The Philippines Catholic
Church is silent
And it is deafening
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday October 5, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesdau October
3, 2023
|
The Catholic Church is supposed to be the church of
the helpless but faithful poor. But where is the Church amidst the
issues of confidential and intelligence funds, alleged election
fraud, and other scandalous political and social controversies?
When is the Church going to make a pastoral statement regarding
these issues to be read before the faithful during Sunday Masses?
The Church is obviously silent and it is deafening.
The controversial funds are peoples money and they are for
the poor.
If these funds are misused and the Church silently, deliberately,
or otherwise, ignores them, then something is wrong with it.
God has always commanded his followers to help the poor because
its a great way to worship Him.
It is a double oppression of the poor if Catholic politicians and
the Church who are expected to incarnate preferential action for
the poor appear to be in every inch not for the poor. God loves
the poor and so should we.
As I have written previously, The Church can never be silent
about these social evils. When it becomes silent, it ceases to be
the real Church. The Church remains to be the voice of God, and
this is the true essence of the Church that Jesus founded.
The Church should heed Gods commandment. God says, There
will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you
to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy
in your land (Deuteronomy 15:11).
Reginald B. Tamayo,
Marikina City.
Philippines
Thailands May election
made history
Voters turned their backs on dictatorship
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday October 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday September 2, 2023
|
Re: "Senate committee to monitor constitution
rewrite", in Bangkok Post Friday September
27, 2023.
The Senate will monitor our constitution re-writing closely.
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva correctly noted the goal
of our current charter was not to solve the people's problems but
to keep the military junta in power.
Thus, we can conclude that the junta-appointed Senate will do all
it can to keep its authority as kingmaker so that its candidate
can become prime minister with just one sixth of the popular vote,
again making us a sham democracy.
May's election made history by showing that the majority of voters
have turned their backs on a dictatorship.
Our elected MPs must ensure that we have indeed turned the page
and are now headed towards a "government of the people,
by the people, and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln). For
a fuss-free revision, the best place to start would be the 1997
People's Constitution, definitely not the current one.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok,
Thailand
Debt left by former Philippine
President Duterte
Has doubled in six years
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday October 3, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday September
30, 2023
|
Discussions in the congressional budget deliberations
have so far focused mainly on how the proposed P5.768 trillion National
Expenditure Program (NEP) would be best allocated for various services.
The projected shortfall in revenues, a yearly phenomenon of revenues
falling short of expenditures, has been skirted.
With slight adjustments and revisions, budget approval is a foregone
conclusion.
What looms ahead, however, is the serious concern that revenues
will be short by P2.4 trillion, which must be sourced through borrowings.
Its high time for Congress to control the purse tighter by
putting a cap on government debt which has been spiraling.
From hereon, annual borrowings by the executive branch through the
treasury must show repayment and amortization plans to get congressional
approval as part of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) budget
proposal. Payment plans for any proposed borrowing in the National
Expenditure Program (NEP) must be a requirement for approval as
well.
The executive branch should live within the Congress-approved financial
plan; supplemental budget requests may be resorted to for emergencies,
but with authorized legislation.
Congress should, henceforth, include such financial oversight over
the national budget. It shouldnt leave hanging the serious
accountability of the economic team to manage the proposed debt.
We now ask: how would this huge proposed loan of P2.4 trillion be
repaid, and what is the timeline for repayments within the term
of President Marcos?
We have seen this undesirable practice of leaving to the next administration
so many financial woes: the economic missteps and financial albatross
left by the Duterte era have doubled our debt in six years, from
P6 trillion in 2016 to more than P13 trillion in 2021.
Marvel
K. Tan,
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Manila,
Philippines
Senators
show great will to defend
Philippines from China
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday October 2, 2023
|
I commend our Senators for their bravery in assailing
China for installing floating barriers in the West Philippine Sea.
Their actions show great will to defend our country from China.
Their unanimity shows a strong message to the world that the Philippines
is united and ready to fight for its territorial rights or exclusive
economic zone (EEZ).
Their actions speak for the rest of the Filipinos.
I hope that their conviction and stand will remain and unwavered.
Macoy Piloto,
Manila,
Philippines
None
of the many smoking weed around Thailand
Are
doing so for medical purposes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday October 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 27,
2023
|
Re: "Drug war harm", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Saturday September 23, 2023.
I have wanted to write to you on many occasions over the past 15
years of reading your daily publication, even the many interesting
letters from just a handful of commentators who use your publication
to try and educate us readers in their often "mixed up"
thinking of whom Felix Qui is one.
He seems an intelligent fellow at times, but his comments within
the above-dated PostBag have really let him down.
To remark that narcotics do no more harm than alcohol is rather
strange.
To compare shooting yourself up with heroin to drinking a glass
of fine wine is somewhat absurd and obviously suggests that Felix
lives in a different world than most of us.
As I write, I'm sitting in a Pattaya coffee shop where two Russian
ladies are sitting on the patio smoking weed with its stench drifting
into the shop.
It stinks and makes me want to vomit, so I won't return here again.
Last week in Bangkok, several bars on Sukhumvit allowed customers
to smoke weed inside.
My winter break on a big bike tour in Chaing Mai was spoilt by the
same experience, and my colleagues vowed never to return to Thailand.
Personally, I've nothing against anyone smoking weed, but do it
where it's legal and does not intrude on others.
Oh, and by the way, none of the many people I witnessed smoking
weed around Thailand were doing so for medical purposes.
As for the future, Felix, Thailand will not and should not rely
on a liberal narcotic policy to drive growth. It did not need it
in the past and will not require it in the future.
I think Felix needs to get out and about more and see for himself,
though I guess he may be too scared of the truth.
Christian Reeve,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Greatest global threat
in the history of mankind
A global
dystopia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday September 25,
2023
|
Re: "BlackRock 'expresses interest' in Thailand",
in Bangkok Post, Business, Thursday September 21, 2023.
While the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) gives an open-arm
welcome to LGBTQ tourists, the government is courting pro-woke America
in welcoming BlackRock investment.
BlackRock is associated with the woke capitalism, the World Economic
Forum and pro-Ukraine policy.
Like its political globalist associates, it gains control with mega
money.
It promotes acceptance by corporations of woke policies in return
for increased financial credibility and increased credit rating.
A globally unaware and a geopolitically uninformed electorate produced
a prime minister of Thailand in their image and now we have the
result.
The appointed senators warned about the danger to patriotic democracy
of the unenlightened voter and they were right.
The kingdom of Thailand is a highly respected sovereign country
with a strong economy.
It is well financed and does not need finance from BlackRock as
its finance comes with control.
The coincidence of a woke PM, the political involvement of Blackrock,
the return of Thaksin Shinawatra and the officially-accepted LGBTQ
should cause alarm in a free sovereign country.
We must teach our children the truth, not propaganda.
Our planet is not under threat from a mythical climate emergency.
All of us are under the greatest global threat in the history of
mankind: a global dystopia.
Only Brics will restore our world to a healthy planet of freedom.
J C Wilcox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Will Malaysia be a party
To the weaponisation of space?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 28, 2023
First published in the Malaysiakini Thursday September 21,
2023
|
In an effort to explore new economic opportunities,
the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry through the Malaysia
Space Agency (MYSA) will be looking at developing a study guideline
on the feasibility of building a spacecraft launch site in Malaysia.
The strategic location close to the equatorial line with the belief
of more competitive operating costs gives birth to this initiative.
If viable, Malaysia will join an elite group of nations and it would
be the 16th such facility in the world.
The current eight countries to have a spacecraft launch site are
China, India, Israel, New Zealand, Russia, France, Japan, and the
US.
News reports said the development of the space industry could be
worth an estimated RM10 billion by the end of the decade, along
with the growth of 500 space-tech startups and the creation of 5,000
job opportunities.
Currently, the cost to build a spacecraft launcher varies significantly
depending on the type, size, and capabilities of the launcher.
The development and construction costs for a large, heavy-lift launcher
can reach several billion US dollars.
The SLS currently under development by NASA exceeds US$10 billion.
Additionally, operational costs such as propellant, launch pads,
and personnel also need to be considered.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk has said a Starship launch could eventually
cost just US$10 million or less but the companys Falcon 9
costs about US$62 million today and has far less carrying capacity.
If the environment is a priority, what should we do now?
Malaysia increased its mitigation ambition with an unconditional
target to cut carbon intensity against GDP by 45 percent by 2030
compared to 2005 levels.
When it comes to environmental impacts, not all rocket fuels are
equal. There are industrys dirty secrets.
Experts caution that not enough data has been gathered to precisely
assess the impacts of various types of rocket propellants and rocket
engines.
Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine, a fuel dubbed Devils
venom by Soviet scientists, is responsible for turning
a vast area of the Kazakh steppe into an ecological disaster zone
as reported by the United Nations Development Programme published
in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
Massive clouds generated during space shuttle launches contained
rather reactive chemicals and spread in the surrounding environment,
affecting soil and water quality, and damaging vegetation.
I do not want to sound negative but addressing our present concerns
may be preferable than focusing on future opportunities that may
or may not be viable.
We are still dealing with food shortages, poverty, inflation, and
structural weaknesses at home.
The handful of benefits such as money spent on space research will
spur economic expansion by bringing new job opportunities and technological
advancements can wait for another day.
Another point is, will it include building and operating satellites?
I appreciate the ministrys vision of making Malaysia a high-tech
nation through science, technology, innovation, and economy.
But now, there is a scarcity of valuable and usable resources that
need to be well-planned and allocated.
We need sustainable development and a just transition. The budget
could run into millions, necessitating foreign expert involvement.
It makes more sense for the ministry to embark on developing a study
guideline through a scientific approach and advanced technology
to assist in environmental sustainability and societal wellbeing.
In todays context, as per Maslows pyramid of needs,
we urgently need to tackle the bottom part of the hierarchy, i.e.
physiological. food and clothing,, safety job security, and love
and belonging needs friendship.
Esteem and especially self-actualisation can wait.
By the way, will we be a party to the weaponisation of
space which will be fundamentally destabilising.
What say you?
Saleh Mohammed,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Philippines
Senate panel
Approves
divorce bill
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 28, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Tuesday September
26, 2023
|
What a relief that at long last, the Senate panel
has approved the divorce bill.
We need more practical laws dealing with the everyday life of regular
Filipinos. What should an ordinary Filipino couple stuck in a loveless
marriage mostly prompted by infidelity do?
For well-off Filipinos, they will go for a civil and/or religious
annulment.
This process though is quite expensive since in most cases, in addition
to lawyers and court fees, it involves certification from a psychiatrist.
Some will get their divorce abroad until now, not valid in the Philippines.
These are expensive for the regular Filipino worker.
What is important in this law is to make it simple and workable
so that any regular Filipino can avail of it without paying so much
fees.
When you talk to a Filipino and ask them why we dont have
any divorce laws, most will answer that we are a predominantly Catholic
country.
But, there are only two countries in the world that have no divorce
laws, the Philippines and the Vatican, the seat of the Holy See.
Living in a loveless marriage is traumatic to the couple itself
and to the children, with its bickering and fights.
As long as there are provisions for spousal and child support, it
is a plus since especially the children are taken care of. Divorce
will give a chance for those miserable in their current marriage
to seek happiness with another party officially.
I am just surprised that it took so many years to approve this and
hope that it will be a law soon.
Ida M. Tiongco,
Manila,
Philippines
New
PM Sretta Tavesin address at United Nations
Speaks
volumes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 27, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday September 25,
2023
|
Re "PM
talks up Thai credentials at UN meet", in Bangkok
Post, Saturday September 23, 2023.
No doubt PM Srettha Tavesin's trip to New York served a useful purpose
in publicising Thailand on the world stage.
However, a picture is still worth more than a thousand words.
The picture on your front page of Srettha addressing an almost completely
empty room speaks volumes about the real interest in a small country
like Thailand at the United Nations meeting, while the picture of
his much vaunted meeting with Elon Musk reveals the meeting was
merely a zoom call with Musk that could have been done from Bangkok
any time.
I for one look forward to seeing Srettha getting back to work in
Bangkok and solving Thailand's many problems.
George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Thailand
ASEAN should make all
necessary efforts
To forge stronger partnerships with ASEAN's
partners
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 26, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday September 8, 2023
|
Re: "Asean summit forges fresh strategies",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Tuesday September 5, 2023.
It is important to note that on the occasion of the 43rd Asean Summit,
in the first paragraph of the Asean Leaders' Declaration on Sustainable
Resilience, it is emphasised that the ten members of this regional
institution stand in solidarity.
In the current world characterised by global vulnerabilities, perplexities
and discontinuities, promoting solidarity is an imperative duty
which must inspire the future strategies of an institution reuniting
672 million people.
Indeed, as asserted in fundamental diplomatic documents, solidarity
and a strong sense of moral responsibility must be the guiding light
of national, regional and international policy.
Asean should have the ambition to make all necessary efforts to
give tangibility, in a spirit of solidarity, to its aspirations
to forge stronger partnerships and collaboration with Asean's partners
and related stakeholders to further develop an enabling framework
for sustainable resilience.
Ioan Voicu,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Malaysia's
promise to eliminate corruption
And
provide good governance are fading away
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 25, 2023
First published in the Malaysakini, Wednesday September 20,
2023
|
The Perikatan Nasional (PN) party has called themselves
saviours through their strong support and endorsement for the Save
Malaysia rally that just concluded a few days ago.
It seems like they have forgotten that they are the ones who are
always attempting to tear the social fabric of Malaysia apart by
constantly issuing extreme statements that undermine the rights
and existence of the minorities.
No one would be afraid of the Green Wave if it
is not led by a bunch of racial and religious extremists.
Meanwhile, as a response to the Save Malaysia
rally, Federal Territories of the United Malays National Organisation
(UMNO) information chief Gulam Muszaffar has jumped out to protect
his party chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi by crediting the latter as Malaysias
saviour who ended the post-GE15 political deadlock.
In his view, Zahids commitment to realising the current structure
of the unity government saved Malaysia.
He seems to forget the fact that the unity government came together
as a political decision to share power.
No one could guarantee that Pakatan Harapan (PH) would never work
with Perikatan Nasional (PN) if the United Malays National Organisation
(UMNO) did not come forward last year, given politics is the art
of possibility.
Therefore, Zahids move to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan
(PH) to form the government is not brave but
rather a desperate move for political survival, especially after
Barisan Nasional (BN) party gruesome defeat.
He would need to answer both the elite leaders and grassroots members
of Barisan Nasional (BN) party if he could not secure any power
or positions for the remaining winners.
Moreover, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) participation
in the federal government has become one of the biggest reasons
for the Green Wave gaining momentum in Pakatan
Harapan (PH) strongholds.
Their presence has also tied up the reformists hands.
The reformists within the government would need to see their faces
before proposing any reforms that may go against their interest
as a conservative racial party.
Thus, we see old practices being brought back and the governments
promise to eliminate corruption and good governance fading away
from our sight.
You call this saving Malaysia?
Lew Guan Xi,
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Rice
prices increase in Philippines
Alternative
carbohydrates
dangerous to health
The Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 24, 2023
First published in the Philippines Inquirer Thursday September
14, 2023
|
A lot of media mileage is being generated promoting
the consumption of kamote in place of rice, coming from government
and health functionaries, with even some in the media and celebrities
joining the chorus in an apparent knee-jerk reaction to the increasing
rice prices and supply fears.
But is this the healthy and economical alternative or clearly a
misinformed, misplaced recommendation, and potentially dangerous
to health?
Presenting the basic, science-based nutrient facts as plainly as
possible per kilogram of polished rice compared to kamote as sold:
Carbohydratesrice, 712 grams; kamote, 210 g
Fatrice, 5 g; kamote, 1.5 g
Proteinrice, 79 g; kamote, 2.0 g
Caloriesrice, 3,350; kamote, 900
Prevailing cost/kgrice, P50; kamote, P40
The nutrient comparisons are even smaller for a 100 g serving.
With rice comprising the major caloric source in the diet of the
majority of Filipinos, at almost the same cost, replacing rice with
kamote will lead to intake of 3.4 times less carbohydrates, 3.3
times less fat, 39 times less protein, and 3.7 times less calorie,
clearly a starvation diet.
Joel F. Mangalindan DVM,
Clinical Nutrition Practitioner,
Manila,
Philippines
Bricks members, Russia,
India China and South Africa
Are opposed to USA hegemony
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 23, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 12,
2023
|
Re: "Time
to shine", in Bangkok Post PostBag,
Sunday September 10, 2023
All the points raised and questions posed in Kuldeep Nagi's letter
need to be seen in a macro situation: liberty against totalitarianism.
Countries are queuing up to join the multipolar Brics for one simple
reason; they want national sovereignty, liberty to choose for themselves.
The collectivist doubts about Brics stem from the fact it is multipolar.
Unlike the EU with its Euro that impoverished its poorer members
like Greece, Brics does not have a common currency and multi-polar
also means multi-currency.
Brics members are opposed to the USA hegemony with its petrodollar
enforcing sanctions on countries it considers non-compliant with
its military-industrial-complex-controlled "democracy".
G7 is another euphemism for the totalitarian World Economic Forum.
Headed by Klaus Schwab, it seeks to impose an Orwellian dystopia
on the global population.
Asean is a regional economic bloc with sovereign countries as members.
Members have right to vote but there is far more to democracy: there's
law and accountability as occurs in individual democratic sovereign
states.
J C Wilcox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand is no longer
The
Land of Smiles
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 22, 2023
First published in Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 13, 2023
|
Re: "Thailand is a 'sick' nation", in
Bangkok Post, Tuesday September 12, 2023.
What a ugly PR stunt to tell the whole world that Thailand is a
"sick" nation, maybe near bankruptcy.
So where are all the healthy companies, hotels, banks, clinics,
small companies, street food vendors and so on, managed by excellent,
honest, and diligent people?
They all help to attract, with outstanding high-level service, tourists
from across the world.
The speechwriter for the new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, is
ignorant about the power of speech.
Now Thailand is no longer the "Land of Smiles"?
Furthermore, the doctor's remedy for healing Thailand's sickness
is to inject money medicine not only into needy people but also
into the rich.
Ten thousand baht is a drop in the ocean for people with debt liabilities.
The impractical giveaway within a radius of 4 kilometres excludes
millions of people who live in Bangkok but are registered maybe
in Chiang Mai.
Good luck, Thailand, and really needy Thai people!
Thai
observer,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Thailand's Interior
Ministry's civil service
To discontinue discounts for guns to civil
servants
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday September 15,
2023
|
Re: "Mafia blitz spurs gun amnesty",
in Bangkok Post, Tursday September 14, 2023
While I dare say amnesties for illegal weapons from time to time
are no bad thing, it seems that the big news in this story was that
100 policemen went to a colleague's house in Nakhon Pathom and seized
nine guns in a raid ordered by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Almost certainly, these guns are legally owned by the policeman
and will be returned to him after the media excitement dies down.
Aside from grandstanding, there is one thing that Minister Anutin
could do that would have a lasting positive effect on gun violence.
That would be to discontinue the Interior Ministry's civil service
welfare scheme that discounts guns to civil servants, state enterprise
employees and village defence volunteers.
The recent murder of the police major in the kamnan Nok case was
carried out using a gun supplied by the Interior Ministry under
the welfare scheme and illegally sold on the black market.
Welfare scheme guns were also used in the mass murder of nursery
school children in Nong Bua Lamphu and at the start of the murder
spree carried out by a soldier in Korat.
The Interior Ministry is the biggest importer of civilian firearms.
It imports thousands of firearms annually distributed nationwide,
with many sold on the black market; some even find their way to
neighbouring countries.
These guns are sold at a discount rate to the Thai retail selling
price but at a large markup compared to manufacturers' recommended
selling prices overseas.
So, some huge profits must be made somewhere, but sacrificing these
profits would be a small price to pay for less gun violence.
Police should also be issued with standard service firearms, properly
maintained by police armourers, that should be returned when they
leave the force or even, as in some countries, when they go off
duty so they would no longer be obliged to buy their guns from the
Interior Ministry's welfare scheme.
George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Ten years of the military
coup
There
has been no reform of Thai police
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday, September 17,
2023
|
Re: "Kamnan surrenders after 'ordering'
officer's killing", in Bangkok Post, September
Friday 8, 2023.
Apart from watching the usual news about the busting of underground
casinos or illegal online gambling under alleged police protection,
the public rarely knows much about behind the scenes police corruption.
Until the recent case when a police officer was killed in cold blood
by a gunman at a party organised by an influential kamnan (subdistrict
head) in front of more than 20 guests who were police officers.
In a related clip of the deadly party, we can see sturdy men with
close-cropped hair, buzzing with euphoria around the kamnan, like
butter wouldn't melt in their mouth.
Anyone who walks into a Thai police station to file a complaint
or seek assistance, would most likely find the police officers there
different from those jolly fellows they saw in the clip.
Ten years after the military coup, there has been no reform of the
Thai police force as the coup makers had promised. How much longer
do we have to wait?
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok.
Thailand
Call for points-based
approach
For immigration to Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday September 17,
2023
|
Re: "Cabinet to talk visa-free China policy",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday September 10, 2023.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should decide on short-term Band-Aid
like visas on arrival in the context of a long-term approach to
reforming our immigration laws.
We should use a points-based approach, perhaps like Australia's,
to approving applicants who will give us the type of people we need.
We want those who will appreciate our culture, rather than look
down on us, while helping us to learn from theirs.
So, give points for passing in-depth culture appreciation programmes,
perhaps like those that the US Peace Corps require their volunteers
to pass before going on-station.
We need those with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
skills. We should give points to recent Stem graduates from the
world's top 150 universities, so investors will have the highly-skilled
staff needed.
We should reserve any given occupation for Thais only for two years
so that we can prepare for and be able to compete with the world.
The quality of Thai education is poor, as shown by our Pisa scores
and low university rankings. Import the instructors needed at all
levels.
We should look upon immigrants, including refugees, as sources of
skilled people whom we sorely need. For example, the Taliban has
virtually condemned their girls and women to a life of bondage.
We should seek out those with the needed skills, and their immediate
families, to help us, especially in our rural areas as they learn
our culture and language.
Thailand has consistently had the highest suicide rate in Asean,
and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 1529
year-olds. But a 75-year-old study by Harvard psychiatrist Robert
Waldinger found that "good relationships keep us happier
and healthier".
So, we must design programmes to teach and promote strong, healthy
relationships, which will involve importing many foreign experts
to train their Thai counterparts in secondary schools and universities.
Immigrants are more law-abiding than the native-born see "Two
charts demolish the notion that immigrants here illegally commit
more crime", Washington Post, June 19, 2018.
We require about 20 year's worth of criminal records, if any, from
overseas for each applicant for long-term stay vs none for those
born on Thai soil.
Also, we've given millions of visas on arrival through the years,
with satisfactory results, which is why we're considering giving
them again. I see no reason why we need to know the backgrounds
of non-Thais to a greater degree than for Thais.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok,
Thailand
Foreign
fund depositor not easily convinced
To
invest in Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC)
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 18, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday September
14, 2023
|
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the
law creating the Maharlika Investment Fund takes effect September
12, 2023.
Many foreign funders await the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) before investing their funds into the Maharlika Investment
Corp. (MIC) with nine board members, of which six are government
and government-owned banks, Land Bank and the Development Bank of
the Philippines.
Of the P500 billion total capitalization, government will own P50
billion voting common shares and part of the P125 billion preferred
shares.
By all counts, it is a sovereign-guaranteed fund.
The foreign funders are naturally aware of the risks with sovereign
wealth funds, and their questions probably are:
Will they get better returns in MIC?
How safe is the security of their funds in our country?
The first question is speculative, and depends on their appreciation
of the investments track record of the governments economic
managers handling the Maharlika Investment Corp (MIC).
The second question depends on the governments international
credit rating, now threatened by overborrowing exceeding the 60
percent prescribed by the International Monetary Fund.
It appears that a foreign fund depositor will not be easy to convince
to invest into Maharlika Investment Corp (MIC), unless it comes
with some political considerations.
For instance, Malaysia will likely put in some funds into the MIC
only because o
ur government is not helping the heirs of the Sulu Sultanate pursue
the recent $15 billion Arbitral Award against Malaysia over Sabah.
What can likely make the Maharlika fund succeed are the domestic
depositorsus.
The treasury department has been bidding out long-term treasury
bonds, around P120 billion a month, some at 8 percent coupon rate.
As far as this goes, it benefits the country in that the government
debt will be mostly domestic and does not endanger it with international
loan sanctions in case of defaults, and it teaches Filipinos to
save more and help their debt-drowning government with their personal
savings.
Marvel K Tan,
Manila,
Philippines
Sangguniang Kabataan youth
council
Marred with corruption and nepotism
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 17, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday September
13, 2023
|
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is the barangay youth
council dedicated to the development and promotion of programs and
activities that cater to the Filipino youths needs.
On paper, this is an excellent platform for emerging leaders to
hone their skills in public service.
However, it has turned out to be a microcosm of the adult
government where it is marred with issues of corruption and nepotism.
What really qualifies a candidate for SK?
Be 18-24 years old, a Filipino citizen, and literate.
Basically the same as a candidate for local and national government.
I believe that these qualifications are not enough to assure the
barangays youth that their aspiring leaders are ready to serve
them if they meet the age and citizenship requirements.
The future leaders of the barangay youth must be able to prove that
they are not merely names in a popularity contest and that sitting
in public office is a reminder that their fellow youth trust them
to carry out their campaign promises and forge a better community
for their constituents.
It may shock people to see that some of the candidates have no leadership
experience or have taken up service roles in the school or the community.
What do they expect when some of the countrys leaders
are celebrities who have no idea what parliamentary procedures
are?
Grim as it may sound, the youth leaders must now set a precedent
for future leaders by taking up active roles in the community and
in school before they can even file their certificates of candidacy.
Can the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) do more than barangay beauty pageants
and basketball tournaments?
Of course, they can, and should. Symposiums on the risks of drugs
and alcohol, teenage pregnancy, and leadership training should be
more of the norm.
Is it not the SKs responsibility to mobilize the youth in
nation-building?
And yes, anti-corruption and good governance as well. Corruption
is so deeply rooted in Filipino culture that there are rampant Facebook
posts about SK chairs inquiring about motorcycles days prior to
the election.
By enabling corruption among the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) ranks,
they do nothing more than train and breed traditional and corrupt
politicians.
Reasons such as mabait and tumutulong
naman are not valid enough to vote for a candidate.
A friendly candidate can be as incompetent as a rude one.
A candidate with a strong moral fiber and a track record that vouches
for their service is the one the youth should vote for as their
representative.
Wilhelm
Matthew A. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines
"An eye for an eye
and a tooth for a tooth approach"
Standard
form of compensation in Papua New Guinea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday September 16, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday September 12, 2023
|
The an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
approach is already becoming a standard form of compensation in
our society.
The principal meaning is that if you believe someone does something
wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing done
to them.
A biblical perspective is fixed in the principle of revenge: punishment
is deserved in proportion to the seriousness of an offence.
Our ancestors have taught us to treat others as we would like to
be treated, as well as the justice system.
It is unfair to commit a crime without a consequence.
Therefore, the term an eye for an eye, if you
choose to steal something you will be required to deal with the
consequence.
It is the only way to teach and learn lessons.
But today in society, it is like, you slap me, I return with my
relatives or friends and we bash you, even to the extent of sending
one to the hospital.
We have come off the primitive and by now should lean towards allowing
the law to take its course and let those who do wrong feel the full
brunt of it.
Punishment is a universal phenomenon.
No human society confronted with violations of its laws or customs
leaves itself powerless to impose sanctions.
For all this accrued experience of dealing with offenders, punishment
remains a problematic matter under constant debate.
Blocki,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister Sreetha
Thavisin policy statement
Little more than a wishlist
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 14, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday September 13,
2023
|
Re: "Nation 'like a sick person' ",
Bangkok Post, September 12, 2023 and "It sounds like
a wishlist", InQuote, September 12, 2023.
Prime Minister Sreetha Thavisin omitted the specifics to make his
policy statement to parliament credible.
He correctly pointed out the massive obstacles he faces.
But the rest of his speech was little more than a wishlist.
To build credibility, he should have set out specific steps that
showed his political will and strength.
For example, "I will not revise our constitution by starting
with the current version, which Abhisit Vejjajiva correctly described
as being drafted to keep the junta in power rather than solving
the people's problems.
"Rather, I will update the 1997 version, known as the 'People's
Constitution' from the participative nature of its drafting, and
its support of human rights and advances in political reform."
He should also have vowed, "I will fight corruption and
establish the rule of law. This very morning, I posted Vicha Mahakun's
report on reforming the Royal Thai Police and Office of the Attorney-General
on their respective websites. Specific actions and timelines based
on that document will be posted this month."
Also, Prime Minister Srettha cannot admit that he lacks the right
people for the job. So how will he reform education when the army
general in charge has shown no major accomplishments relevant to
the task?
Show us substance as well as form.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Hidden Vally Mine stakeholders
bypass
Genuine landowners in development
of project
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 13, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday September 12, 2023
|
The delay to the Hidden Valley Mine is clear and all
stakeholders are watching.
The Hidden Valley Mine management team as well as the Bulolo and
Morobe provincial administrations know this, yet none have taken
the issue on in getting the identified landowners onboard in the
development of the project.
The stakeholders continue to bypass the landowner and are dealing
with others who are not the genuine landowners.
How can the Government and the mining developer play such game where
the two stakeholders should be doing what is right to the people,
the very resource owners?
The stakeholders have turned a blind eye on the Social Economic
Study outcome report presented by Burton John from the National
University of Australia in 2001 well before the construction of
the Mining.
Again final social mapping report released on 2010 finalising the
whole issues surrounding the mining, nothing has been done to date.
The Morobe government and its administrations and the Hidden Valley
Mining management need to get this issue rectified in order to give
effect to the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in 2005, then
follow by the pending review which has been every now and then being
talked about in media and so on.
I suggest the management team of the Hidden Valley mining and the
Morobe administrations and the government of the day revisit the
reports presented by Burton John and make changes to some issues
lying unattended since the beginning of the Mining.
Failure by the concerned stake- holders have given an extreme poverty
rise to the affected land owners, LLG, district, province and the
nation as a whole.
This cannot be let continuing like this.
Someone has to make changes to the ongoing issues
Talking on imagination will never get anything right.
HV Red
Eye,
Port Moresby,
Papua News Guinea
Call for Thailand's new
justice minister to make good
On
poll pledges to fight corruption
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 13, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Monday September 11, 2023
|
Re: "Graft-busters implicate 15 in 'Boss'
case", in Bangkok Post , Wednesday September
6, 2023.
In 2020, ex-National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Vicha Mahakun
submitted his panel's report on reforms to the Royal Thai Police
and Office of the Attorney-General to then-Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha.
The panel looked into allegations that high-ranking officials helped
Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, who killed a cop with
his Ferrari, evade justice.
He left the country with help from corrupt officials and his clan's
wealth and influence.
Gen Prayut stonewalled the report for three years.
Then-opposition Member of Parliament Pol Col Thawee Sodsong rightfully
dragged Gen Prayut over the coals for inaction on the Boss case.
Now that he has become the new justice minister with Prime Minister
Srettha Thavisin's backing, he needs to make sure the politicians
make good on their poll pledges to fight corruption.
It's easy to act on the Vicha report. It was on Gen Prayut's desk;
if not, Khun Vicha undoubtedly has a copy. Just post it on the ministry
website tomorrow, and act on it.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thorium ore is far more
abundant than uranium
And Thailand has much of it
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 12, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday September 9,
2023
|
Re: "Heed water dump danger", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, September 3 and "Fukushima fish still safe to
eat: govt", in Bangkok Post, August 27.
Thorium reactors offer the extremely important advantage of not
posing a meltdown hazard such as that occurred at Fukushima and
Chernobyl.
They can use spent fuel from conventional reactors, which is otherwise
disposed of in environmentally unsound ways and can be built in
surprisingly small to large footprints.
Thorium ore is also far more abundant than uranium, requires less
processing, and Thailand has much of it.
It has been over a decade since I recommended the Thai government
consider developing thorium reactors in conjunction with the US
and Canada.
This suggestion was made as an alternative to the various environmentally
destructive projects, such as a coal-fired power plant in the South
and a conventional nuclear plant, which the Thai government has
repeatedly considered.
Perhaps it is time to revisit this opportunity.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
New Srettha Thavisin government
Is not what the Thai nation voted for
The
Southeast East Asian Times, Monday September 11, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday September 9,
2023
|
Re: "Fighting to regain the public's trust"
in Bangkok Post, Monday September 4, 2023 and "No
special care for ex-PM" in Editorial, Bangkok Post
Monday September 4, 2023.
In their "special report" on Pheu Thai's betrayal
of voters, both its own and others, three Post reporters - Mongkol
Bangprapa, Penchan Charoensuthipan and Apinya Wipatayotin - begin
by admitting the indisputable fact that Srettha Thavisin's government,
hobbled together by Pheu Thai and those partying with them, is not
what the Thai nation voted for on May 14.
The three then more partially note that Pheu Thai's move, harshly
criticised by so-called (sic) pro-democracy supporters as an act
of betrayal, has raised questions about its trust and integrity
and what ethical standards politicians can be held to." These
questions deserve answers.
Those answers are obvious to Thai voters on May 14. The ethical
standards politicians can and should be held to are those exemplified
by Move Forward. This fully explains Move Forward's popular success
on election day.
The Move Forward Party's integrity, honour, and standing up for
principle to respect the people, especially the 38% who voted for
them, refreshingly smash the norms of traditional Thai politics.
Regarding the editorial on the same day, the editorial seeks to
mitigate the widespread outrage.
No matter how many saccharine editorials the Post shamelessly publishes
to vainly sweeten the rancid aftertaste of what has been forced
down the people's throats.
The silver lining is that support for Move Forward and every one
of its policies has likely now soared to new heights as the events
of the past three and a half months have opened a lot more eyes
that will never again be closed.
This is the most pertinent poll Nida could now run: If an election
is held tomorrow, for whom would you vote?
That poll must be worth far more than the uninformed speculations
of so-called political experts and any unfounded claims of so-called
"respect".
As a proxy for national feeling, it will be interesting to see how
people vote in the upcoming by-election in Rayong tomorrow.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua
New Guinea
About to celebrate 48 years of independence
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 10, 2023
First published in the National Thursday September 7, 2023
|
We are about to celebrate 48 years as an independent
state of Papua New Guinea.
Yet the rise of social problems law and order are at alarming rate.
The negligence of basic government goods and services has become
a hindrance to our ordinary citizens across the nation.
Many of us were blindly led and being deceived because of bribery
and nepotism that has crept into the government system.
Therefore, we dont know where justice can be applied for the
sake of common good.
As a result, our nation has been manipulated by corruption and led
by the political thief.
The political thief succumbed our rights and privileges and we cannot
stand and united as a nation.
When we compare the political thief from the ordinary thief bag
snatcher which of the two robs us more and as a long term effect
in our lives.
The ordinary thief steals your phone, your bag, your watch, and
jewellery.
But the political thief steals your future, your career, your education,
your health and your business.
Hilariously, the ordinary thief will choose whom to rob but you
are the ones who chooses the political thief to rob you because
you voted them.
Again, I am not defending and encouraging anybody to commit any
form of illicit activities.
What is morally wrong cannot be justified.
The end does not justify the means.
But the ridiculous part of the whole issue is that, we are not realising
our nation has been led by greed and power.
As a matter of fact, we are being bribed by those who are stealing
our future rather than protecting our human rights and dignity.
What a shame.
It is time now for us to act and defend our rights rather than become
an on looker for too long.
Ruarri Constantine,
Holy Spirit Seminary- Bomana,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for candidates for
cabinet posts
Be approved by a parliamentary committee
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday Septemer 9, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday, August 30,
2023
|
Re: "Pheu Thai 'not at a disadvantage'",
in Bangkok Post, August Monday 28, 2023.
Thais should be able to believe that each cabinet member has a job-relevant
vision and ability to make it a reality.
Now, positions are allocated mainly based on party affiliation -
not job competence.
Lacking ministerial ability is a major reason why, for example,
we've consistently been at the bottom of Asean GDP annual growth
for the past decade.
Candidates for cabinet posts should be approved by a parliamentary
committee of elected Members of Parliament from both sides of the
aisle.
Hearings would be broadcast live and focus on the job-relevant vision
and achievements of each candidate.
For example, if a would-be minister had been convicted for smuggling
3.2kg of heroin to Australia, would that fatally damage his prospects?
Or, how would a would-be education minister match Vietnam's achievements
in Pisa scores, as supported by his past record?
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for census in Papua
New Guinea
Before next National General Elections
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday September 8, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday September 7, 2023
|
The National Population Census must be conducted before
the next National General Elections.
This country is within striking distance of hitting a bomb.
This country has been ruined and treated as a jolly phonics class,
and no capable Member of Parliament is anywhere in sight who can
standup and take up the cane to the noise of destruction about to
sweep all asunder.
If no census is conducted than the future of this country is in
blackness.
Everything falls back to the people, its the people that makes
up the country from its roots from the valley to the mountains,
hills, and islands.
No one in his or her good sense of mind could deny the fact that
he or she isnt independent.
All people are interconnected.
The Government stands for the people.
Count your people first than you will know what to deliver according
to real people number.
Stop the talk!
Count Me In,
Goroka,
Papua New Guinea
Thank
God that new travel requirements
For Filipinos going abroad have been postponed
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday September 7, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday September
4, 2023
|
Thank God that the Department of Justice (DOJ) postponed
the implementation of the new Inter-Agency Council Against Traffickings
(Iacat) travel requirements for Filipinos going abroad.
One of the prominent persons who commented on this was the former
Bureau of Immigration (BI) director and now Cagayan de Oro Rep.
Rufus Rodriguez who stated that the decision of Iacat to
impose additional and stricter rules on Filipino travelers is both
unreasonable and intrusive.
He also added: They will give Filipino tourists, overseas
Filipino workers, and other travelers a lot of inconveniences, and
they could make them vulnerable to harassment and extortion by corrupt
immigration officers and other airport personnel.
The Iacat stated that they upgraded the guidelines to fight human
trafficking.
It took the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Passenger
Forum, and the Senate to convince the DOJ to postpone implementation
of these travel rules.
To start with, whose idea was it to have new rules and regulations
regarding Filipinos traveling abroad just to prevent trafficking
when we have enough laws and regulations regarding Filipinos traveling
abroad?
A passport is not a right but a privilege and before one gets a
passport, he/she is already scrutinized with proper documents.
Another hurdle is getting a visa from most countries where more
documents and information are needed, too.
It will be a different story with non-visa countries.
Instead of making things complicated, why dont we just go
for the basics: tougher implementation of our laws with tough punishment
on illegal recruiters, unscrupulous travel and employment agents.
Government employees like those in the BI who deal with travelers
with jail terms as well as human trafficking syndicates should be
subjected to the loss of their pension and other benefits.
In addition, educate our people including our children on how to
avoid fraud by just being honest and being careful in trusting others.
Maltreated maid says she was also hanged in a meat hook exp-customer-logo
Ida M. Tiongco,
Malate,
Manila
We would not be on planet
Earth
Without
fresh water
First
published in the Bangkok Post Thursday August 17, 2023
The Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday September 6, 2023
|
Re: "Rising flows of concern", in
Bangkok Post Editorial, Tuesday
August 15, 2023.
The editorial highlights mankind's inability to manage our most
vital resource: fresh water.
While we value gold and silver greatly, we would not be here on
planet Earth without fresh water.
Mankind has still not devised a means of managing the evaporation
of saline sea water resulting in the precipitation of fresh water.
Instead, he blames flooding on the release of carbon dioxide from
fossil fuel consumption.
With the same primitive mindset, humans blame forest fires on the
harmless but vital gas, CO2.
There is no connection between CO2 and flooding and fire.
But it is a characteristic of the human species to blame anything
but itself.
Political new world-order globalists know that and use gullibility
to achieve their ends of an Orwellian dystopian planet under their
control.
Vast freshwater storage systems need to be built and managed.
Avoid building in natural waterways, and there will not be "natural"
disasters, and before building, design and install adequate drainage
systems. Roofs and roads prevent natural soil absorption of rainwater.
To prevent forest fires, particularly in man-made forests, the dead
and pruned wood should be removed from forest floors.
Broad fire breaks must be created. Arsonists must be incarcerated.
Education, not political indoctrination, and common sense management
of our affairs will solve these problems of "climate emergency".
They will allay the fears of political propaganda causing young
people to commit suicide.
The truth will induce a peaceful world with improved living standards
with electricity, free of starvation.
J C Wilcox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Artists Council for the
Promotion of Buddhism of Thailand
Puts statue of the occult deity Khru Kai
Kaeo on the block
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday September 5, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 17, 2023
|
Re: "Civic groups press for relocation of
bizarre statue", in Bangkok Post, Thursday
August 17, 2023.
The Artists Council for the Promotion of Buddhism of Thailand demonstrates
a flawed understanding of the Buddha's teachings if they think that
merely because something "went against Buddhist teachings",
it could be grounds to abolish or suppress it.
Bangkok and the rest of Thailand are full of churches, cathedrals,
mosques, meat-selling markets, and restaurants, and no end of other
things that are at least as "against Buddhist teachings"
as the rather bizarre statue of the occult deity Khru Kai Kaeo.
The council might find more constructive ways to promote Buddhism
than an intolerance that seems itself to contradict the Buddha's
ideals of reason and example rather than brute force, including
brutish legal force.
The statue and its prescribed worship are no more superstitious
than any other religious teaching or practice touching on supernatural
matters.
When it comes to the supernatural, every religious claim is, without
exception, exactly as well-evidenced as every other such claim.
The teaching attendant on Khru Kai Kaeo is as sacred as any and,
on that score, as deserving of the same respect accorded any other
equally well-substantiated sacredness.
Why wouldn't they be?
The sacred is, after all, the sacred, however scary of visage and
divine command.
Those who find such things distasteful are free to ignore the crimson-manicured
Khru Kai Kaeo or point out that it's all a bit beyond reason, but
that is as far as their horror may justly go.
Those finding it a source of comfort should be allowed to exercise
their faith as long as their worshipping rites do not violate rights
or harm others, including innocent puppies, or pigs, neither of
whom appreciate being sacrificed.
Meanwhile, those who are "gripped by fear" should
get a grip and take a more rationally informed, more Buddhist approach
to such nonsensical beliefs as ghosts, spirits, demons, gods, and
other such perfectly unsubstantiated fantasies.
But before this latest deity on the block is cast into the darkness,
Khru Kai Kaeo is required to deliver Thailand from the curse being
cast by Pheu Thai, the Senate, United Thai Nation (UTN) party, and
the rest of that most unholy alliance against the will of the Thai
people as manifest on May 14.
Those gargoyles being gathered into the warm embrace of the Pheu
Thai family are the truly scary ones stalking the land.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Is
the burning of the Koran
An expression of speech or is it an action?
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday September 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Sunday September 3, 2023
|
Re: "Control hate speech", in PostBag,
August 28 and "Denmark to ban Koran burnings",
in Bangkok Post, August 25.
In his letter, Eric Bahrt raises a number of interesting questions.
Can the burning of a book be regarded as an expression of speech,
or is it an action?
If the purpose of this book-burning was to cause violence, is the
problem purely with the person committing that act, or is there
also a problem with the people who would turn violent?
If the burning of a book is banned because it may incite violence,
does it imply that violence in this situation is justified?
Does this proposed ban refer to all religious books or just one
religious book?
Five months ago, a 15-year-old UK schoolboy took a Koran to school
as a forfeit for losing a game.
The Koran suffered some minor damage after it was accidentally dropped.
The boy was suspended.
A local politician falsely claimed on social media that the book
was desecrated. The boy's mother had to plead for forgiveness at
the local mosque after her son's life was threatened.
The police recorded the accidental dropping of the Koran as a "hate
incident".
A boy who made death threats was "given words of advice
by an officer".
The answer may be obvious to Mr Bahrt, but we need to tread carefully
when passing laws banning words or stupid actions.
We can all find certain speech or actions to be distasteful or offensive.
Who gets to decide what is offensive and which of us is to be sheltered
from offence?
It's obvious to the UK police that unintentional damage to a Koran
is more serious than making death threats.
Ajingpom,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Papua New Guinea
Government
To support the Gatop Mini-Hydropower damn
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday September 3, 2023
First published in the National, Friday September 1, 2023
|
The lack of governments determination in the
clean energy generations, especially in rural areas around the country
is obvious.
A case in point is the Gatop Mini-Hydropower project 13km inland
from Wasu in Tawae-Siassi, 20km away from Kabwum District Station
in Morobe.
After almost 17 years of operations without concrete support by
relevant government authorities, workmen have resolved to shut down
the power plant on the Independence month of September.
The project started in 2002 by our late German Missionary attached
with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG).
The first electricity was produced in December 2006 and has been
in operation since.
Sadly, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG)
and responsible government entities have no plans to further develop
this environmentally friendly power project to fully serve the populace
despite so much hypes, plans, workshops, visions and overseas trips
on the subject.
Gatop Hydropower uses transformers and high voltage transmission
lines to ensure electricity is available in Wasu but the capacity
is insufficient to feed the whole township.
Hence; only communal buildings, government offices, schools, and
health centers are connected.
Morobe government under its Satellite Townships Plans has selected
Wasu as one of the growth centers; however, no one from the head
offices in Lae ever visited Gatop Hydropower or talked about the
energy needs of the fast-booming Wasu Township.
We commend Member of Parliament Dr Kobby Bomoreo and Tawae-Siassi
district development authority for a K250,000 funding in 2019 and
a support vehicle this year.
They used K150,000 to get a 20ft container load of supplies shipped
from Brisbane to Wasu and K100,000 was utilised to hire surveyors
and engineers to draw up the upgrade and expand plans.
We have approached responsible offices like the Ministry of State
Enterprises for Papua New Gguine Power Ltds support and National
Energy Authority directly responsible for such developments to no
avail.
The 2018 Apect Summit has approved support from partner nations
(the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan) in Papua New Guinea
Government Vision 2030/2050 specifically making available access
to electricity in rural Papua New Guinea.
Its frustrating to see agencies responsible have done so little
in the last 5 years since Apec.
One of the partner countries is willing to work with us but our
government must step up to counter fund.
This shutdown is a protest and call out to the Government to step
up and do its part or we miss that opportunity.
We will resume supply on October 1.
James Zoriong
Gatop Mission Station,
Wasu,
Kabwum,
Papua New Guinea
New
property developer PM
To
develop Phuket's Mai Khao beach
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday September 2, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday August 30,
2023
|
Re: "PM puts Phuket project back on agenda",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday August 29, 2023.
Srettha Thavisin has demonstrated the dangers of naming a property
"developer" as prime minister. Phuket is already
overdeveloped in that it has constant traffic jams, very limited
parking in the town, a water shortage, and inadequate capacity to
dispose of its solid waste.
Yet the prime minister designate has proposed building a new airport
and a huge convention centre on one of Phuket's lovely beaches at
Mai Khao. These proposed projects can only hasten the spoiling of
the once-idyllic island.
Jerry Huguet
Bangkok,
Thailand
Bridge callapses in northern
India
Same day India lands on the moon
First
published in the Bangkok Post, Friday August 25, 2023
|
Re: "India makes Moon history", in
Bangkok Post, Thursday August 24, 2023.
Without detracting from India's amazing achievement of landing a
capsule on the Moon, is it not ironic that on the same day, 17 people
were killed when a bridge in the Sairang area of Mizoram state in
northeast India collapsed?
Like many other countries, it would appear that we are prepared
to spend billions on outlandish space projects before maintaining
and improving what we have on Earth.
India's rail system, once the envy of the world, is in neglect.
With regular reports of accidents and deaths.
If only the space programme funds had been put into maintaining
the rail system and improving it.
Ron Martin,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Leaders in the Melanesian
Spearhead Group
Under the sway of Indonesia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday 31, 2023
|
The Southeast Asian Times report Melanesian
Spearhead Group cannot reach consensus on membership for West Papua
( 29 August 2023 ) is a case of the Melanesian Spearhead
Group (MSG) adding insult to injury on the people of West Papua.
The injury is from the long history of Indonesian colonial occupation
and oppression.
The insult is from the failure of the Spearhead Group (MSG) to do
the right thing by West Papua .
The Papua New Guinea National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop,
echoed the sentiments of all freedom and pro-democracy activists
when he said he is totally disappointed in the failure
of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
The leaders in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) have apparently
come under the political and financial sway of Indonesia as Governor
Parkop contends.
They will have to live with the shame of shying away from showing
solidarity to the just struggle of West Papua for freedom and self-rule.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Without fossil fuel-generated
electricity
We would have remained in medieval misery,
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday August 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday 25, 2023
|
Re: "Solar silence", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, August 24, 2023 and "Here comes the
sun", in Bangkok Post Business, August 21, 2023.
Energy officials are aware of the fact they have a huge responsibility
to industry, commerce, healthcare and domesticity to provide an
uninterrupted supply of electricity.
They know even hundreds of thousands of rai covered in solar panels
would only meet a very small percentage of the vital electric energy
required.
They also know the environmental destruction caused.
The total input of solar panels, mining raw materials, manufacturing,
installing and disposing of after their short life is far, far greater
than their beneficial output.
Without fossil fuel-generated electricity, we would have remained
in medieval misery, sticking animal fat on sticks for light when
the sun goes down.
Fossil fuels are plant life formed millions of years ago when CO2
formed 500+ ppm, far greater than the current 180 ppm.
At 130ppm, plant life dies, so we urgently need more CO2 to save
life on Earth.
It is strange, is it not, that 500+ppm has left the planet uninjured,
and yet it is believed currently that 180ppm is a threat to its
existence.
But of course, when fossil fuel plant life thrived, megalomaniac,
primitive-thinking politicians and their gullible followers did
not exist.
J C Wilcox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Malaysia bans rainbow
watches
To stop normalisation of LGBTQ+ movement
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 29, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday August 25, 2023
|
Re: "'Pride' watch seizures challenged in
Malaysian court", in Bangkok Post , August
23, 2023.
Whilst not in any cheerful, gay or otherwise happy colours, Malaysia's
government paints Malaysians as snowflakes of extra special delicateness.
Could it be true, as their government warns, that attractively colourful
watches "may harm
the interests of the nation by
promoting, supporting and normalising the LGBTQ+ movement that is
not accepted by the general public"?
Perhaps the Malaysian government should worry more about the prevailing
bad public morals that fail to equally respect all citizens, including
those who are LGBTQ+.
Merely being a majority consensus does not make an ugly prejudice
less rotten.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for rethink about
disproportionately large amount
Of
funding set aside for military purposes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 28, 2023
|
Its good to know USAID administrator Samantha
Power believes military leaders have an essential role
to play in speaking clearly about the security risks caused by in
action related to climate change.
She said that at a chief of defense gathering .
According to climate change activists the world over one major reason
for the inaction on the climate change front is the disproportionately
large amount of funding set aside for military purposes.
There is clearly a real need for leaders to do a rethink about that.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Call for ban on cultural
shows and live music
In Papua New Guinea is totally wrong
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 28, 2923
First published in the National Friday August 25, 2023
|
Papua New Guinea is a country in the Pacific and not
a small district where everyone has a say on its culture.
I writing this in response to Rex Masos letter to the editor
on August 19.
He is suggesting that responsible authorities ban cultural shows
and live music festivals because it brings problems.
This is totally wrong.
These events are friendly events.
They never bring problems.
Problems are caused by bad people with attitude problems.
We cant squeeze in all the cultures in one basket and say
PNG is unique and united.
We must showcase our own cultures to make ourselves different from
each other.
Culture and tourism department is purposely for this and no one
will go ahead and talk about it.
Authorities should provide security during these events and not
to stop it from happening in the country.
Lupzon Kenowai LK,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
Was
the Senate capable of making a fair decision
In appointing Thailand's next PM
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 27, 2023
First published in the BangkokPost, Thursday August 24, 2023
|
How fittingly sarcastic of the Post to write that
"It is hoped that senators will make a fair decision"
regarding the vote on the shameful Pheu Thai's nominee for the post
of prime minister.
Or is the editor suffering severe amnesia?
Were the Senate capable of making "a fair decision"
on appointing Thailand's next Prime Minister, Pita Limjaroenrat
would already be the prime minister in a government led by Move
Forward.
Has it somehow escaped the Post's notice that this is not, in fact,
the reality even in Thailand?
If fresh from betraying its voters, the Pheu Thai nominee wins the
Senate's approval, that endorsement can only prove that Pheu Thai's
nominee is not, in fact, a fair choice for prime minister.
It will then have to be wondered what unspeakable deals have been
done with whom to have enabled such a travesty of democracy, such
a rejection of justice, such a betrayal of Thai voters.
Felix Qui.
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea calls
for accountability in the approval
Of foreign entities exclusive right to mine
the sea floor
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 26, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday August 17, 2023
|
The controversial Solowara 1 Deep sea Mining project
in the Bismarck seas of Papua New Guineas New Guinea Island
region is a serious issue that responsible authorities at the time
have miserably failed to understand its implications before granting
the exploration licenses, mining leases and approvals.
There should be coordinated efforts between the departments of mining,
environment and conservation, climate change and local state agencies
of the districts in which projects are located to be consulted in
a rigorous consultative effort to come up with such plans.
Deep seas mining or mining under the sea has never been tried in
this country before and how can some persons in authority just by
signing legally binding documents which allows the foreign entities
like Nautilus Minerals or Deep Sea Mining Finance in the current
second attempt to have exclusive right to mine the sea floor without
having regard to the cultural and traditional significance of the
area which supports thousands of families livelihoods.
Who was that government officer or officers at the time who saw
fit to go ahead without much consultation and its effect on the
environment and blindly sign such agreement without following due
diligence processes.
Does a due diligence process exist in such cases of approving mining
exploration and licensing on the country and if so, why approving
a project that was never tested before in this country after damages
in contracts and costs have incurred costing the state and the stakeholders
concerned to some extend unnecessarily?
In future, cases like this the government should legislate laws
to hold public officers of state or public servants personally accountable
so that this can encourage wider consultation and approval for public
transparency and accountability of such projects for mutual benefit
to the people of Papua New Guinea through the government and the
developers.
We just cant turn a blind eye on some clumsy and complacent
public officers actions which are unnecessarily causing the
state in millions of kina and contingency liabilities.
Philip Ukuni,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Ordinalry Filipino's seethe
in silence
Over China's aggressive acts in West Philippine
Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 25, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday August
21, 2023
|
After observing and reading all the news reports about
the aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea, that have
steadily aggravated the situation over the last three decades, ordinary
Filipino citizens can only seethe in anger silently.
Beyond the security and sovereignty aspects of the dispute, the
continuing harassment of Filipinos by the China Coast Guard and
Chinese militias within our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) has gone
too far, triggering an awareness in us that our national pride and
self-respect have been and continue to be severely challenged.
The persistent bullying by China and, in a larger context the overall
relationship between China and us, are the most compelling and complicated
our country has faced in modern times.
This is because our relationship is ambivalent and our national
leadership is understandably stymied in any given situation as to
how to address untoward incidents in our relationship. We have had
many bilateral talks with China but each time, China behaved differently
afterwards. After such dialogues, it occupied Scarborough Shoal.
Then came the construction of artificial islands within our EEZ.
The behavior of China toward us is downright condescending, which
treats the Philippines with disdain and contempt. How else would
you describe these responses from China: (a) it proposed joint military
exercises between the aggressor and its victim; (b) when our former
president implored the president of China to be kind to my
country, a few days later the China Coast Guard fired water
cannons at our vessels at Ayungin Shoal; (c) China is activating
talks about a code of conduct in the South China Sea after demonstrating
its misconduct in Ayungin Shoal.
The diplomatic challenge to our President vis-à-vis China
is formidable and will summon the utmost patriotism, courage, and
wisdom from him and his team. It is a David confronting Goliath,
a rider on the back of a tiger. Unfortunately, there is not much
comfort from the inarticulate secretary of foreign affairs in this
respect. And none from us except the humble proposition that our
foreign policy must be based on the assumption that China is not
a friend, but a predator. And when we are lured into the talks on
a code of conduct, through the auspices of a compromised Association
of Southeast Asia Nations, do not give up the 2016 Arbitral Award
and make sure that the Code does not condone past violations of
international law, but must rectify them instead.
This is a time for unity and we empathize with the call of the Philippine
Coast Guard for support and for Filipinos not to betray their country.
For indeed, there are a few critics who continue to devalue our
2016 arbitral victory and others who, wittingly or unwittingly,
are acting like lackeys of our powerful neighbor.
Ancheta K. Tan,
Manila,
Philippines
The law of a democratic
nation may not
Justly
implement
a ban on public Koran burning
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 24, 2923
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 17, 2023
|
Re: "The bigger picture on speech",
in PostBag Bangkok Post, Sunday August 13, 2023 and "No conscience",
in PostBag, Bangkok Post, Thursday August 17, 2023.
Regarding "free speech related to Koran burning," Don
MacMahon states that the intention of those who want to burn to
Koran must be used to determine how the law is formulated and applied
according to the principle of "what would a reasonable person
think or do?"
In his earlier letter, "The bigger picture on speech",
Felix Qui argues the law of a democratic nation may not justly implement
"a ban on public Koran burning".
I agree.
And so does the recent strongly worded opinion by a three-judge
panel of the US Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.
In summary, they state that those who refuse to bend the knee to
zealots of any stripe who wish to force their subjective and manipulative
views upon society such that they become the defining reality for
everyone must be protected under the law.
Having read them, I don't find most of the content of the ancient
Western religious texts to be particularly instructive, whether
it be the Koran, the Book of Mormon, the Torah, or the Bible.
I think most of the trees cut down to make the paper they were printed
on would have been better left standing.
Then again, burning books is a sin; I will never do it.
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for end to starving
torturing and beating elephants
For tourism in Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday August 23, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Court orders Department of National
Park (DNP) to move naughty jumbo", in Bangkok Post,
Sunday July 23, 2023
In the past, I've written PostBag letters about the horrible way
elephants are tortured so that they would become submissive and
give rides to tourists.
While I noted many agencies in Chiang Mai that promote elephant
tourism now have signs reading: "NO Riding", unfortunately,
elephant riding continues at many tourist spots.
Therefore, I'm urging everyone to google: "Stop Starving,
Torturing and Beating Elephants for Tourism, Force Change"
and sign the petition to the Minister of Tourism, who has the
power to end this barbaric practice once and for all.
The fact that this treatment of elephants has gone on for decades
shows that every Thai government, past and present, has been beneath
contempt.
Eric Bahrt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Nothing has changed in
Myanmar
Since the military coup
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday August 22, 2023
|
We read in the Southeast Asian Times of 20 August
that The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians
for Human Rights ( APHR ) urged ASEAN to recognise Myanmars
civilian National Unity Government ( NUG ) and ASEAN dialogue partners
and governments world-wide to sanction against the Armed
Forces ( Tatmadaw ) of Myanmar
APHR chairman and Member
of Malaysian Parliament Charles Santiago called on ASEAN dialogue
partners that include Australia, Canada, China, European Union,
India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United
States to officially meet with the National Unity Government ( NUG
) to extent solidarity with the people of Myanmar .
Some of the dialogue partners have a strong commitment to human
rights, democracy and the rule of law and some have a dubious record
in these regard. However their own vested economic and other interests
take precedence over the plight of the people of Myanmar who are
languishing under the oppressive military regime which grabbed power
from the elected democratic government of Aung San Sui Kyi.
That explains why nothing has really changed since the Myanmar military
coup. If anything the usurpers have entrenched themselves in power.
And that is a crying shame!
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Papua New Guinea is highly
dependent on imports
Exports have waned since independence
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 21, 2023
First published in the National Thursday August 17, 2023
|
The Government is promoting trade and investment in
Papua New Guinea.
The issue boils down to whether it is paper or real promotion of
investment in the country.
Trade and investment in Papua New Guinea must be anchored on long-term
national growth and development targets set in a national development
plan.
The national development will lay out sectoral and overall growth
targets for non-mineral sector agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
services and mineral sector mineral, oil and gas of the economy.
A commitment to growth targets requires dedication of funding through
the annual national budget by the Government to build infrastructure
and institutional and implementation capacity to develop the non-mineral
and mineral sectors of the economy.
Achieving the long-term growth targets of the national development
plan through dedication of resources and capacity building will
naturally encourage trade and investment in Papua New Guinea.
However, experience in Papua New Gunea has be very dismal.
The Government is diverting funds allocated in the annual national
budget to sectors that are not encouraging production for export
and domestic consumption.
The creation and ownership of inefficient Government-controlled
monopolies are elevating more operating costs for the Government
and private business.
This situation has created an economy that is highly dependent on
imports, while exports have waned since independence in 1975.
The exceptions are palm oil and mineral production and exports.
It has resulted in sectoral and total growth outcomes that are highly
volatile and unpredictable.
The economic environment is now not conducive and is discouraging
private sector trade and investment in Papua New Guinea, especially
in the non-mineral sector.
Concerned citizen,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Without Move Forward Party
more Thai's
Would
be in jail for lese Majeste
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 20, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday August 15, 2023
|
Re: "Tip for MFP", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Wednesday August 9, 2023.
Let's cut the bull!
The only way the Move Forward Party (MFP) could join the coalition
would be by selling out every principle they believe in.
The Move Forward Party would be nothing more than window dressing.
Without any opposition, more and more people would be tossed into
jail for lese majeste, and those poor people will have no one to
speak for them.
Eric Bahrt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea to stand
firm on theme of
"Friends
to all and enemies to none"
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 19, 2023
First published in the National Thursday, August 17, 2023
|
I write to clarify that Papua New Guinea Labour and
Employment Minister Kessy Sawangs intention to replace 10,000
foreign workers with the local workers is offensive and portrays
the act of rudeness towards the foreigners in our country.
Foreigners in the country give us the best employment service.
They are time conscious, quality oriented and they uphold visions
relevant for the long run of organisations or the departments they
serve.
The true stewardship in this country are the foreigners.
For instance, a foreign librarian in one of our university use to
open the library perfectly at 7.30am and close it up 9.30pm sharp
every officially days.
Time came that the foreigner went home offshore and the university
replaced a local librarian and everything changed.
Opening time varies between 8am, 8.30am and 9am.
On the other hand, the new closing time turned to vary between 8.30pm
to 9.30pm.
By this scenario, who practices good stewardship?
Is it the foreigner or the local librarian?
Additional concern is that the outsourcing of such idea will turn
around to hinder our citizens from negotiating employment and business
opportunities overseas.
To this point, let us stand firm on our theme of Friends to
all and enemies to none and use our ministerial portfolio
appropriately.
Philip Banga George
Dagua,
East Sepik Province,
Papua New Guinea
Thailand's National Office
of Buddhism
Tells monks not to be political
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 18, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday August 3, 2023
|
Re: "Monk treated too harshly", in
Bangkok Post Editorial, Tuesday August 1, 2023.
The Post is to be thanked for its timely editorial on the shameful
treatment by the political managers of Buddhism of a genuinely Buddhist
monk, Phra Rajadhamnithet, better known as Phra Phayom, the well-known
abbot of the Nonthaburi-based Suan Kaew temple.
As a political body itself, it is a bit rich for the National Office
of Buddhism to be telling monks of the religion known as Thai Buddhism
not to be political.
The reality is that Buddhism always has been a useful tool for political
players, who did not want a religion of clerics speaking truth to
power.
The richly gilded temples, jade statues and rich living quarters
are not gifted to those who say what is displeasing merely because
its true, moral, or in accord with the Buddha's wisdom.
There is not anything apolitical about this pillar of Thainess,
certainly not in its officially sanctioned forms.
What Thai Buddhism needs is more monks like Phra Phayom and less
of the legalistic political interference from the National Office
of Buddhism and other political bodies of the state.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
"Thai
politics resembles a revolving door
That
keeps going in circles"
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 17, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Friday August 4, 2023
|
Re: "Thai charter court deserves scrutiny",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday August 4, 2023
It is evident the current coalition government crafted by the military,
the courts, the Election Commission (EC) and other state entities
involved in writing a hodgepodge constitution, including the appointed
"senate", will not enhance democratic values in Thailand.
Traditionally, the foundation of Thai governance is closely tied
to the establishment, including the police and military.
Many other countries in South East Asia thrive using this model.
Thitinan Pongsudhirak, the political scientist, is correct in saying
the establishment's belief has long been that politicians are bad
and untrustworthy, whereas "good" and appointed
officials and rulers conversely gain moral high ground.
Because of rampant corruption, they are often seen as "saviours"
of Thailand's glory.
One must then ask why the Election Commission keeps conducting new
elections here and there when their outcomes mean nothing.
Sadly, Thai politics resembles a revolving door that keeps going
in circles.
Many Western countries have reached a point where they think none
of this election stuff is worth anything, but why does Thailand
keep holding them?
Why all this drama? Sadly, few seasoned politicians and those in
the establishment think they will win another contest, start a new
party, or invent a new manoeuvre to slow down the young people and
their enthusiasm for tangible reforms.
In a nutshell, forget about democracy; the traditional revolving-door
governance is back.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
What about human rights
For Australian journalist Julian Assange
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday August 16, 2023
|
It is indeed heartbreaking to hear the plight of Australian
journalist Cheng Lei who has been languishing in a Chinese prison
for three years now ( I miss the Sun : Australian
journalist speaks about harsh China imprisonment, news.com.au/ FT
12/8 ).
Australian PM Anthony Albanese is right to point out to the Chinese
State that It is important that her human right as an
Australian be respected .
But what about the human right of Australian journalist Julian Assange
who has been languishing in a British jail for I lost count of how
many years now?
Rajend Naidu
Sydney
Call for reform for selection
of Thailand's
National Anti-Corruption commissioners
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 15, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday August 8, 2023
|
Re: "Passawat set to be NACC commissioner",
in Bangkok Post , Tuesday August 8, 2023.
The selection of National Anti-Corruption commissioners (NACC) is
opaque and cries for reform.
The Senate approved Passawat Kanoknart, a former Supreme Court vice
president, as an NACC member, as he won backing from over half the
Senate.
But should the Senate be the appointing body?
All senators were hand-selected in an opaque process by Prayut/Prawit
and would probably support tearing up constitutions as the junta
sees fit.
They wouldn't put enforcing the rule of law as a top priority in
personnel selection.
Also, if they avoided conflicts of interest, the junta-appointed
senators would have recused themselves from voting for a PM if a
junta leader was a candidate.
Yet all 250 senators dutifully said "Aye" to Gen
Prayut's candidacy.
How Khun Passawat fared against key performance indicators hasn't
been mentioned or were there any KPIs which were job-relevant, transparent
and measurable?
For example, did any S112 cases come up before the Supreme Court?
If so, did he recognise that our beloved national father had noted,
"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,"
and act accordingly?
Or did he bend with the political winds which bodes ill for a post
which is supposed to be non-partisan?
Lastly, giving the Senate only one candidate to choose from isn't
much choice; there should be at least three candidates.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for new Thailand
PM
To control annual military reshuffle
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 13, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday August 6, 2023
|
Re: "Annual military reshuffle back",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday August 6, 2023.
The incoming Prime Minister should control this year's military
reshuffle not the caretaker government and outgoing PM Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The leaders of our three armed forces and of the overall military
retire September 30.
Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut will chair
a seven-member panel to decide on the list to be sent for royal
approval, with Gen Charoenchai Gen Prayut's protege being the favourite
to be army chief.
But it's the incoming PM and cabinet not Prime Minister Prayut who
will have to work very closely with the new military heads.
It's the newcomers not those about to leave who should select the
key military men. This change is especially vital since voters have
so recently and decisively expressed their wish for a clean break
with Gen Prayut's junta.
Let the present leadership continue for a month or so as caretakers
until the new government formulates their list for royal review.
Burin Kantabutra
Bangkok,
Thailand
The
Dark Fleet discharges its crude oil cargo
In ship to ship operation in South China
Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday August 13, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday 10 Aug 2023
|
Re: "Race is on to clean up large oil spill",
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday August 9, 2023.
Due to the war in Ukraine, there have been record re-sales of aged
oil tankers that are 18 years old or more to new owners.
These ship owners are moving oil cargo outside conventional channels.
Ship managers are often new to the game, vessel insurance is a mystery,
and the owner may not be easily identified.
These vessels have new names and are registered in countries like
Cameroon, Palau, Gabon, Antigua and even land-locked Mongolia, where
port state control is an idea only.
These vessels often turn off their Automated Identification Systems
(AIS), which may make them a collision risk.
With the AIS switched off, these ships can only be tracked by expensive
satellite tracking services.
Phuket used to have tar balls aplenty 20 years ago.
Then as single-hull tankers were phased out, so too was unsegregated
ballast water.
The ships described above are called "The Dark Fleet".
And the Dark Fleet may not care about Thailand's beaches.
In this case, a ship was carrying heavy oil or crude oil.
It may have discharged its cargo in an ship-to-ship (STS) operation
in the South China Sea or on its ballast leg back to the Middle
East or the Mediterranean, the ship may have cleaned its tanks and
pumped the ROBs (bbls that stubbornly remained on board) into the
ocean where the southwest monsoon brought the oil to Mai Khao Beach.
A W,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippines senate condemns
China's activities
In
West Philippine Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 12, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Wednesday August
9, 2023
|
I would like to express my opinion regarding the actions
of the Senate in response to Chinas continued harassment of
our fellow countrymen in the West Philippine Sea.
I am pleased that they passed a resolution at the Senate condemning
Chinas illegal activities. It is disheartening to think that
China continues to claim and build structures on the islands and
waters within our countrys territory.
I hope that the international community will take a stand and recognize
the harassment that is being inflicted on the Philippines.
Ava Margaux,
Valderama,
Philippines
Japans and China's economical
status
Does
not necessarily transform into a world power
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 10, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday August 6, 2023
|
Re: "What Japan's economy can tell us about
China?", in Bangkok Post Opinion, Saturday
August 5, 2023.
Japan's current situation tells us that becoming the second or third-largest
economy does not necessarily transform a country into a world power.
Western economies have pumped big money into Hong Kong, Japan, South
Korea, and Taiwan for over seven decades.
These four nations kept their close ties to the USA and EU to thrive.
China and Russia also followed the same course in this new century.
In 1993, the EU was born to diffuse the USA's dominance.
After a few years, in 1999, the block created its own currency,
the Euro, to encourage regional free trade.
No one raised any issues about the erosion of the US dollar in the
EU.
A common Brics currency and creating the largest geopolitical trade
block will jolt the US dollar.
My comment to the New York Times columnist Paul Krugman is there
is nothing much to learn from the current economy of Japan.
It is the result of over-reliance on trade with the USA and EU.
Sadly, since the beginning of this century, the trade ties with
China, the new war in Ukraine, and the reckless use of sanctions
are forcing Brics and many other regional economies to trade in
their own currency.
If it happens, it will further diminish the sheen of the US dollar.
In addition, the weaponisation of the US dollar, the abuses of G-7,
the UN, the IMF, and the World Bank are forcing China and other
major economies to create their own formula to exist.
Simply said, what goes around, comes around. The US dollar may go
down the way of the British pound.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The Royal Thai Armed Forces
Will
continue to protect Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 10, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Sunday August 6, 2023
|
Re: "Prayut vows army will continue to 'protect
the country'", in Bangkok
Post, Saturday August 5, 2023.
What does Prime Minister caretaker Prayut Chan-o-cha mean by his
extraordinary claim that "The armed forces will continue
to lead in 'protecting the country'"?
How exactly does the caretaker Prime Minister think that repeatedly
committing coups against it could possibly constitute "protecting
the country", let alone "taking the lead" in
doing so?
If at least a few of those coups had not been committed, had the
nation of the
Thai people been allowed to develop as did other nations following
the end of military interference in their civil matters, Thailand
could now be equal in economic success and international stature
of Taiwan and South Korea. It conspicuously is not.
Felix Qui
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move Forward Party
Has
not proven their pudding yet
The
Southest Asian Times, Wednesday August 9, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Bending on S112", in Bangkok
Post Editorial, Monday July 31, 2023.
Your urging on the Move Forward Party (MFP) to drop the steadfast
amendment to Section 112 of the criminal code or the lese majeste
law, in preference to pursuing other declared policies in curing
our present social and economic malaise is moving.
In addition, it would be wonderful to test the words of most senators
and some parties to determine whether they then would no longer
object to the Move Forward Party in a coalition government led by
Pheu Thai Party (MFP).
It may look academically nice to be dogmatic as urged by his mentor,
who is not on the scene, and now has caused havoc in the political
scene. It is clearly not pragmatic and not to the Move Forward Party's
(MFP's).pursuit of change to steadfastly be unbendable though heroic
in an academic world.
It now appears obvious that the Move Forward Party's (MFP's leader,
Pita Limjaroenrat, is very downtrodden in spirit, as seen when interviewed
by CNN's Christiane Amanpour recently.
It is enough and praiseworthy of the last decade in the opposition,
but he should, for a change, test his party on whether they are
as good as their campaign's words while in government instead of
being in the opposition again for the next four years.
So far, the new party, Move Forward Party, has not proven their
pudding yet, and this is maybe the only and last chance.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for Thailand to adopt
US approach
In
keeping Thailand free from criminal motorycycle gangs
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 8, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday August 3, 2023
|
Re "Driving out the gangs", in Bangkok
Post, Tuesday August 1, 2023
In order to keep the kingdom free from foreign motorcycle gang members
who engage in criminal activities on Thai soil, Thailand should
adopt the same approach as the US.
Consular officers in US embassies and consulates are prohibited
from issuing visas to anyone with a known history of membership
in a motorcycle gang.
Their applications have to be referred to the State Department in
Washington and are invariably denied.
I know this from someone who worked as a visa officer in more than
one US diplomatic post.
Thailand would also do well to deny visas to these people and cancel
visas issued to those later found to be members of recognised motorcycle
gangs.
This can often be determined simply by reviewing their social media
pages which should be disclosed with visa applications, as is required
for US visa applications.
George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Pheu Thai Party
Are
facing a dilemma
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday August 7, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday August 2, 2023
|
Re: "Gears of power grind on", in
Bangkok Post, Sunday July 30, 2023.
Pheu Thai are facing a dilemma.
Obviously, they crave power, and the ability to achieve it is within
their grasp if they break the faith.
But are they willing to pay the price?
If they forsake the Move Forward Party and join army-backed factions,
they can form a government, but they will lose much of their grassroots
support.
History shows how the once-mighty Democrat Party lost its support
after it joined the army coup coalition.
The decision is complicated by Pheu Thai's de facto leader, Thaksin,
vowing to return to Thailand.
If he does, he will need friends in high places.
If that is how it plays out, I would not be surprised to see a landslide
victory for the Move Forward Party next time around.
Phil Cox,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Former PM Thaksin in exile
Can seek
Royal pardon on return to Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 5, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Ousted premier can seek royal pardon",
in Bangkok Post, July 28 and "New rule on royal pardon
put in place", Bangkok Post, April 14, 2023.
The news indicates that all inmates have the right to seek a royal
pardon on the first day of imprisonment, says Wissanu Krea-ngam,
who is also the acting justice minister.
"If the pardon is not granted after the petition is lodged,
it cannot be repeated for the following two years," he
added.
Last year a report emerged quoting Mr Wissanu saying prisoners can
receive a jail term reduction via a royal pardon after serving a
jail term of at least eight years, provided they are deemed to have
"excellent conduct" in prison.
So jail term reductions can be sought by a prisoner by either having
served one-third of their sentence or spending at least eight years
in prison, whichever comes first, according to Mr Wissanu.
One law for all?
Sad Optimist,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move Forward Party demonstrates
That Thai democracy is a sham
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday August 5, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Pita leaves chamber after court suspension
ruling", in Thursday July 20, 2023.
With masterstrokes of theatre, strategy and guile, Pita and his
party have already accomplished what they set out to do: Demonstrate
to the world that Thai democracy is a sham; no more genuine than
the "Rolex" watches for sale on Sukhumvit
Road.
Michael Newman,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thai Airway bribery charges
dropped
Against former PM Thaksin
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday August 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Thaksin ouster: Time to come home",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday July 27, 2023.
After 17 years in exile, former Prime Minister Thaksin has announced
he will return on Aug 10, and this time the odds for him to come
back are high.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) timely dropping
of charges against Thaksin in the Thai Airway bribery case could
be a signal from the powers that be to bury the hatchet.
The sudden popularity of the Move Forward Party (MFP) has changed
everyone's game plan.
Thai history has not seen a real threat to the royal institution
as it does now, and the force that can counter the orange movement
is none other but the reds.
After a decade of suppression the red shirts have come to understand
the reality. They were the poor sectors of society back then and
are even now.
For them to alleviate poverty is more important than to listen to
the French revolution's shibboleth to undermine the monarchy.
Under the Prayuth government, the North and Northeastern regions
have seen little economic development.
The long awaited Chinese-Lao-Thai elevated high speed train connection
stops at Nong Khai, while billions were spent on the multicolour
transit rail system in Bangkok.
Thaksin's economic insight and cunning political manoeuvres could
create policies to benefit the rural people more than his predecessor's
did.
And with economic success the new government can hopefully, in four
years time, come back again after another general election.
As a white knight to contain the Move Forward Part (MFP) movement
and maintain national stability, he could get a quick royal pardon
following the correct legal procedure; it's not impossible.
After all, 17 years in exile is enough punishment for a former PM
who is now 76, although many regard that as an exile in luxury.
Welcome home, Thaksin
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for the liberation
Of the people of Myanmar
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday August 3, 2023
|
The Southeast Asian Times report
Would-be-assassin convicted in US for conspiring to attack Myanmar
UN ambassador ( 2 August, 2023 ) is a telling insight
into the rogue regime that is ruling Myanmar.
The ambassador had following the military takeover denounced it
as illegal and unconstitutionally saying
the seizure of a legitimate and duly elected government by the
Armed Forces ( Tatmadaw ) of Myanmar is not acceptable in the modern
world .
It isnt.
But that is unpalatable for the power grabbers and their cronies.
That is why they tried to get rid of him Mafia style.
This is a tyrannical regime that must be brought to an end and the
people of Myanmar liberated.
Rajend
Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Feudal power structures
in Thailand
An international disgrace in the 21st century
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday August 2, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 31, 2023
|
Re: "Deal struck on next govt",
in the Bangkok Post, Friday July 28, 2023
The feudal power structures in Thailand which dominate society through
the military, old family-based oligarchs, and extensive networks
of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats have once again seized power
from the people.
This is an international disgrace in the mid-21st century, and truly
shameful.
It would not surprise me if Thais, who want change and voted overwhelmingly
for it, resort to a collective mindset that believes it is better
to burn it all down and start afresh rather than endure another
generation lost to enslavement and oppression.
Therefore we must ask, what will this catastrophic development cost
society and how much more strife will it take to bring about real
change?
Michael Setter,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for more democracy
in Cambodia
With economic development
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday August 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday July 27, 2023
|
Re: "Over 9m vote in 'lopsided' election",
in Bangkok Post, Monday July 24, 2023.
Although I'm not an expert on Cambodia, I've been to that country
several times, and I'd like to give a balanced view of its leader
Prime Minister Hun Sen.
As a dues-paying member of Amnesty International,
I don't approve of his human rights record. On the other hand, he
played a significant role in overthrowing the Khmer Rouge one of
the most murderous regimes in history.
Yet if the great "democracy" America had its way, the
Khmer Rouge would have remained in power, possibly killing another
one to three million people.
And while it's my understanding that Cambodia was in economic shambles
when Hun Sen took over, today, Phnom Penh looks like a very modern
city, and I assume he deserves much of the credit.
He should follow the examples of Taiwan and South Korea, which allowed
for more democratic freedom after their countries developed economically.
Eric Bahrt,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Maharlika Investment Fund
Act No 11954
Reeks of irregularities in its passage
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 31, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Monday July 24,
2023
|
Politicians are the same all over. They promise
to build bridges even when there are no rivers, says Nikita
Khrushchev.
A few days ago, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No.
11954, known as the Maharlika Investment Fund Act, meant to be a
tool for the government to invest in key sectors and earn profits.
The wealth fund is expected to jumpstart the implementation of 194
infrastructure projects approved by the National Economic and Development
Authority.
Labeled as an urgent bill by Mr. Marcos in 2022, this bill reeks
of so many irregularities in its passage.
Spraying cologne in the restroom after doing number two to mask
the bad smell makes the original smell, well, more noticeable.
The two hoarse voices in the Senate wilderness, Senators Risa Hontiveros
and Koko Pimentel, were overwhelmed by the pliant super majority.
An idea introduced by Mr. Marcos and then planted in the supermajority
in the House of Representatives eventually reached the last ray
of hope back then for a logical argument in the Senate.
But the Maharlika sovereign wealth fund bill stealthily wormed its
course into enactment.
This bill, now a law, earns the reputation of being developed on
the fly adjusted as it progressed.
Definitely railroaded, it can either be the greatest legacy of this
administration or its Achilles heel.
It will definitely be the star of the show today, July 24, when
Mr. Marcos delivers his second State of the Nation Address (Sona).
For many ordinary Filipino citizens, its more like Soda State
of the Nation in Distress.
Sometimes it is exasperating to be a Filipino. Pwede po mag-leave
muna?
Why dont we address the problems on our plate before adding
more food to the plate of problems?
The COVID-19 pandemic is almost an endemic one but health-care practitioners
have yet to receive their pandemic-related benefits/allowances;
the band-aid solution to our agricultural woes is importation; transportation
system is still bad and the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan
elections are proving to be the poster boy for the real state of
the nation. Per Commission on Elections rules, the official campaign
period starts on October 19, 2023.
But we are already inundated by tarpaulins on all imaginable public
places, pasted with faces of law-abiding honorable public servants.
They have found a loophole in the law.
As long as there is no vote word, the tarps should
be allowed.
Pilipinas, ang hirap mong mahalin.
Mag-file muna kaya ako ng leave?
God bless the Philippines.
Bagong Pilipinas indeed.
Pamela I. Claveria, MD,
Manila,
Philippines
Pita
Limjaroenrat's
quest
for Prime Minister
Was like a whirlwind
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday July 27, 2023
|
Re: "MFP won't quit coalition, leader says",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 25, 2023.
Pita Limjaroenrat quest for Prime Minister was like a whirlwind,
but he missed the goal as expected.
Perhaps the best word to describe the phenomenon is the Thai word
mano, which means "dreaming up".
Pita Limjaroenrat's mano is that he has won the election with a
majority, even though there was never one.
Let's examine why the "majority" has voted for
the Move Forward Party (MFP). The rejection of Prime Minister Prayut's
failure to reform after eight long years is the main motive for
dissatisfied citizens voting for Move Forward Party (MFP), especially
in Bangkok.
In the North and Northeast, even Thaksin Shibawatra was caught off
guard by the surprise uprising of the Move Forward Party (MFP).
For example, Udon Thani has been a red-shirt stronghold, but its
staunch supporters switched boats and voted for the Move Forward
Party (MFP).
Apparently, a lot of social media clips attacking the monarchy with
negative and fake information were circulating in the province for
a long time before the election, especially among the young.
During the red shirts' uprising, local radio broadcasts sent propaganda
messages to the rural working class and farmers.
After the coup, the military government more or less shut down these
red radio stations, but the authorities overlooked the powerful
role that social media can play in spreading fake information.
Perhaps all those democracy lovers in this forum who praise Pita
Limjaroenrat from heart to toe can shed some light on who is behind
all those fabricated fantasy clips.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua New Guinea wants
to watch Womens World Cup
Underway in Australia and New Zealand.
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturdat July 29, 2023
First published in the National, Thursday July 27, 2023
|
OCEANIA Football Confederation (OFC) nations, including
Papua New Guinea are being denied their rights to view free-to-air
TV broadcasts of the Womens World Cup underway in Australia
and New Zealand.
Football players at all levels and categories, fans and followers
and the public are missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
to watch the best women footballers displaying top class and quality
football skills.
It is a very good learning opportunity for Papua New Guineas
young footballers and all those involved in football one way or
another.
Sadly, this is just passing by in the current womens world
cup.
Just a thought,
Goroka,
Papua New Guinea
Call for the Royal Household
Bureau
To determine Lese Majeste charges
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 28, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday July 25, 2023
|
Re: "Pheu Thai solicits coalition support",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday July 23, 2023.
To solve the current impasse, the Move Forward Party should reduce
its Lese Majeste reform and let the Royal Household Bureau (RHB)
be the sole determiner of whether to charge a given suspect with
the Lese Majeste Law.
No private individual knows better the extent to which our beloved
institution is harmed by a given act than the Royal Household Bureau
(RHB), representing the injured party.
Leaving Section 112 of the criminal code as it is while involving
the Royal Household Bureau (RHB) should be a win-win solution.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Parable of the boiling
frog
Humans oblivious to extreme heat
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 27, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday July
20, 2023
|
As one who considers this planet our home, I read
with much interest and concern lawyer Joel Butuyans column,
Uncharted life of extreme heat, (Flea Market
of Ideas, 7/13/23), where he wrote about its causes and dire effects
on human lives and properties and called on all stakeholders to
act and mend their ways. Lamentably, it generated 10 comments as
of this writing, almost all sounding sarcastic, if not outrightly
dismissive.
Regardless, it reminded me of the parable of the boiling frog.
The idea is that the shift in temperature is so gradual that the
frog fails to realize that the boiling will eventually lead to its
demise.
However, can humans really afford to be oblivious to a life of extreme
heat like the frog?
Aided by reason and science, we are asked to respond to the impending
catastrophe scientists have warned us about before it is too late.
Our response may start by changing our mindset about our relationship
with nature and the land we live in.
The dualist view separates the land where we live and the spiritual
realms where god, gods, and spirits live.
Our indigenous religions strongly connect with nature and their
lands because they believe that their ancestors, deities, and spirits
are embedded in every aspect of the environment.
Given this belief, they, as stewards of the land and everything
in it, must maintain their lands social and cosmic order.
Pope Francis, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous people
in the struggle against climate change and global warming, said:
We should listen more to indigenous peoples and learn from
their way of life to properly understand that we cannot continue
to greedily devour natural resources because the Earth was
entrusted to us in order that it be a mother for us, capable of
giving to each one what is necessary to live.
Therefore, the contribution of indigenous peoples is essential in
the fight against climate change.
Noel Asiones,
Manila,
Philippines
Time for Thailand's older
powers that be
To accept that the world has changed
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 25, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 24, 2023
|
Re: "How the prime minister race can take
a whole new turn", in the Bangkok Post, Friday July
14, 2023.
While my politics are fundamentally different than those of Pita
Limjaroenrat and Move Forward Party's well-wishers, and I personally
would not have voted for him, I think most global onlookers see
this political takedown campaign for precisely what it is and it
is a disgusting display to the world.
Speaking as a conservative Theravada Buddhist royalist who even
taught at Vajiravudh College, I think it's time for Thailand's older
"powers that be" to accept that the world has changed,
that they are only harming their own interests by shutting down
the next generation who will soon become their caretakers; and it
may simply be time for the older ones to do what I did: let someone
younger drive for a while.
A good and long life means learning how to lose.
Jason A Jellison,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thailand wants elected
representatives
To represent not dictate
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 25, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 24, 2023
|
Re: "Scuttling of Pita's PM bid",
in Bangkok Post, Thursday July 20, 2023
Our elected representatives' vital role is to act as we would have
acted not to unilaterally decide for us.
Those who do otherwise on key issues should be impeached as in selecting
a prime minister, where the people's clear collective will be being
thwarted.
We say we are "a government of the people, by the people,
and for the people", with our monarch as head of state.
We elect representatives to lead and guide us not decide for us.
If our representative disagrees with us, he or she must persuade
us to change our minds.
If our guide/leader cannot do so, he must resign be impeached.
For example, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte recently resigned because
he was unable to persuade his coalition on a key issue.
He acted properly.
In the US, electoral college members must vote according to what
their state's citizens have decided.
On a local scale, if your golf group wanted to go to Chiang Mai,
and your guide or leader preferred Phuket, would you let him decide
unilaterally, or have him make his case so the group can decide?
Elected reps, represent us not dictate to us.
Burin
Kantabutra.
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move
Forward Party determined to amend
Leste
Majaest law Section 112 of Criminal Code
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 24, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 22, 2023
|
Re: "Questions for Move Forward Party",
in Bangkok Post PostBag, Tuesday July 18, 2023.
Vint Chavala wonders what explains the Move Forward Party's determination
to amend Section 112.
Could that be the wise words of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej The Great as expressed to the Thai nation?
Khun Vint Chavala is free, of course, to disregard the advice, but
he cannot expect everybody to be equally dismissive of such a valuable
opinion.
Przemo Kranz,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The
MFP proposal for amendment of Lese majeste law
Aligns
with the late Thai monarch's opinion
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 23, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 22, 2023
|
Re: "Questions for MFP", Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Tuesday July 18, 2023.
Khun Vint Chavala asks Move Forward Party to: "describe
why Section 112 of criminal code known as the lese majeste law,
is a detriment and must be amended. Please also reveal the details
of the draft amendment of (S112) your party previously did but was
turned down."
Here's a credible reply, our leading authority on our monarchy noted:
"Thailand's law of lèse-majesté has one very
prominent critic: His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great.
In 2005, the late monarch used his annual televised birthday address
to convey (that):
(a) 'The king 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'".
MFP wants to allow honest criticism of the monarchy, sharply reduce
punishment terms, and allow only the Royal Household Bureau, instead
of private citizens, to file lese majeste complaints with police
(to) prevent abuse.
The MFP's proposal aligns with the late monarch's opinion.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Charter
court suspended Pita
Welcome
to 17th century Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturdau July 22, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday July 20, 2023
|
Re: "Charter court suspended Pita",
in Bangkok Post, Wednesday July 19, 2023.
Thailand came so close to entering the garden which the free world
relishes and enjoys.
Poor Thailand, the country will reap what it continues to sow; overseas
investment from civilised countries will dry up; independent thinking
starting at school will never develop; the roads will continue to
be a death trap policed by no one, and uneducated people will continue
to pour grease down the drain outside my condo!
Welcome to the 17th century Thailand!
David Jackson,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Of
250 senators, 13 were absent and 159 abstained
From the Pita Limjaroenrat prime ministerial
vote
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 21, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday July 20, 2023
|
Re: "Respect our senators", Bangkok
Post PostBag, Sunday July 16, 2023.
I fully agree with Khun Vint Chavala that our senators must be respected,
be allowed to vote of their own volition, and not be looked down
on or intimidated. He also notes that Thai senators, like those
in Britain's House of Lords, are acquired through selection, not
election.
But respect must be earned; making every sergeant a field marshal
will only make them a laughing stock.
Britain ensures that members of its House of Lords are fully worthy
of this respect through its House of Lords Appointments Commission
an "independent, public body which recommends individuals
for appointment as non-party-political life peers and vets nominations
for life peers to ensure the highest standards of propriety."
Au contraire, our senators were appointed by a committee whose membership
and selection criteria weren't even made public and all dutifully
voted en bloc for he who'd selected them to the premiership, making
a mockery of their supposedly being politically independent.
Thai senators are paid out of taxpayer funds; their loyalty must
be with the public as a whole not he who hand-picked them.
They must be free to vote as their conscience dictates but must
be able to defend their choice to voters.
Of our 250 senators, 13 were absent, and 159 abstained.
The 13 no-shows should be summarily fired unless they were in the
ICU, for who's prime minister is of the highest importance to the
country?
The 159 who abstained either knew that they didn't have a decision
worth recording or that it was indefensible; they should have done
the honourable thing and resigned before the meeting started.
Are our senators worthy of respect?
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Pro-democracy Vietnamese
from Sydney
Released
from prison in Vietnam
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 20, 2023
|
Chau Van Kham 70 the baker and pro- democracy activist
from Sydney jailed in Vietnam for four years said at his press conference
upon his return home that he felt 100% free .
Thats a sentiment shared by millions of people who have fled
repressive regimes across the world to make Australia home.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
"The Kings is a human being and
as such
should be subject to criticism," says
the King
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 19, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 15, 2023
|
Re: "Pita fails to secure support",
in Bangkok Post, Friday July 14, 2023.
Most of the opposition to Pita centred around MFP's proposals on
how to protect our monarchy. Our beloved national father, His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, surely was far more expert than
us on this subject.
Thus, before deciding on such an important institution, we should
consider his views on it.
As Grossman and Faulder put it in their palace-approved book: "Thailand's
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'. "
Scholars of our monarchy may have different viewpoints also.
Either way, our universities should host nationwide intensive and
open discussions, with both sides given equal opportunity vigorously
moderated to shed light and not heat so that we may have rational,
defensible decisions.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok
Thailand
In Thai democracy an abstention
is regarded
As a vote against Pita Limjaroenra for PM
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 18, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 15, 2023
|
Re: "Thai elections without democracy",
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Friday July 14, 2023.
The bizarre Thai interpretation of democracy goes on. In the recent
vote, Pita won a clear majority of the votes of those who voted
for or against his appointment as prime minister.
In any real democracy, this would validate his election.
The votes of those who abstained would have no influence on the
outcome.
The abstainers have decided not to use their vote; they are neutral
and are regarded to have left the decision to those prepared to
make a decision either way.
In Thai democracy, however, an abstention is regarded as a vote
against.
It makes no difference whether a senator votes against or abstains
or, indeed, fails to attend the vote.
Pita Limjaroenra has no chance against such shameful machinations
to thwart the democratic will of the people.
C. O. Jones,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Chinese Coast Guard activities
Expanding
in the West Philippine Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 17 2023
First published in the Philippines, Thursday July 13, 2023
|
The Philippines and its coast guard continue to experience
harassment in the West Philippine Sea from the Chinese Coast Guard
despite being favored by the historic 2016 ruling of the international
Permanent Court of Arbitration.
It appears that the Chinese government still stubbornly insists
on its claims for maritime expansion in the said waters.
Their maritime activities seem to be expanding and even intensive
as the months pass by, to the point that even our own coast guards
resupply operation has been jeopardized.
Their rough and forced action toward our troops is a clear manifestation
of their so-called supremacy over the said territorial dispute,
which shows our incapacity to defend our own waters.
The best that the country can do is to strengthen its relationship
with other Southeast Asian countries and even its alliance with
Japan and United States, and hope that they will also defend our
beloved Philippines when our worst kryptonite comes haunting us.
Ryne Rosales,
Bantayan Island,
Cebu,
Philippines
The Philippines is a country
worth loving
And even dying for
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 16, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday July 14,
2023
|
Do we have an independent judiciary, a nonpartisan
legislature, a pro-people military, and a truth-seeking press, which
are all incorruptible and free from political machinations?
Do we have a leadership that prioritizes the needs of the masses
over its vested interests; values the truth, justice, and human
rights; upholds the rule of law; promotes transparency and accountability,
and protects our sovereignty?
And, do we have a people who dont get easily fooled, bought,
or cheated by crafty politicians and an electorate that elects qualified
public servant instead of crooks, bums, clowns, or ex-convicts?
If we do have, then our country is worth loving and even dying for.
Manuel A. Collao,
Manila,
Philippines
Vote
for new prime minister
A real
democracy-day in Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 14, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday July 13, 2023
|
Re: "D-Day for Pita, but change inevitable",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Wednesday July 12, 2023.
Well, it looks like the junta made a big blunder crafting their
new constitutions. They could easily rule forever if they had put
down 300 or more appointed senators.
What does it tell you?
For Thailand and its neighbours, the elections are just a show to
look like a modern or progressive country.
The real power lies with the vested interests, the top-down loyal
bureaucracy, and self- serving institutions, not the people.
Tomorrows D-Day can be dubbed another Doormat-Day, Drama Day,
Disaster-Day, or a real Democracy-Day.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
What are the ramifications
of the Solomon Is and China
Policing cooperation agreement
for democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 14, 2023
|
As a sovereign state the Solomon Islands has every
right to sign cooperation deals with any country it chooses to.
That right must be respected.
What I cant understand however is why the Solomon Islands
has signed a policing cooperation deal with a totalitarian regime
like China which has a long history of political repression of critics
and dissidents?
What are the ramifications of this policing deal for Solomon Islands
democracy?
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Call
to uphold the law to ensure a fair
Honest, and transparent Lagaip election
The
Souutheast Asian Times, Thursday July 13, 2023
First published in the National, Wednesday July 5, 2023
|
I appeal for your attention and cooperation regarding
the forthcoming supplementary election in Lagaip.
It is paramount that we, as individuals and stakeholders, uphold
the law of the land to ensure a fair, honest, and transparent electoral
process.
With the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) having set
the date for the issuance of writs on July 13, it is our shared
responsibility to take ownership of this supplementary election.
Active engagement and assuming responsibility will help us prevent
the repetition of any undesirable outcomes experienced during the
previous 2022 election.
We must rise above any negative connotations and demonstrate our
civilised nature as proud citizens of Papua New Guinea.
We must emphasize the importance of adhering to these principles
as we approach the forthcoming supplementary election.
It is crucial that each and every one of us recognises the gravity
of this election and the profound impact it will have on the future
of our electorate.
Let us remember that the candidate who emerges as the winner in
this election will serve only the people of Lagaip Open and no other
electorates in the country.
By fostering unity, respecting the law, and promoting transparency,
we can establish a democratic process that genuinely reflects the
will of the people.
Together, let us stand as a beacon of integrity and fairness, setting
an example for the entire nation.
I call upon all individuals involved, including the Papua New Guinea
Electoral Commission (PNGEC) officials, candidates, supporters,
and the people of Lagaip Open, to embrace the legal framework set
forth by our forefathers of this great nation.
By doing so, we ensure a level playing field, where every vote counts
and every voice is heard. In conclusion, I urge everyone to approach
the forthcoming supplementary election with utmost respect for the
law and for one another.
AMK,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
The Thailand elections
and their aftermath
Do not bode
well for democracy
The
Southeast Asian Times Wednesday July 12, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 10, 2023
|
Re: "The post-election showdown explained",
in Bangkok Post, Opinion, Friday July 7, 2023.
The elections and their aftermath do not bode well for democracy.
Prof Thitinan is 100 percent correct that the current stalemate
is all about stopping any reforms of the established institutions
that hold real power in this country.
Sadly, because of the 250 turncoats appointed by the junta, whatever
purpose the costly elections had bringing about a democratically
elected government will be lost.
You will also see frivolous court cases, party dissolutions, suspensions,
and the usual buying and selling of power brokers of all stripes.
The turncoats should understand that democracy is also called the
"rule of the majority".
Prof Thitinan is right on the money that the current regime and
its various appendages, beneficiaries and vested interests are not
interested in democracy.
They will fight tooth and nail to undermine whatever little progress
is made in promoting the government of the people, by the people,
and for the people.
If elections mean anything, Thailand will have a proud place, a
new image, and a status led by young visionaries.
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thais
have shown they want
Pita
Limjaroenrat to be Prime Minister
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 11, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday July 8, 2023
|
Re: "A time for unity", in
Bangkok Post, Editorial, Thursday July 6, 2023.
The Thai constitution, both the current and many previous, states
in Section 3 that "Sovereign power belongs to the Thai people".
The people have shown through their properly elected representatives
in the pro-democracy coalition that they want Move Forward's Pita
Limjaroenrat to be the next prime minister of their nation.
The trivial number of shares in the non-functioning iTV media company
that Pita Limjaroenrat has previously held on behalf of his late
father's estate being a non-issue, the Senate has not a single good
reason to deny the sovereign will of the Thai people in this matter.
It should, as a matter of democratic principle that demonstrates
good manners, unanimously support the majority coalition's nominee
for prime minister.
Should the Senate be so reckless as to hide behind alternative but
equally lame excuses to deliberately thwart the Thai people's sovereignty
in this matter, they will thereby put whatever excuses they so use
in direct conflict with the majority of the Thai nation.
It is hard to see how such a rejection of the nation's will could
be construed as being in any way unifying, helpful, respectful,
or remotely wise.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Deployment
of Australian police in Papua New Guinea
Granted with immunity
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 10, 2023
First published in the National, Friday July 7, 2023
|
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge is well versed on the
current affairs of Papua New Guinea and is always ready to provide
alternatives or go to court to put things right.
One such example can be seen in the deployment of Australian police
in Papua New Guinea granted with immunity.
Wenge foresaw the potential breach of our constitution and succeeded
in court making the arrangement ultra vires.
As a seasonal and wise politician, he foresees that leaders need
to have sound skills in debating.
The art of speaking, listening and presentation are skills in themselves.
Governor Wenge hinted that most of the current members of Parliament
lack proper skills in Parliamentary debates on issues of national
importance.
Proper research, dissecting of information, orderly presentation
and arguing based on factual data is lacking in Parliament.
His observation is very important and he wasted no time to provide
part solution to prepare better debating leaders in the future.
Wenge presented K300,000 to the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG)
to encourage students for inter faculty debate.
That is his prerogative as a leader but may I remind the governor
that not all future leaders will come from University of Papua New
Guinea (UPNG).
How about making such payment available to all tertiary institutions
to have intervarsity debate rather than Inter faculty debate?
Intervarsity debate brings the best speakers and presenters from
among the best as done in the late 80s.
Manevi
Gene.
Former President,
Unitech Debating Club 1987-88,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for Papua New Guinea
to export
Agricultural products to Indonesia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 9, 2023
The National, Monday June 26, 2023
|
The invitation by Prime Minister James Marape to his
Indonesian counterpart President Joko Widodos visit to the
country next month is an important bilateral meeting between the
two closest neighbours.
There should be an effective engagement of stakeholders on either
side with well-prepared agendas on various areas of economic and
technical cooperation for mutual benefit.
Indonesia, our closest neighbouring country linked by land border
is a sleeping giant which Papua New Guinea has to tap
in by taking advantage of this visit by the president of one of
the top five populous nations on earth.
As Indonesia is part of the emerging Asian Tiger economies, this
bilateral cooperation would enhance and facilitate trading, diplomatic
relations, technical and cultural exchanges for mutual benefit between
the two countries.
The sprawling archipelago of Indonesia is home to about 270 plus
million people and this is a good market for Papua New Guinea to
enter under long-term bilateral trade agreements.
Also, we have much to learn from Indonesia, particularly in the
area of technical manpower skills and knowledge in the areas of
modern agro-technical mechanised farming, civil construction works
and technical vocational education, among others.
We also have common cross-cutting issues of illegal border crossing,
illicit drugs and illegal firearms and armaments movement and security.
Further, logistics, common trade centre establishment and regulative
and promotional trade authority are effective administrative functions
to be improved.
The cost of our products would be very competitive and cheap because
of the two countrys close proximity to each other and the
huge demand-driven market next door with the huge populace.
During this bilateral meeting, one of the primary discussions should
be to develop a border trading facilities, especially building major
economic enablers like international wharf, reliable energy source,
effective customs clearance processes, immigration and diplomatic
easy access on Papua New Guinea side in which Indonesia can assist
in those establishments.
For this bilateral meeting to be fruitful, Papua New Guinea has
to do much on its part to utilise this opportunity by actually engaging
in actual production of our agricultural commodities for export
cheaply across the border and earn a proportionate return on investments
over the long run.
Philip Ukuni,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Massive
fascination with uniforms
In
Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturdat July 8, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday 28, June 2023
|
Re: "Yok case shows need for a rethink",
Bangkok Post Editorial, Sunday June 25, "Conflicting
values", in PostBag, Sunday June 23 and "Teen activist
presses school to take her in", in Bangkok Post,
Tuesday June 20, 2023
Surprisingly, there is a massive fascination with uniforms in Thailand.
Some consider wearing a uniform a great honour to appease an authority
figure.
We should ask if these values are critical for a child attending
a school or a college. The "uniforms" promote conformity,
obedience, loyalty, and honour.
These values may be necessary for military service and similar government
agencies and organisations.
The primary purpose of education is to cultivate a free-thinking
or an open mind.
Sadly, most private Christian schools in Southeast Asia were created
to educate the poor.
But now, these schools only serve the rich and the elite.
The costly British public schools, such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester,
Westminster, Rugby, and Shrewsbury, have been accused of serving
rich families and producing snobs.
On the other hand, public schools in the US promote freedom of choice.
Although other serious issues confront US public schools, wearing
uniforms is not on that list.
An intelligent kid once said, "I couldn't decide how to
feel. Was my school uniform allowing me to focus on school, or was
it distracting me from knowing myself?"
Kuldeep Nagi,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papuan
New Guinea's devaluation of the Kina
Can only add fuel to fire
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday July 7, 2023
First published in the National, Wednesday July 5, 2023
|
The Government is lauded by most Papua New Guineans
for the fundamental reforms in laws and structural reforms in the
government systems and economic strategies going forward.
The most notable reforms are in the legislations to fight corruption,
growing and empowering the economy, promoting large scale agro-economic
downstream processing industries in selected sites in Papua New
Guinea under Special Economic Zones concepts.
These are good homegrown Government intervention policies to grow
the economy and create wealth for improved livelihood of ordinary
citizens.
With the five new extractive industries of New Porgera, Papua LNG,
Wafi-Golpu Mining Project, Pasca Gas Condensate, Pnyang and
existing industries, the future looks positive in the next 10
15 years.
However, we now read on the dailies and the mainstream media outlets
that the Government is going to devalue our local currency the Kina
by 15 or 20 per cent.
Which Government is talking about this devaluation of the Kina while
the same Government has just spent K70 billion into the economy
in less than four years in office (The National, June 28, p.39).
Instead of waiting to see the implementation of the reforms and
its positive outcome over time, it decides to throw everything into
chaos and jeopardise its own good works by resorting to devaluation
of the Kina.
If we have local economics graduates from University of Papua New
Guina (UPNG) out there can you use this column in our two dailies
and shed some light on this issue of devaluation of the local currency
by a significant portion of 20 or 15 per cent and its rippling effects
in the economy.
Economics is not Rocket Science and I am not
afraid to challenge local economists who are silent on this issues.
Can they advise the Government on the pros and cons of the devaluation
of the Kina and come out on public media, especially our two dailies,
so that the average Papua New Guinea middle class can be better
informed of this crucial impending decision?
We are already battling with skyrocketing basic prices of goods,
income earning opportunities have dwindled over time, no new investments
in the private sector and our few manufacturers are on the brink
of downsizing operations or in the worst case scenario completely
shutting down operations.
How can devaluation of the Kina help in the immediate term undersecretary
economic conditions?
I doubt very much this measure (devaluation) will help relive the
economy, but instead this action would be beamed to be rubbing salt
against the bleeding wound, so to speak.
Can the Government shelve this idea of devaluation advice from whoever
is advising behind the curtains?
Our country has already fallen victim to such major advices from
foreign or local sources in collaboration in the last three decades
and today we are faced with this outcome.
Our economy is not highly industrialised and complex, its
a simple rural-based semi-commercial subsistence economy where 97
per cent of the people fend for themselves.
How is it too difficult to control only less than 5 per cent of
the economic activities in the country are deemed to be formal?
Where is the logic behind hiring so-called economic advisors with
their hard to understand jargons to make it look genuine and confusing
at the same time?
Let me take this opportunity to give my advice to this government,
that if they go ahead with the devaluation of the kina concept,
you as well prepare to calculate the costs of your actions and prepare
for the likely unprecedented and uncontrollable magnitude of lawlessness,
chaos and anarchy that can erupt across the country due to economic
hardship that is possible under current trend.
Devaluation of the Kina can only add fuel to the fire.
Philip Ukuni,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
The younger Thai generation
Could
learn a lot from the old
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday July 6, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Monday July 3, 2023
|
Re: "Pita:
Senators should not abuse lese majeste issue",
in Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 27, 2023
A decade ago, a party was formed by a group of young Thais with
the intention to divide the people into two opposing groups.
Now, in Thailand, one side is accusing the other of trying to pit
the country's revered institution against the people; and the other
side is accusing its rival of pitting the people against the people.
The outcome of this battle could be disastrous indeed.
As I see it, most Thais from the older generation are not opposed
to changes in the country, as long as they are done in a peaceful
and meticulous manner.
In my opinion, the younger generation could learn a lot from the
old, since they have lived longer.
They shouldn't think that older people are all unwise, and that
their warnings can be disregarded.
Vint Chavala,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Cambodian PM provides
good example
Of
how a ruler stays in power
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday July 5, 2023
|
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen provides a good example
of how a ruler can stay in power.
He has prevented the main opposition party from running in the election
to be held later this month.
The 70 year old military strongman has ruled the Southeast Asian
nation of 16 million for four decades .
Its not hard to see how hes managed that. Critics have
called it a sham election.
Now his son Hun Manet is also a candidate in the coming election
and he is widely tipped as his successor ( The Fiji Times 3/7 ).
It would not surprise any Cambodian man and his dog if the Hun mob
rule the country for another four decades with their Machiavellian
hold on power.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
General in coup as Prime
Minister
Against wishes of most Thai's
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday July 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday June 30, 2023
|
Re: "Other names could be put up for PM's
job", in Bangkok Post
Monday, June 26, 2023.
As the parliament is about to name a new prime minister, it appears
that the Move Forward Party will become, yet again, an opposition
party.
General Prawit Wongsuwon, who has the backup of the majority of
senators, becomes a favourite candidate for Prime Minister.
But to name one of the generals in the coup as Prime Minister may
go against the wishes of most Thais who voted against the current
government and spark nationwide protests by Move Forward Party supporters
that no one wants to see.
A bold prediction is an outsider Prime Minister for a Pheu Thai,
Bhumjaithai and Palang Pracharath coalition government.
In that scenario and formula, Thaksin Shinawatra of Pheu Thai can
then retain hope of returning to Thailand after fencing off the
Move Forward Party from power. Bhumjaithai can retain ministries
- like the transport ministry, which it has controlled for almost
a decade.
And Gen Prawit's presence in the cabinet can guarantee there is
no immediate threat for others to settle accounts with the generals,
at least not for the next four years.
The qualification of the Prime Minister is they have to be an experienced
politician who can be trusted by all parties, a democracy advocate
who can silence the Move Forward Party, a loyal supporter of the
monarchy, and most important of all - not a loose cannon.
Does the name Abhisit Vejjajiva ring a bell?
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok.
Thailand
Lack
of spare parts for engines
Blamed
for cancellation of flights
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday July 3, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer Friday June 30,
2023
|
The airlines are blaming the engine factories for
delays or cancellation of flights allegedly because of the lack
of spare parts for engines, etc.
This is not true.
All aircraft manufacturers are committed to supplying their clients
with the necessary requirements to maintain the highest degree of
efficiency and safety regardless of nationality.
Aircraft maintenance is required to ensure the continuing airworthiness
of an aircraft or a/c part, including overhaul, inspection, replacement,
defect rectification, and the embodiment of modifications, compliance
with airworthiness directives, and repair.
If the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
inspectors are diligently performing their duties, this could be
avoided.
The Senate and the House of Representatives should investigate CAAP
whose investigators conduct an audit every six months and airlines
are informed of any deficiencies observed.
Airlines have sufficient time to make the necessary rectification
or purchase of needed supplies.
Daniel Dimagiba,
Manila,
Philippines
Call for United nations
to resolve
China's claim over South China Sea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday July 2, 2023
|
The Philippines has been facing territorial disputes
over the West Philippine Sea for several years now.
It has caused tension between neighboring countries, including China.
Many Filipinos feel their sovereignty is being violated, and it
is time to elevate this issue to the international community. Some
senators support sending this concern to the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) to get a resolution to this problem. This move will
bring global attention to this pressing matter and will empower
the Philippines to assert its rights.
The Philippines' claim over the West Philippine Sea is based on
its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
However, China insists on its historical claims over the disputed
waters, leading to a standoff in the area.
Elevating this issue to the UNGA can pressure China to adhere to
international laws and recognize the Philippines' rightful claims.
The outcome of this move can help establish a peaceful solution
to this issue and promote stability in the region.
I fully support this action by the Senate to truly urge the Department
of Foreign Affairs to raise this issue in UNGA.
I believe there is nothing wrong if we will continue to assert our
claim in our territory.
Shermaine Anacleto,
Manila,
Philippines
Good
times are over for commercial trawlers
In southern Thailand
waters
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday July 1, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 28, 2023
|
Re: "Keep coastal waters safe", in
Bangkok Post Editorial, Friday June 23, 2022.
The protest by commercial trawlers in deep south Satun province
to get a rule change and allow fishing in the coastal waters is
nothing more than the end game for high-seas fishing.
Catches have dropped so dramatically that fishing boats have recently
been involved with illegal migrants, cigarettes, and diesel.
Their business is bust, and they are desperate to find new ways
to bring in money. Allow them to fish the coastal waters, and in
just a few years, that will be dead also.
It's over, the good times are gone due to overfishing, and they
won't be coming back.
Lungstib,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Thai
Senate should not have any say in the nomination
And
appointment of the Prime Minister of Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 30, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 28, 2023
|
Re: "Other names could be put up for PM's
job", in Bangkok Post, Monday June 26, 2023.
Senator Gen Akanit Muensawad and his colleagues play a blunt game
by threatening to use the proposed moderate amendments to the lese
majeste laws in the direction of justice as an excuse to deny Pita
Limjaroenrat the opportunity to serve the nation as prime minister.
Move Forward's proposal is certainly in the best interests of the
institution.
The Senate should not have any say in the nomination and appointment
of the prime minister of Thailand by parliament.
Move Forward should require only the support of 251 members of the
House of Representatives, which it comfortably has.
The requirement for 376 votes is unjust and contradict democratic
principle if Pita is not elected as prime minister as nominated
by the representatives of the Thai people because of the senate.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Judiciary
arm of Papua New Guinea government
Undergoing
milestone changes
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 29, 2023
First published in the National Tuesday 27 June 2023
|
It is encouraging to see the judiciary arm of the
Government undergoing milestone changes under the leadership of
current Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Pila Niningi.
Apart from many legislative changes made, the increase in the number
of judges positions and magistrates in the judicial system of our
country is a significant achievement to date.
Also, the composition of the judges and magistrates is a good balance
of gender and expertise of few expatriate judges/magistrates currently
serving and others in the planning for recruitment is morale-boosting
for a vibrant democratic society and country at large.
In addition, the successful completion of the domestically funded
state-of-the-art K600 million iconic National and Supreme Court
Complex in Waigani, National Capital District (NCD) is another complementary
feature of the overall strengthening of the Judicial Arm of the
three independent arms of Government. The other two comprise of
the legislature and the executive arms which are made up of the
National Parliament..
However, the Judiciary is seen as more independent of the other
two arms.
In other words, the Parliament makes the laws and the judicial arm
implements and applies the laws under various circumstances in delivering
justice to aggrieved parties.
The strengthening of the Judicial Arm at both the higher courts
and the lower courts with inclusion of recently incepted Court of
Appeals to accommodate the volume of cases that are registered daily
would reduce the length of time for justice to be served on a timely
manner.
A robust and effective judicial system can boost the confidence
of both foreign and local investors to invest in the various resource
sectors to generate wealth and create employment opportunities.
A further increase in law school programs or second university offering
law courses, after University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), can alleviate
the bottleneck situation faced in the annual output of the law graduates
to proportionately increase local manpower strength in the judiciary
system.
Philip Ukuni,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Myanmar
has been unresponsive to making
Asean's
Five-Point Consensus a reality
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 28, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 26, 2023
|
Re: "Thailand's policy on Myanmar stinks,"
in Bangkok Post, Friday June 23,
2023.
Prime Minister Prayut and Foreign Minister Don seem to believe that
"might makes right" in dealing with the Tatmadaw
- but the Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) lacks legitimacy
and can in no way be considered as the international representative
of the people of Myanmar with whom it is embroiled in a deadly civil
war.
For example, Prayut let the State Administration Council (SAC) -
not the National Unity Government (NUG) - run the Myanmar embassy
here, even though the question of representation is still in abeyance
at the United Nations .
Gen Prayut's evidently did not even invite the National Unity Government
(NUG) to any Thai-hosted informal talks on Myanmar.
Foreign minister Don insists such meetings have been productive
- yet cannot specify any positive results from the three prior talks,
and the State Administration Council (SAC's) been unresponsive to
making Asean's Five-Point Consensus a reality.
Further, the State Administration Council (SAC) knows full well
that in last month's elections, Thais made history and turned their
backs on military dictatorship.
As Les Miserables would have put it, voters heard the song of angry
men who would not be slaves again. Gen Prayut's is a caretaker government,
without the right to make policy changes.
Gen Prayut and the foreign minister Don should follow international
practice and recognise legitimacy.
Involve both Administration Council (SAC's) and National Unity Government
(NUG) on an equal basis in any acts affecting Myanmar. Be neutral
in word and spirit, whether it be at the embassy or talks.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Police robots
On
Singapore Streets
The
Southeast Asian Times Tuesday June 27, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 20, 2023
|
Re: "Singapore to put more police robots
on the streets", in Bangkok Post Thursday June
15, 2023.
Da, my case is growing more already.
Also, readers should see excellent film I, Robot with actor Will
Smith made many years ago, and read the works of Isaac Asimov.
Boris Lin-Lee,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Philippines
to employ 22,000 police
To prepare for State of the Nation Address
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 26, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Saturday June
24, 2023
|
If our democracy is strong, if human rights are respected,
and if just peace is what we value, then why do we need to deploy
over 22,000 cops just to prepare for the State of the Nation Address
(Sona)?
Article VII Section 11(5) of the 1935 Constitution states that,
The President shall from time to time give to the National
Assembly information on the state of the Nation, and recommend to
its consideration such measures as shall judge necessary and expedient.
It is now known as the Sona.
Expectedly, it is an obligation of the head of the state to report/account
to the people the current situation of the country, inform Congress
about the important legislative measures to carry the plans out,
and to offer to the public the priority agenda of the government
for the year.
Sona, theoretically, is an occasion when the Filipino people and
the world would listen to the report of the President, somewhat
submitting a report to his boss the collective
Filipino people on the analysis and direction setting of governance.
The Filipino people deserve better.
We are always pushing for high hopes that our lives would be better
than today. Sona is the day when we will analyze the depth and the
ability of the president to grasp the basic economic issues of the
people, the political landscape of the country, the sociocultural
impact of the economic and political situation, and the purposeful,
deliverable sound plan of governance.
Likewise, it is more abhorrent that often Sona feels like a time
for pomp and circumstance by the powerful/political glitz, charm,
and glamour rather than what it should be a reporting to the people
on the accomplishments and next priorities of the administration.
Sona, in the congressional hall, is not an occasion when lawmakers,
officials, and spouses flaunt their glamour and wealth in clothing.
In a society where there is a sharp gap between the rich and the
poor, having this display of abundance and fascination over fashion,
especially by elected officials, is not only insensitive but callous.
We look forward to a meaningful direction of governance, including
the alleviation of poverty, salary increase of workers to living
wage, addressing the agricultural problem faced especially by peasants,
curbing corruption, and protecting natural resources, asserting
national sovereignty and defending our patrimony.
These could be a shorter version of the long wish list of our people.
Protests and mobilizations of people to express their rightful demands
on Sona are to be welcomed with listening ears, sans threats and
intimidation.
It is so alarming that the drumbeating toward that day includes
the deployment of over 22,000 police officers within the vicinity
of the Batasang Pambansa, and 31 border control points within Metro
Manila. In addition, there will be a strike force of 4,405 officers
from the Reactionary Standby Support Force of the Philippine National
Police and 500 individuals from volunteer groups.
The National Capital Region Police Offices intention is to
ensure public safety in case demonstrators stage protests.
There is no public safety to speak of when the rights of the people
are undermined and repressed. Rather, it is the other way around,
democracy is threatened by the presence of police forces who take
advantage of their might and uniforms to threaten and undermine
the rights of people for expression and assembly.
If police authorities want to ensure public safety at all times,
they should first respect human rights, especially of the poor who
most of the time are victims of atrocities and violence, e.g., war
on drugs.
Norma P. Dollaga,
Manila,
Philippines
Call for Move Forward
Party
To deal with archiac military regulations
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 25 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 20, 2023
|
Re: "MFP fever grips SE Asia",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday June 18, 2023If the Move Forward
Party (MFP) gets the chance to form a government and reform the
military, I hope they will also deal with an archaic military regulation
dating from when the Chinese immigrant community was considered
a palpable threat to national security.
This regulation prohibits Thais with fathers who were not Thai from
birth from being promoted above the rank of private in all three
of the armed forces.
Strangely enough, there is no restriction on Thais with foreign
mothers being promoted to the highest ranks of the military.
Whatever the original thinking behind this regulation, there is
clearly no justification in preserving it today.
It is utterly pointless for the military to deprive itself of recruits
with foreign-born fathers who might be keen on a career in the armed
forces and would, for the most part, bring a high level of education
and language skills with them.
Moreover, it is both racial and gender-based discrimination against
Thai citizens, both of which are illegal under the current constitution.
In the case of my son, both of his parents were Thai at the time
of his birth in Thailand.
You would think that would make him 100 percent Thai. However, because
his
father was not Thai from birth, he is ineligible to be promoted
above the rank of private in the military.
If having a foreign-born father exempted him from military conscription,
that would be a fair trade, in my opinion, but it does not. For
this reason alone, I am in favour of the abolition of military conscription.
George Morgan,
Bangkok,
Yhailand
US sanctions imposed on
Myanmar
Way to bring end to brutal repression
The
Southeast Asian Times Saturday June 24, 2023
|
It was very good news for all pro-democracy people
in Myanmar and around the world to learn that the US imposed sanctions
on Myanmars Defense Ministry and two banks used by the ruling
military junta to buy arms and military equipment from foreign sources
to maintain its brutal repression in the country
( Reuters /FT 23/6 ).
That is the way to bring an end to the brutal repression and suffering
of the people of Myanmar under the rule of their rogue military
rulers.
Rajend Naidu,
Sydney,
Australia
Call
for donor countries to spend toea
On
development in rural Papua New Guinea
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 23, 2023
First published in the National Thursday June 15, 2023
|
This letter is written to aid donor countries such
as Australia, China, New Zealand, the US, and others to use and
manage your own donated funds to carry out whatever development
projects or programme in the country.
Our country is known for its rampant theft and corruption of public
funds and ranked as amongst the top corrupt countries in the world.
Papua New Guinea is almost 50 years old.
But the bulk of its citizens living in the most remote parts of
the country are still crying for change and hoping to see development
in their localities.
Why most Papua New Guinea rural areas are not seeing or experiencing
developments is because leaders, top bureaucrats and those placed
in position of trust do not spend funds on intended purpose in development
needs.
As the saying goes, do not trust anyone but yourself.
Donor countries must trust themselves and should manage their own
hard-earned funds if they wish to undertake any development aspirations
and programmes in Papua New Guinea.
Donor countries must visit the rural parts of Papua New Guinea and
do research for themselves and spend money on the development needs
they saw lacking in districts or communities.
This is seen as the best possible way to develop Papua New Guinea
where no single toea will be lost along the way.
Donor recipient,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
New
era of public administration
Political
watershed for Thailand
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 21, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Thursday June 22, 2023
|
Currently, one is tired of the political uncertainty
and tired of being bombarded with multiple wild opinions.
Being also an iTV shareholder, one feels rather bored hearing about
the highlights of iTV when one's investment was a dead loss.
At present, it is so confusing with everybody being an expert on
legal issues on Khun Pita's iTV holdings and possible disqualifications
of his coming premiership.
It has come to a state where knowing less is a blessing in keeping
one's mind calm.
In two months' time, hopefully the whole situation will be settled
and we can continue with our lives as before, or change to the young
ones with a new era of public administration as a political watershed
for Thailand.
One can only pray for a peaceful transfer of power in either direction
with no tanks on our streets.
Songdej Praditsmanont,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Rotation of Royal Papua
New Guinea Constabulary
Avoids the wantok system
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 21, 2023
First published in the National Monday June 19, 2023
|
One of our countrys biggest issue is a total
lack of unity and ethnic division.
In the early days of the Australian administration this was identified,
certainly it was an issue with law enforcement agencies, in particular
the police.
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) then had a policy
where all police officers were rotated usually every year or so,
never allowing officers to work in their own provinces.
This allowed the RPNGC to maintain a transparent position and avoid
the disease of wantok system.
The idea that a politician should request the RPNGC to recruit police
officers from a province and position them in their own province
is a very shallow-minded and ignorant ideology, and goes against
all ethics of transparent law enforcement and policing.
In recent times, the good Police Commissioner has identified this
as being a major flaw and failure of previous commissioners to maintain
this rotating protocol, and as such started to move it along.
However, some police officers see fit to challenge this, what many
dont understand is that it is the Commissioners privilege
to do this is evidence of a very good understanding of operational
matters and transparency.
Police officers have no legal basis and or privilege to challenge
any decision of the Commissioner.
Insubordinate officers should be terminated immediately to stop
this toxic ideology they believe they are owed.
The big question is why would RPNGC officers challenge any transfer
directive?
Maybe many are operating their own business in addition to being
employed and sworn to serve the people under the Police Act.
If so, then this is also illegal, and a breach of not only the RPNGC
Police Act but also the Public Service Employment Act.
The Police Minister needs to remind his political cohorts to refrain
from making such comments and to stay well away from interfering
with the Office of the Police Commissioner.
The law is very clear, this office is protected under the Separation
of Powers Act. Politicians making such comment merely
display an ignorance of how the system should work.
Taiet pinis lo crime.
Boroko,
National Capital District (NCD)
Papua New Guinea
Call for Suprme Court
to apply epistolary jurisdiction
In the case of former senator Leila de Lima
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 20, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Thursday June
15, 2023
|
Detained in 2017 on three separate drug-related criminal
charges two of them dismissed after her acquittal, there is no end
in sight that former senator Leila de Lima will be released soon.
Each passing day is a cruel form of punishment for one who is in
her 60s, a mother, experiencing health issues, and facing life-threatening
hazards under detention.
The Supreme Court deserves an applause for the timely memorandum
issued by Court Administrator Raul B. Villanueva, a former no-nonsense
Regional Trial Court judge, to Presiding Judge Romeo S. Buenaventura
of Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256 to resolve the last criminal case within
nine months.
However, the Supreme Court, the citadel of justice, human rights,
and rule of law, can do more to stop the injustice of protracted
detention being committed against De Lima, former law professor
of San Beda University, former election lawyer, former chair of
the Commission on Human Rights, former secretary of justice, and
former senator of the Republic. Formidable credentials of a Filipino
woman long-deprived of her freedom.
The Supreme Court can explore the use and application of the remedy
called epistolary jurisdiction which was mentioned in the ponencia
of Justice Teresita J. Leonardo-De Castro in the case of Resident
Marine Mammals of the Protected Seascape Tañon Strait, et
al., v. Angelo Reyes, et al., (G.R. No. 180771, April 21, 2015).
Epistolary rom the word epistle or letter is
a remedial or corrective legal innovation, cleansed of procedural
technicalities, through which the violated or wronged person or
persons may seek judicial intervention and assistance by means of
letters, telegrams, newspaper articles, etc.
It is also a new method through liberal interpretation of legal
standing in court where any person can apply to the court on behalf
of the deprived, distressed, and disadvantaged.
Applied extensively in India through various court decisions, it
was first used in the United States in Gideon v. Wainwright, a unanimous
decision, where on the basis of a prison stationary, penciled-written
by the accused, the Supreme Court gave due course to it.
In 1982, an urgent telegram petition for issuance of writ of habeas
corpus on behalf of seven detained persons in Camp Catitipan, Davao
City, was filed and was allowed by the Supreme Court.
The formal petition followed and is entitled In The Matter
of the Petition for the Issuance of the Writ of Habeas Corpus for
Rolieto Trinidad, et al., S.P. Case No. 59449, Jan. 21, 1982.
May the Supreme Court, in the benevolent exercise of its mighty
judicial power, wisely consider the use and application of epistolary
jurisdiction in the case of De Lima.
Rene V. Sarmiento,
law professor,
Manila,
Philippines
Philippines proposed National
Land Use Act
To harmonize claims on the land
The
Southeast Asian Times Monday June 19, 2023
First published in the Philippine Inquirer, Friday June 16,
2023
|
It is the policy of the state to provide for
a rational, holistic, and just allocation, utilization, management,
and development of the countrys land resources.
This is to ensure that their optimum use is consistent with
the principle of sustainable development.
The state also recognizes the need for developing sustainable settlements,
and shall allocate lands for urban uses consistent with
the principles of environmental management and equitable access
to land and security.
The foregoing are the declaration of policies and principles in
the introductory provisions of the proposed National Land Use Act
(NLUA), as introduced by Sen. Pia Cayetano under Senate Bill No.
898.
The measure is meant to harmonize all reasonable claims on the land,
and to safeguard and promote the general welfare of present and
future generations through proper management of this limited resource.
To do this, the state shall institutionalize land use and
physical planning as a mechanism to identify, determine, and evaluate
alternative land use and allocation patterns.
In my view, the centerpiece program component of the NLUA, based
on SB 898, is the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) to be prepared
and updated every nine years in every city and municipality in accordance
with the national, regional, and provincial physical planning frameworks.
The CLUP will serve as guide to fast-track the countrys social
and economic development projects, with sanctions on officials who
fail to comply with performance standards.
The CLUP will substantially accelerate housing production to effectively
address the huge housing backlog of about 6.5 million housing units.
The significant provision in the bill on this is the easier access
to suitable land for housing development, as contained in Chapter
VII, Section 42.
It says that residential zones as designated in the CLUP shall
be considered as outside the geo-hazard areas and shall be exempt
from the environmental compliance certificate without the need for
any further certificate of exemption from the [Department of Environment
and Natural Resources] or any other government regulatory agency.
Equally significant is that portion of Section 44 of the same chapter,
that says housing or residential lands designated in the
CLUPs and zoning ordinances of cities and municipalities shall not
be subject to further land reclassification by the LGU local government
unit or land conversion procedure under the Department of Agrarian
Reform."
On the other hand, "agricultural lands as designated in
the CLUP which are no longer economically feasible for agricultural
use may be subject to land reclassification or conversion to housing/residential
purposes and such conversion, as the case may be, shall be exempt
from the coverage of any moratorium on land conversion.
These two provisions are critical in accelerating the production
of affordable housing nationwide, particularly for the underprivileged
sector, including the homeless and informal settlers.
A much greater volume of housing production will also stimulate
economic activity in allied industries, such as construction, and
create much-needed jobs and livelihood opportunities.
Jose S. de Guzman,
Manila,
Philippines
The old adage
"Misery
loves company"
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 18, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 14, 2023
|
Re: "Ideals vs reality", Bangkok
Post PostBag, June 9 and "The eyes of the world
are cast upon Ukraine", in Bangkok Post Opinion,
June 7, 2023
Kuldeep Nagi's criticism of Paul Krugman's opinion, again, shows
his Russian sympathies and his anti-Western bias.
PostBag seems like a forum for professing to be an expert on global
military affairs.
But, his country, India, along with Belarus, Iran, North Korea,
Syria, China, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Eritrea, and Mali sided with Russia
for aggression in waging a war against Ukraine.
The old adage, "Misery loves company", says much
about their collective bonding.
Donald Graber,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Election Commission to
pursue case against
Pita
Limjaroenrat
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 17, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Wednesday June 14 2023
|
Re: "Organic law probe could doom Pita",
in Bangkok Post, Sunday June 11, 2023.
In a significant move, the Election Commission has chosen to pursue
a case against Pita Limjaroenrat based on violation of Section 151
of the organic law as opposed to going after him for allegedly owning
media shares.
Why has the Election Commission chosen to pursue the former when
most observers agree it is far harder to prove?
If I was a cynic, then I might think that all this is to drag out
the proceedings for as long as possible, thus putting a great big
monkey wrench in the workings of government and the election results.
But hey, I'm no cynic, right?
I've got a suggestion.
Put another candidate up for prime minister, from Pheu Thai if possible,
because they are runners-up in the election, but someone who the
Senate will accept and then give the house speaker position to the
Move Forward Party.
What the coalition partners absolutely need to avoid is a delay
in appointing the new government, and I can't see any way of avoiding
that than what I have suggested.
And we certainly don't want to see Move Forward Party followers
on the streets because they would be railing against the law, and
the law is the law, even if it is not applied equally.
And we know what might happen if there are mass demonstrations,
and we don't want that again.
Howard Stark,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Call for foreigners to
leave Tiananmen Square protests
To unfriendly countries
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 16, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Wednesday June 14, 2023
|
Re: "Despots, no thanks", in Bangkok
Post PostBag, Wednesday June 7, 2023
Despots?
There are a billion people living in China who think otherwise.
The living standard and well-being of the people are improving.
Driverless robot taxis are starting to service passengers in the
streets of several big cities in China.
Foreigners should travel to China and see for themselves and leave
the Tiananmen Square protest that happened three decades ago to
the propaganda arm of unfriendly countries.
Eric Bahrt is definitely confused about the economic data, or he
refuses to believe that China, as the second-largest world economy,
is moving far ahead of Taiwan in all aspects.
One of the reasons the current Taiwan government lost heavily in
last year's
"9-in-1" local elections to the opposition Kuomintang
Party is due to the drastic decline of its economy.
There is an old Chinese saying that the frog underneath a well sees
the moon as big as the sky above.
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move Forward Party calls
for end of ban
On
sale of alcohol on Buddihist holidays
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 15, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 6, 2023
|
Re: "MFP slams holiday booze ban",
in Bangkok Post Saturday June 5, 2023,
Move Forward is right that the current bans on the sale of the drug
alcohol on Buddhist holy days should be ended.
Buddhists who take their religion seriously already abstain from
alcohol and other drugs on such holidays exactly as they do every
other day of the year.
That a small percentage of Thai adults actually follow that Buddhist
principle is no just reason to force their religious precept on
everyone else in society.
If such reasoning for a ban were actually sound, it would be equally
reasonable to ban the eating of meat, which typically involves a
meat eater paying others to kill for them, a reality that plainly
violates the First Precept of Buddhism as largely ignored by Thai
Buddhism.
The pro-ban excuse from Phetchawat Wattanapongsirikul, a list-MP
candidate for the Pheu Thai Party, is even weaker since he presents
zero evidence that such a ban on the sale of the popular drug actually
"helps prevent road accidents caused by drink-driving".
As even Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the StopDrink Network Office,
concedes, "People can still stock up in advance for consumption
at their homes, anyway," making any causal relationship
between interfering with adults buying alcohol on Buddhist holy
days unlikely.
Unlike a ban on the recreational use of alcohol by adults, banning
driving under the influence of drugs does not violate any right.
That is why such behaviour, but not the drug itself, may be justly
banned by law, as is similarly the case for every drug in popular
recreational use by adults.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Papua
New Guinea's look north policy
Is rubbish
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 14, 2023
First published in the National Tuesday June 13, 2023
|
The Government's look north policy
is rubbish.
Foreigners have flooded into our country for the last years and
the gate is still open wide.
There is no control.
According to our current perspectives, these foreigners are here
to stay.
They will never go back.
They dont show respect to Papua New Guinea nationals.
We will be another Africa.
Our sons will be spectators in their own land.
Our sons will suffer in their own land.
If they are foreign companies, they should be bound by Labour rules,
that is 12 or 10 hours on K3.50 hourly rates.
Any additional hours after 12 hours is regarded as overtime.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays have their own rates.
How come our people are used as cheap labours?
They wake up early at 5am only to finish off late in the night at
7am/8pm exhausted.
They have no pick-up or drop-offs when they are paid lousy K250
to K300 a fortnight.
How come these people go right into remote areas of the nation and
conduct businesses?
Is there any law that governs these so that can we fix these?
Could a good lawyer who has heart for Papua New Guinea read this
and confirm if I am wrong and explain this to the nation?
James Yangiat
Central Mulitaka,
Enga,
Papua New Guinea
Special Economic Zones
(SEZ) come with significant
Development
and maintenance cost
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 13, 2023
First published in the National Tuesday June 6, 2023
|
The need to promote economic growth and development
are the primary goals of economic policies of a government.
The fiscal policy sets out tax measures that will be implemented
by the government to raise revenues for the national budget.
The national budget is a plan of how the government will spend the
revenues in its financial year.
The implementation of the fiscal policy and national budget directly
influence economic growth and development.
This holds for Papua New Guinea.
The operation of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) requires massive
infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, wharves, communication,
electricity, water, sewerage and sanitation, and institutional capacity
development.
These come with significant development and maintenance costs.
A Special Economic Zones (SEZ) is essentially a domestic tax haven.
It requires significant tax concessions such as reduced tax rates,
tax holidays, tax rebates, and exemption from duties and levies
to develop and operate.
The concessions will allow investors to recoup their money, and
repatriate it abroad in the case of foreign investors.
The tax concessions will have a major negative impact on Government
revenues and national budget.
They will reduce the ability of the Government of Papua New Guinea
to raise much needed revenues for development spending through the
national budget.
The SEZs do not promote tangible developments needed by the ordinary
citizens of Papua New Guinea . They, however, will promote tax shifting,
evasion and avoidance at a significant development cost to Papau
New Guinea .
The Government of Papua New Guinea, must instead focus on developing
key infrastructure without sacrificing tax revenues, to promote
business activities and achieve economic growth and development.
Citizen economist,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Call for incoming Thailand
government
To reach an understanding with military
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 12, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Tuesday June 6, 2023
|
Re: "Talk to the generals", Bangkok
Post PostBag, Sunday June 4, 2023.
I fully agree with Khun Vint Chavala that the incoming government
should reach an understanding with our military before reforming
our defence mechanism, and sync closely with them, for they not
only love Thailand, they hold the world record for most coups d'etat
since 1932.
Each party should understand that the military's noble, vital role
is to be a fence against external foes.
The civilian government should give them the wherewithal necessary
to do a good job.
For their part, the soldiers should accept that a fence does not
tell the homeowners what to do.
Burin Kantabutra,
Bangkok,
Thailand
The
United States cannot intrude
On
Papua New Guinea sovereignty
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 11, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesday May 30, 2023
|
The Defence cooperation agreement signed between the
United States and Papua New Guinea is timely and viable, given the
global terror level and where all the super powers are at each other.
In the literal sense, the Pacific is no longer a safe region.
Different superpowers have different plans to deal with Pacific
Island nations.
There is no point for anyone to panic as there is no imminent war
at our doorsteps.
Papua New Guinea needs security to keep surveillance at its international
borders to protect itself from external forces.
The United States is determined to provide security; it cannot intrude
in to Papua New Guinea at will to stampede on Papua New Guineas
sovereignty via the agreement.
The agreement will permit the United States Navy coast guard vessels
to do a wider surveillance on our seas and air space because we
do not have the capacity to counter react when presented with a
hostile situation.
Every country is connected one way or the other through the many
associations, alliances, partnership and agreements in defence,
trade, tourism, science, etc.
Furthermore, it is hoped, the terms of the agreement do not impede
any of the existing laws in Papua New Guinea including the Constitution.
If it does, it will have a very serious repercussions and perhaps
the PM can be petitioned to resign.
The Government should publish the defence cooperation agreemen on
the social media.
While this is a sure thing to do, the Opposition have to be mindful
that Papua New Guineas own defence force personals pose a
threat either or the police force for that matter.
Where is the undertaking that Papua New Guinea is the safest place?
They reportedly were involved in the many civil unrest and we dont
have a home grown special forces to counter their actions.
For that reason alone, Australia has always advised that Papau New
Guinea keeps a minimal and a manageable size army always.
All in all, the United States -Papua New Guinea defence cooperation
agreement was drafted out from a friendly bilateral understanding
purely for the United States to provide security and not to build
a military base anywhere within Papua New Guinea.
Andy Brum,
Port Moresby,
Papua New Guinea
Papua
New Guinea economist says,
"Prime Minister is barking up the
wrong tree"
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 10, 2023
First published in the National, Tuesda June 6, 2023
|
Prime Minster James Marape, was quoted in the daily
newspapers of May 25 as pushing the Bank of Papua New Guinea
central bank to supply more forex to the market, with highest ever
reserves of US$14 billion.
At the outset, it must be made clear to the public that the Prime
Minister is barking up the wrong tree.
Furthermore, the Central Bank does not manage US$14 billion, about
K50 billion, in international reserves.
The key issue is Papua New Guinea has a very high dependence on
imports.
However, the supply of foreign currency from exports has not increased
significantly to match or overtake the import demand.
This supply and demand mismatch is now causing the glitch in the
domestic foreign exchange market.
The main drivers causing a reduction in the supply of foreign currency
in Papua New Guinea are:
Project development agreements that trap dollars outside Papua New
Guinea, in foreign currency accounts;
Under-investment in non-mineral sectors (agriculture, fisheries,
forestry, and tourism sectors);
Lack of an integrated transportation infrastructure network, which
discourages production and export;
Lack of finance and marketing infrastructure, to support production
and export; and, Inefficient state-owned monopolies that provide
expensive inputs that discourage production and export.
The same newspapers also reported that Porgera Mine will not be
returning dividends to the Government for the next ten years, after
re-commencement of operations. It means additional foreign currency
supposed to be received by the Government in the form of taxes will
not be realised.
It demonstrates the fact that the Government and politicians are
negotiating bad project development agreements for Papua New Guinea..
The Prime Minister is well advised to introduce the production sharing
arrangement for the extractive resource sector (mineral, oil and
gas) and establish the Sovereign Wealth Fund, immediately.
This is a sustainable option and will supply much needed foreign
currency to the domestic foreign exchange market for importers to
use and buy goods and services from abroad.
Concerned economist,
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
Call
for oversight body
To
screen Lese Majeste complaints
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 9, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday May 27, 2023
|
Re: "Lawyer group calls to screen lese majeste
complaints", in Bangkok Post, Saturday May
27, 2023.
The intent of establishing such an oversight body, if made a compulsory
entry point requirement in laying Section 112 charges, will surely
be a positive step to properly respecting the monarchy.
It would lessen abuse and minimise the use of this law for personal
or political purposes, especially if the panel includes at least
one prominent and reputable representative of the Crown Administration.
Old Aussie,
Bangkok,
Thailand
As
U.S. President Bill Clinton once said
It's
the economy, stupid!
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 8, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday June 6, 2023
|
Re: "Let's not kowtow", in Bangkok
Post, PostBag, Friday June 2, 2023.
To use "kowtow" as the headline whenever we touch
on China is not appropriate.
Times have changed. China's economy is the second largest in the
world and still growing.
More than a billion Chinese were lifted out of poverty, and millions
of Chinese tourists travel around the world.
China has built the world's largest network of high-speed train
railways that spans nearly 40,000km, the list of achievements goes
on.
The world has become multipolar, the days of US domination no longer
exist. Many people like "an expat of Thailand"
denounce China out of jealousy or lack of information.
Calling out freedom like the lyrics in the lovely song Una Paloma
Blanca would not feed one's stomach, it is the people's well-being
and the prosperous society that reflects a regime's success.
As President Bill Clinton has once said, it's the economy, stupid!
Yingwai Suchaovanich,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Move Forward Party
Clearly won the Thai elections
The
Southeast Asian Times, Wednesday June 7, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Friday June 2, 2023
|
Re: "Beware the boss", in
Bangkok Post PostBag, May 15, 2023 and "30% not
a majority", in Bangkok Post, PostBag, May 25,
2023.
In both of his published letters, Yingwai Suchaovanich acts as if
he has the best interests at heart for the country when he says
the Move Forward Party (MFP) did not want a majority of seats in
the last general election, and so they have to wait their turn and
respect the will of the 250 people in the senate to finally get
a majority.
I wish to point out to Khun Yingwai that actually, the Move Forward
Party clearly won the election and would already be in power in
most other countries.
When he talks about wishing to avoid the Hong Kong-style democracy
riots of 2019-20 and branding them "illegal", or
the consequences of recognising Taiwanese independence and allowing
more American military bases in Thailand, he is basically showing
where his true interests lie at heart: in not offending China.
The bottom line is that Thais, who voted in record numbers during
the last election, deserve to have a person who they voted for democratically,
not somebody who is satisfactory to the communist regime of another
country.
An expat in Thailand,
Bangkok,
Thailand
China is Papua New Guineas
biggest trading partner
Over taking Australia
The
Southeast Asian Times, Tuesday June 6, 2023
First published in the National, Monday May 29, 2023
|
For Papua New Guinea to sign a military pack with
the United States and have China to respect Papua New Guineas
decision truly shows how China is very diplomatic in dealing with
other countries.
The economic power struggle between the West and Asian countries,
particularly China have reached our shore.
First is the Solomon Islands security pack with China and now the
PNG-US military cooperation agreement.
A lot of talks and negative criticism were made about the Solomon
Islands-China security agreement from Western nations.
But China respected Papua New Guineas decision and made known
its intention that it will continue to do trade and commerce in
the country.
China is Papua New Guineas biggest trading partner, over taking
Australia in the recent years.
In the recent PNG- Australia Trade Forum, Minister Richard Maru
made it very clear to Australia that we have other friends who are
willing to buy our products or produce if you are not willing.
He gave an example saying, Papua New Guinea produce a lot of bananas
and taros but when you go to Australia you see Fiji taros and bananas
in the big supermarket shelves.
Maru was referring to China who is willing to buy Papua New Guinea
products including minerals oil and gas
They are also investing in our country, competing with Australia
and other countries.
Competition is good but as an ordinary Papua New Guinean I think
China is winning the race in Papua New Guinea.
It was a relief to hear that China respected Papua New Guinea decision
as this is truly a geopolitics agreement between Papua New Guinea
and the US.
China is an economic powerhouse, remember how China stopped purchasing
beef and grain products from Australia, as Australia accused China
of creating the coronavirus (Covid-19) in labs.
Australia lost billions of dollars in revenue and had to apologise
to China and mend their diplomatic relations.
Papua New Guinea lets think before making friends or signing
agreements.
Just a years ago, Australia and the US did not care much about Papua
New Guinea, only when China starts investing and giving loans to
Pacific nations that they show interest.
Bena Bridge,
Zuguru,
Papua New Guinea
Move
Forward Party has declared itself
To be an anti-growth regime
The
Southeast Asian Times, Monday June 5, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Saturday June 3 2023
|
Re: "Getting ready for a new economic era",
in Bangkok Post Opinion, Thursday June 1, 2023.
I agree with economist/columnist Chartchai Parasuk that the Move
Forward Party, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, in its intention to immediately
increase the minimum wage to 450 baht per day and the monthly payments
of 3,000 baht to the elderly, has declared itself to be an anti-growth
regime.
I am another voter who refused to vote for the MFP for the simple
reason that a party that has done a good job in the opposition cannot
necessarily be good in the government, especially when that party
is still young and inexperienced. In the long run, our country will
become a welfare state even before it can break out of the middle-income
trap.
Vint Chavala,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Lawyers
Association of Thailand
Call for panel to screen Lese Majeste matters
The
Southeast Asian Times, Sunday June 4, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post Thursday June 1, 2023
|
Re: "Lawyer group calls to screen lese
majeste complaints", in Bangkok Post, Saturday May
27, 2023.
The suggestion by the Lawyer's Association of Thailand for a panel
to screen lese-majeste matters before they are pursued by the police
and courts is to be commended.
It is a constructive effort to protect the highest institution from
the harm being done to it by zealots who abuse the law, Section
112 of the Criminal Code.
Their proposal does not, however, go to the heart of the problem.
The best proposal is the sensible amendments proposed by the Move
Forward Party.
Under that proposal, the Bureau of the Royal Household should be
able to decide when such a serious threat has been made.
Felix Qui,
Bangkok,
Thailand
Supreme Court allows former
PM Peter O'Neil
To challenge election of PM James Marape
The
Southeast Asian Times, Saturday June 3, 2023
First published in the National Monday May 29, 2023
|
The edict handed down by the Supreme Court to allow
the embattled former Prime Minister Peter ONeills legal
challenge against the election of Prime Minister James Marape to
be contemplated by the full bench of the High Court has triggered
a seismic shift across Papua New Guinea.
ONeills legal petition was primarily based on the alleged
invalidity of the Speaker of the Parliaments decision to allow
the motion of no confidence against him to be voted on despite an
earlier court adjournment.
This case is a litmus test for the fledgling democracy in Papua
New Guinea.
And it will be keenly observed by political analysts, legal specialists,
as well as deeply concerned citizens.
The country is currently grappling with a plethora of pressing issues,
including a debilitated economy and an upsurge in criminal activities.
Whatever the decision from the High Courts, one thing is certain
this case will have momentous repercussions for the nation
and its populace.
It will fundamentally be a defining juncture in the continued progression
of Papua New Guineas democracy.
Romel
Kuman,
Kerowagi,
Papua New Guinea
Karl
Marx vision of communism
A crying shame in
Vietnam
The
Southeast Asian Times, Friday June 2, 2023
|
Vietnamese sent to prison for mocking Communist Party
Officials for dinning on $1000 steaks in London ( The Southeast
Asian Times 1 June 2023 ).
Wonder what Karl Marx would have thought of that?
Surely that was not his conceptualisation of the communist state
or the classless socialist society?
What a crying shame that his vision of communism has been distorted,
perverted in such a manner.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney,
Australia
Papua New Guinea has made
it very clear
That
Papua New Guinea has other friends
The
Southeast Asian Times, Thursday June 1, 2023
First published in the National Monday May 29, 2013
|
For Papua New Guinea to sign a military pack with
the United States and have China to respect Papua New Guineas
decision truly shows how China is very diplomatic in dealing with
other countries.
The economic power struggle between the West and Asian countries,
particularly China have reached our shore.
First is the Solomon Islands security pack with China and now the
PNG-US military cooperation agreement.
A lot of talks and negative criticism were made about the Solomon
Islands-China security agreement from Western nations.
But China respected Papua New Guineas decision and made known
its intention that it will continue to do trade and commerce the
country in The National, May 25.
China is Papua New Guineas biggest trading partner, over taking
Australia in the recent years.
In the recent PNG- Australia Trade Forum Minister Richard
Maru made it very clear to Australia that we have other friends
who are willing to buy our products or produce if you are not willing.
He gave an example saying Papua New Guinea produce a lot
of bananas and taros but when you go to Australia you see Fiji taros
and bananas in the big supermarket shelves.
Maru was referring to China who is willing to buy Papua New Guinea
products including minerals oil and gas.
They are also investing in our country competing with Australia
and other countries.
Competition is good but as an ordinary Papua New Guinean I think
China is winning the race in Papua New Guinea.
It was a relief to hear that China respected Papua New Guinea decision
as this is truly a geopolitics agreement between PNG and the US.
China is an economic powerhouse remember how China stopped
purchasing beef and grain products from Australia, as Australia
accused China of creating the coronavirus Covid-19 in labs.
Australia lost billions of dollars in revenue and had to apologise
to China and mend their diplomatic relations.
Papua New Guinea lets think before making friends or signing
agreements.
Just a years ago, Australia and the US did not care much about PNG,
only when China starts investing and giving loans to Pacific nations
that they show interest.
Bena Bridge,
Zuguru,
Papua New Guinea
Call
for Lese Majeste oversight body
To screen Lese Majeste complaints
The
Southeast Asian Times Wesdnesday May 31, 2023
First published in the Bangkok Post, Tuesday May 30, 2023
|
Re: "Lawyer group calls to screen lese majeste
complaints", in Bangkok Post, Saturday May 27, 2023.
The intent of establishing such an oversight body, if made a compulsory
entry point requirement in laying Section 112 charges, will surely
be a positive step to properly respecting the monarchy.
It would lessen abuse and minimise the use of this law for personal
or political purposes, especially if the panel includes at least
one prominent and reputable representative of the Crown Administration.
Old Aussie,
Bangkok,
Thailand
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