation of its country report on Vietnam.
I believe many independent observers would be inclined to think,
contrary to Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswomans
claim, that it is the US Department of State that has a good grasp
of the real situation in Vietnam .
The US Department of State Human Rights annual report 2022 states
Vietnams government, under the dictatorial one-party rule
of the Communist Party of Vietnam ( CPV ), severely restricts
the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly,
movement and religion
And further that Government prohibitions remain in place
on independent trade unions, human rights organisations, and political
parties .
This is an all too familiar trend in authoritarian regimes.
We noticed the same in post coup Fiji under the repressive Bainimarama
government ( 2006 -2022 ) which all along claimed it was embarked
on building
true democracy in Fiji for the first time in
its history.
The Fijian people knew that was a lie and booted the repressive
Fiji First government out in the December 2022 election.
Can the people of Vietnam do that?
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Congress
move to hasten Charter Change
Is
a political act
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday Match 26, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday March
23, 2023
|
Lawmakers have explained that the rush for Charter
change (Cha-cha) is meant to improve the economy, and is not being
done for political reasons.
But we were not born yesterday.
Congress cannot purely dismiss politics in this case.
Its move to hasten Cha-cha is already a political act and never
a neutral step. Undoubtedly, such a move wont advance the
interest of democracy or promote the economic upliftment of our
people. Poverty continues to grip us.
The deregulated and increasing prices of commodities have left many
poor families hungry, resulting in unhealthy children and their
regressive school performance.
The living wage is hardly that, as workers demand for higher
minimum pay remains unheard. The economy is not generating decent
work.
According to Ibon Foundation, the number of employed persons dropped
by a huge 1.7 million in January 2023, at 47.4 millionwhich means
about half of the countrys population is without work.
Meanwhile, the poor are overly burdened with taxes that are not
used to improve education, health, housing, and other services,
but to pay the national debt.
Our outstanding national debt of P13.4 trillion means every Filipino
now owes P117,985. Likewise, despite our being an agricultural society,
the land reform program is far from being fully implemented.
Since the Ramos administration, nationalists, civil libertarians,
church leaders and constituents, pro-poor and pro-Filipino economists,
the youth, and various sectors have opposed any attempt to change
the Constitution.
Right now, the government has yet to review its economic policies,
social justice services, and international relations.
It still has to prove its capacity to address corruption and bureaucratic
inefficiency. In fact, it has yet to exert enough efforts to avert
the economic crisis by doing the basics: implement genuine agrarian
reform, climate justice, pro-workers policies, including offering
a living wage, and review its budgetary outlay and priorities.
The expensive process of Cha-cha will be shouldered by already suffering
Filipinos.
Whether through constitutional assembly (con-ass) or constitutional
convention (con-con), the exercise will be an added burden to most
of us who are still dreaming of adequate and substantial food on
the table.
It is reported that a con-ass may cost us P46 million, while a con-con
may cost at least P15 billion.
This is not the best time to change the Constitution as our nation
faces other more pressing problems poverty, inflation, climate justice,
joblessness.
The government must prioritize urgent and necessary issues, and
Cha-cha isnt one of them.
The Cha-cha rush will lead us further to democratic and economic
vulnerabilities through provisions that may be amended to allow
term extension and foreign big business domination.
To the House of Representatives: We want bread, do not give us stone!
(Matthew 7:9)
Norma P. Dollaga,
Kapatirang Simbahan,
Para sa Bayan,
Manila,
Philippines
Philippines
call for the legalization
Of
divorse
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 25, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday March
23, 2023
|
To combat domestic violence and emphasize the importance
of having freedom and options, the divorce bill should be passed
and legalized in the country without reservation.
The legalization of divorce doesnt undermine agreeable families.
Divorce isnt the enemy of cheerful relationships.
Divorce can be a defensive apparatus against abusive behavior at
home, which is a fair justification for why it ought to be authorized.
The Philippines is one of the last two countries where divorce is
illegal, trapping women in loveless marriages forever.
Looking at the numbers, they wouldnt tell lies.
It only tells the truth about alarming cases related to violence
against women and children in the country.
It must be stopped, and strengthening the monitoring of the implementation
of laws that protect womens rights should be the next move.
Its about time to put an end to these practices and exercises
for a long time.
Based on Gabrielas data, the search queries in the Philippines
related to violence against women and children (VAWC) and sexual,
physical, and psychological violence increased by 63 percent during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this issue at hand, the Senate and the House of Representatives
should take it upon themselves to deliver and pass the bill to end
spousal violence and any form of violence against women and children,
and to free people from toxic marriages. The Marcos administration
should use its machinery and mandate to implement urgent measures
to bridge the difficulty that VAWC victims face in seeking help
and providing actual services for them.
We need to make people listen, understand, and care. It is time
to accept that not all marriages have happy endings; abusing someone
is more unholy than ending a marriage that is full of vitriol.
Abdul Hafiz Tacoranga Malawani,
Student,
Mindanao State University
Marawi
Philippines
Philippines pushing for
constitutional convention
To revise 1987 Constitution
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 24, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Tuesday March 21,
2023
|
The House of Representatives committee on constitutional
amendments is pushing for the formation of a hybrid constitutional
convention (con-con) in the bid to revise the 1987 Constitution.
We need to do our part other than simply oppose.
There are contentious elements, namely, the composition of the convention,
the reform platform of candidates for delegate, the manner of choosing
delegates, and the depth and breadth of public consultation expected
of the con-con.
For Kapatiran Party, among others, the constitutional convention
could be composed of 253 delegates from the current 253 legislative
districts, with the same qualifications as those required of members
of the House of Representatives.
All members of Congress who were elected during the May 2022 elections,
together with their relatives within the second civil degree of
consanguinity and affinity, are disqualified from running as delegates
to the con-con.
The candidate shall include his statement of the principal constitutional
reforms, programs, or policies he proposes to advocate if elected
to the con-con, and a copy of such statement to be posted conspicuously
in each polling place in the district.
Any person elected as a delegate to the con-con shall not be qualified
to run for any public office in any election or to assume any appointive
office or position in any branch of the government until after the
May 12, 2025, mid-term elections.
Why we need constitutional reform requires us only to take stock
of what we are today and what the prospects are, 36 years after
the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.
The true object of reform is to address our nations unceasing
sociopolitical problems in their entirety.
The question is, how can we least prevent unwanted self-interests
from seeping in or best ensure the true object of the con-con is
upheld?
Call for unity presents itself through different circumstances or
varying issues. In the push for con-con, there can be unity on the
conditions for its conduct. We need to and can find those.
There is no such thing as not being ready. We are ready if we want
to be.
When Filipinos unite, they set in motion public discourse through,
by, and among those in the academe, business, media, entertainment,
government, offices, homes, on streets, etc. on the aforesaid contentious
elements, if such convention is to proceed.
Norman V. Cabrera,
President,
Kapatiran Party,
Manila,
Philippines
Call for Pacific Islanders
to question
AUKUS nuclear submarine deal
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 23, 2923
|
I agree with my fellow Sydneysider Altauf Chands
take on the staggering $368 billion allocated for the AUKUS
deal ( The Fiji Times 20/3 ).
All Pacific island people should raise their voice against it for
reasons enunciated by Altauf .
In Australia from the numerous letters to editor that have condemned
the AUKUS deal as a hocus-pocus panacea to the regional security
paranoia, it comes as know surprise that no public debate was entertained
on this issue before the State proceeded on it purportedly in the
name of the people.
The Pacific island people must question and critically examine the
nuclear submarine deal particularly in light of Australias
lacklustre commitment to climate change action in the region.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia
Call for rights for gorilla,
Bua Noi
Locked up in Pata zoo in Bangkok
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 22, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 19, 2023
|
Re: "Bua Noi's plight," in
Bangkok Post PostBag, Thursday March 16, 2023.
Ashley's letter about the cruelty of Pata zoo reminds me of my recent
letter on caged animals.
Again, how can we say murderers and rapists in prison have rights
but not innocent animals locked up in cages and zoos?
People ridicule animal rights by saying humans are at a higher moral
level, and so deserve better treatment.
Yet is there any reason to believe that Charles Manson was at a
higher moral level than an innocent gorilla?
Quite frankly, my dog was at a higher moral level than most humans
I've known.
If we were less arrogant and more humane, this would be a better
world for all species, including humans.
Eric Bahrt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
AUKUS
confirms attempts to promote
Equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 21, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 19, 2023
|
Re: "New sub deal to boost defence,"
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 15, 2023.
For those of you interested in the Indo-Pacific, interesting news
this week: Australia has agreed to buy submarines from the US, and
has decided on UK designs.
Not only is this interesting in that it confirms attempts to promote
equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific ie, states countering an increasingly
aggressive PRC but it also begs the question, what now for diverse
Indo-Pacific states, and long-standing allies of AUKUS states, including
Thailand?
For me, it's perhaps hard to tell.
After giving it some thought, perhaps the benefits are numerous.
With this deal, it appears we're on a path to creating thousands
of jobs in Australia, which could perhaps lead to many jobs in other
Indo-Pacific states.
With this deal, we're on a path to distributing fundamental skills
and mindsets to other states, perhaps leading to tech and humanitarian
revolutions.
We are also showing states like the Philippines that we're serious
about promoting the international order and sovereignty of territory.
With this deal, we're showing the world that the US is serious about
delivering on security, which can reassure places like Thailand,
especially after the Afghanistan fiasco, bolstering alliances.
Some reports say the US is increasingly weak so weak it has to depend
on its allies to create a bulwark against China which may lead some
to think the US or even AUKUS can't contribute to security in Indo-Pacific
states.
This is not really a legitimate argument. Distributing resources
to allies in the region does not mean a state is weak, and is actually
an excellent strategy, one we find in history, including WWII.
I'm keen to hear what do the readers of the Bangkok Post think?
Joseph J Black,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Air pollution should be
campaigne issue
In upcomming Thai election
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 17, 2023
|
Re: "Haze and blazes hit North,"
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 7, 2023.
As we close off our third week of poisonous PM2.5 levels across
much of Thailand, our only possible saviour is the wind.
Yet for at least the last five years, we have faced the same problem
of PM2.5 suffocating much of the country from December to March.
And every year, we hear the same platitudes about vehicle inspection
points.
On March 6, you reported that the government will "act as
soon as possible", but their meeting is scheduled for March
15, a week later.
Where is the sense of urgency?
This is a critical health emergency.
PM2.5 exposure in Thailand shortens life expectancy by 1.8 years
and costs almost 11 percent of GDP.
The Post keeps reporting on the Thai standard of 50µg/m3 as
the "safe" level, but the WHO guideline average
for 24 hours is actually 15µg/m3, or 5µg/m3 annually.
Where is the accountability?
In January 2022, the prime minister received a proposed Clean Air
Act drafted by Thailand Clean Air Network and supported by 22,000
signatures, and yet it still has not been debated by parliament.
Despite a five-year programme to reduce burnt cane quotas to 0-5
percent by the 2021-22 season, figures show that 31percent of harvested
cane this 2022-23 season has been burnt.
Big agribusinesses drive the farmers to employ the cheapest but
most harmful harvest measures.
When are they going to pay for the externalities and provide farmers
with the equipment they need to produce without burning?
Air pollution should be the main campaign issue for all parties
in the election.
We should all be angry that this is left to continue unabated for
so long.
Suffocating,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Life
in solarity confinement at Pata Zoo
For gorilla Bua Noi
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 17, 2023
|
Re: "Pata Zoo offers reward to catch graffiti
vandals," in Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 14, 2023
The harm Pata Zoo in Bangkok has caused to the gorilla Bua Noi far
exceeds the significance of some graffiti.
Life in solitary confinement is a cruel punishment for a social
primate like Bua Noi, who has been behind bars for more than three
decades.
Gorillas love, grieve, and play. They are highly intelligent, protect
their families, and come to the aid of friends.
In a cramped and barren cage, all Bua Noi can do is stare at the
same four walls every day. Her profound loneliness and isolation
are almost inconceivable.
No one is calling for Bua Noi to be returned to nature, but it's
long overdue for the Pata Zoo to do the right thing by allowing
her to be transferred to a much more appropriate environment.
Ashley,
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call to liberate
The people of Myanmar
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 18, 2023
|
David Brown couldnt have been more succinct
( Letter, Southeast Asian Times 16/3/23).
He cuts through the bullshit by Than Htwe, Deputy Chief of Mission,
Myanmar Embassy to present the real nature of the rogue regime that
is ruling Myanmar through brutal repression after grabbing power
from the democratically elected government of Aung San Sui Kyi in
a violent military coup .
As David notes with great insight the atrocities of the rogue regime
is well documented ( see his illuminating letter for elaboration
).
So no amount of propaganda by the likes of this apparatchik of the
rogue military regime can fool any thinking person.
No effort should be spared to liberate the people of Myanmar from
its thug rulers.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Papua New Guinea treats
relationship
With Australia as a charity
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 17, 2023
First published in the National, Wednesday March 15, 2023
|
Reading the Nek Bilong Pipol in The National yesterday
where a Sekinolo Sawala from Port Moresby wrote a 2,000-word essay
on how Australia needs to change its policies to suit Papua New
Guinea, you could be forgiven for thinking that these were the ravings
of a madman.
While some of what was written was fair to question, most turned
into an incoherent list of grievances from someone who wants to
clearly leave Papua New Guines and live in the land down under.
Bringing up issues from decades earlier, speaking of spying on Papua
New Guinea , this all seems far-fetched and irrelevant when you
consider an objective view of Papua New Guinea .
As a proud Papua New Guinean who has been able to watch the Australia-Papua
New Guinea relationship for many years, the reasons why it is challenging
for us to access services in Australia and why Australia manages
its relationship delicately is because we have let ourselves down
over and over again for many years, despite being set up for success
by Australia in 1975 and supported most of the time since.
We have taken money for decades from Australia and misused it.
Citizens have gone to Australia and done unspeakable things and
been sent back.
Our leaders havent promoted our country so we arent
considered for worker programmes.
We have treated the relationship with our nearest neighbour as a
charity that is forced to continue to feed us.
It is no wonder Australia is sick of us.
And we only have a handful of National Rugby League (NRL) players
because we need to build our skills to compete.
Before we sit around complaining about why we are left out or left
behind, we should hold up the mirror and ask why?
We can blame racism and factors that we cant control.
Or we can start to do things that show we are right to be treated
with the same respect as other countries are.
The problem with us is we are always asking others to help us.
Time to stop complaining and help ourselves.
Joe Tau
Central Province,
Papua New Guinea
Letter to Bangkok Post
from Myanmar Embassy
Attempts
to legiitmise brutal regime
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 16, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Monday March 13, 2023
|
Re: "Tools of terrorists,"
in Bangkok Post
PostBag, Saturday March 11, 2023
PostBag was overly-generous in publishing this overly-long letter
from Than Htwe, Deputy Chief of Mission, Myanmar Embassy.
Than Htwe's attempts to legitimise the brutal regime he serves is
risible.
And his list of what he claims are terrorist groups operating in
Myanmar fails to mention the biggest terrorist group of them all:
the Tatmadaw, led by Sen Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
The atrocities of the Tatmadaw have been well documented by independent
international bodies.
Suffice to say, the genocide of the Rohingya has resulted in the
displacement of more than 700,000 people.
It is underscored by the Tatmadaw's rape and murder of women and
children, including the violation of women at the barrel of a rifle,
and the throwing of babies into Rohingya houses that the Tatmadaw
has set alight.
The Rohingya are but the latest ethnic minority to suffer at the
hands of the largely ethnic Burmese Tatmadaw, for the use of terror
as an instrument of suppression of the Kachin, Karen, Mon, Shan,
Kayah and Chin ethnic minorities goes back decades, and again is
well documented.
Most people around the world know the truth and will not be hoodwinked
by Than Htwe's propaganda.
David Brown,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Letter
from Than Htwe, Deputy Chief of Mission, Myanmar Embassy,
To Bangkok
Post
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 16, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 12, 2023
|
Re: "Crisis in need of regional accord",
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday March 2, 2023.
I am writing this letter in response to the article in Bangkok Post
on March 2 regarding the exclusion of actual information about Myanmar.
I truly believe that reliable information is not only crucial for
every single media outlet but is also essential to gauge the outcome
and effectiveness of such information. The media should not be a
tool of terrorist groups.
1) This is very much different from a coup. It should be noted that
the State Administrative Council (SAC) seeks the executive, legislature,
and judiciary of state in accord with the constitution of the Republic
of the Union of Myanmar. The root cause of taking state responsibilities
was publicly announced by a transparent and lawful means.
The former government led by the NLD Party misused its executive
powers in the 2020 general election, including voters' lists and
voter fraud. The list is significantly flawed, with 11.3 million
votes having been rigged. The Tatmadaw asked the then-president
on two occasions to convene the National Defence and Security Council
meeting in order to resolve those issues, but its entreaties were
rejected.
The Union Election Commission assigned by the State Administrative
Council looked into the voters' list of 315 townships where the
Multiparty General Election was held in November 2020. As a result,
there were 11,305,390 irregularities across the nation, which is
equivalent to 29.54 percent of the total vote.
2) The NUG, CRPH, PDF are all terrorist groups. The frequency of
terrorist attacks against civilians carried out by the so-called
NUG representatives cannot be irrefutably ignored. At least 5,088
innocent civilians, including 68 Buddhist monks, one nun, 61 teachers,
14 health workers, 214 other government staff, 571 ward administrators
and 41 military veterans were killed by the so-called NUG and PDF
terrorists.
These terrorist groups perform acts of inhumanity to wipe out civilians,
administrative officers and their family members, including children.
They don't even have a single headquarters or command post for the
PDF or NUG. Without any discipline or a change of command, the segmentation
of terrorist groups like the PDF results in extortion and murder.
For example, U Ohn Khaine, a former ambassador, and his son-in-law
were shot by followers of PDF in front of their home. Meanwhile,
U Thein Aung, a military veteran who serves as managing director
of My Tel Telecommunication Company, was shot dead while walking
in Yangon on the morning of Nov 4, 2021.
In another illustration, an innocent woman was violently beaten
and shot in the head in the middle of a public road. A member of
the Tamu PDF claimed responsibility for the murder in an interview.
3) The government of Myanmar formed Task Forces made up of several
ministries in conjunction with immigration and other agencies while
also seeking international cooperation on Aug 17, 2021. Upon delivery
of humanitarian assistance, these Myanmar task forces cooperated
closely with the Asean AHA Center, as well as with other international
organisations. The state and regional government, as well as the
National Solidarity and Peace-making Negotiation Committee (NSPNC)
and the AHA Centre conducted a Joint Needs Assessments Mission in
Kyaukkyi Township in Bago, Loikaw Township in Kayah State, and Pintaya
Township in Shan State. This is an effective way to deliver aid
and assistance to the affected areas via Yangon, given its efficient
institutions.
4) It is a delusion of terrorist groups that they are providing
more assistance to border areas. This is not just humanitarian assistance
for local ethnic groups. I believe they are also providing officially
sanctioned, lethal assistance to ethnic armed groups and terrorist
groups in Kayin State. The terrorists -- the PDF and NUG -- received
all their weaponry, ammunition and explosives through the Thai-Myanmar
border. In order to restore peace and stability in Myanmar, the
Thai side should control the illegal arms trade at the border and
refrain from neglecting the flow of assistance to armed groups.
I categorically disagree with the idea of sending direct deliveries
to conflicted border areas.
Therefore, I strongly reject the above-mentioned article being published
in the Bangkok Post, as it can only incite and encourage more terrorism
in Myanmar.
Than
Htwe
Deputy Chief of Mission, Myanmar Embassy,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for whistleblower
Chuvit Kanolvisit to review
The
Thai military procurement process
The
Southeasr Asian Times, Wednesday March 15, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 12, 2023
|
Re: "Whistleblower risks losing his way",
In Bangkok Post, Opinion, Monday March 6, 2023.
I fully agree with ex-Bangkok Post editor Veera Prateepchaikul that
whistleblower Chuvit Kamolvisit was doing a tremendously beneficial
job in unearthing massive corruption in the Royal Thailand Police's
(RTP) and other closets.
He should stay the course on fighting corruption - wherever it may
be - rather than fighting a political party on a narrow, highly
divisive issue like liberalising cannabis.
Corruption permeates Thailand from head to toe, hitting the masses
of the poor and benefitting the tiny minority at the top.
The common person feels helpless in its grip.
Mr Chuvit and his fearless whistleblowing have given us hope that
we might defeat it - as shown by the tremendous cheers from the
poor and all the media attention he gets.
We know that the whole system has to be reformed - not just a few
rogue generals here and there.
By steadily focusing on where he can help the masses the most, Mr
Chuvit can leave a legacy that will shine through the ages.
Take a holistic approach, Khun Chuvit.
On the Royal Thailand Police (RTP), for example, push Prime Minister
Prayut to reveal ex-graftbuster Vicha Mahakun's report on reforming
the cops and public prosecutors' office.
On the military, review the whole procurement process. Don't get
distracted by cannabis.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Jeepney
strike in Philippines
Is about phasing out the jeepney
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday March 14, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday March 12,
2023
|
As an assistant professor in Manila, I have to take
three jeepney rides from our home to the university.
There is no doubt that I was one of the countless people gravely
affected by the recent transport strike.
But I would like to state unhesitatingly my full support for it,
and my sincerest solidarity with our poor drivers and desperate
operators.
I call upon the public to view this struggle through the lens of
jeepney drivers compelled to resort to this action by our utterly
stratified society.
Their situation is like that of the working class forced to go on
strike due to the injustices committed by their greedy employers.
I would also like to call out the irresponsible pronouncement of
Vice President Sara Duterte who claimed that the transport strike
is communist-inspired, which shows her naïveté
and unforgivable ignorance about the whole issue.
Which individual or group would want to go on strike and forego
their income if there is still a way out?
The brutal truth is that this transport strike is the direct result
of the inutile and perverse capitalist system.
Instead of the communists inspiring the strike, it is this action
that inspires the activists, the revolutionaries, the socialists,
communists, etc.
Let us not kid or fool ourselves.
The strike is a protest against the jeepney phaseout plan, whose
true motive is corporate phase-in.
The real intention is to allow big players, corporations, and conglomerates
to enter the business and kill off competition from small players.
I do not buy the governments pathetic argument that says the
jeepney modernization scheme is meant to save the environment.
Why not just help the drivers and operators convert their engines
to run on environmentally friendly fuel?
Further, if the government is sincere in its alleged love of the
environment, then why the hell does it allow mining in Sibuyan Island?
I am not against modernization per se. The only permanent thing
in this world is change, after all.
But I am against the governments neglect of its obligation
to provide and regulate public transport, and uphold public interest
over that of private corporations. Further, any change to an existing
system whether it be in education, administration of justice, industry,
and so on must be done with enough lead time to allow the stakeholders
to adjust to the transition.
It would be immoral and extremely unjust to expect people to keep
abreast of the latest trends and technology without support from
the government.
As in education, even if 97 percent of students are doing well,
there is no justification to leave the remaining 3 percent behind.
Today, even if some of our farmers are already using modern technology
to till their fields, we are not slaughtering carabaos en masse.
Similarly, why should we give up our equally beloved jeepneys which,
besides being the repository of our memories, have also become distinctive
symbols of our culture and of who we are as a people?
Theyre part of our postwar history and popular culture.
This iconic vehicle also shows our creativity and resilience.
Instead of phasing them out, why not improve them and make the design
and engine conform to the environmental standards that the government
envisions? Modernization here should be equated with co-creation
and co-design.
In summary, I signify my solidarity with this transport strike because
societal progress is worthless and an illusion without social justice.
We want a just transition to modernization based on justice and
not on arbitrary and discriminatory reasons. In the stirring words
of Hyacenth Bendaña, daughter of a jeepney driver and organizer
of transport advocacy group Move As One Coalition, Iba-iba
man po ang grupong pinanggalingan, iisa po ang tindig ng jeepney
drivers natin: Hindi po kami tutol sa modernisasyon. Ngunit
nananawagan po kami ng makatarungang plano na hindi kami maiiwan.
Modernisasyon po, hindi phaseout. Ang panawagan po namin: Allow
us, ang pinakaapektadong sektor, na magco-design ng transition plan
with the state. Handa po kaming tumulong.The priority is to have
our jeepney drivers sit at the decision-making table.
Jose Mario D. De Vega,
Assistant Professor,
Philosophy and Humanities Department,
National Universitys College of Education, Arts, and Sciences,
Manila,
Philippines
Call
for probe by Bangladesh authorities
Into
massive fire in the Cox Bazar refugee camp
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 13, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday March 12, 2023
|
Re: "Camp blaze renders 12,000 homeless",
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday March 8, 2023.
Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization in Malaysia (MERHROM)
is deeply saddened by a massive fire in the Cox's Bazar refugee
camp on March 5 at 2.30pm.
The fire has caused huge damage.
An estimated 2,000 shelters were destroyed resulting in 12,000 refugees
being made homeless.
Apart from their shelters, mosques, schools and health centres were
also destroyed. This is really heartbreaking as we are entering
the month of Ramadan soon.
The fire that started in Camp 11 quickly spread to neighbouring
camps. Authorities and the fire brigades manage to control the blaze
around 6pm.
An estimated 22 learning centres were destroyed, resulting in children
having to abandon their studies.
Fires at the Cox's Bazar refugee camp are nothing new.
This happens every year.
We don't know what the result is yet of the investigation.
We hope for a thorough probe by Bangladesh authorities into this
latest incident.
We hope such incidents can be prevented in the future. We hope the
Rohingya brothers and sisters in the camps can also play a role
in taking precautions to prevent fires from happening, including
keeping watch day and night.
We call upon the United Nations, donor countries and international
humanitarian organisations to continue providing immediate humanitarian
support to the victims, including coping with their mental health
struggles.
We hope the Human Rights Council 52nd Session in Geneva will seriously
discuss strategic measures to end the Rohingya Genocide as a durable
solution for the Rohingya refugees.
Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani
President of Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organization in
Malaysia (MERHROM)
Bangkok,
Thailand
What
else was interfered with or unlawfully influenced
During Bainimaramas long reign in
power ?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 12, 2023
|
Former Fiji Prime Minister Bainimarama and former
Police Commissioner Qiliho have been charged for abuse of office
for arbitrarily terminating a police investigation into financial
mismanagement at University of the South Pacific (USP), the premier
regional university.
Acting arbitrarily and without regard to the rule of law and the
norms of democratic good governance has pretty much been the modus
operandi of these state officials. They were given to riding roughshod
and having their capricious way.
This interference in an active police investigation into a University
of the South Pacific (USP) matter makes you wonder what else was
interfered with or unlawfully influenced during Bainimaramas
long reign in power?
I am sure time will reveal more.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia
Call
for response from Thai Foreign Ministry
Over
appointment of special envoy to Myanmar
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday, March 11, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday March 10, 2023
|
Re: "Care to explain?" in
PostBag, February 24, 2023 and "Thai global standing
at all-time low", in Bangkok Post Opinion, February
17, 2023.
Since there's no response from Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai
or the Foreign Ministry to his appointment of a special envoy on
Myanmar and Thailand's confused voting on the UN's resolutions on
Russia's aggression and annexation of Ukraine, I have to assume
that "conflict of interest" looms large and there's no
"accountability" in the current regime at the Foreign
Ministry.
This is a sad development because it's happening in the ministry,
an institution which should be a model for developing democracy
in Thailand.
Simply put, the acceptance of accountability and the rejection of
conflict of interest are vital factors for society to learn in our
ongoing struggle against the military regime.
Democracy has to be earned and the ministry officials' duties and
experience abroad in many countries should be an asset, a model
and a positive contribution to a true democracy in Thailand.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai and the Foreign Ministry, you can
still have the floor to tell us what's going on, before it's too
late.
CK,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua
New Guinea in praise of China
For
training in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 10, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday March 7, 2023
|
The support of the Chinese government in conducting
training for our officials on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is a
milestone for Papua New Guinea.
As Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a new concept, we need to know
the mechanisms and administrative framework on which they operate.
Tours of the four regions of China where Special Economic Zones
(SEZs) are operational are vital for the training for our officers
to gain first hand information on their establishments and operations.
In Papua New Guinea, we require an in depth understanding of its
mechanisms and also the legislative framework to capture landowner
rights in our land administration jurisdiction and use.
Once the concept is fully implemented on one or two of the 18 selected
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Papua New Guinea, the rest will
follow suit and it would be convenient to rely on each other at
initial set up phase and operational stages.
Thankful citizen,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Onions
in Philippines soar to P720 per kilo
More than daily wage of P500
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 9, 2023
The Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday March 8, 2023
|
The other day, I lamented over a plateful of pork
sisig because it lacked onions.
To compensate for its absence, more portions of diced carrots and
sweet corn kernels were added.
It was sweet as a result but wasnt strong enough to fend off
my hunger.
In between spoonfuls of sweet pork sisig, I wondered: How did we
end up with the tear-inducing price of local onions?
Over the year-end holidays of 2022, the price of onions soared to
P720 per kilo, a number higher than the daily nonagricultural wage
of P500 in the National Capital Region.
It even led some overseas Filipino workers to bring onions as pasalubong
for their families back home.
The Philippines annually imports onions to compensate for local
demand. Despite typhoons, pests, and diseases affecting local supply,
importation was disallowed in 2022.
In September, farmer groups raised a call to allow restricted imports
to meet the increasing demand for December.
Last January 10, the Department of Agriculture authorized the importation
of 21,060 metric tons of onions red and yellow.
With the influx of imported onions, prices went down but at the
expense of local onion farmers who were about to harvest their crops.
In the memorandum, the import deadline was Jan. 27, 2023 more or
less 15 days from its release.
This decision was doomed from the start, naturally, due to its ill-timing
and disregard for the local onion sector.
According to a USDA report, several conditions required were too
steep given the tight window of application and limited volumes.
As I stared blankly at my empty, sizzling plate, I felt angry, although
my stomach wasnt hungry anymore. Wala tayong mahiwa
pero iyak parin tayo nang iyak, Sen. Grace Poe said at a Senate
hearing on the onion prices.
Houdini Lucas,
NGO worker,
Manila,
Philippines,
Call
for Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon
To
join Move Forward Party to prove democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 8, 2023
First Published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday March 7, 2023
|
Re: "Late convert to democracy",
in Bangkok
Post Editorial,
Friday March 3, 2023.
There is a simple litmus test for Deputy Prime Minister and Palang
Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon's claim to have converted
to democracy.
If Gen Prawit is sincere, he can easily prove his commitment to
democratic principle. He need only join the Move Forward Party in
calling for reforms to Thai laws which contradict democracy, in
both execution and principle. Only then will his claim that he is
now a believer in democracy has any meaning.
More specifically, the nation will then believe that Gen Prawit
is indeed genuine when he calls to an end to imprisoning Thais for
peacefully expressing their opinions.
Let us look forward to Gen Prawit proving his claims to now respect
democratic principle and process.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Rare blood donations in
Thailand
Not for a cup of tea and a biscuit
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday March 7, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 28,
2023
|
Re: "Academics ask Westerners to donate
rare blood", in Bangkok Post, Friday February
24, 2023.
If, as a Westerner, I donate my rare life force for the benefit
of the Thai people, then it would seem reasonable to receive some
return on my generosity, such as expedited visa work permit extension
and so on, instead of a cup of tea and a biscuit.
Rose Bellini,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Lack of quality education
in the Philippines
Is
a threat to economic growth
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday March 6, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday February
13, 2023
|
Economic analysis has shown that on the whole, improvements
in school-level education lead to improvements in economic performance,
and more so than the other way around.
Thus, a lack of quality education is a threat to economic growth.
The state of Philippine education is disheartening, and the government
cannot do it by itself.
That is why a partnership with the private sector is needed to solve
the countrys education crisis.
True, access to education may no longer be an issue today but students
retention rate in school and learning achievement continue to worsen,
as shown by the results of various studies.
Local and international student examinations have also shown poor
results. Indeed, these are challenging times as the country still
confronts the ongoing pandemic amid efforts to attain quality education.
But the Philippines can recover and bounce back if educational leaders
and managers get their act together as one.
Recognizing the critical role of education in development, the Programme
for International Student Assessment (Pisa) and the Trends in International
Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) serve as a benchmark to measure
school effectiveness and determine the alignment of national standards
with international standards.
While the Philippine education system is in the middle of profound
changes with the passage of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of
2013, the country was rudely awakened by the poor results of the
countrys maiden participation in the 2018 Pisa.
The 2019 TIMSS reinforced these dismal results. The country participated
again in TIMSS after 16 years of absence since 2003, and the country
ranked dead last in both mathematics and science among 58 participating
countries.
Given that the tests were taken one year apart, these provide a
good snapshot of what is happening in the elementary grades in the
case of TIMSS and junior high school in the case of Pisa.
Student performance in international large-scale assessments confirms
the Philippines has been in a learning crisis for a while now.
The performance of 15-year-old students in Pisa, on average, is
below expected given the countrys level of income.
Private schools are performing better than expected given the level
of income and better than public schools (Orbeta Jr. and Paqueo,
2022).
The results in TIMSS that tests grade four students are similar
but even much farther down from the expected outcome.
Again, private schools are performing on or above expected given
the level of income, and better than public schools (Orbeta Jr.
and Paqueo, 2022).
Looking at TIMSS 1999 and Pisa 2018, a span of two decades, education
stakeholders become aware that the problem of achieving quality
education cannot be addressed overnight.
The quality of Philippine education must have stagnated through
the years. So, whether from public or private schools, student performance
in international large-scale assessments is nationally embarrassing
and worrisome.
The embarrassment must have been the reason why the country opted
out of TIMSS in 2003.
Since the performance of the private school sector is somewhat better,
the state should consider public-private partnerships in education
wherein students can be given vouchers to study in private schools
at a predetermined tuition rate. Surveys also show that parents
prefer to choose which school their children go to, rather than
being forced to attend a poorly performing public school. The really
good students who will otherwise be stymied by the public school
system can blossom, and use their education as a ticket out of poverty.
Eden S. Anni,
Manila,
Philippines
Generation after generation
of the same few Philippine families
Fill elected offices at every level of government
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday March 5, 2023
First published in the Philippines Inquirer, Wednesday March
1, 2023
|
This refers to this papers news article titled
Ex govt officials push anti-political dynasty
law before 2025 polls in Philippine Inquirer,
16 February 2023 Kapatiran Party supports and is aligned with this
move.
The stubborn persistence of political dynasties continues to hound
the Philippines almost since its founding as a nation.
Despite the prohibition against them being written into the 1987
Constitution, generation after generation of the same relatively
few families fill elected offices at every level of government.
Every election, the consensus opinion of an overwhelming majority
of Filipinos is, This must stop.
And in every Congress following an election, bills on the prohibition
of political dynasties are introduced or reintroduced to do exactly
that, but to no avail.
These bills merely languish in the committee handling them; hence,
almost all never see the light of day in the plenary for the last
36 years.
Many think that the passage of a law remains impossible to achieve
as long as the majority of the legislators belong to political dynasties.
Even former president Rodrigo Duterte himself had admitted during
an interview that proposed laws banning political dynasties will
never be passed by a Congress dominated by dynasties.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court had previously ruled that Section 26,
Article II of the 1987 Constitution is not self-executing and thus
requires a legislative act of Congress.
In other words, the prohibition of political dynasties cannot be
realized or put into effect until and unless Congress exercises
its constitutional law-making duty.
The Court had also ruled that the question of which laws to enact
is a purely legislative function, which courts have no judicial
control over.
The 1987 Constitution is the fundamental and supreme law of the
land, and a framework for governance that defines how our government
is formed and run.
It establishes the character of our government by defining the basic
principles and policies to which society must conform and to which
government is accountable.
The Declaration of Principles and State Policies commits to particular
social, economic, political, and developmental goals.
They take the form of judicially enforceable socio-political-economic
rights, directive principles, and policies that are politically
binding on the government by way of commitment or intent.
Section 26, Article II of the Constitution declares a fundamental
precept in our practice of politics The State shall guarantee
equal access to opportunities for public service and states
a specific measure through which the same may be achieved The
State shall prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
Impaired means having a disability of a specified
kind.
Is the 1987 Constitution impaired in this regard?
Or should the passage of a law defining political dynasties not
be left to the sole discretion of Congress, considering that the
Constitution itself has mandated the passage of such a law?
On November 8, 2022, Kapatiran Party, with its chair, Edilberto
M. Cuenca, and its president, Norman V. Cabrera, filed a petition
for certiorari, seeking from the Supreme Court a judicial review
of congressional inaction in relation to the intent from the Record
of the Constitutional Commission of Section 26, Article II of the
1987 Constitution.
Petitioners argue that (1) Congress is mandated by the Constitution
to enact the needed law, with only the definition of political dynasties
falling under Congress discretionary legislative power; (2)
the congressional inaction is tantamount to grave abuse of discretion
and is unconstitutional, and; (3) the honorable court should issue
a writ of certiorari for Congress to comply with its constitutional
mandate to pass a law defining political dynasties as required by
the 1987 Constitution.
The 36 years of failure by Congress to enact a law defining political
dynasties should not dim the peoples resolve to invoke their
right guaranteed by the State under the Constitution.
The country must not give up, but rather find inspiration in the
words of Albert Einstein, who said: The strength of the
Constitution lies entirely in the determination of each citizen
to defend it. Only if every single citizen feels duty bound to do
his share in this defense are the constitutional rights secure.
In the exercise of the respective powers of our three branches of
government, all remain subordinate to the Constitution.
Will we ever have a law defining political dynasties?
Or is the 1987 Constitution impaired in this regard?
Norman V. Cabrera,
President,
Kapatiran Party,
Manila,
Philippines
"TIT"
This
is Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday March 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 28,
2023
|
Re: "Prayat guilty of failing to report
assets", in Bangkok Post, February 24, 2023.
It is the height of irony and hypocrisy that the former deputy secretary-general
of the National Anti-Corruption Commission flaunted basic requirements
on asset declaration designed specifically to curb corruption. As
the legendary journalist and long-time Thai observer, Bernard Trink
(rest his soul), would say, "TIT". This is Thailand.
Samanea Saman,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippine
withdrawal from RCEP is allowed on paper
But this is not so easily done
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday March 3, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday March
1, 2023
|
We find it disingenuous on the part of Senate President
Juan Miguel Zubiri, the main sponsor of the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) concurrence, to be playing up the possibility
of the Philippines withdrawal from RCEP in order to dramatize
his support for the interest of the farmers and other agriculture
stakeholders.
First of all, this statement on withdrawal is inconsistent with
the litany of rosy projections of benefits and gains he and Senate
President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda made in their effort to sell
RCEP to secure the support of other senators. In the course of their
presentations they, in so many ways, in fact, downplayed the threats
arising from concerns raised by the farmers and fishers.
Second, the inclusion of the section on the president having the
power to withdraw upon the recommendation of the Senate is, in fact,
clearly allowed under the final provisions of the RCEPs legal
text under Article 20.7, which states:
Any party may withdraw from this agreement by providing written
notice of its withdrawal to the depositary.
A partys withdrawal from this agreement shall take effect
six months after the date on which that party provides written notice
to the depositary under paragraph 1, unless the parties agree on
a different period.
If a party withdraws, this agreement shall remain in force for the
remaining parties.
Thus, to project that this is an extra special provision in the
Senate concurrence resolution to reflect their concern for protecting
the national interest is a little disingenuous and overly dramatic
on the part of Zubiri.
Third, while withdrawal from RCEP is allowed on paper, this is not
so easily done. In fact, perhaps the only time a country has done
this was in the case of the United Kingdom leaving the European
Union via Brexit.
This is not an easy path to take, especially for a country like
the Philippines, because of the possible economic and political
consequences, and the fear that we would be further isolated from
our trading partners.
For all intents and purposes, we are already locked into our obligations
under the agreement.
In the end, this PR stunt of Zubiri only validates Trade Justice
Pilipinas position that our policymakers and legislators are
taking the business-as-usual path when the current situation requires
a bolder and transformative vision to lead us out of the woods.
Zubiris statement is typical of how our so-called leaders
have been leading this country by telling the people: Jump first,
ask questions later.
It should have been much easier for the Senate to have heeded the
warning of the peasant and trade union stakeholders about possible
threats, and put in place measures to mitigate these threats, and
support competitiveness enhancement measures prior to giving its
concurrence, rather than contemplating withdrawal when these threats
materialize.
Trade Justice Pilipinas,
Manila,
Philippines
The
war in Ukraine is turning into a standoff
Between
the US, the EU, and Russia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday March 2, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 28,
223
|
Re: "Putin and Right's tough guy problems",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Sunday February 26, 2023.
The war in Ukraine is turning into a standoff between the US, the
EU, and Russia. The ghosts of the old Soviet era are back.
The old war was about the supremacy of democracy against communism.
Over time it has eroded to becoming vote-bank politics.
The US is now the biggest investor in communist China. China is
still a communist country, and many others are now armed to their
teeth. Sadly, thanks to Right's tough guys, communist Cuba remains
a significant threat to the USA.
The Right's tough guys in the US also invaded Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan,
and Vietnam in the last century to spread democracy.
American politicians also know well that one-third of the countries
from the old Soviet empire which joined the EU are still ruled by
dictators.
The new tussle in Ukraine is about the same old ideological rivalry,
which defies logic.
It indicates the utter failure of American foreign policy.
The money sent to fund another war will be well spent on its immediate
neighbours in South America in developing their economies and minimising
immigration woes around its southern borders.
Paul Krugman should write a piece on the repercussions of the failure
of American policies on its South American neighbours.
Funding war in a faraway land exemplifies another policy disaster.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Illegal
gambling in Thailand
Is no less damaging than drugs
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday March 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 14,
2023
|
Re: "Cops red-faced as scandals rock force",
and "Whistleblowers expose misconduct",
in Bangkok Post, Monday February 13, 2023.
Chuvit Kamolvisit's all-out war against the police force on illegal
online gambling is worth the attention of all Thai people.
Illegal online gambling is no less damaging than drugs.
It drains away the financial resources of all the players, enriching
only a handful of people who own and run the operations.
It's especially alarming that the young generations can become addicted
easily as a lot of them are used to playing games on computers.
We need to voice our support for Mr Chuvit.
Illegal gambling is a national issue, especially when the alleged
operators are protected by or are themselves high-ranking police.
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippines
Fishing industry suffering from tensions
With China in the West Philippines Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday Februaru 28 2023
First publshed in Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday Februaru
8, 2023
|
The article, Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
(BNPP) fund eyed to keep power in 1.3 million rural households
in Philippine Inquirer News, Tuesday January 31, 2023 stirred
consumers like me in off-grid areas.
I am a member-consumer-owner of Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative.
Most power consumers in our province are in the agriculture sector
farming and fishing.
We are still gasping from the effects of the recent onion crisis
and hardly coping with the losses we experience from other agricultural
challenges.
Production costs for all crops and livestock have increased.
Prices of fuel and farm inputs have doubled and even quadrupled.
A bag of urea, used as fertilizer, increased from P700-P800/bag
to P2,800-P3,000/bag.
Market conditions for our products have become harsh, especially
because of crazy importation plan schedules.
Our fishing industry gravely suffers from tensions with China in
the West Philippines Sea.
These are just some of among many other serious problems that we,
consumers of the agricultural sector, have to face.
An increase in our monthly power billings will be another big blow
to us, and we cannot afford it given our already decreasing income/increasing
debt situation.
As stated in the news item, Napocor (National Power Corp.)
is also banking on the Energy Regulatory Commissions swift
approval of its pending petition on the universal charge for missionary
electrification (UCME) which, if approved, will give the corporation
another P30 billion.
All of us 22.5 million consumers nationwide will be charged this
increase now at P0.1739/kwh (15 million consumers of 121 electric
cooperatives and local government units plus 7.5 million Meralco
consumers).
Any increase per Napocors applications with ERC with some
as far back as 2014 (they call it GRAM and Icera), will just be
passed on to us consumers.
Our suggested solution is for the Senate and the House of Representatives
to pass a supplemental budget for Napocor to address the P10.239
billion deficit for fuel procurement of SPUG generation sets and
payables to new power providers (NPPs-private gencos) as immediate
relief this 2023. This will assure continuous, reliable
24/7 power supply to this 1.3 million households almost 6.5 million
individuals, and relieve consumers from carrying the additional
burden of paying an increased UCME subsidy bill.
We cannot endure another double-whammy in our
island and far-flung areas: reduced power supply that will last
only for six to 15 hours per day and increased UCME subsidy bill.
Rodolfo A. Plopinio,
MCO-Occidental Mindoro,
Philippines
Indonesian officials do
not lure PNG civil servants
With women and alcohol at border
talks
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 27, 2023
First published in the National Tuesday February 14, 2023
|
I watched on television the presentation of the Basic
Border Agreement submission for Parliament to ratify by the Minister
for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko followed by the deliberation
from a number of our national leaders last month.
A number of genuine issues of bilateral interest raised by certain
members like the North Fly MP James Donald, are crucial to the bilateral
agreement and need to be addressed profoundly for a long term gain
on both sides.
However, what was astonishing and no doubt shameful, was the baseless
accusation that Papua New Guinea civil servants involved in the
negotiations and review processes of the bilateral agreements are
easily lured with women and alcohol Bintang, the Indonesian
brew when conducting meetings in Indonesia.
I had been involved in a number of border talks held in Jakarta
and Jayapura and this has never been the case.
Let me put on record that the Indonesian officials do not lure the
Papaua New Guinea civil servants with alcohol and women.
This is over-speculated, beyond exaggeration and a blatant lie right
from the start.
The fact is, the Indonesian negotiation team are persons with high
level of respect and integrity and conduct official businesses as
required.
In the border meetings, the agenda for discussions is normally set
up and prioritised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the
Department of Defence. Other relevant stakeholders are taken on
board for these meetings based on the issues of mutual discussion
where qualified advices are needed.
For instance, if the issue on the agenda has to do with exclusive
economic zones (EEZ) and fishing rights, the National Fisheries
Authority and the Department of Attorney-General are advised earlier
in preparation and are included in the talks.
Now that the Government has established the Permanent Parliamentary
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security, this committee can attend
to the concerns and grievances of the parliamentarians from the
provinces and electorates that host Papua New Guineas international
borders.
This would allow these issues and concerns to be deliberated and
proceed to the National Security Advisory Committee level, then
to the National Security Council (when issues concerning national
security are raised) and finally to the National Executive Council
when necessary before releasing the final outcomes on these mutual
issues to the bilateral talks.
By then, Papua New Guinea Government officials on the bilateral
border talks know the Governments position on these issues
of national importance and discuss their way through to reach common
consensus with their bilateral counterparts.
Obviously, this is a process that needs to be trod with dignity
and sensitivity.
It is not something anyone can meddle with as some politicians seem
to suggest.
To compare these important bilateral talks and the foreign meeting
venues to the Bougainville issue deliberated in New Zealand years
back is totally misleading.
The Bougainville negotiation at Burnham and Lincoln respectively
had taken place there as those were neutral grounds and no lives
on both sides of the negotiation teams would have be been threatened.
Security and safety was guaranteed.
That arrangement had absolutely nothing to do with avoiding women,
beer and other indulgences, but to solicit and reach common understanding
between two foes then, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA)
and Papua New Guinea caused by the Bougainville Crisis.
Further to that, New Zealand was the country that had initiated
that peace talks and had been mandated to take the lead on her own
turf.
Papua New Guinea politicians should know better that Papua New Guinea
did not have sufficient money and resources at that time and was
under intense pressure. New Zealand shouldered the burden.
Many of our national leaders should think before making such unfounded
accusations and comparisons.
As the saying goes, spoken words cannot be retrieved easily.
Leaders who make such wild allegations should be mindful of what
is said against our neighbours.
Indonesia alone host the largest market that is capable of absorbing
Papua New Guinea products through trade.
So far, Papua New Guineass coffee, gold and vanilla have already
made their way into the Indonesian markets starting from Jayapura.
I had seen that in Jayapura.
Emmanuel A Mungu,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
ends year 2022
With unprecedented national debt
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 26, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Tuesday February
14, 2023
|
The year 2022 ended with a bang, not from fireworks
but from an unprecedented national debt of P13.42 trillion reported
by the Bureau of Treasury, or over 14 percent more than the P11.73
trillion from the previous year.
Already at more than 63.5 percent of GDP, this does not yet include
debts guaranteed by the national government amounting to P399 billion
as of end-2022 and contingent liabilities arising from big-ticket
projects with the private sector estimated at P456.2 billion in
2021.
Debt figures in the billions or trillions are simply incomprehensible
to the majority of Filipinos.
Minimum wage earners paid no more than P500 daily in the National
Capital Region and their families ultimately bear the heavy price
of servicing an increasingly ballooning public debt, and thats
not only in terms of taxes.
Fiscal belt-tightening to pay off debts means cuts in the level
and quality of essential public services such as education and health.
Unchecked borrowings could be funding environmentally harmful projects
that erode local livelihoods and worsen the Philippines high
climate risk, as debt-funded fossil fuel projects have shown.
Red flags are waving furiously, but whos taking notice?
Not the Department of Finance, it would seem, from the way it has
downplayed the mounting public debt as manageable
without giving the public the whole picture of the additional
costs of government borrowings outside of the interest and principal
payments.
But the Citizens Debt Commission plans to find out. Forming the
Commission for a Citizens Debt Audit (CDA), leaders and respected
individuals from labor, informal workers, academe, the religious
community, and other sectors have come together to get to the bottom
of the massive public debt that Filipinos are routinely made to
shoulder without question.
Organizations such as the Freedom from Debt Coalition and the Asian
Peoples Movement on Debt and Development embarked on debt
audit initiatives in the past that spotlighted questionable debts.
Loan-financed projects were investigated based on how they were
contracted, where they were spent, and how they affected people
and the environment.
Among the milestones is the inclusion in the 2017 General Appropriations
Act of a section mandating the Congressional Oversight Committee
on Official Development Assistance to conduct a debt audit of 20
loans contracted by the Philippine government; and a Senate resolution
directing the appropriate Senate committee to inquire, in aid of
legislation, into the foreign loans contracted by the Philippine
government.
A Citizens Debt Audit (CDA) is a powerful means to enable active
citizenship and exercise the peoples right to know and arrive
at a deeper understanding of how current debt policies and practices
impact public spending for urgent social needs, the fulfillment
of human rights, and building climate resilience.
It can also capacitate them to participate in discussions on debt
management and policy reform, as is their right under a democracy.
Its high time that the public debt is subjected to closer
examination, especially when financial resources are most needed
in the face of the multiple crises of livelihoods, public health,
and climate, and at a time when a new administration is in place.
Surely, how these debts came about and how they were spent is a
fair, common-sense ask of our policymakers.
Mae Buenaventura,
Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development,
Manila,
Philippines
Call
for report on recommendations
For
reform of Royal Thai Police
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 21 February 21, 2923
First published in the Bangkok Post Saturday January 21, 2023
|
Re: "DSI under fire as Chuvit alleges high-level
bribery" and "Thailand's untouchables",
in Bangkok Post, January 18, 2023.
Three chaiyos for those taking decisive action to weed out our all-pervasive
corruption, including Khun Chuvit Kamovlisit, Anti-Corruption Division
Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew, and his boss, Central Investigation
Bureau Pol Lt Gen Jiraphob Bhuridej.
All of these persons need our full and sustained support.
But rooting out rotten apples is only a start for our law enforcement's
whole culture rewards corruption and must be reformed from head
to toe.
To his credit, Prime Minister Gen Prayut recognised that a holistic
approach was essential and commissioned crimebuster Khun Vicha Mahakun's
panel to recommend how to reform the Royal Thai Police and the Office
of the Attorney-General.
Khun Vicha submitted his report over two years ago but Gen Prayut
has studiously avoided mentioning it to the public.
Now that election time's upon us, we voters and all parties should
pressure Gen Prayut to present the report to us.
Moreover, the report must be debated immediately, along with a vow
that if elected, he'll vigorously implement its recommendations.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn
calls for
Decentralisation of Royal Thai Police
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday 24 February 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 17, 2023
|
Re: "Cops red-faced as scandals rock force",
and "Whistleblowers expose misconduct", in Bangkok
Post, Friday February 13, 2023.
We should do the top-to-bottom reform the Royal Thai Police needs
now. Decentralisation of the Royal Thai Police so they'd be accountable
to the locals they'd sworn to protect was a key part of Pol Gen
Vasit Dejkunjorn's proposed reforms echoed by ex-graftbuster Vicha
Mahakun.
Perhaps protection of his own self-interest was why Prime Minister
Prayut has buried Khun Vicha's report from public sight for over
two years and counting. Now, with Royal Thai Police scandals proliferating
in every nook and cranny, elections around the corner, and the debate
in parliament this week, voters should push Gen Prayut to release
Khun Vicha's report to the public. Parties also should commit to
timeline-specific Royal Thai Police reforms.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand's non-violent
protesters
Are held in detenion against 2017 Constitution
The
Southeast Asian Times Thursday February 23, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday February 17, 2023
|
For a long time, I have been aware of the arrest of
protesters and the fact that many of them couldn't get bail and
remained in detention for many weeks.
Being completely un-lawyerly and having no great interest in the
subject, I nevertheless had a quick look at the English translation
of the 2017 Constitution.
What I found surprised me because it doesn't appear to have been
mentioned anywhere in the press. Section 29, 2nd paragraph says:
"A suspect or defendant in a criminal case shall be presumed
innocent, and before the passing of a final judgement convicting
a person of having committed an offence, such person shall not be
treated as a convict."
As I understand it, the non-violent protester who shared an audio
clip and was sentenced to a record jail term was held in pre-trial
detention for four years, and Pai Dao Din was in detention for six
months.
That sounds very much to me like being treated as a convict, or
am I missing something?
Lungstib.
Bangkok,
Thailand
It
is the poor who need additional benefits
Not former Philippines presidents
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 22, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer 22 Wednesday February
2023
|
Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel L. Quezon, Jose Laurel, Sergio
Osmeña, Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos
P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Corazon Aquino,
Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Aquino
III, and Rodrigo Duterte never lived a paupers life riddled
with miseries and impoverishment after their term.
Unlike the poor peasants and workers who are bent over for decades
in their work and who are enduring pain and hardship due to poverty
and neglect.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police chief who
enabled Duterte to implement the war on drugs that killed thousands,
together with his fellow senators Mark Villar, Christopher Lawrence
Bong T. Go, and Francis Tolentino introduced
Senate Bill No. 1784 proposing additional benefits and privileges
to former presidents.
The bill is not only untimely but self-serving; it is not beneficial
to the Filipino people, especially the downtrodden.
This bill manifests how the ruling elite and especially the ruling
clique in the chamber of lawmakers prioritize what would benefit
their pack.
The president and other elected officials are public servants that
are supposedly thinking and implementing rules that would alleviate
the sufferings of their constituents.
All the presidents must have not seen too much poverty, inequality,
social unrest, and dissatisfaction because the basic social services
have not been rendered to the ordinary people.
All the presidents did not push for the demand of a living wage.
Instead, they settled for laws that allow minimum wage that in actuality
could not cope with inflation and social needs of families such
as housing, education, clothing, and basic health services.
Ibon Foundation has documented the nominal minimum wage and these
are the wages under their term: Corazon Aquino (P118), Ramos (P198),
Estrada (P250), Arroyo (P382), Benigno Aquino III (P491), and Duterte
(P537). Minimum wage through the years has never reached the living
wage needed by families.
Today, the minimum wage is at P570, while a family of five needs
P1,087.
No living former presidents had eased the burden of the workers,
even if it was just ending contract labor.
The people are robbed of job security and long-term benefits toward
their retirement through this arrangement.
When Marcos Sr. was toppled, no president ever touched nor worked
to reverse or review Presidential Decree No. 1177, which is popularly
known as the automatic appropriations law for debt servicing. PD
1177 remains untouched and unchallenged until today, which is why
there is a bigger appropriation of the national budget that goes
to debt payments.
The 2023 national budget has allotted debt servicing amounting to
P1.6 trillion, the highest yearly servicing on record.
According to economist Sonny Africa, the payment is equivalent to
44 centavos out of every peso revenue.
The additional and extended benefits to past presidents would be
unfair to the people who have been taxed heavily despite low salaries
and robbed of benefits because the past presidents did not alleviate
the sufferings of the people by prioritizing the debt payments and
not the economic and social upliftment of the people.
Now that they are retired and are still living, the additional budget
for the implementation of the law will be an additional burden for
the ordinary ones.
So far, the living past presidents are enjoying their lives.
They would never have to raise funds or solicit if they get sick
and would be needing medical intervention.
They would never beg for food or housing, nor queue at lotto outlets
to take their chances on a possible fortune.
They would never commute and wait long hours for bus rides. They
have enough, or perhaps more than enough.
If during their term, they were able to genuinely serve the interest
of the people, there would be lesser poverty and more people would
be willing to return the favor to past presidents.
After all, years of administering the country must have taught them
how to organize their daily lives, including some official responsibilities
they have to respond to.
It is the poor people who need additional benefits, not former presidents.
Norma P. Dollaga,
Kapatirang Simbahan,
Para sa Bayan,
Manila,
Philippines
Myanmar General wears
medals
For cancelling democratic elections
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 22, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday January 21,
2023
|
Re: "Myanmar junta chief family assets
found in Thai drug raid", in Bangkok Post, Saturday
January 11, 2023,
The photo shows the tin pot general wearing 19 medals. Medals for
what? For cancelling a democratic election? Did he get one for jailing
an elderly woman? Or perhaps some are for bombing villages composed
of bamboo huts full of kids and the elderly. Maybe Myanmar hands
out medals for killing teenagers who demonstrate for fair elections.
Nek Nestrebla,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Why are the Lese Majeste
laws
Needed to protect revered institutions
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 14,
2023
|
Re: "Food for thought", in
Bangkok Post Editorial, February 11, 2023
When the Bangkok Post repeats the platitude that "the lese
majeste laws are needed to protect the revered institution",
reasonable people might again wonder why Thailand's revered institution
needs such punitive protection when the same revered institutions
of other nations continue and thrive with less or even without harsh
penalty.
Felix Qu.
Bangkok,
Thailand
Canadian visitor to Thailand
Warns of obesity, alcohol consumption, heart
desease
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 13, 2023
|
As a Canadian woman, age 63, who is now visiting Thailand
for the fifth time, I'd like to share how much I love your country:
from the warm, friendly people, the art and architecture to your
delicious food.
I've noticed a thing or two about the changes I've seen in Thais
from 1990 to 2023.
On the first visit, in 1990.
I remember Thais were smaller than my 164cm height, and weighed
less than my then 55kg weight.
Three decades later, younger Thais are taller than me, and have
stronger, bigger bones.
Thanks to Thailand achieving substantial economic growth over the
past three decades, I imagine that more people gained access to
more nutritious food.
Now I see a proliferation of fast food companies, coffee shops and
high-fat snacks in stores.
I'm writing to warn Thais that when Canadians started buying highly-processed
foods in grocery stores in the 1960s and also at fast food restaurants
which serve an addictive combination of fat-sugar-salt foods, we
started to gain weight.
Now Canadians are dying prematurely from obesity, high alcohol consumption,
heart disease and strokes.
In the past 32 years, I've noticed that many Thai women are changing
their appearance.
Now, many lighten their hair and skin colour, or wear blue contact
lenses.
Canadian women have been subjected for decades to high-pressure
advertising that succeeds in making women feel badly about their
appearance; so badly that women spend a fortune lightening their
hair and buying expensive creams and makeup.
In my opinion, Thais are perfect just the way they are. I love your
darker skin. I love your black hair. You are beautiful just the
way you are.
Georgina Hunter
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for hotline to report
on
Illegal immigrants workers in Bangkok
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 18, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday February 14,
2023
|
Re: "Whistleblowers expose misconduct",
in Bangkok Post, February 13 and "Myanmar
vendors nabbed on Khao San", in Bangkok Post, February
8.
Reading this news report on February 8, I am really confused about
the timing of the nabbing.
As Bangkokians, we have been wondering about the activity of the
police station adjacent to Khao San and the immigration police as
well.
Apart from food vendors, what about the ethnic Nepalese from Myanmar
who speak Nepalese, Burmese, Hindi, English and Thai ?
They are the majority of workers in almost every bar and restaurant
on Khao San Road seen blocking the walking streets with menus in
their hands, chasing and touching female tourists and passing vulgar
slurs.
They make it extremely difficult to walk.
They can be seen on both sides of the street.
How about them? Are these jobs not for Thai citizens only?
Do they have a work permit?
Not only on Khao San but on the pavements of Sukhumvit Road from
Soi Nana onwards to Asoke intersection.
You can find the same Nepalese Burmese working for Thais selling
illegal sex toys, and e-cigarettes, openly right under the nose
of police and thetsakij police city police who are assigned to patrol
pavements.
What about the beggar gangs, reportedly from neighbouring countries
such as Cambodia, who present with newborn and infant kids all over
Sukhumvit Road? They have been part of Sukhumvit Road for years,
again under the nose of police, particularly immigration police.
Will the Royal Thai Police (RTP) only act only after Chuvit Kamolvisit
or other whistleblowers make a noise?
I also wonder why no printed newspapers or Thai television channels
did not take up reports on this glaring law violation issue.
When reporting on illegal immigrant workers, please provide a hotline
email where people can send information and where photos can be
sent.
Joynandan Haldar,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Ilegal
gambling operators in Thailand
Are protected by high ranking police
The
Southeast Asian Timesm, Friday February
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 15,
2023
|
Re: "Cops red-faced as scandals rock force",
and "Whistleblowers expose misconduct", in
Bangkok Post, February 13, 2023.
Chuvit Kamolvisit's all-out war against the police force on illegal
online gambling is worth the attention of all Thai people.
Illegal online gambling is no less damaging than drugs.
It drains away the financial resources of all the players, enriching
only a handful of people who own and run the operations.
It's especially alarming that the young generations can become addicted
easily as a lot of them are used to playing games on computers.
We need to voice our support for Mr Chuvit. Illegal gambling is
a national issue, especially when the alleged operators are protected
by or are themselves high-ranking police.
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Thai Prime Minister
Gen Prayut
To release Vicha Mahakun report
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 16, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 13, 2023
|
Re: "Top cops linked to illegal site, CCIB
to quiz Thai actress in Taiwan, 46 arrested over macau888",
in Bangkok Post, February Thursday 9, Friday 10, 2023.
Chuvit Kamolvisit is indeed brave to blow the whistle on the police
by the hundreds, even including generals.
Many millions of Thais, including me, hope he succeeds.
But he's climbing the wrong mountain.
He's rooting out individual rogues, who are the result of the existing
system.
The whole police culture is rotten and needs to be solved with a
holistic approach, including compensation, job-related key performance
indicators, decentralisation, and so on.
Then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva knew that a holistic, top-to-bottom
approach was needed, and commissioned Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn to
propose such a solution but Gen Vasit's proposals weren't even discussed
in parliament.
Likewise, Prime Minister Gen Prayut has hidden ex-graftbuster Vicha
Mahakun panel's report on reforming the Royal Thai Police (RTP)
and public prosecutor's office for over two years because Gen Prayut
lacks the political will to order the scale of change required.
Chuvit's placing his life on the line to show us the need for extensive
change. We must back Chuvit to the hilt. Encourage the media to
get Prayut to release the Vicha report and get your favourite party
to commit to vigorously implement the reforms proposed.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for the US Department
of Defense
To clarify US-funded lab project in Philippines
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 15, 2023
First published in Philippine Inquirer, Monday February 13,
2023
|
Only the Inquirer reported on the calls of Makabayan
bloc lawmakers for Congress to investigate why the US Department
of Defense is funding the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
in Tarlac City for $643,000, and only transferred to the Department
of Agriculture (DA) in September 2020 in House urged to
scrutinize US-funded lab project in PH, News, 21 December,
2022.
It is not only Congress that should investigate this worrisome expose,
but the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the
Philippines, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of
Justice, Department of Health, and the local government units involved
should have a thorough investigation and report, in the name of
transparency and accountability that President Marcos Jr. espouses.
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is a combat support agency within
the United States Department of Defense (DoD) doing work on weapons
of mass destruction, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear,
and high explosives.
Isnt this funding suspicious?
This role of civilian and agricultural cooperation rests with the
US Department of Agriculture, not with agencies within the US DoD,
clearly.
Will the DFA and DND ask US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during
his visit to clarify the US position?
Thank you Makabayan bloc for initiating the investigation and to
Inquirer for reporting this worrisome news.
Why are our other politicians, government agencies, and other media
silent?
Recently, US State Department Undersecretary Victoria Nuland was
forced to admit that the US has been funding over 30 dangerous biolabs
in Ukraine, which Kiev and the White House initially denied.
But when Russia was about to take over some of the biolabs, Nuland
told the congressional inquiry that: Ukraine has biological
research facilities which, in fact, were now quite concerned
Russian troops, Russian forces may be seeking to gain control of,
so we are working with the Ukrainians on how we can prevent any
of those research materials from falling into the hands of Russian
forces should they approach.
Nulands bizarre confession revealed the same concerns that
our lawmakers should be demanding an answer on: why is she so concerned
that Russia would seize such a benign biological research
facility?
The US asked to explain after the Pentagon admits to operating
46 biolabs in Ukraine after months of denial, read another
June 12 headline by the UKs Morning Star.
Is the US moving its biolabs from Ukraine to Asia?
And the Philippines another willing ally at the risk of endangering
the lives of our people?
The Intercept also reported that accidents from US biolabs are mostly
unreported, with over 250 biolabs worldwide funded by the US and
off-limits to the World Health Organization from inspecting.
America cant be trusted, especially their nongovernment organizations
funded by the state and defense departments like the NED, USAID,
etc.
In fact, foreign governments have long accused the USAID as a front
for the CIA dedicated to the downfall of countries that do not conform
to the demands of the US.
We saw the destruction and deaths in many nations in South America,
the Middle East, Ukraine that blindly trusted the superpower.
The next mistake may be catastrophic.
Laura Reyes,
Manila,
Philippines
Thai PM cannot lose face
By giving in to hunger strikers
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 14, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Saturday February 11, 2023
|
Re: 2 activists get bail as lives at risk,
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 8. 2023.
The Criminal Court approved bail for the two political activists,
Tawan and Bam, who are on
hunger strike to ensure human rights, freedom of expression, and
the ending of Sections 112 and 116 concerning lese majeste and sedition,
respectively.
However, the two young girls insist on continuing their strike.
I salute the strikers for their moral courage in literally putting
their lives on the line for what they believe is right.
But Prayut cannot afford to lose face by giving in completely.
I urge the strikers to thank the court and accept the olive branch
offered them. Accept bail on condition that Prayut immediately join
them in honouring our national fathers sage advice on lese
majeste and doing as King Rama IX would have done.
Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej, right,
inspects e-cigarettes smuggled from China in December. A total of
883,000 e-cigarettes valued at 130 million baht were seized from
two locations in Lat Krabang district of Bangkok.
What would our beloved national father have done?
As Grossman and Faulder put it in their palace-approved book: Thailands
law of lèse-majesté has one very prominent critic:
King Bhumibol
In 2005... King Bhumibol used his annual televised
birthday address to convey three concerns: (a) The king,
he said, is a human being and as such should be subject to
criticism. (b) Charges against those accused of lèse-majesté
should be dropped, and those held in jail for lèse-majesté
should be released, and (c) The use of the lèse-majesté
law ultimately damages the monarchy.
Your proposal to follow King Rama IXs advice would be very
difficult for Prayut and the courts to ignore, as they themselves
would benefit significantly from so doing, and greatly lower the
political temperature.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok,
Thailand
Prime
Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's
Promised
to usher
in true democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 13, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 1,
2023
|
Re: "Prayut hits hustings as Pheu Thai
rules out post-poll deal with PPRP," in Bangkok Post,
Sunday, January 29, 2023.
Before jumping too quickly to swallow whole Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha's latest round of amazing promises, it would be prudent
to look back on the historical record of the past eight years.
When he staged a coup, he made another bunch of promises, such as
reforming corrupt institutions, returning happiness, and even ushering
in a golden era of "true democracy."
Recent headlines confirm what really was clear back in May 2014.
The evidence of eight years shows that reform of the Royal Thai
Police and the Royal Thai Army, and tackling corruption were not
actually among his goals, nor achieved.
What is, on the contrary, all too apparent is that the Thai constitution
defining Thailand's form of democratic government was overthrown
precisely to prevent those reforms for which Thais continue to call
in vain.
This is also why Thai patriots peacefully calling for reform along
the lines of openness, transparency and accountability are harassed,
arrested and imprisoned.
Thailand has already choked enough on the promises rudely forced
down everyone's throats in 2014. Is another dose of the same really
a healthy choice?
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Community-based
health programs in Philippines
Condemns designation of terrorist by Anti-Terrorism Council
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 12, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday February
9, 2023
|
We, the Council for Health and Development, the national
organization of community-based health programs (CBHPs) in the Philippines,
strongly condemn the designation of Dr. Naty Castro as a terrorist
and the Red-tagging of CBHP by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).
The ATC released Resolution No. 35 (2022) during the 17th ATC Meeting
dated December 7, 2022, designating Castro as a terrorist and accusing
the CBHP, where she worked as a community doctor for decades in
Caraga, as a CPP-NPA-NDF front.
This year, we celebrate 50 years of CBHP since its inception in
1973.
The CBHP was initiated by three nuns of the Rural Missionaries of
the Philippines, namely Sister Mary Grenough, MM, Sister Eva Varon,
MMS, and Sister Xavier Marie Bual, SPC.
Together with other community development workers, they developed
and implemented the concept of training people in rural and urban
communities in response to the lack of social and health services,
amidst the sociopolitical crisis during the dark years of martial
law under former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Instead of cowing to terror, the pioneers of CBHPs lived and worked
with the poor, helping them address their health needs through skills
training and basic health services.
From three pilot programs in 1973, CBHPs including peoples
health committees are now more than 70 programs all over the Philippines.
For the past 50 years, CBHPs have worked with dedicated and courageous
men and women who, despite the promise of illustrious careers and
income abroad or in the cities, chose the path less traveled and
served the poor and downtrodden. Those whose diseases cannot be
healed by pills alone, but an overhaul of a public health system
that fatally made health a privilege and less a right.
The ATC is so desperate to silence not just her but also all community-based
public health practitioners serving the rural areas, where there
is no or limited access to health care services due to the lack
of government support.
Red-tagging CBHPs is sowing terror and placing doctors and health
workers who chose to serve far-flung areas at the risk of being
harassed or killed.
Choosing to serve communities in the margins is not an act of terrorism,
and neither does speaking about the root causes of inequities make
one a terrorist.
We call on the Filipino people and all public health advocates and
practitioners to condemn the ATC resolution, designating Castro
as a terrorist and Red-tagging CBHPs.
Castro is not a terrorist. The CBHPs and the community health workers
are not terrorists. Stop the attacks on community health workers.
Scrap the Anti-Terrorism Act!
Magdalena Barcelon, M.D.,
Eleanor Jara, M.D.,
Council for Health and Development,
Manila,
Philippines
Homeless freeze to death
Outside five star hotels housing refugees
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saurday February 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 8,
2023
|
Re: "Sign of ignorance", in
Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saurday February 4, 2023.
I take issue with Mr Nagi's statement that: "For immigrants,
there is no other choice but to succeed in a foreign land".
While this may be true in countries such as India, where he is from,
it most certainly is not the case in developed countries such as
Sweden or the UK.
It's common now for people who have successfully immigrated to first-world
countries, such as those in Northern Europe, to sponsor family members
from their previous nation to come along, including elderly parents.
These elderly people do not work but rather receive social welfare
from the state in which they now inhabit, in addition to familial
help.
Furthermore, many people who come from poor countries now seek asylum
in Western countries, and they receive the full range of social
benefits that normal citizens do, but unlike normal citizens, the
refugees do not work.
Recently, a homeless man froze to death in Scarborough, England,
just outside of lavish four- and five-star hotels where Albanian
and Afghanistani refugees were housed. Unsurprisingly, the native
inhabitants of Western countries are now getting fed up with having
their hard-earned tax dollars used to support foreigners who are
not working in these countries.
An Expat in Thailand,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call
for polls to measure public opinion
For support for pro-democracy hunger strikers
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 10, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 8,
2023
|
Re: "Sympathy, but little support for protest",
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Monday February 6, 2023
It would be hard to disagree with Veera Prateepchaikul, following
exiled former Thammasat University lecturer Somsak Jeamteerasakul,
that the young pro-democracy activists Tantawan "Tawan"
Tuatulanon and Orawan "Bam" Phuphong, who have
suffered so much "should be commended for their steely hearts
and resolve for their cause".
What is less clear, is whether Veera is right that support for their
cause has, in fact, dwindled among the Thai people.
The only way to make any statement about what a people might support
is to run a few well-designed and properly conducted polls to measure
public opinion.
For all their imperfections and weaknesses, opinion polls remain
reliable indicators of how a nation or any demographic within it
feels.
Veera cited not a single poll or lower percentage for his claims
about the extent of public support for the cause.
That people might not turn out for a protest because of rising costs
of living, or less media notice does not entail that there does
not also exist a large groundswell of solid support.
Whatever the percentages might be, the Thai people deserve to know
what they themselves think.
Policymakers should care very much to know what the nation feels
to a percentage point.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Bangkok Post
to ovoid use of the word dust
For high levels of soot and smoke from illegal
burning
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 9, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday February 6, 2023
|
:Re: "Unsafe dust levels in 43 provinces,
including Bangkok," in Bangkok Post, Friday
February 3, 2023.
The Post should consider avoiding the use of the word "dust"
to categorise the high levels of dangerous PM2.5 particles blanketing
43 provinces.
While dust may be a part of it, the vast majority of the regional
PM2.5 pollution is soot and smoke from illegal burning.
And in urban areas, road traffic contributes a quarter of PM2.5
particulates, not all of it from vehicle exhausts.
You cannot address a specific problem if you fail to identify it.
Tarquin Chufflebottom,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippines
Senate blue ribbon committee report
Finds
conspiracy to facilitate and or generate overpricing
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday February 8, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday February
1, 2023
|
A conspiracy exists when two or more persons come
to an agreement concerning the commission of a crime and then proceed
to commit it.
In a conspiracy, there is collective criminal responsibility and
all the conspirators are liable for all the consequences of their
deed.
According to the Senate blue ribbon committee report, the Department
of Education (DepEd) bought 39,583 laptops for public school teachers
from its favored suppliers at the bloated cost of P58,300 per unit.
The laptops were originally priced at just P35,046.50, resulting
in an overprice of P979 million.
The original intention to purchase 68,500 units did not materialize
as a consequence of the overprice.
The report added that There was a conspiracy to facilitate
and/or generate an overprice which indicates manifest partiality,
evident bad faith, and/or gross inexcusable neglect on the part
of the senior officials and staff of the DepEd and the Procurement
Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM).
The committee recommended the filing of criminal charges against
several former and current officials of the DepEd and PS-DBM for
conspiracy.
Why wasnt then Education Secretary Leonor Briones included
among those who should be haled into court?
Why were the corporate officers of the joint venture companies identified
by the committee as the favored suppliers of the overpriced and
outdated laptops Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., LDLA
Marketing and Trading, and VST ECS (Philippines) Inc. not among
those who should face graft charges?
It is an accepted practice among fishermen all over the world to
catch the big fish and to let go of the small fry. Here in the Philippines,
it is the small fry that gets fried. The big fish, as a rule, is
allowed to get away.
Excluding Briones and the suppliers from the consequences of their
collective criminal responsibility only serves to solidify the public
perception that the Philippine justice system is selective, arbitrary,
and capricious.
It will serve to inspire, encourage, and motivate other government
officials to commit unabashed and unbridled acts of graft and corruption
while in service, without fear of censure and consequences.
Lady Justice in the Philippines will be seen as a whore who is cross-eyed
if not blind.
In a conspiracy, the act of one is the act of all.
How can Briones, who approved the multibillion deal and who headed
the DepEd while runaway thievery was being conducted under her very
nose, not be part of it? How can the suppliers not be part and parcel
of this monumental act of piracy when they profited handsomely and
immensely from it?
An unbroken chain of generations of corrupt government officials
has kept the Philippines short, stunted, and small compared to its
siblings in the Asia-Pacific region. When will we wise up to the
reality that we will forever be poor because we are enriching those
who are supposed to be our public servants, with our indifference,
complacency, and cowardice? The wicked live on denials, and denials
are in themselves a kind of faith faith in evildoing. Evil thrives
when good men choose to do nothing.
The very ultimate victims of this conspiracy of pirates are the
poor public school students, verily the children of a lesser god.
The perpetrators of this dastardly crime, rather than lead these
children to see the light of reason, bring them darkness and blind
them instead. Realizing this just shreds my heart to shards.
Antonio Calipjo Go,
Quezon City,
Philippines
Call for University of
Papua New Guinea
To fill vacant positions
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday February 7, 2023
First published in the National, Friday January 10, 2023
|
A total of 82 positions were advertised by the University
of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in January 2022.
Even after one year not a single one of those positions has been
filled.
Is this because of the inefficiency of the management or the shortage
of money?
It may be that some of these positions are managed by full-time
staff in addition to looking after other positions in an acting
capacity.
This is not the way to run any university, let alone the premier
university.
If lack of money is the problem, the University of Papua New Guinea
(UPNG) management must obtain funds from the Government and fill
these vacancies.
Naomi Rikimanin,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for a state welfare
system in Thailand
Not an increase in hand outs for the poor
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday February 6, 2021
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 21, 2023
|
Re: "Prawit vows welfare card boost",
in Bangkok Post, January 18, 2023
The number of state welfare cards, designed to pacify people at
the grassroots level, is expected to increase from 13.5 million
to 18 million this year.
That's not good news.
But if Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit retains power after the
upcoming election, he promises this monthly stipend will increase
from 200-300 to 700 baht.
Recognising this is entirely insufficient and his need to thwart
the promised Pheu Thai election tidal wave, might I call the deputy
prime minister's attention to a new source of significant tax revenue
which would allow him to deliver not just a paltry increase in handouts
for the poor but rather the introduction of a comprehensive state
welfare system to finally address the kingdom's yawning inequality
chasm?
This source of huge new tax revenues is close at hand.
All Gen Prawit has to do is to follow the advice contained in an
open letter signed by 205 of the world's super-rich, calling on
the world leaders and business executives currently attending the
World Economic Forum's love-fest at Davos to "Tax us now".
The letter makes an eloquent case for the super-rich to save their
own bacon:
"We are living in an age of extremes. Rising poverty and
widening wealth inequality...
"Extremes are unsustainable, often dangerous and rarely
tolerated for long...
"The history of the last five decades is a story of wealth
flowing nowhere but upwards...
"Tax the ultra-rich and do it now..."
Gen Prawit, this is your road to election success and a bright shining
place in modern history.
Sad Optimist
Bangkok,
Thailand
University of Papua New
Guinea wants Filipino
born in
Papua
New Guinea to pay international student fees
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday February 4, 2923
First published in the National, Friday February 3, 2023
|
I am so amused to read the front page story "UPNG
turns away Filipino."
There is a lack of justification.
The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) does not give any definite
reasons for telling the Filipino student to pay as an international
student.
Where is your provision or is there any clause in your administration
that states clearly like what is now the scenario?
I bet there is none.
The fact that Roselyn was born in Papua New Guinea is enough to
guarantee her access to the services like any other citizen.
The immigration department also confirms that she is entitled to
services because her records show that she was born in Papua New
Guinea.
This is an embarrassment as it seems UPNG does not have any clause
in place to cater for such cases.
Instead, University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) depends only on the
fact that she is from the Philippines and so should pay international
student fees.
What a joke and hypocritical decision by the so-called acting registrar.
Please allow the student to register and put your teams together
and get the provision or clause inserted to accommodate such scenarios
in future.
Wake up and get your team to work.
Concerned citizen,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
Aung San Suu Kyi
Plays with fire
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday February 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 1,
2023
|
Re: "Suu Kyi gets bitten," in
Bangkok Post, PostBag, Saturday January 28, 2023.
While I agree with David Brown's main points in his comments on
Aung San Suu Kyi's conduct, I think it is necessary to think carefully
on her situation.
One must look at the political situation in the country over the
last 15 years at least. In these years, the Tatmadaw the military
in Myanmar were already attacking the Rohingya, and people leaving
the country.
Then the Tatmadaw began an extermination campaign, and almost all
of the Rohingya had to flee or be killed.
What was Aung San Suu Kyi to do?
So she went along with the general prejudice towards a racial group
different from her own, I expect, to save her government from the
Tatmadaw.
This worked for only a short period, and then came the coup.
Now the "renewed" Myanmar judiciary has sentenced
her to long imprisonment. If you play with fire, you often get burned.
BraveDav,
Bangkok.
Thailand
Call
to fire President Marcos Jr.
From
Department of Agriculture
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday February 3, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday February
1, 2023
|
I was amazed by the article President
to give up Department of Agriculture (DA) post when food crisis
over in Philippine Inquirer, Business, January 17,
2023.
Given the current shortfall in basic food supplies like pork, fish,
sugar, onion, and now, eggs, it looks like President Marcos Jr.
will most likely further extend his stint as Department of Agriculture
(DA) secretary.
Per various accounts, food supply problems besetting our country
are the combination of the following factors, to wit:
Low production of said food items by our farmers and fishers;
excessive trade protection of the domestic agricultural industry
from unfair foreign competition in terms of supply, demand, costs,
and other considerations;
High cost of production due to expensive farm and fishing inputs;
The need to improve research and agriculture and fishing extension
systems the modes of delivery for improved technology, techniques,
and practices to raise farmers and fishers productivity.
As a consequence, the country is dependent on imports because of
insufficient production, a problem that was exacerbated by the pandemic.
Now more than ever, what we need, as Inquirer columnist Ciel Habito
said, is to fire the President as agriculture
secretary, and for him to appoint a capable and effective
full-time leader for the beleaguered Department of Agricultures
(DA) to make it truly responsive to the needs of farmers, fishers,
and consumers alike to forestall the further worsening
of the food supply in our country.
Emiliano Manahan Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines
Royal
Thailand Police
Cannot
impartially investigate itself
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday February 4, 2023
First Published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday February 1,
2023
|
Re: "Police chief steps in to bribes row,"
in Bangkok Post, Monday January 29, 2023
I 'm glad that Royal Thailand Police (RTP) chief Pol Gen Damrongsak
Kittiprapas has ordered investigators to find the truth about a
Taiwanese actress' complaint that police extorted 27,000 baht from
her at a checkpoint and has promised that "drastic disciplinary
and legal action will be taken against any guilty officers."
But justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
The credibility of the Royal Thailand Police (RTP) itself is at
stake, and the accused cannot impartially investigate itself.
Who can do the job?
Ex-graft buster Vicha Mahakun's panel did such a superb job of recommending
reforming the Royal Thailand Police (RTP) and public prosecutor's
office that Prime Minister Prayut has assiduously buried his report
from public view for over two years.
Maybe Khun Vicha would step up to the plate once more with transparent
proceedings?
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Big business in Thailand
Transfers
profits out of the country
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday 1 February 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday January 3, 2023
|
Re: "Hail the Tourist," in
Bangkok Post, PostBag, Monday January 28, 2023.
I am sure that Globetrotter knows that big foreign businesses such
as McDonald's, KFC, Grab, Huawei, DTAC, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Apple,
Google, Alibaba and dozens of others in Thailand or elsewhere in
the world, including Spain or Portugal, legally transfer their profits
out of the country.
The shareholders and CEOs are the primary beneficiaries of such
companies.
As far as I know, many Indian immigrants, especially those who came
here a century ago, are Thai citizens and contribute heavily to
the economy.
Big companies, such as Indorama, Jaspal, Tata and many others, have
contributed heavily to Thailand's economy.
For example, Jaspal employs thousands of employees and does lots
of philanthropic work.
It is simple. Immigrants in any country will work much harder to
succeed than the natives who have become too comfortable with their
lives or do not want to take complex jobs.
Look carefully at those Toyota trucks filled with young Lao or Myanmar
girls and boys.
If you miss it, visit any of these places Patong, Patpong, Pattaya
or Phuket. Good luck.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua
New Guinea needs donor assistance
In sourcing specific industry expertise
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday 31 January 2023
First published in the National, Wednesday January 11, 2023
|
I recently returned to Port Moresby after a four-year
absence to visit one of my daughters.
I worked here for over 30 years and for the last 17 years on various
international aid programmes, including four years on Bougainville.
My long absence was dictated by Covid-19 restrictions. My late wife
was a Papua New Guinean as are my three daughters.
So, I think I have an empathy for Papua New Guinea.
Ive driven around Port Moresby to observe changes.
There are major developments in main roads and new real estate:
both commercial and new housing.
Its impressive.
But I also have an underlying unease about the slow pace of development
vis-à-vis potential) of the countrys natural resources
apart from mining.
I mean fishing, forestry, and agriculture.
These are developments that would benefit population areas outside
Port Moresby.
Maybe there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes
within the relevant statutory authorities and departments.
But that is not obvious to the casual observer.
The Governments stated intentions are clear, pathways on implementation
not so clear.
Consider forestry as an example.
I did some work for a 100 per cent nationally-owned logging and
sawmilling company in West New Britain. Okay, it was back in the
1990s.
But I think most problems these companies confronted then, remain.
It is now government policy that logging exports be phased out in
favour of further processed products sawn timber, etc.
Do the planners envisage that individual forestry permit holders
should install sawmilling machinery, drying kilns, etc. at their
logging sites?
Many sites probably rely on genset power.
Or would they prefer purpose-built sawmilling plants at central
locations?
And logs shipped from the logging sites to the central mills maybe
a mix.
Is someone analysing the economics and pros and cons of the alternatives
including potential relief to the loggers from the current tax regime?
And publishing the conclusions?
A small redirection and more flexibility in some of the international
aid the country receives would be welcome.
To help progress these issues. Papua New Guinea needs donor assistance
in sourcing specific industry expertise in addition to programme
aid for capacity building.
Papua New Guinea welcomes all donors.
Some may be more flexible than others.
I do not say this because I think Papua New Guineans are incapable
but simply because some of the donor countries have decades of experience
in operating their own developed industries in these sectors.
Neither do I comment because I am touting for work.
Im a grey nomad, semi-retired.
Though I might be okay to contribute if wanted.
I have written because I want the country to make more rapid progress.
Jim Benn,
Natioal Capital District
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
Thai media never follow
up on scandals
If
the main culprits are the so-called elites
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 18,
2023
|
Re: "The truth about Thai money politics"
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday January 13, 2025.
Ajarn Thitinan Pongsudhirak is brave enough to speak up on Thai
money politics and related issues involving General Prayut Chan-o-cha's
brother and nephews' cases not being properly investigated and no
one being held accountable still.
He is not afraid of being sent to a junta-run "attitude
adjustment centre" inside an army barracks.
I salute his fearless attitude.
Gen Prayut and Gen Prawit Wongsuwon kicked out an elected legal
government in an army coup, giving the reason that Yingluck s government
was corrupt.
Gen Prawit's wristwatch scandal shocked the nation and the common
man on the street.
Citizens lost trust in our justice system.
Even cab drivers and vegetable vendors hate our nation's leaders.
The problem is our ex-junta leaders never tried to learn from history
and revolutions.
Ajarn Thitinan Pongsudhirak,. Don't you agree that all this money
politics for decades is due to our own lack of interest in being
vocal and failing to unite to come onto the streets like Iranian
youths who came out in numbers against the killing of a woman who
was against wearing a hijab?
The saddest thing is the mainstream media.
They never follow up on scandals if the main culprits are the so-called
elites.
The media should be fearless.
We lack patriotism and nationalism.
The question is: Who sets the right definition of proper nationalism
and proper patriotism?
As long as our kids are kept in the dark and in fear of harsh punishment
for speaking up, the future of Thailand is dark.
Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Festival Filem Malaysia
has followed
Hollywoods Oscars Academy Awards model
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 29, 2023
First published in the Star, Tuesday January 10, 2023
|
The government-sponsored Malaysian Film Festival,
a key industry event, entered its 32nd year in 2022.
But during the last decade, the festival has become just another
version of popularity awards shows in the manner of Anugerah Skrin,
Anugerah Bintang Popular and Anugerah ERA.
Consequently, the FFM from its Malay name, Festival Filem Malaysia
lacks a branding identity.
Since its inception in 1980 as organised by the Malaysian Entertainment
Journalist Association (EJA), the festival seems to have followed
Hollywoods Oscars (Academy Awards) model by granting awards
to outstanding films and individual artists and technicians.
In this respect, the festival should clarify whether it wants to
be an Oscars-style awards ceremony or a film festival.
If the organisers want the FFM function like an actual film festival,
then the awards ceremony element should be downplayed, which was
precisely what the National Film Development Corp of Malaysia (Finas)
did when the agency took over the festival from EJA in 1982.
Then Finas director-general Ismail Zain attempted to change the
events emphasis by highlighting programmes like film seminars
and cutting back on the awards component.
After Ismail stepped down in 1985, the FFM straddled the Oscars-style
awards ceremony and film festival concept.
Programmed events such as forums, seminars, workshops, screenings
and exhibitions were included, albeit inconsistently and sporadically,
along with several days of activities that culminated in the award-giving
ceremony.
Rather than reorganising the FFM, Finas, with assistance and support,
should appoint an independent body or organisation to run the festival.
The selected organisation should have the authority to name the
festivals director and curators and ensure that the FFM is
consistent in terms of format and time, while offering film-related
programmes such as screenings and talks.
Over the last two decades, the FFM has not been well-promoted, which
has affected the publics and movie fans support.
Promotion for the FFM should be ongoing throughout the year and
not done for a month or two weeks before the festival takes place.
The promotion and pre-festival activities should not be confined
to a single type of venue like shopping malls; the organisers should
consider a wide range of locales running the gamut from university
campuses and schools to small town and kampung community centres.
Among the main pre-festival activities should be film screenings
and discussions to help develop film literacy and appreciation among
the general public.
The FFM should be a marketing showcase where Malaysian films are
professionally screened and promoted.
Until now, film screenings have not been the festivals main
agenda the occasional screenings have been somewhat haphazardly
organised.
UTP graduates in high demand by top-tier companies
It defeats the purpose of having the FFM if it fails to develop
a film culture among Malaysians and expose the public to locally-made
films.
The FFM could be the platform through which love for Malaysian cinema
and even cinema in general could be instilled and nurtured.
The festival should highlight and promote films not just stars and
celebrities.
In addition to screening the films in competition, the festival
should also showcase black-and-white classics of the golden age,
past FFM winners, independent films, animated films, documentaries,
short films, and films with specific themes and tropes.
For example, a retrospective of influential Malaysian directors
such as Hussain Haniff, M. Amin, Jamil Sulong, L. Krishnan, Rahim
Razali, U-Wei Haji Saari, and Yasmin Ahmad could become an integral
part of the festivals offerings.
If the organiser wants to maintain the method of selecting winners
through a committee or panel jury rather than a voting system like
the Oscars uses, jury members should join the audience to view films
in competition while forming their critical opinions of them.
During the award ceremony, the jury members should be introduced
and welcomed onto the stage while the chair delivers the summary
report. Subsequently, the report should be published in the media,
as used to be the practice in the 1980s and 1990s.
The FFM should be made relevant not only to film industry personnel
but also to the broader public so that cinema can emerge as a part
of Malaysias public culture.
One of the main ways to propel Malaysian cinema forward is to develop
and educate audiences.
In the long run, the growth of discerning audiences may dictate
the standard of films we get.
I hope that the FFM will come to be regarded as a benchmark of meritorious
achievement of Malaysian cinema and an emblem of cultural life.
Knowledge, insight and the exchange of ideas should become the festivals
primary focus, rather than glamour, red carpets and award-giving.
A rebranding of the FFM is long overdue.
Norman Yusoff,
Senior lecturer,
College of Creative Arts,
Universiti Teknologi Mara (Selangor)
Malaysia
Thailand
voter says
"Surely we are wiser now"
First
published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday January 21, 2023
The Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 28, 2023
|
Re: "PM tells people to vote wisely,"
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 17, 2023
In response to the Prime Minister requesting Thai citizens to cast
our votes wisely, which is creating confusion, allow me to speak
up.
I am the same patriotic Siamese person who once supported the coup
d'etat orchestrated by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014 since I felt
that was necessary to get rid of the corrupt government of Khun
Thaksin and Khun Yingluck even though I fought my whole life as
a human rights activist, always against coups d'etat all over the
world.
But now I will explain why I might not cast my vote as I did earlier
for your party or the Palang Pracharath Party.
Corruption has returned to their homes.
Under your regime, unarmed students and netizens were sentenced
to lengthy imprisonment.
Your regime always used Section 112 to suppress the youth.
Apparently, you are scared to listen to people's voices.
The cases involving your brother and your relatives were not investigated
properly. Khun Prawit Wongsuwon's watches and the related judgement
left me speechless, and I lost total faith.
Above all, you have built a coalition government with the same people
who were questioned by the public - some of them coming from Pheu
Thai.
Indeed, I have a deep family background of the Democrat Party.
The reason I stopped supporting them is because of their inability
to protest or raise their voices against irregularities and unethical
actions in the current coalition government.
So when you request us to be wise to vote, surely we are wiser now.
Jayut Jayanandana,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Onion
farmers in Philippines
Incurr millions in losses
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 27, 2024
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday January
23, 2023
|
This is in reaction to your editorial, Desperation
over onion, in Philippine Inquirer Thursday, January 19,
2023.
We were aghast at the magnitude of the onion problem,
which has caused some farmers to lose their lives by committing
suicide after incurring millions in losses they suffered.
What made us fume in anger was the statement made by an onion farmer
from Mindoro who said in a Senate hearing that traders buy their
products at P8 to P15 per kilo and sell them for P600 in the market.
We cannot fathom the insensitivity of those traders who have the
gall to pay a measly few pesos for every kilo of onions they buy
and sell it at a gargantuan profit.
How inhuman and insensitive can they get?
The Philippines is an agricultural archipelago surrounded by water
where fish abound.
But why is it importing agricultural products and fish?
The easy answers are that unscrupulous business people choose to
import fish and agricultural products because that is more profitable
instead of patronizing local farmers and fishermen, and many agricultural
lands have been converted by land developers into residential subdivisions,
and fishermen of a foreign power have been fishing in our waters
and protected by that powerful countrys militia that harasses
Filipino fishermen in our own territory.
It has also been reported that the government will import onions
at a time when farmers will harvest their produce!
What a brilliant idea?
It is just like telling the gardener to water the plants as rain
pours!
The call for a full-time secretary of the Department of Agriculture
(DA) is understandably getting louder!
How can President Marcos Jr. as Department of Agriculture (DA head
manage this department in the face of myriad problems besetting
this country?
There is that brouhaha raging in the Department of National Defense,
the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National
Police.
Add to them the nagging illegal drug problem which has caused the
loss of innocent lives as a result of the extrajudicial
killings allegedly executed by rogue elements in the police
force who are believed to be awarded tens of thousands of pesos
for every victim they kill.
These problems have made many think that the ship of state is fast
sinking because it is rudderless, thanks to those who seem to guide
this president in very troubled waters.
God save this benighted land!
Ramon Mayuga,
Manila,
Philippines
Philippines war on drugs
A sham approach to solving drug problem
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 26, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday January
17, 2023
|
She passed away without seeing the dawn of justice
for her son, a pedicab driver, and scavenger who was killed in Rodrigo
Dutertes war on drugs.
All her life she struggled to survive and since social services
are wanting, her health succumbed to sickness in a lonely public
hospital bed.
Prayers via Messenger were offered, as she tried to pray to the
highest heavens for little comfort.
Her fragile bones could no longer hold her muscles, and yes, death
could meet her as her way to peace at the bosom of the Creator.
While struggling to breathe in and take the needed air for her to
feel she was still surviving, news about the Philippine National
Police being involved in the illegal drug trade was all over the
media.
Truly, the war on drugs was but a sham approach to solving the problem.
Whether it is 6,000 or 30,000 or only one that died, the war on
drugs that targeted the poor was not only a failure.
There was blood on the hands of the previous government officials
under Duterte. If the war on drugs has been successful, then the
government must explain why the drug trade continues to exist, and
worse, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are even involved.
Is it not ironic that after the murder of thousands, the trade continues
and those involved are the officers of the Philippine National Police
(PNP)?
Her remains will lie in the community where the sun shines and exposes
poverty with muddy alleys littered with waste and dirt, longing
for the freshness of a new morn.
At a quick glance, one could already feel a sense of awe at how
people survive. These communities must be revisited and the war
on drugs that caused so many killings and untimely deaths reviewed
for accountability.
The extravagance of abuse and injustice cannot be underestimated
when the families in their impoverishment were witnesses to the
killings and the denial of injustice.
Yet the powers and principalities are free to keep their business
as usual. While the poor are in their usual waiting and wanting
justice.
There are other mothers in their humble situation whose weak bodies
gave up. Their hope though strong, they bid goodbye for eternity
without a glimpse of justice for their sons.
As the corruption and abuses by the elements of Philippine National
Police (PNP) and the privilege granted to them have been exposed,
where will the poor find hope?
The prices of commodities and fares are getting higher.
There are threats of increase in electric and water service charges
while wages are low and the cost of health is so dear. Funeral services
are unaffordable.
There is no stability to think of.
Stability springs from a government that has a genuine desire to
deliver social justice and holds a particular bias in alleviating
the suffering of the poor.
We know.
The stories will never be forgotten and the blood that spilled to
the ground screams for mercy and justice.
We must not forget.
Norma P. Dollaga,
Kapatirang Simbahan Para sa Bayan,
Philippines
Thailand
Cannot tax the super rich
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 25, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Saturday January 21, 2023
|
Re: "Inequality chasm," in
Bangkok Post, PostBag, Friday January 20, 2023.
This letter, if published, will probably break the hearts of many
people who adhere to progressive politics.
Sadly, the open letter that the writer letter Sad Optimist cited
as signed by 205 "super-rich" attendees of the Davos Forum
asking for us to tax them or, as President Biden says, "pay
your fair share" was nothing more than an empty political
stunt, and I will explain why.
Prayut Chan-o-cha cannot really tax those who are truly "super-rich"
primarily for two reasons which are well-known to most world
leaders.
First of all, if the prime minister were to actually do that, it's
obvious that many of our "super-rich" would quickly
pull up sticks and move; leaving Thailand all the poorer.
But, far more importantly, the reason why the prime minister cannot
really tax the "super-rich" is because, unlike
you and I, the "super-rich" don't make much of
their money on earned income.
The "super-rich" make their money primarily on
passive income; very often through the creation of debt which society
needs in order to create large tangible assets like Trump Tower,
huge social developments, etc, and that kind of income cannot be
taxed much. Modern societies and modern economies require people
like Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, et al to create those beautiful
things which society enjoys and concurrently create many jobs.
So, if the prime minister, Mr Biden, etc were really to do that
or really even can, it would immediately bring many of society's
mega-developments and new creations to a screeching halt, leaving
only the government left to do those things which governments are
never good at.
So, the next time you hear Mr Biden, Hillary Clinton, or those at
Davos talk about taxing the rich, they mean people like doctors
and lawyers who still work for a living, not the "super-rich",
and everyone at Davos who the writer says signed that letter already
knows that
they also know that you probably don't know that.
The writer just got played.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Is Fijis post coup
dictator Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
Seeking asylum in Australia?
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday January 24, 2023
|
I hear Fijis post coup dictator Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
( the man who was the Attorney-General, Election Minister and dubbed
the Minister for Everything ) is in Australia seeking
to obtain Australian government permission to live here.
Before the Australian government makes a determination it should
find out what kind of public money Sayed-Khaiyum siphoned off from
Fiji during his 16 year reign in power.
There was no democratic accountability and transparency in governance
during his reign.
We know rogue leaders in Africa and elsewhere flee from their country
when finally they get kicked out of power and they buy mansions
in European countries with their loot!
There should be a thorough background check up on this rogue leader
from our region before he is granted any visa.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Selling
lotteries in Thailand
Reserved for the handicapped
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 23, 2023
First Published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday January 21,
2023
|
Re: "Complaints grow against migrant 'job
snatchers',?" in Bangkok Post, Wednesday January
18, 2023.
When I was in the Los Angeles Public Library walking to the men's
restroom, a white man launched a totally unprovoked flying kick
at me, screaming, "You Vietnamese (sic) steal our jobs!".
Reading that our Labour Ministry's received complaints that migrants
were working in jobs reserved for Thais reminded me of that.
The sine qua non for a law is that it must benefit the country in
the long term. Occupations like the military or government must
be reserved for nationals because national security is concerned.
But barriers to entry must not work against our long-term interests.
For example, we reserve lottery selling for the handicapped because
we don't give them the same quality of education that we give the
able-bodied.
We forbid foreign nationals from being tourist guides but desperately
need their nationals to tour Thailand and lack Thais who are fluent
in Chinese, Russian, Arabic, etc.
We insist on kicking our own goals.
Our national interests demand that all Thais be able to develop
to their fullest potential.
Thus, we owe all Thais equal and very high quality of education
whether handicapped or not.
Requiring guides to be Thai would be acceptable in the first two
years so we can learn other languages, but after that, we should
compete with all comers.
The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) reported that
one of our key problems was that our laws were woefully out of date.
I suggest that our labour law banning foreigners is definitely one
of them.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Australia fails to implement
United Nations
anti-torture agreement
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 22. 2023
|
Australia misses another deadline to implement a UN
anti-torture agreement ( abc news 20/1/23 ).
Why?
Doesnt Australia have people with the requisite expertise
and institutional mechanisms in place to do the needful?
The Australian state failure sounds like something one associates
with a third world banana republic or a failed state.
That shouldnt happen in a democracy like ours.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney
Australia
Call for Philippines government
to consider
Privatisation of airline operations
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 21, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday January
12, 2023
|
It is noteworthy
that the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Senate and
House of Representatives have initiated and or committed to conducting
their respective investigations in the light of the Naia shutdown.
Hopefully, these agencies can promptly complete their evaluations
and recommendations, and come up with a to-do list
with dispatch to avoid a repeat of the same incident due to utter
negligence.
In the midst of this brouhaha, let us try to focus on the blessings
and positive developments that happened during the said incident,
such as: that no major disaster airplane collision that could have
resulted in deaths and other collateral damages;
that someone alleged anonymous unsung hero from the airport control
office was quick enough to alert other foreign control centers using
his mobile phone to contact and direct the planes not to proceed
to Philippine airspace; that some airlines have extended assistance
to their respective passengers per air passenger rights; that the
Department of Migrant Workers have assisted the OFWs who were stranded
at the airports; that the said incident has once again
triggered a wake-up call to the DOTr, Civil Aviation Authority
of the Philippines, and Manila International Airport Authority to
ensure that they religiously conduct regular systems, equipment,
and personnel audit, maintenance, and updates.
The option being posed by the businesses to the government regarding
the privatization of our countrys airline operations can be
considered if and when these government agencies/officials/staffs
responsible/accountable to ensure seamless airline operations
would have proven to be inutile.
Emiliano
Manahan Jr.,
Manila,
Philippines
The
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar
Fails
to implement Agreement with ASEAN
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday January 18,
2023
|
Re: "Myanmar concerns" in
Bangkok Post PostBag, January 14, 2023.
In response to Than Htwe, the Myanmar Deputy Chief of Mission, who
says "...even when many of them are committing serious crimes",
referring to those who have taken up arms to oppose the illegal
coup in Myanmar.
Does he not think that staging the coup, taking away the vote, and
imprisoning people like Ang San Suu Kyi, plus using controlled courts
to reach military-decided verdicts, are, to use his phrase, serious
crimes?
He also refers to Asean in his comments.
It is my understanding that the Myanmar generals had an agreement
with Asean, which they have failed to implement.
So much for putting down those trying to bring some decency to the
Myanmar situation.
BraveDav,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call
for TalentCorp to dismantle
Institutionalised
discrimination in Malaysia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 19, 2023
First published in the Star, Thursday January 5, 2023
|
I refer to TalentCorps letter Focus
is on tapping into the best brains in The Star, Saturday
December 31, 2022.
My school cohort was the first to have Malay as its medium of instruction.
However, we were lucky as our teachers were still fluent in English.
We became effectively bilingual in Malay and English, unlike Malaysian
students today.
By then, our parents had already seen the writing on the wall.
Many of us were sent overseas for our education in the late 1970s
and early 1980s.
And many stayed on as they could not stomach the discrimination
against non-Malays in Malaysia.
Among my schoolmates, I count such talent as an Oxford professor,
London Harley Street specialist, Canadian aviator, American submariner,
Boeing engineer, tech and doctors galore.
They would have benefited Malaysia immeasurably if they had returned
home.
As a schoolmate said: As someone who has chosen to make
my life elsewhere I can attest that we want to live in a
nation free from institutionalised racist policies.
For myself, despite returning home to Malaysia after years abroad
as a British permanent resident, and even becoming a Malaysian Territorial
Army officer, I emigrated again.
Why?
To put it bluntly, I had taken an oath to protect King and Country
for all Malaysians, and not just for the dominant race.
If TalentCorp is serious about attracting back Malaysian talents,
it must look at dismantling the institutionalised discrimination
that exists in Malaysia now.
Further, it must significantly increase the benefits available under
the Returning Experts Programme (REP) for returning
Malaysians.
Many successful Malaysian talents are in demand by both developed
and developing countries.
They command a premium no matter where they go.
Current REP benefits do not sufficiently make up for the loss in
income, benefits, and prestige for those who choose to return to
Malaysia.
Go further by offering permanent resident status to returning Malaysians
who have taken up foreign citizenship.
If they burn their bridges to return to Malaysia but are then played
out by the institutionalised discriminatory system, they will certainly
want the assurance to be able to return to their new homeland.
Remember, at the measly rate of 0.33 percent of Malaysian returnees
under the REP against emigrated Malaysians, it is crystal clear
that Malaysia needs them, and not the other way around.
I end by saying that in the 1980s when I was studying and then working
in the UK, I supported the anti-apartheid movement to protest apartheid
and to free Nelson Mandela.
When asked why, I said I knew only too well what it felt like to
be a second-class citizen in my own country.
Major Rtd Chew Kok Liang
Singapore
Call
for control of street preaching
Around the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 18, 2023
First published in the National, January Tuesday 10, 2023
|
Can the National Capital District Commission (NCDC)
police in Papua New Guinea keep an eye around the Hohola area in
Port Moresby which is gradually seeing an increase in stores and
other commercial activities including the Hilton Hotel?
There seems to be no control over street preaching in the area.
From from 5.30 am this guy starts preaching loudly. Im told
he goes on preaching from 7am onwards to the afternoon. No one is
able to get rid of him.
I regard him as a pest.
Enough is enough.
This is blatant disturbing of the peace of homes and businesses.
Can NCDC do something about street preaching? They have even taken
over the new market.
Get the Hohola police unit to intervene and stop this loud preaching.
Please, people of Hohola can you assist also?
Gummy Herbs,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for accountant climate
heroes
To combat climate change
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 17, 2023
First published in the New Straits Times
|
In Malaysia, we are bearing the brunt of extreme weather:
enduring hotter and hotter days while also facing frequent torrential
rain and flooding.
Malaysia's commitment to combating the climate crisis revolves around
new policies and action plans.
For example, the Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3) was set
up in 2019 with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission
as the chair.
Furthermore, our financial institutions have pledged to create a
greener finance landscape and environmentally friendly projects.
We have also seen business leaders incorporate more sustainable
business practices and projects as part of corporate social responsibility.
But is there something that could help them do this better?
I believe the climate heroes we need are accountants.
A decade has passed since the phrase "accountants will save
the world" was publicised at the Rio+20 UN Conference in
2012.
Still, many think of accountants as deskbound employees, working
with a calculator in one hand and sheaves of paper in the other.
In reality, accountants and their skills are significant for social
transformation in three aspects: business strategy, advisory and
advocacy, and transparent reporting.
Accountants who can think beyond the numbers and see the big picture
are essential in building a more sustainable future.
They can crunch climate change data before developing strategies
for risk mitigation to ensure asset protection and reduce potential
liabilities.
Moreover, accountants have the skills to provide independent assurance
of organisations' sustainability progress through transparent reporting.
By including a sustainability oriented lens in their reporting,
accountants become the best organisational fit for business advisory
and advocacy on potential climate risks.
With all eyes on climate change and sustainable business practices,
everyone has a responsibility to act urgently.
It can start with academic institutions.
Many are expecting universities to make practical changes to the
way they are run, such as switching to greener energy, reducing
energy output and encouraging green and sustainable habits among
staff and students.
I find that academic institutions, especially accountancy courses,
have a far more significant role to play: raising a budding generation
of capable, climate-conscious accountants.
From how they conduct research to how they educate students, these
institutions can be the catalyst for real and lasting change in
environmentalism.
They have the potential to produce accountancy graduates who will
be at the forefront of efforts to address the climate crisis.
The growing interest in sustainable business practices is leading
to a significant increase in the number of higher education institutions
offering sustainability focused qualifications and modules.
In meeting the growing demand for skilful accountants, more universities
in Malaysia need to update their syllabi to incorporate relevant
topics, including environmental, social and corporate governance;
the circular economy; and corporate sustainability.
Today, the role of accountants is not just to crunch numbers and
provide financial calculations.
Accountants have a critical role to play in producing actionable
information that will disclose the impact of the climate crisis
on companies and vice versa.
In this, accountants are the climate heroes we need for our future.
Founder of TYMBA Education Group,
Subang Jaya,
Selangor,
Malaysia
Nauru in the 1980's
Was
known as the Kuwait of the Pacific
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday January 16, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday January
9, 2023
|
The island country of Nauru, a raised coral island
located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean 25 miles south of the
equator, is known for what it does not have or has little of.
With a land area of only 8.1 square miles, it is the smallest country
in the world after Vatican City and Monaco.
Its population of about 10,000 makes it the worlds smallest
republic, as well as the smallest island nation.
It has no rivers or streams and virtually all of its water, food,
and manufactured goods have to be imported.
There are no harbors or protected anchorages, and no sizable arable
land fit for farming.
Nauru has no official capital.
Because of its heavy dependence on financial aid from Australia,
Nauru is considered by some sources as a client state of Australia.
What Nauru once did have plenty of was found inland, on a plateau
30 to 65 meters above sea level, which was largely composed of rock
phosphate, leached from guano or bird droppings that accumulated
over thousands of years.
This high-grade mineral deposit used to cover more than two-thirds
of the island.
Phosphate has been mined on Nauru since 1907, and for decades was
its sole export and economic resource.
Before its independence in 1968, the phosphate industry was owned
by a corporation jointly managed by the British, Australian, and
New Zealand governments.
It was only in 1970 that Nauru gained full control of mining operations.
In the 1980s, Nauru was one of the richest countries in the world
in terms of gross domestic product per capita, earning for it the
sobriquet Kuwait of the Pacific. A major portion
of its earnings from mining phosphate was invested abroad by means
of a sovereign wealth fund.
The envisioned economic well-being of the country depended on the
success of this investment program.
Unfortunately, its public officials irresponsibly exploited and
abused Naurus trust funds for decades.
Fund assets were even used as collateral to finance the budget deficit.
Because of mismanagement and depredation of capital, high government
expenditures, fraud, and risky investments in real estate, shipping,
and air services, the fund lost much of its value.
By 1990, its phosphate deposits had been depleted and Nauru experienced
a severe drop in earnings, leading to bankruptcy in the early years
of the 21st century.
To generate income, Nauru became a tax haven, an offshore banking
center, and a conduit for the illegal money laundering activities
of organized crime groups and terrorist organizations.
Since 2001, Nauru has been accepting aid from Australia in exchange
for its hosting an offshore Australian refugee processing facility.
As if the economic downturn is not enough, Nauru is slowly sinking
back into the ocean from whence it came, a result of rising waters
brought about by climate change.
In the last 10 to 15 years, there has been an acceleration in the
rates of both temperature rise and sea-level rise.
There has also been a general escalation in the frequency and intensity
of the tropical cyclones that visit Nauru regularly.
Already sinking as we are in a very real sense many of our coastal
towns and cities remain flooded even during the dry season why cant
we see the writing on the wall, the omen in the water?
Deeply mired as we are in rampant and runaway corruption in all
aspects of our daily lives, be it political, social, cultural, or
moral, why then are we blind to the clear and present danger of
the Philippines going the wrong way of the islands of Nauru and
Sri Lanka?
Corruption is like the Hydra cut off one head and another immediately
grows back to replace it.
What is it that gentlemen wish?
What would they have?
When shall we be stronger?
Will it be when we are totally disarmed and our enemies shall have
bound us hand and foot?
When all the phosphate shall have been extracted and extruded from
out of the bedrock of our souls?
When all our aquatic, marine, forest, mineral, and human resources
shall have been exhausted and depleted, pillaged and plundered by
our own local as well as foreign governments?
This is a cautionary tale about islands adrift in parlous tide and
perilous time, going south, going, gone.
Theres a smell of something not quite right, something soiled
and dirty, something very evil, about the business of the proposed
Maharlika Sovereign Investment Fund.
Antonio Calipjo Go,
Manila,
Philippines
Locking Thai's up for
peaceful protests
Belongs to a long-gone feudal era
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 15, 2022
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday January 12,
2023
|
Re: "Insults are not inspiring" in
Bangkok, Post Editorial, January 11, 2023.
The Post writes of Interior Ministry permanent secretary Suthipong
Juljarern that his insulting words to those deemed of lower status
show "his way with words belong to a long-gone, feudal era".
The Post should not forget that locking people up for peacefully
speaking honest words that upset a bigwig or his fans also "belongs
to a long-gone, feudal era". It would appear the ugly reality
is that Thailand is, in fact, still very much in a feudal era.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
US Ambassador to Malaysia
calls on Malaysia
To take bold action to tackle the climate
crisis
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday January 14, 2023
First published in the Star, Friday January 6, 2023
|
Malaysia has seen the adverse effects of climate change
through extreme flooding in many states. Flooding caused RM6bil
in damages from December 2021 to January 2022 alone.
The United States is experiencing the serious effects of climate
change too.
Unless all nations take drastic and immediate action to limit global
temperatures, the projected sea level rise in South-East Asia will
mean that Malaysia will lose fisheries, homes and farms, tourism
jobs and revenue from damaged ports.
Bold action to tackle the climate crisis is more urgent than ever,
and everyone must do their part.
As the US ambassador here in Malaysia, climate action is my top
priority.
My team and I are always striving to foster deeper connections between
US experts and Malaysian officials, businesses and others seeking
to make a difference for our planet.
There are important initiatives coming out of the US to combat climate
change, and my country and Malaysia are teaming up together on climate
action, including in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
At a number of speaking engagements, I have encouraged students
and others to think about how each one of them can become active
within their community and with the new government to address the
climate crisis.
We have to combine powerful personal action with ambitious policy
initiatives and incentives.
The US has significantly increased investment in renewable energy
technologies over the last decade, supported by robust incentives
for wind and solar energy.
In California, for example, renewable energy provided nearly half
of total electricity needs in 2021.
One of the strongest tools the US is using to solve the climate
crisis is the Inflation Reduction Act, which is providing US$370bil
to supercharge investment in solar and wind energy, battery storage
and many other technologies, driving innovation through public-private
partnerships.
As President Joe Biden noted in November, this will help make
the transition to a low-carbon future more affordable for everyone.
Malaysia and the US can capitalise on this momentum to work together
in combating climate change.
Rapidly mitigating methane emissions is critical to avoid near-term
warming because methane is among the most potent greenhouse gases.
At the Methane Ministerial organised by the US, Special Presidential
Envoy for Climate John Kerry noted that 95 percent of global Nationally
Determined Contributions now include methane, and 50 countries have
developed national action plans to control methane emissions.
I was glad to learn recently that Petronas is already taking significant
steps to reduce methane emissions in Malaysia and at its operations
around the world.
We are eager to partner with Malaysia on further methane reduction
initiatives.
When US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kuala Lumpur in
2021, he sat down with leaders from Malaysias energy sector
to discuss renewable energy.
The main questions raised at that session revolved around Malaysias
energy resources and needs: How will Malaysia reduce its
reliance on coal for electricity and increase its share of renewable
energy, particularly solar including by both developing the
electricity grid and the regulatory framework?
The US is committed to working with the new Malaysian government
to address these questions through regulator-to-regulator cooperation
and cooperation with the private sector.
Malaysia, with its world-class rainforests and biodiversity, can
also contribute to the global action on the climate crisis by continuing
efforts to reduce deforestation. Malaysia has shown its commitment
to preserving its tremendous natural resources by signing the Glasgow
Declaration on Forest and Land Use.
I want to close with a Malaysian story of adaptation and resilience
that I find particularly inspiring.
In 2007, the Malaysian government completed construction of the
Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), investing RM1.8bil
in the project.
This was a controversial investment at that time but one that has
paid dividends, as the tunnel now handles 30,000 cars per day and
has been used more than 44 times to divert floodwater.
Fighting climate change will sometimes require tough choices and
tremendous investments.
Through the SMART and other innovations, Malaysia has shown that
it can dream big and act on those dreams.
I still believe we can all dream big, that our bravest, boldest
imagination can take us far towards a future worth passing down
to our children and their children.
Brian D. McFeeters,
US ambassador to Malaysia,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Call for Malaysia's new
PM Anwar Ibrahim
To stop destruction of rainforests
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 13, 2023
First published in the Star, Tuesday January 10, 2023
|
Malaysia has a new government and prime minister,
but no plans to address climate change have materialised.
Malaysia is in no position to wait.
Climate scientists project extreme weather events will only worsen
in the coming years, and if the November floods tell us anything,
it's that Malaysia is still severely underprepared.
In July 2021, Malaysia submitted a report to the United Nations
Development Programme, listing ambitious climate goals, such as
cutting carbon intensity against gross domestic product by 45 per
cent by 2020.
The prime minister should take the first step by creating a climate
plan.
His first move should be to stop the destruction of rainforests
for oil palm plantations.
Malaysia is one of the top palm oil producers.
It has a responsibility to inject funds into creating jobs in the
sustainable energy sector for people who are economically reliant
on plantations.
The second step should be to replenish our forests.
They protect us from flooding and storms by decreasing the strength
of rainfall and by absorbing excess water in the soil.
Even better, tropical forests act as important carbon sinks, which
means they can "pull vast amounts of carbon dioxide out
of the atmosphere during photosynthesis".
This is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's chance to take charge of Malaysia's
future.
Tatiana Chang
Cornell University,
USA
Call
for Papua New Guinea public servants
To
be transparent accountable and honest
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 11, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday January 9, 2023
|
This is a call to all intellectuals in the country.
This includes our politicians, departmental heads, all public servants,
those working in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), etc.
Please be transparent, accountable and honest.
We wont achieve our national aspirations if our intellectuals
continue to misbehave in public office.
Our national resources wont be managed and used wisely if
our intellectuals dont work together for growth and change.
Let me express myself.
To all our politicians: Youre in public office because our
people trusted you.
They chose you because they wanted you to be their leader.
And as their leader, you have to serve them wholeheartedly.
Pay visits to their underdeveloped communities and see how they
live and strive for a better life.
Go to their communities and see the need they have for basic services.
As their leader, they want to see how diplomatic you are.
Spend some time with your people in the electorate.
Whatever promises youve made, make sure to deliver them.
Thats how you build trust and confidence.
Furthermore, as their political leader, look at the administration
of your electorate. Screen public servants and their performances.
If any public servant isnt performing, deal with them.
As the leader voted in by the people, do something about any lazy
and unproductive public servant.
Do something about those who dont deliver results.
Do something about those who are practicing any form of corruption
in the administration.
However, if youre part of the gang, its more dangerous.
Development will speak.
And to our other intellectuals, if youre abusing that knowledge
or power you have, youll regret it if youre caught.
If youre putting your interests before the publics in
a public office, one fine day youll regret it.
One fine day, the consequences will come upon those who come after
you.
Thats why you dont have to take advantage of the position
you have and start misbehaving.
Do the right things.
Serve the country wholeheartedly.
Make good use of the opportunity you have to advance development
and justice.
Be proud, and serve your country and its people with love.
Finally, I am calling on all intellectuals to work in harmony in
order to advance development in our nation.
Do away with the things that cause division.
Abel ToPidik Rudolf,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Filipinos are the most
identified
In the world
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 11, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday January
6, 2023
|
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has overhyped
its drive to entice people to register for the Philippine Identification
System (PhilSys) ID.
The campaign initially included, among others, the promise that
said the national ID, which is for free and delivered to ones
home address, was planned to replace the other government-issued
IDs.
Subsequently, I gathered that said ID will not necessarily replace
other government- issued IDs.
Instead of looking forward to lessening the number of ID cards that
I have about 15 IDs, I will now have a total of 16 ID cards, including
the PhilSys ID. Truly, the reputation that Filipinos like me allegedly
are the most IDed people in the world will remain
a fact.
Just recently, PSA has finally admitted that they were behind target
in the issuance of the digital version not the card type of the
national ID, known as the ePhilID.
It has been more than a year since my wife and I applied for the
said ID, which we have not yet received to date.
Upon checking at a mall, where PSA has a registration follow-up
counter, a PhilSys staff validated that our IDs are not yet available,
to date.
However, the same staff member further mentioned that some IDs are
now available online but need to be printed on
ordinary paper.
Ironically, said paper ID still needs to be laminated elsewhere
for an extra cost. Good grief!
Aforesaid experience involving a government agency PSA-PhilSys once
again typifies a scenario of overpromising and underdelivering.
Emiliano M. Manahan Jr.,
advocate and author,
Manila
Philippines
Call for Malaysians
To make peace with the environment
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 10 January 2023
First published in the Star, Friday January 6, 2023
|
At the start of the new year, every Malaysian must
resolve to make the country a safer place to live in; safe not only
from terrorism, crime and violence but also from tragedies of our
own doing whether on the road, at home or workplaces or in recreational
and public areas.
The Batang Kali landslide tragedy, which could have been prevented,
must still be fresh on our minds.
It is essential for all Malaysians to take heed of one important
lesson for humanity civilisation could be destroyed if we do not
make peace with our environment.
The fact that landslides and road cave-ins are a frequent occurrence
points to our failure in making the culture of maintenance and safety
a way of life.
When buildings or structures collapse or the environment is harmed,
we are responsible.
We have to realise that any action that results in the degradation
and destruction of our environment will have disastrous consequences.
Similarly, if we do not efficiently manage occupational safety and
health, accidents can occur at workplaces.
Over the years, the government has spent billions on development,
but regrettably, there is lack of maintenance and a strong safety
culture.
More funding should be allocated for maintenance works to be carried
out by the relevant government departments, agencies and local authorities
with dedicated staff to discharge their responsibilities.
On the national front, it is vital for Malaysia to continue to exist
as a democratic, united and harmonious nation despite the existence
of divergent political ideologies and views.
Malaysians of all races wish to see the government take further
steps to address the global economic downturn, maintain unity, peace,
harmony and social justice, and uphold the rights of all citizens
as guaranteed under the Constitution.
We need to address more aggressively the issues of racial integration,
unity and nation-building besides crime and a host of social ills
confronting our nation, including cybercrime, illegal gambling,
acts of violence, the worsening drug abuse problem among youths,
and mental ill health.
There must be resolve to fight crime, particularly drug-related
crime, with the involvement and participation of the entire Malaysian
community.
A responsible government must always take into consideration the
challenges the people are facing, especially the increase in cost
of living, and find ways to ease their burden.
The government should provide more health benefits for our senior
citizens, as more are expected to live on their own when our country
moves towards becoming a developed and high-income nation.
Last but not least, more should be done to prove we care enough
to save the environment. The theme for this years Earth Day,
Restore our Earth, implores everyone to preserve
and protect our planet for our own well-being.
Economic development must be tempered with respect and love for
our environment.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
This year's world economy
Quite sombre indeed
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 9, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 6, 2023
|
Re: "Economic risks to watch out for in 2023,"
in Opinion, Bangkok Post, Thursday December 29, 2022 by Chartchai
Parasuk.
There are quite a few of them, according to Chartchai Parasuk.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected the world economy
to grow by only 2.7 percent this year, while it was 3.2 percent
the year before.
And here in Thailand, the World Bank has estimated Gross Domestic
Product
(GDP) will grow by only 3.6 percent, while previously, it was predicted
to be over percent.
The world will be beset by interest rates, high energy prices, and
high overall inflation, it seems; so it is unlikely the world economy
will prosper this year, a state of affairs made even more likely
by the fact that China is projected to have only slow growth.
And Mr Chartchai makes clear that even the World Bank estimates
of Thai Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth may be exaggerated since
the economy is too dependent on tourism for even these meagre projections
to come true.
Also, Thais are already so deep in debt that it will be difficult
for them to make too many additional big purchases this year.
Hence, the writer's predictions about this year's world economy
are quite sombre indeed!
Paul,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The
price of chicken eggs
Exacerbates
food insecurity in
Malaysia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 8, 2023
First published in the Star, Thursday January 5, 2023
|
There is a misconception among the general public
that the issue of food security only arises when a nation is facing
shortage of food.
In fact, the issue can also arise when there is an abundant supply
of food.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) defines food security
as a situation when all people, at all times, have physical
and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that
meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and
healthy life.
This entails having adequate income or resources to access food
and use it to fulfil ones daily requirements.
Food insecurity occurs when individuals or families lack regular
access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and
development, and an active and healthy life.
Food insecurity is often rooted in poverty.
Currently, the shortage of eggs and other food essentials coupled
with the inflationary pressure could exacerbate food insecurity
among the B40 in our country.
If the price of chicken eggs, the cheapest source of nutrients,
becomes exorbitant, the urban poor in Kuala Lumpur, in their struggle
to make ends meet, may resort to eating just white rice with soy
sauce.
Similarly, the rural poor in Kelantan may eat white rice with budu,
fermented anchovy sauce..
In The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022 report,
FAO estimates that the prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) in Malaysia
went down to three in 2020 from four in 2015, while the prevalence
of severe food insecurity decreased to 6.3 percent in 2020 from
7.8 percent in 2015. PoU is an estimate of the percentage of the
population whose habitual food consumption is insufficient to provide
the dietary energy levels that are required to maintain a normal
active and healthy life.
Food insecurity results in undernourishment, starvation, and, in
the worst-case scenario, untimely death.
The severity of hunger and undernourishment on vulnerable groups
vary. Food insecure individuals or households may reduce the size
of their meals or may be forced to skip a meal regularly.
Being severely food insecure means people have run out of food and
have gone a day or more without eating.
Majority of these households and individuals also tend to consume
poor quality and low-nutrient food, causing deficiencies in their
dietary intake.
This increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and depression
among adults while children may suffer delayed development and stunted
growth.
The latest estimate on prevalence of stunting among children in
Malaysia should be a red flag to the government. FAO estimates that
the prevalence increased to 20.9 percent in 2020 compared to 18.3
percent in 2012.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), stunted children
will have impaired behavioural development and poorer cognitive
ability, and will more likely grow up to be economically disadvantaged
and suffer from chronic diseases.
The prolonged impact of hunger and undernourishment is largely irreversible
and could perpetuate inter-generational poverty.
It is the governments moral duty to formulate a holistic policy
to overcome undernourishment and malnutrition among children. Such
a policy must be implemented in tandem with efforts to eradicate
poverty and enhance access to basic needs such as housing, water
and employment.
Datuk Wee Beng
Tumpat,
Kelantan
Royal Thai Police wants
to continue
War
on drugs
The
Southeast Asan Times, Saturday January 7, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday January 6, 2023
|
Re: "230m baht assets impounded, arrests in
major drug suppression operation," in Bangkok Post,
January 3, 2023.
Thailand's ever-failing "War On Drugs" continues
to fatten cops' wallets.
So, of course, Royal Thai Police (RTP) wants to continue it.
Imagine if the war included Thailand's most dangerous drug?
Every maker, user and vendor of alcoholic drinks would be facing
decades in prison, and police would be raking in billions of baht
(money, properties, vehicles, possessions, jewellery daily.
It would be a win-win for everyone except those associated with
alcohol which is about 90 percent of Thailand's adults.
There is a way to lessen the use and abuse of recreational drugs,
but Royal Thai Police (RTP) doesn't want their gravy train to quick
money to dry up.
Making recreational drugs legal would enable the following: (A)
It would lessen the control that dealers have on the market, and
(B) enable people with drug problems to come out of the shadows
and seek help from social workers and doctors (C) it would enable
half the prisoners in Thai prisons to be released, go back to work,
and raise families.
Thailand ranks in the top six countries worldwide for the percentage
of prisoners to population.
Even a cursory view of Thai prisoners shows that most prisoners
are locked up for too long and for petty or bogus reasons example:
28 years for 1 speed pill.
Another result of easing the draconian penalties against recreational
drugs is Royal Thai Police (RTP) wouldn't rake in as much easy money.
That reason alone is why cruel laws will remain.
Ken Albertsen,
Bangkok Post,
Thailand
Call
for investigation into shutdown on New Year's Day
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday January 6, 20223
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday January
4, 2023
|
The power outage and technical glitch that crippled
the countrys flight operations on New Years Day was
a tragic incident that was definitely caused by utter negligence.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) should immediately conduct
its own inquiry and investigation to shed light regarding the incident
and make immediate recommendations to avoid a similar situation
from happening in the future by focusing on the following:
Determine the government agency Manila International Airport Authority
or Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines primarily responsible
and accountable for the Ninoy Aquino International Airports
(Naia) shutdown.
Pinpoint the agency responsible for the preventive maintenance system
of all the equipment and machineries etc., to ensure the seamless
and uninterruptible Naia operations.
Identify the agency responsible for evaluating and making recommendations
on the repair/replacement of outmoded equipment in Naia.
Ascertain the agency responsible for ensuring that our equipment
and operating systems are of international standards.
Recommend the extent of the governments accountability for
the affected passengers.
Penalize the negligent official/s primarily responsible and accountable
for the shutdown.
Among others, the aforesaid parameters would aid in identifying
the cause/s of negligence, as well as to penalize those erring officials
responsible/accountable for the shutdown of flight operations.
Results of the Senates own inquiry in aid of legislation can
be used as inputs to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) internal
investigation and recommendations.
We cannot afford to have a similar shameful incident in the future
that would tremendously affect the countrys tourism industry.
Safety is everybodys concern!
Emiliano
Manahan Jr.,
advocate and author,
Manila
Philippines
Congratulations
to Royal Thai Police
For their daring sting
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday January 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday January 2, 2023
|
Re: "Root out DNP corruption," in
Editorial, Bangkok Post Friday December 30, 2022 "Ministry
apologises for parks dept chief 'bribes'," in Bangkok
Post Friday December 30, 2022.
Heartiest congratulations to Royal Thai Police (RTP) Anti-Corruption
Division chief Pol Maj Gen Jaroonkiat Pankaew and Kaeng Krachan
National Park ex-head Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn for their daring sting
that netted Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
(DNP) chief Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya.
But rooting out rot is just the start of cleaning out the Department
of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
The entire environment must be reformed or else all apples on the
tree will rot, sooner or later.
For example, each position needs transparent, job-relevant, measurable
key performance indicators.
When a post opens up, offer it to the person with the highest (KPI)
relevant to the new post, for him/her to accept/reject without prejudice.
That's what we did at Bank of Hawaii in the US when I worked there.
That way, customers get the best person for the job, and the boss
cannot demand bribes for placement or promotion.
Also, despite Mr Rutchada's previous instructions that staff not
give him gift baskets and presents, he was caught welcoming them
bearing such items, showing that his words were just for show. In
the future, such gifts must be prima facie evidence of graft.
I support Singapore's policy of offering compensation to public
servants that's competitive with the private sector's, and note
that when Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn was commissioned by then-PM Abhisit
Vejjajiva to propose Royal Thai Police (RTP) reforms, boosting compensation
was a prominent factor; for only then can the public expect performance
equal to the private sector's.
Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, thanks for accepting accountability
for the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
(DNP) fiasco. Back your welcome words with decisive action now when
all eyes are on you and elections loom.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Thailand to check
all arrivals
From
China for Covid-19
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday January 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday January 3, 2023
|
Re: "China arrivals to skip virus testing,"
in Bangkok Post, Sunday January 1, 2023
It seems the Department of Disease Control has things the wrong
way around regarding the policy for Chinese tourists.
They decided not to test arrivals from China for Covid, despite
a massive outbreak of the disease currently under way in China.
Instead of testing for the disease in the same way as the US, the
UK, India and other countries are doing, they want to check their
vaccine certificates, despite knowing full well that China's population
has been vaccinated with homegrown Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines
which have had little or no efficacy against Covid strains from
Delta onwards.
Surely it would make much more sense to test all arrivals from China
without demanding their vaccine certificates.
George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call
for Thai PM to open Anti-Corruption report
On
fugitive Red Bull heir hit-and run death of policeman
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday January 3, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday December 30, 2023
|
Re: "PM wants 'Boss' found,"
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 28, 2022.
Call me a Doubting Thomas, but does Prime Minister Prayut really,
really want Red Bull scion Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya,
accused of the hit-and-run death of a cop in 2012?
The Associated Press located and photographed the fugitive without
much trouble in 2017, and the Daily Mail newspaper reported, with
pictures, that "social media shows Boss has been living
the high life in Venice, Japan, and attending F1 races around the
world. On April 8, 2017, he was seen leaving a £5m (208.3
million baht) property in West London".
Nate Naksuk, former director-general of the Office of the Attorney-General
(OAG), handled this case with gross negligence and dropped a charge
of reckless driving causing death against Vorayuth Yoovidhya.
For that, Nate Naksuk was dismissed from the civil service but since
he'd already resigned, the dismissal was punishment in name only.
And, evidently, there's been no investigation of Nate Naksuk for
a quid pro quo for the dismissal.
Prime Minister Prayut credibly commissioned former National Anti-Corruption
Commission (NACC) commissioner, Vicha Mahakun to find why the Royal
Thai Police and Office of Attorney General (OAG) have been unable
to bring Boss to justice.
Vicha Mahakun panel handed the report on reforming the two agencies
to Prime Minister Prayut who has been assiduously hiding it from
taxpayers for the past two years.
Prime Minister Prayut, no more lip service. Open Khun Vicha's report
to the public now.
Burin
Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Myanmar military fools
nobody by staging
Kangaroo court trial for Aung San Sui Kyi
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday January 2, 2022
|
We read in the Southeast Asian Times report
Aung San Sui Kyi faces life sentence on combined charges brought
by Myanmar military court ( 1 Jan. 2023 ), that Human
Rights Watch Asia Division deputy director Phil Robertson said
due process and free and fair trial for Daw Aung San Sui Kyi were
never remotely possible under the circumstances of the regimes
political persecution against her .
He is absolutely right.
From the very beginning this was a kangaroo court trial on bogus
charges by the usurpers the Myanmar military who grabbed power from
the democratically elected, legitimate government of Aung San Sui
Kyi in a violent military coup.
The Armed Forces ( Tatmadaw ) of Myanmar fools nobody by staging
the kangaroo court trial and the subsequent long prison sentence.
It was designed from the outset to put the popular peoples
leader away permanently so that she could no longer pose a threat
to Myanmar militarys unfettered power.
The Myanmar militarys treatment of Aung San Sui Kyi, a global
pro-democracy icon , is morally bankrupt and a total disgrace.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Abandonment of proposed
reform of military constitution
Ensures an undemocratic replacement outcome
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday January 1, 2022
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday December 28,
2022
|
Re: "Different systems," in
Bangkok Post PostBag, December 19, 2022 and "MPs set
poor example," in Bangkok Post Editorial, December 19,
2022.
Two takeaways from Edmund Burke on liberty support both draft reform
and the citizen military positions.
Burke held that individual liberty depends on institutional liberty.
Institutions having liberty from outside influence can justly guard
individual liberties by treating all citizens equally, regardless
of their outside wealth or standing.
Mr Qui's letter, "Different systems", lays out
his ideal institutional draft system. One where "all are
required to do the same form of military service", all
are equally and universally drafted. Burke would love it, as do
I.
Equally as valuable are Mr Qui's many suggestions on how to reform
the military draft.
But then, Mr Qui condemns my call to reform the draft and not to
end it.
He declares that I appear to support the present "oppressive"
draft system.
Likewise, Mr Qui damns my call to form a democratic citizen-military,
a military that respects the liberty of democratic institutions.
Mr Qui dismisses the citizen military idea as a system which does
not exist in Thailand.
How does my call to "democratically" reform the
present draft, support the present "oppressive" draft?
How am I supporting the present military system, when I call for
creating a democratic citizen military to replace the present authoritarian
system?
This is all illogical and irrational.
The second Burke takeaway: The goal, of liberating government institutions
from interference, is achieved by a bit-by-bit struggle for reforms.
"The complexities of human nature and society"
will not allow institutions to be justly built from revolutionary
scratch; steady reform does the job.
The December 19 editorial is a wonderful display of this reform
struggle in action. Bangkok Post confronts parliament with fiery
criticism for having failed democracy.
Stalwartly telling truth to power, shaming parliament, holding the
representatives accountable in a bit-by-bit reform struggle to make
a just institution, one free from corrupting interference.
Given its push to reform parliament, maybe the Bangkok Post can
reconsider abandoning reform of the military draft; especially knowing
that abolishing the present draft, and replacing it from scratch,
ensures an undemocratic replacement outcome.
Samuel Wright,
Bangkok,
Thailand