The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Tuesday 14 October 2025
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.  

Thai senate seeks
referendum on new constitution: Lese Majeste law
From News Reports:
Bangkok, February 12: The Senate is seeking a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution as dictated by the Referendum Act after the House of Representatives voted for an opposition-sponsored motion on November 3, 2022 to seek a referendum, reports the Bangkok Post.
Senators voted 151 for, 26 against, and 15 abstentions to form a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum that would pave the way for a rewrite of the constitution that includes the Lese Majeste law.
The Senate called on the government to hold a referendum on whether a new constitution should be drawn up by a charter drafting assembly made up of elected representatives, saying "the referendum should be arranged on the same day as the next general election that has tentatively been set for May 7 by the Election Commission (EC).
Senators were critical of voting for the formation of a panel to study a motion to organise a referendum, saying "It is a tactic to stall the referendum"
Sen Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he supported a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution, saying he disagreed with organising the referendum on the same day as the general election,
"This could confuse voters," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

China calls emergency COVID-19 meeting with ASEAN in Laos
From News Reports:
Beijing, February 19: An emergency meeting of foreign ministers from China and the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) that was proposed by China is to be held in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday and Friday to discuss the COVID-19 virus epidemic.
The COVID-19 virus has so far killed 1,869 and infected 73,336 in China and has spread to the 10 ASEAN member states.
The meeting that was proposed by China is reportedly intended to share information and to improve coordination between China and the 10 ASEAN member states in order to combat the COVID-19 virus.
China Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi is reportedly to discuss China's measures in countering the COVID-19 virus epidemic at the meeting in Laos, with focus on strengthening joint prevention and control measures against the virus.
The meeting is also to explore the idea of establishing a long term and effective collaboration mechanism on public health to safeguard the region, with China Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang saying " China and Asean countries have been in close communication since the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.
Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, who will be attending the emergency COVID-19 virus epidemic meeting, said that the meeting will be an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"The meeting will help strengthen cooperation between ASEAN member states in the midst of this global health threat," he said.
His said that Cambodia's participation in the emergency meeting that was proposed by China will demonstrate Cambodia’s support of China and confidence in the measures taken by the China government to address the coronavirus outbreak.
The Southeast Asian Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) police officers working with Thailand Tourist Police inspect vehicle carrying African nationals found to be travelling on fraudulent tourist entry permits on Asian Highway Route 2 Hat Yai district, Songkhla province on Friday October 10, 2025
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 14: Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) police and Thailand Tourist Police arrested 13 African nationals travelling on fraudulent passports and tourist entry permits in Songkhla province on Friday with Thailand and Malaysian brokers involved in the smuggling of the Africans to Myanmar, reports Bangkok Post.
Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) police arrested Kenyans, Ugandans, and Nigerians at a gas station on Asian Highway Route 2 Hat Yai district, Songkhla province saying '' the African nationals entered Thailand on illegal passports stamped with forged tourist entry permits through Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province.
The 13 Africal nationals are charged with illegal entry, unauthorized residence, and using forged immigration documents.
Thailand national Naserkan, 52, confessed to police that he was hired by a Malaysian broker to move the 13 African nationals from the Malaysian border to Bangkok for 175,00 baht in cryptocurrency, saying this wasn't his first job.
Naserkan, 52, said that he had smuggled African nationals multiple times before, saying he understood the illegal migrants would eventually be transported to Myanmar.
Naserkan, 52, faces charges of harbouring illegal immigrants and helping them evade the Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) police officers and Thailand Tourist Police.
Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) and the Thailand Tourist Police said in a statement that despite the evidence the 13 African nationals in detention maintain that they are ''innocent tourists planning a short visit.''
''They’re sticking to their story claiming they just wanted to tour Thailand for two or three days,'' said the statement.
Thailand Immigration Bureau (IB) and the Thailand Tourist Police have ordered an investigation to find if there are any indicators
if the 13 African nationals are victims of human trafficking.
The Southeast Asian Times

United States Senate votes Sean O'Neill as the United States Ambassador to Thailand

Sean O'Neill, United States Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, at 37th US-ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations Dialogue in Siem Reap province, Thailand Tuesd April 22, 2025
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 13: The United States Senate confirmed, Sean O'Neill, as the United States Ambassador to Thailand from more than 100 nominees proposed by United States President Donald Trump in a 51 to 47 vote on Tuesday, with the new United States Ambassador to Thailand saying ''Thailand should not lend legitimacy to the military government in its neighbour Myanmar,'' reports Bangkok Post.
United States President Donald Trump proposed Sean O'Neill, as the United States Ambassador to Thailand, in a party-line vote that became effective last month, allowing nominees to be confirmed as a group as opposed to senators holding a vote on each nominee.
Sean O’Neill, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs served in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and in Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand as United States Consul General.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective midnight July 28, 2025 a day ahead of the United States President Donald Trump nomination of Sean O’Neill as Ambassador to Thailand on July 29, 2025.
Sean O'Neill said after he was nominated for U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, when asked what he would do to ensure that the ceasefire became a long-term peace agreement, "I think the first thing I would do is to point out to Thailand, which is one of our only treaty allies in Asia, that wars like this, conflicts like this, do nothing to help their people.
"They do nothing to strengthen our alliance, they do nothing to address the challenges that both of our countries face. They are just a needless waste of life and treasure."
The U.S. nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Sean O'Neill, said after Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire effective midnight July 28, 2025 ''Thailand should not lend legitimacy to the military government in its neighbour Myanmar.''
''The State Department's position was not to encourage Myanmar to hold "sham" elections the military was looking to hold this year'' he said.
He said that he would encourage Thailand not to recognise an election that does no include the participation of over 50 percent of the population of Myanmar, saying ''most of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) government are in prison.''
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that forcibly took over the elected League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, introduced a new 'Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction,'' in Naypyitaw on Tuesday 29 July 2025 saying ''anyone who orates, speaks, organizes, incites, protests or distributes letters to disrupt any part of the electoral process shall be punished with three years to 10 years in prison including a fine.''
''Anyone who threatens, obstructs, abuses or severely hurts any personnel of the election commission, candidates or voters could be sentenced to three years to life in prison,'' said the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC) chairman, Senior General Min Aung ahead of the election scheduled for December 2025.
'A security committees will be formed to monitor the activities of internal and international organizations that may threaten security during the election period,'' he said.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) of Myanmar said that the Union Election Commission (UEC) had revoked registration and dissolved four political parties for failing to meet the required number of party members and party office.
About 60 political parties including the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
have registered to stand for election in December 2025.
The Southeast Asian Times

Retired Philippine Judge returns Golden Pillar of Law Award after learning that former President Rodrigo Duterte is a recipient

Retired Cebu Judge Meinrado P. Paredes, 80, returned the Golden Pillar of Law Award conferred on him by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Saturday October, 11, 2025
From News Reports:
Manila, October 12: Retired Cebu Regional Court Judge, Meinrado P. Paredes, 80, has returned the Golden Pillar of Law Award conferred to him by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on September 15, 2025 after discovering that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was among the recipients, saying ''I learned of Duterte's inclusion on Friday,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''I returned the award this morning,'' said retired Judge Meinrado Paredes on Saturday.
Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes said in a letter addressed to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) national president attorney, Allan Panolong, that he rejected any association with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte .
Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes said he was disappointed and disgusted with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) decision to bestow the Golden Pillar of Law Award on former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes accused former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte of ''violation of the very ideals of justice, integrity, and rule of law that the award represents.''
''I do not believe that former President Rodrigo Duterte has upheld the ideals of justice, integrity, and the rule of law,'' he said.
Retired Judge Meinrado Paredes said that the former President Rodrigo Duterte's regime was characterized by the rule of the gun, not of law, saying extrajudicial killings and other violations of human rights were rampant.''
''Former President Rodrigo Duterte has blood debts,'' he said.
''There is no justice and due process if drug suspects are killed like stray dogs in the streets,'' he said.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Davao city in Mindanao conferred the Golden Pillar of Law Award on former President Rodrigo Duterte and member of the Davao City Prosecution.
Golden Pillar of Law Award recognises lawyers who have served more that 50 years in the legal profession with good standing.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is in detention in The Hague, Netherlands, after an arrest warrant was issued by the Prosecution for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague in March, 2025, for crimes against humanity, of murder, torture and rape in the ''war on drugs campaigne'' after the judges of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 assessed the material submitted by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou, Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Socorro Flores Liera of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 assessed the material submitted by the Prosecution and found reasonable grounds to believe that former President Rodrigo Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand royal patronage conferred on hospital patient in recognition of rescue of Wild Boars trapped in flooded cave

British diver, Vernon Harry Unsworth, inside the flooded Tham Luang cave in the Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in 2018, was granted royal patronage at the Mae Chan Hospital in Chiang Rai, on Monday October 6, 2025
From News Reports:
Bangkok, October 11: Thailand royal patronage was conferred on British diver, Vernon Harry Unsworth, 70, on Monday for his role in the rescue of the Wild Boars Academy soccer squad from the flooded Tham Luang cave in the Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in 2018, reports the Bangkok Post.
Thailand King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida conferred royal patronage on Vernon Harry Unsworth, who is recovering from pneumonia at the Mae Chan Hospital in Chiang Rai, ''in recognition of Vernon Harry Unsworth's extraordinary dedication and humanitarian service to Thailand during one of the nation’s most challenging rescue operations.''
British diver, Vernon Harry Unsworth, 70, who resides in Chiang Rai and had surveyed the Tham Luang cave in the Khun Nam Nang Non National Park for more than six years before the rescue of the Wild Boars football team and the coach in 2018, had gained extensive knowledge of the complex cave systems.
His expertise proved invaluable during the rescue of the 12 Wild Boars football players and their coach, who were trapped for 18 days in the flooded Tham Luang cave in the Khun Nam Nang Non National Park.
His coordination with Thailand authorities and international divers was instrumental in shaping the strategy that led to the safe evacuation of all thirteen members of the Wild Boars football team.
The Wild Boars football team became trapped in the Tham Luang cave when heavy rains caused flooding forcing the football team to take shelter on a muddy ledge.
The football team was found four kilometres inside the cave by two British divers including, Vernon Harry Unsworth, with
oxygen levels falling to dangerous levels and monsoon rains threatening to flood the cave above the ledge where the boys were sheltering.
The last four football players aged between 11 and 16 of the Wild Boar Academy soccer squad and their coach aged 25, were rescued from the flooded cave on July 12, 2018.
Thailand King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida conferred patronage on British surveyor, Vernon Harry Unsworth, as a patient at the Mae Chan Hospital in Chiang Rai.
Major General Chakrawee Saneewongyut, Director of the Royal Volunteer Center, Military Region 37, representing the Director of the Royal Volunteer Center Region 3, with the Chiang Rai Royal Volunteer Center, visited the Mae Chan Hospital in Chiang Rai to convey royal goodwill and ensure that British surveyor, Vernon Harry Unsworth, receives the best possible care.
The Mae Chan Hospital in Chiang Rai said that British surveyor, Vernon Harry Unsworth, 70, remains under close observation and is able to communicate with those around him.
''He has expressed deep gratitude for the royal compassion, describing the honour as both humbling and deeply moving,'' said the Mae Chan Hospital.
The Southeast Asian Times

NASA and Australia's Space Agency sign agreement to work together in space and on earth

United states of America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator, Sean Duffy, left, and Australia's Australian Space Agency (ASA) Administrator, Enrico Palermo, sign the Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes in Sydney on Tuesday September 30, 2025
From News Reports:
Sydney, October 10: The United states of America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Australia's Australian Space Agency (ASA) signed a ''Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes,'' in Sydney on September 30, with NASA saying ''Great allies working together not just on Earth but in space is critical,'' reports
Reuters.
''And so we appreciate it,'' said Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy.
''We’re hoping to spend more money,'' he said.
Australia's Australian Space Agency (ASA) Administrator, Enrico Palermo, signed the Framework Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Australia on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, with Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres, saying ''the signing builds on more than half a century of collaboration between the United States and Australia.''
''Strengthening Australia's partnership with the U.S. and NASA creates new opportunities for Australian ideas and technologies, improving Australia's industrial capability, boosting productivity, and building economic resilience," he said.
Acting NASA Administrator, Sean Duffy, said "Australia is an important and long time space partner, from Apollo to Artemis, and this agreement depends on that partnership."
"International agreements like this one work to leverage our resources and increase our capacities and scientific returns for all, proving critical to NASA's plans from low Earth orbit to the Moon, Mars, and beyond,'' he said.
In February 2025 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) implemented the Executive Order issued by U.S. president Donald Trump on January 20 to terminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) program at NASA and the Kennedy Space Center, with NASA acting administrator, Janet Petro, ''the contracts are discriminatory and an immense public waste.''
''These programs divide Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and result in shameful discrimination,” she said.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) acting administrator, Janet Petro, has previously praised the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) program, saying at the beginning of her tenure as director of the Kennedy Space Centre in 2021, ''diversity efforts were important to NASA and to her personally.''
In June 2022 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the first of three rockets from the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) commercial spaceport in the Northern Territory of Australia, with the United States Consul-General, Kathleen Lively, saying "today marks a moment that will go down in history for the United States and Australia in our space collaboration efforts.''
Northern Territory of Australia Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, said the rocket launched from the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) in the Northern Territory, "will help attract global space investors to the Territory."
''The launch of the rocket from Arnhem Land will provide new data on the structure and evolution of the cosmos," she said.
She said the rocket launched from the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) is a milestobe for Australia in establishing the Northern Territory as a launch site and an important player in space exploration.
"Working with the Gumatj people in Arnhem Land in launching the rockets into space combines one of the oldest cultures in the world with some of the most advanced technology ever," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines Commission on Elections calls on Senator Francis Escudero to show cause for election donation

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia issues show-cause order on Presidential election donations on Monday October 6, 2025
From News Reports:
Manila, October 9: The Philippines Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show-cause order for Senator Francis Escudero to explain the receipt of P30 million in donations in the 2022 Presidential election campaign from a contractor allegedly involved in the embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects, reports The Philippine Inquirer.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair, George Garcia, confirmed that the show-cause order was served on Senator Francis Escudero on Monday, saying ''the senator is scheduled to appear before the Political Finance and Affairs department (PFAD) of the Commission on Elections.''
The Political Finance and Affairs department (PFAD) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) hearing will determine if the donated funds to Senator Francis Escudero for the 2022 Presidential election on May 9, 2025 from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., violated Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code.
''Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits contribution from any public or private institutions including contractors to any candidate or political party,'' he said.
Senator Francis Escudero is under investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for allegedly receiving P30 million in donations from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
Centerways Construction and Development Inc is one of 15 contractors allegedly involved in the embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair, George Garcia, said ''the purpose of Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code was to prohibit campaign contributions from entities including government contractors.''
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also issued a show-cause order against Lawrence Lubiano president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., to explain the P30 million donation to Senator Francis Escudero, saying ''Lawrence Lubiano replied prompting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to issue another order to Senator Francis Escudero.''
The House of Representatives tri-committee hearing in August that probed faulty flood control projects nationwide said that Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of 15 contractors allegedly involved in the embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects, had admitted to donating P30 million to Senator Francis Escudero for the Presidential campaign in 2022.
''Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., denied that the company had secured any flood control projects with the government,'' said the House of Representatives tri-committee that includes the House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Public Information, and Information and Communications Technology.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines MP's not absolved from accountability for embezzlement of government funds for flood projects

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned Members of Parliament that resignation is not enough in the embezzlement of funds for ghost flood control projects on Monday October 6, 2025
From News Reports:
Manila, October 8: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned Members of Parliament implicated in the embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects that resignation would not absolve them from accountability ,saying ''that's not enough,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said ''there has been a great deal of damage caused, not only financial damage or economic damage, but actual damage to people’s lives.''
''My conscience cannot bear the fact that families were killed because of corruption in the flood control projects,'' he said.
Philippines House of Representatives Leyte 1st District Representative House Speaker, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, resigned after allegations of connections to contractors in the ghost flood control projects and allegations of receiving illicit payments were made by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez denied the allegations saying ''the accusations are false and pure fiction.''
Ako Bicol party list representatives, Elizaldy Zaldy Salcedo Co resigned after he was accused of receiving P35 billion for his involvement in the ghost flood control projects.
Elizaldy Zaldy Salcedo Co is reportedly abroad and has not responded to calls to return to the Philippines to face the accusations.
Senate President, Sen. Francis Escudero, resigned after he was accused of receiving illicit payments in the ghost flood control projects.
Senate President, Sen. Francis Escudero, is accused of receiving P30 million campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction, contractors for the ghost flood control projects.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) executive director, Matthew David, said the council is coordinating investigations into the alleged embezzlement of government funds in the ghost flood control projects with foreign counterparts, warning domestic banks that they could face liability for failing to detect transactions.
''These include offshore bank accounts, real estate and other properties,'' he said.
He said that banks are the first to see these transactions, not the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), saying ''banks are the first to detect and even prevent unlawful activities.''
''The AMLC) has so far secured four freeze orders covering assets linked to the flood control projects, including 1,620 bank accounts, 163 vehicles, 40 real properties, 54 insurance policies and 12 e-wallets,'' he said.
''The value of immobilized assets has reached P4.2 billion, with officials expecting the figure to rise as the financial investigation widens,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Arakan Army in Western Myanmar calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi from prison ahead of first elections since military coup

Myanmar protesters call for the release of imprisoned National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, on February 15, 2025 after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar coup on February 1, 2025
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, October 6: The Commander of the Arakan Army (AA), the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA) in Rakhine state in western Myanmar said the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar cannot hope to win the public trust unless the regime releases imprisoned National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, 80, reports the Irrawaddy.
''If they truly want to hold a genuine election and gain the people’s trust, they should release Aung San Suu Kyi,'' said Commander of Arakan Army (AA), Tun Myat Naing, ahead of the scheduled elections in December and January .
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar may not restore public trust even by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi from prison but it should free her if it wants the poll to be at all presentable,'' he said.
''How can the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar expect legitimacy or recognition without releasing Aung San Suu Kyi from prison,'' he said.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar have delayed general elections in Myanmar since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Declaration of Marshal Law after the take over of the legitimate National League for Democracy (NLD) elected government on February 1, 2021.
Aung San Suu Kyi, faces a combined prison term of 33 years for treason and corruption charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar beginning with a sentence of two years in prison in December 2021 for incitement under Section 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest.
National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar after the military takeover of the legitimate National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing declared a State of Emergency ahead of the would-be first League for Democracy (NLD) dominated session of the parliament after the November 8, 2020 elections.
The November 8, 2020 elections held by the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) legitimate government had left the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) with 21 seats of the 440 seats in the parliament.
On August 11, 2025 the Arakan Army (AA), the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA) in Rakhine state in western Myanmar said they will not vote in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar election in December, with Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson, Khaing Thukha, saying the Arakan Army will not vote in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar elections in territories under the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA), coalition of Ethnic Armed Organizations, (EAOs).
''We will not let the election be held in the territories that we control,'' he said.
Arakan Army (AA) spokesperson Khaing Thukha said ''the Ethnic Armed Organizations, (EAOs) have liberated 14 of 17 of Rakhine State townships including Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State,'' saying ''the Arakan Army (AA) are fighting Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in Kachin and Shan states on the Myanmar China border.''
The Southeast Asian Times

United Nations calls on Cambodia to revoke law that revokes Cambodian citizenship for treason

Cambodia permanent representative to the United Nations, Dara In, at the 60th session United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Friday October 3, 2025
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh October 6: United Nations Special Rapporteur, Vitit Muntarbhorn, called on Cambodia to revoke the Cambodian National Assembly law that revoked Cambodian citizenship for Cambodians convicted of treason at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Friday, reports Phnom Penh Post.
United Nations Special Rapporteur, Vitit Muntarbhorn, recommended in the fifth report on human rights in Cambodia from June 2024 to June 2025 that Cambodia withdraw charges against political dissidents and ensure liberalization of civic and political space.
''The Cambodia government should work with the business sector to implement the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights,'' he said,
United Nations Special Rapporteur, Vitit Muntarbhorn, called for the non-application or revocation of the Cambodian law that was unanimously adopted by Cambodia's National Assembly on August 25, 2025 that enabled the revocation of Cambodian birthright citizenship for colluding with foreign powers.
Cambodia permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dara In, said that the United Nations Special Rapporteur Vitit Muntarbhorn had ignored Cambodia's foundation and international comparability in the recommendation for Cambodia to revoke the Cambodian citizenship for Cambodians convicted of treason.
''The Cambodian National Assembly law that revoked Cambodian citizenship for Cambodians convicted of treason does not silence dissent,'' he said.
He said the law safeguards sovereignty, affirms rights, balances national security with due process and strengthens resilience against unprecedented challenges, saying ''the law lists circumstances that would allow the revocation of Cambodian citizenship.''
National Assembly First Vice-President Cheam Yeap, said the amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution that allows the revocation of citizenship does not affect the monarchy or the original Constitutution, saying ''the amendement plays a key role in defending Cambodia from external interference.''
'Any Cambodian who commits treason by conspiring with foreigners to destroy the Khmer nation is no longer a Khmer citizen,'' he said.
Former Vice President, Eng Chhai Eang, of the dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) that was dissolved in the Supreme Court in 2017 claims ''Cambodia has no law that allows for the revocation of birth right citizenship.''
''I see the attempt to undo Khmer citizenship as a manipulative political strategy,'' he said.
He said that Article 33 of the Cambodian Constitution says that ''no Khmer citizen shall be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or extradited to another country except through mutual agreement.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam's State Owned Enterprises play central role in driving national economic growth

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung affirmed that State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) played a central role in national economic growth in Hanoi Tuesday September 30, 2025

From News Reports:
Hanoi, October 5: The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) affirmed in a draft resolution that State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) played a central role in national economic growth, with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, saying ''State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) must continue to serve as pioneers and leaders in driving national economic growth,'' reports the Vietnam News.
The Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired a meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday attended by the Ministry of Finance, the National Statistics Office of Vietnam and representatives from 26 major State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) saying ''the draft resolution aims to strengthen the economic role and performance of the State-owned economic sector.''
Deputy Minister of Finance, Ho Sy Hung, said the ministry would implement measures for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including State-owned banks, State-owned public services including education, healthcare, cultural services, public security, State-owned transport and accommodation, State-owned national reserves including national parks and cultural heritage sites, land, natural resources and public infrastructure to strengthen the economic role and performance of the State-owned economic sector.'
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung urged State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to define their responsibilities and strategic missions in today’s evolving economic landscape, urging State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) ''to develop long-term growth strategies that reflect the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) leadership role in the national economy.''
He called on the Ministry of Finance to consider all recommendations to ensure the final resolution drives meaningful change in the management and use of State resources, saying ''the goal is to create favourable conditions for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs)to achieve significant development in the future.''
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said ''State-owned enterprises (SOEs) have contributed significantly to budget revenues,'' saying ''some State-owned enterprises (SEs) holding strategic positions in the national economy and competing regionally.''
''Many SOEs operate less efficiently than private companies with the same resources and can be slow to innovate,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Time

PNG and Australia Mutual Defence Treaty approved by Cabinet with China expecting PNG to maintain strong bilateral relations

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape said ''our Constitution safeguards human rights, affirms our Christian heritage, and protects freedom of religion,'' at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York Friday September 26, 2025
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, October 4: The Papua New Guinea Cabinet approved the landmark Mutual Defence Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia on Monday with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape saying ''the Mutual Defence Treaty will elevate the two countries' security relationship to its highest level in history, and with China saying ''the Mutual Defence Treaty should not be exclusive in nature,'' reports the National
Papua New Guinea and Australia signed a "communique" on the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese official visit to Papua New Guinea for the 50th anniversary of independence from Australia on September 16, 2025 after the Papua New Guinea Cabinet failed to reach a quorum.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said after the Cabinet approval that the Mutual Defence Treaty would be processed in accordance with the Constitution with ratification presented to the Papua New Guinea Parliament, saying ''Australia will undertake its own ratification in the Parliament in Canberra.''
''The Mutual Defence Treaty elevates our relationship to the highest level, where force synergies, and capacity development for interoperability is reached,'' said Prime Minister James Marapa.
''Australia is our foundational relationship country,'' he said.
''We are geographically close and beyond geography, our people have coexisted well before 1975 and after independence,'' he said.
''Today, Australia remains our single biggest bilateral partner, and consistent with our past, we are shaping our future,'' he said.
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said the Mutual Defence Treaty is not just about maintaining barracks and boats, saying ''We are investing in both hardware and software for defence so that we can effectively police our borders and safeguard our nation.''
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, said during the signing of the ''communique" between Australia and Papua New Guinea after the Papua New Guinea Cabinet fail to reach a quorum last month, ''China respects Papua New Guinea’s right to enter a bilateral treaty with any country voluntarily.''
''However, the Mutual Defence Treaty should not be exclusive in nature,'' said spokesman, Lin Jian.
''The Mutual Defence Treaty should not restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party,'' said spokesperson, Lin Jian.
''The treaty should not target any third party or undermine its legitimate rights and interests,'' said spokesperson, Lin Jian.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said that the China expected Papua New Guinea to continue to uphold its independence and self-reliance.'
''China expects Papua News Guinea to work with China to maintain strong bilateral relations,'' said China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia closes 1,500 illegal mines
with instructions to identify rare earth minerals in mining waste

President Prabowo Subianto at the 6th National Conference of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) in Jakarta on Monday September 29, 2025
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 3: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ordered the unprecedented closure of up to 1,500 illegal mines across Indonesia including tin-producing mines in Bangka Belitung Islands off Sumatra with instructions for metallurgists to identify Rare earth elements (REEs) in mining waste on Monday, reports Antara.
President Prabowo Subianto said that illegal mining in the Bangka Belitung Islands is rampant and undermines legitimate operations and regulatory frameworks with artisanal miners operating in dangerous conditions.
''The extracting resources enter global supply chains without proper documentation or traceability,'' he said.
''The closure of illegal mines will prevent state losses of up to 45 trillion rupiah (US$2.8 billion) by 2026,'' he said
"About 80 percent of tin production from Bangka Belitung has been smuggled abroad through various channels, from small boats to passenger ferries," he said
''The potential of Rare earth elements (REEs) contained in mining waste has long been overlooked despite the high value of the mineral,'' he said.
He instructed the Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance to recruit metallurgists to identify Rare earth elements (REEs) in mining waste.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, a former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad in the New Order regime of former president Suharto, revived the authority of the New Order regime, showing a shift in enforcement compared to the previous administration of President Joko Widodo.
He identified illegal mining operations across Indonesia as both an economic and sovereign concern including illegal nickel mining, saying ''Indonesia possesses the world's largest nickel reserves making it a prime target for illegal extraction operations.
He said that coal mining operates illegally throughout Kalimantan and Sumatra extracting millions of tons without permits or environmental safeguards.
''These operations use substandard extraction methods that maximise short term yields causing long-term environmental damage,'' he said.
The widespread nature of illegal mining operations including gold, copper and various Rare earth elements (REEs) present complex enforcement challenges spanning multiple islands and jurisdictions.
The Southeast Asian Times

International Criminal Court suspends ''war on drugs'' hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine former president Rodrigo Duterte on video in background at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, on Friday March 14, 2025
From News Reports:
Manila, October 2: Defence lawyer for Philippine former President Rodrigo Duterte claims that ''President Rodrigo Duterte has shown signs of cognitive impairment that could affect his response to alleged murder charges in the war on drugs campaigne,'' with the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I suspending the scheduled hearing on September 23, reports Philippine Inquirer.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is in detention in The Hague, Netherlands, after an arrest warrant was issued by the Prosecution for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague in March, 2025, for the crimes against humanity, of murder, torture and rape in the ''war on drugs campaigne'' after the judges of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 assessed the material submitted by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I postponed the hearing that was scheduled to start on 23 September 2025 after defence lawyer Nicholas Kaufman for former President Rodrigo Duterte requested and indefinite adjournment of the hearing, saying '' Rodrigo Duterte is not fit to stand trial.''
Defence Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said that new medical records of The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I have been submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I.
He said the new medical records have been submitted in a five page document to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I about the former President Rodrigo Duterte medical condition.
''Duterte’s medical condition warrants litigation of the matter before a confirmation of murder charges in a hearing is held,'' he said.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I suspended the confirmation of charges after the defence argument that former president Rodrigo Duterte is unfit to stand trial, saying ''former president Rodrigo Duterte is having difficulties recalling events. dates and even members of his own family.''
In March 2025 the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied for an arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte for the crimes against humanity of murder, torture and rape after the judges of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 assessed the material submitted by the Prosecution.
Judges Reine Alapini-Gansou, Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Socorro Flores Liera of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 assessed the material submitted by the Prosecution and found reasonable grounds to believe that former President Rodrigo Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian government ministers at State Owned Enterprises banned from moonlighting at private enterprises

Indonesian Constitutional Court bans government ministers from holding concurrent posts at State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises Thurs August 28, 2025
From News Reports:
Jakarta, October 1: The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the government under President Prabowo Subianto approved the draft bill on the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Law on September 26, after a Presidential Letter to the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) dated September 19 and after the Constitutional Court banned ministers from holding concurrent posts in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises on August, 28, reports Jakarta globe.
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Investment Commission VI chairwoman, Anggia Ermarini, said that all eight party factions supported the revised 84 articles of the existing SOE Law, saying ''eight factions in SOEs and Investment Commission VI have agreed to bring the bill to the 6th Plenary Session for second-level discussions,”
Justice Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, representing the Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto said ''the revisions accommodate legal requirements, Constitutional Court rulings, and the demand for modern governance.''
''It is important to ensure State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are more transparent, professional, and able to deliver optimal benefits for the state and society,'' he said.
The House of Representatives, speaker Puan Maharani, read a Presidential letter dated September 19 during the 5th Plenary Session on September 23 that effectively began legislation procedures for the draft bill that bans government ministers from holding concurrent posts in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises.
In May 2025 Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto reprimanded State Owned Enterprise (SOE) directors at a meeting with sovereign wealth fund, Anagata Nusantara Power Investment Management Agency (Danantara),
that manages the State Owned Enterprise (SOE) operations warning that State Owned Enterprise (SOE) directors who fail to contribute to Indonesia's economic growth would be replaced.
He called on all State Owned Enterprise (SOE) directors to abandon inefficient or deviant practices, saying ''the performance of directors must be evaluated thoroughly including an assessment of integrity and professionalism.''
President Prabowo Subianto called on State Owned Enterprise (SOE) directors to improve efficiency, ordering Anagata Nusantara Power Investment Management Agency (Danantara) board of directors to evaluate the performance of State Owned Enterprise (SOE) directors.
“We must manage Danantara properly,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia calls for reforms of United Nations veto powers to give developing global south countries a decisive voice

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan calls for reform of United Nations veto powers at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Saturday September 27, 2025
From News Reports:
New York, September 30: Malaysia called for reform of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) veto powers to give economic developing ''global south'' countries a decisive voice in global governance on Saturday, with China saying at the Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday ''China's status as a developing country is key to China's position as leader in the ''global south'', reports the New Straits Times.
Malaysia Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan warned at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York that developing countries of the ''global south'' including China, India, Brazil and South Africa, ''will no longer tolerate being side-lined in global governance.''
''Malaysia calls for sweeping reforms to give the ''global south'' a decisive voice in international finance and decision making,'' he said.
He said the ''global south'' constitutes the majority of the world's population, saying ''yet the ''global south'' remains under-represented in decision-making, under-served in development financing and side-lined in global governance.''
''These imbalances must be corrected,'' he said.
He said the voices, needs and aspirations of the 'global south' are not secondary, saying ''we cannot build a fairer international order without the 'global south' at its centre.''
He said reform to curb or abolish United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) veto powers is no longer a choice, saying ''it is our imperative.''
"Malaysia will continue to advocate for dignity, equity and opportunity for all developing nations,'' he said.
China Ministry of Commerce International Trade representative,
Li Chenggang, said at the Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday that China's renouncement of the Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement that prohibits fishing subsidies ''did not mean that China's self-designated status as a developing country, that is key to Beijing’s positioning as leader in the Global South, has changed.''
''The renouncement is an important step for China to uphold the multilateral trading system that is facing serious challenges including hegemonism and unilateralism,'' he said
He said that China remains the world largest developing country, saying ''China's status and identity as a developing country have not changed.''
''China has always been a member of the Global South and will always stand with developing countries,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Pro-Palestine movement hangs effigy of US President Trump upside down at US embassy in Kuala Lumpur

Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) a Palestine-led anti-Israel movement including pro-Palestine Anti-Imperialist Coalition Movement (Gegar) activists in Malaysia hang effigy of United States President Donald Trump upside at United Staes embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday September 26, 2025
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 29: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) a Palestine-led anti Israel movement including pro-Palestine Anti-Imperialist Coalition Movement (Gegar) activists in Malaysia accused the Malaysian government of contradicting its pro-Palestine stance by welcoming United States President Donald Trump and officials to the 47th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, showing their discontent by hanging an effigy of United States President Donald Trump upside down at the United States embassy in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur on Friday, reports Straits Times.
The Palestine-led anti Israel movement activists in Malaysia hung an effigy of United States President Donald Trump upside down at the United States Embassy, rejecting the United States participation in the 47th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit scheduled in Kuala Lumpur next month, after protesting at the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), the Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS), and the Senior Enlisted Leaders Forum (SELF) 2025 co-hosted by Malaysia and the United States at the Intercontinental Hotel 24 on Wednesday.
The Palestine-led anti Israel movement activists in Malaysia also protested against the United States participation in the 47th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the office of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Selangor.
Activists also protested against the participation of the United States at Caltex petrol stations in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang, urging motorists to boycott the Caltex brand that operates in Israel's offshore gas fields.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN chair 2025, said on February 6, that Malaysia disagreed with the United States proposal to resettle Palestinians from Gaza after the United States President Donald Trump proposal to resettle two million Palestinians to neighbouring countries, with Malaysia saying ''we will issue a joint statement after receiving consensus from all ASEAN members,''
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said ''U.S President Donald Trump's proposal to help with the reconstruction of the enclave after 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas is a very generous offer.''
''In the interim, obviously people are going to have to live somewhere else,'' he said.
He said that the U.S. has the ability to help with debris removal, help with munitions removal, help with reconstruction, the rebuilding of homes and businesses so that people can move back.
On May 14, 2018 United States President Donald Trump recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv during the first term of his presidency January 20, 2017 to January 20, 2021.
United States President Donald Trump acted under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 that accepts Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and requires the United States to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in the United States decision to relocate the embassy
On October 18, 2022 the Australia's Labor Party foreign minister, Penny Wong, reversed the previous Liberal government recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, with foreign minister Penny Wong, saying "the government regrets the decision made by the previous administration and reiterates committment to a two-state solution,"
Australia's foreign Minister Penny Wong said that "Australia will no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel," reversing a decision taken by the Liberal government of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison in 2018.
"Australia’s embassy would remain in Tel Aviv," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali hospital denies organ theft after dead tourist is repatriated to Australia without his heart

Australian Fly-in-Fly-Out (FIFO) worker Byron Haddow, 23, was returned to Australia after his death in Bali on May 30, 2025
From News Reports:
Bali: Denpasar public hospital, Ngoerahi has denied organ theft after an Australian tourist, who was admitted on May 26 after he was reportedly found dead in a swimming pool at a tourist resort, was repatriated to his family in Queensland, Australia four weeks later for his parents to find that his heart had been removed and retained in Bali, reports Reuters.
The body of Australian Fly-in-Fly-Out (FIFO) worker Byron Haddow, 23, was returned to his parents, Robert Allan Haddow and Chantal Maree Haddow, in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland four weeks after his death on May 30, but unknown to the parents then that their sons' heart had been removed and retained in Bali.
Denpasar public hospital, Ngoerah, Dr. Nola Margaret Gunawan, who performed an autopsy on Byron Haddow, 23, said ''for forensic purposes, his heart was tested and was kept behind when the family repatriated the body home.''
Parents Robert Allan Haddow and Chantal Maree Haddow are demanding answers from the Denpasar public hospital Ngoerah, asking ''why the hospital held their sons' heart until August 11.
The Denpasar public hospital, Ngoerah, returned the heart to parents Robert Allan Haddow and Chantal Maree Haddow in Australia on August 11, after Bali lawyers Ni Luh Arie Ratna Sukasari had requested the hospital provide a legal basis for keeping the heart.
The Bali lawyers said the hospital did not respond to the letter of request, saying ''instead of responding, the Ngoerah hospital immediately arranged for the return of the heart to Australia without providing proper clarification.''
''The hospital requested parents Robert Allan Haddow and Chantal Maree Haddow pay $700 AUD to cover the cost of sending the organ back to Australia,'' said the lawyers.
The Bali lawyers said that the Denpasar public hospital, Ngoerah, has not replied to requests that the hospital provide a legal basis for keeping the heart, why the hospital did not request consent to retain the heart? and why the hospital conducted a separate autopsy on the body and the heart?
The Bali lawyers released a statement on Wednesday maintaining that Byron Haddow, 23, death is highly suspicious and warrants further investigation, saying ''while the cause of Byron Haddow, 23, death remains unresolved, his parents Robert Allan Haddow and Chantal Maree Haddow were shocked to learn from the Queensland Coroners Court that Byron’s heart had been removed and retained in Bali without their knowledge or consent,” the statement said.
The death of Byron Haddow, 23, is now the subject of an open coronial investigation with the Coroners Court of Queensland in the state of Australia.
The Coroners Court of Queensland is conducting DNA testing to determine whether the heart that arrived from Bali after the body of Byron Haddow, 23, is his, saying ''there is still no certainty.''
The Southeast Asian Times

China gives up economic developing country status with WTO: Beijing's position on Global South not changed

From News Reports:
New York, September 27: China gave up economic developing country status for Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in a new World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement that prohibits fishing subsidies, with China saying giving up developing status does not mean that Beijing position in the Global South has not changed,'' at a meeting convened by China on Global Development Initiative (GDI) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday, reports Associated Press.
World Trade Organization (WTO), Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said the ''WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members formally accepted the agreement.'' She said that the WTO land mark

China Premier Li Qiang, left, World Trade Organization (WTO), Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York Wednesday September 24, 2025
agreement on fisheries subsidies was adopted in June 17, 2022, saying ''the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is the first multilateral trade agreement focused on ocean sustainability.''
''The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal fishing,'' said World Trade Organization (WTO), Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
China Premier Li Qiang said that China will no longer seek economic developing country benefits in the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement that prohibit fishing subsidies that entered into force on September 15, 2025.
''China as a major responsible developing country will not seek access to new special and differential treatment (SDT) in current and future WTO negotiations,'' he said at the Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting attended by ministerial level official from more than 30 counties and including the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
''China's vision and practices are highly consistent with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,'' said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
China Ministry of Commerce International Trade representative, Li Chenggang, said at the Global Development Initiative (GDI)
meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday that China's renouncement of the
Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement that prohibits fishing subsidies
''did not mean that China's self-designated status as a developing country, that is key to Beijing’s positioning as leader in the Global South, has changed.''
''The renouncement is an important step for China to uphold the multilateral trading system that is facing serious challenges including hegemonism and unilateralism,'' he said
He said that China remains the world largest developing country, saying ''China's status and identity as a developing country have not changed.''
''China has always been a member of the Global South and will always stand with developing countries,'' he said.
The Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday agreed to uphold multilateralism, reform and improve global governance, promote open and inclusive development and safeguard the common interests of the international community, particularly economic developing, economic less developed or economic underdeveloped countries in the Global South that includes Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam calls for reform of the United Nations after endorsement of China's global governance

State President Luong Cuong at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday September 23, 2025
From News Reports:
New York, September 26: Vietnam called for the reform of multilateral institutions including the United Nations at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, after the United Nations endorsement of the China proposal for global governance and the United States saying ''the United Nations is funding an assault on Western countries and their border,'' reports the Vietnam News.
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres endorsed the proposal for Global Governance Initiative (GGI) initiated by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary President of China, Xi Jinping, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) earlier this month, saying ''the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is anchored in multilateralism.''
''The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law,'' he said.
Vietnam President, Luong Cuong, called for the reform of multilateral institutions including the United Nations at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) including the reform of international financial and monetary system.
The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China President XI Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was also endorsed by the Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Horne and six of ten ASEAN member nations, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam and 19 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, observer, and dialogue partners including India and Russia and including former Premier of the state of Victoria, Australia, Daniel Andrews, member of the Socialist Left faction of the Australia Labor Party (ALP).
United States President Donald Trump said in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, ''a dramatically better future is within our reach, but to get there, we must reject the failed approaches of the past and work together to confront some of the greatest threats in history.''
''Not only is the United Nations not solving the problems it should, too often it actually creates new problems for us to solve,'' he said.
He said the best example is the number one political issue of our time, the crisis of uncontrolled migration, saying ''it's uncontrolled.''
''your countries are being ruined,'' he said.
He said the United Nations is funding an assault on Western countries and their border, saying ''in 2024 the United Nations budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 migrants journeying into the United States.''
''The UN is supporting people that are illegally coming into the United States and then we have to get them out,'' he said.
United States President Donald Trump said at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, ''
the United Nations also provides food, shelter, transportation, and debit cards to illegal aliens, saying ''can you believe that, on the way to infiltrate our southern border.''
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S. questions United Nations role in endorsement of China's proposal for global governance

United States President Donald Trump at the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday September 23, 2025
From News Reports:
New York, September 25: United States President Donald Trump asked United Nations officials Heads of State and Governments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday ...''whether the United Nations can manage to play a productive role,'' said President Donald Trump in response to the
United Nations endorsement of the proposal by China for global governance, reports the United Nations General Assembly.
''I've come here today to offer the hand of American leadership and friendship to any nation in this assembly that is willing to join us in forging a safer, more prosperous world,'' said United States President Donald Trump.
United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres endorsed the proposal for Global Governance Initiative (GGI) initiated by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) general secretary President of China, Xi Jinping, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) earlier this month, saying ''the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) is anchored in multilateralism.''
''The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law,'' he said.
The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China President XI Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was endorsed by the Secretary General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Horne , including six of ten ASEAN member nations, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Vietnam and 19 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, observer, and dialogue partners including India and Russia and including former Premier of the state of Victoria, Australia, Daniel Andrews.
United States President Donald Trump said in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, ''a dramatically better future is within our reach, but to get there, we must reject the failed approaches of the past and work together to confront some of the greatest threats in history.''
''Not only is the United Nations not solving the problems it should, too often it actually creates new problems for us to solve,'' he said.
He said the best example is the number one political issue of our time, the crisis of uncontrolled migration, saying ''it's uncontrolled.''
''your countries are being ruined,'' he said.
He said the United Nations is funding an assault on Western countries and their border, saying ''in 2024 the United Nations budgeted $372 million in cash assistance to support an estimated 624,000 migrants journeying into the United States.''
''The UN is supporting people that are illegally coming into the United States and then we have to get them out,'' he said.
United States President Donald Trump said at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, ''
the United Nations also provided food, shelter, transportation, and debit cards to illegal aliens, saying ''can you believe that, on the way to infiltrate our southern border.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's Labor Party votes for statehood for Palestine against United States long-standing US policy

Australian Labor Party (ALP) centre-left, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, recognized Palestine as a sovereign state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday September 22, 2025
From News Reports:
New York, September 24: Australia, UK, Canada, France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and Portugal recognised Palestine as a sovereign state at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday, bringing member countries for Palestine as a sovereign state to 157 of 193 UNGA members, with UN secretary-general António Guterres saying "statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward," and the United States saying that statehood for Palestine is against long-standing US policy, reports Rueters.
Australian Labor Party (ALP) centre-left, Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said "in recognising Palestine as a sovereign state, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people.''
'He said Palestine statehood means more than a seat, a vote in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying 'it means real hope for a place they can call home.''
"This is the same hope that sustained generations of Jewish people,'' he said.
Opposition Australian Liberal Party (ALP) centre-right, leader, Sussan Ley, assured Republican Party United States, right, members of congress ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday ''a coalition government would revoke Australia's formal recognition of Palestine''.
She assured Republican Party United States, right, members of congress that the opposition Australian Liberal Party (ALP) centre-right, who had advised Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and leaders of the UK and Canada that their countries could be penalized for recognizing Palestine, that a coalition government would revoke Australia's formal recognition of Palestine.
"Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing US policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response," said the United States Republicans.
Australia's Labor Party (ALP) centre-left, foreign minister, Penny Wong, reversed the previous Australian Liberal Party (ALP) centre-right recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in October 2022, with the foreign minister, saying "the government regrets the decision made by the previous administration and reiterates commitment to two-state solution."
She said that Australia would no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, saying "Australia’s embassy would remain in Tel Aviv.
In May 2018 United States President Donald Trump recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv during the first term of his presidency January 20, 2017 to January 20, 2021
United States President acted under the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 that accepts Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and requires the United States to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in the United States decision to relocate the embassy
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines demand prosecution for embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects

Thousands of Filipino's at Rizal Park, Luneta in Manila in the 'Trillion Peso March' demanding prosecution and jail for those involved in the embezzlement of trillions of peso's from government funds for ghost flood control projects on Sunday, September 21, 2025

From News Reports:
Manila, September 23: Thousands of Filipino's took to the streets in metro Manila in the 'Trillion Peso March' on the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, demanding prosecution for those involved in the embezzlement of government funds for ghost flood control projects, with Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list representative, Leila de Lima, saying ''the 'Trillion Peso March' highlights the need to remember Martial Law abuses,' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''The rally highlights not only the need to remember Martial Law abuses but also growing outrage over corruption,'' she said.
''The Trillion Peso March is a peaceful rally to express anger and demands action and is the right process,'' she said.
''Anything less than prosecuting and jailing the corrupt will not satisfy the people,'' said Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list representative, Leila de Lima.
Thousands of Filipino's in the Visayan cities of Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tagbilaran and Tacloban, also took to the streets in a local version of the ''Trillion Peso March'' demanding accountability and punishment for those involved in the embezzlement of three trillion peso's in government funds for ghost flood control projects that have left residents stranded.
Participants in the ''Trillion Peso March'' demanded imprisonment and the death penalty for those in both the government and the private sector who have embezzled trillions of peso's in public funds meant for flood control projects.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, press officer, Claire Castro, said ''the President is not afraid that these protests could escalate into his dismissal.''
She said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is monitoring the protests conducted nationwide, saying ''despite calls for his resignation he is confident of completing his term.''
''President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, called on Filipino's to express their anger against all those involved in the systemic corruption in the government,'' she said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is investigating the embezzlement of government funds in ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.
Wawao Builders Corporation is among 15 contractors under investigation for embezzled of about P100 billion or 20 percent of almost 10,000 flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025.
Wawao Builders Corporation president, Mark Allan Villamor Arevalo, was invited to attend a Senate Committee inquiry, with the inquiry Senator Rodante Marcoleta, saying "no reply as of now.''
Wawao Builders won P9-billion for flood control contracts nationwide including 85 projects amounting to P5.971 billion.
The Southeast Asian Times

King of Thailand endorses convicted drug smuggler to new Bhumjaithai Party cabinet

Thamanat Prompow, 60, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives in the new pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party cabinet Bangkok, Saturday September 20, 2025
From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 22: The appointment of 36 new Cabinet members by the new pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, includes pro-monarchy Palang Pracharath party (PPRP) former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thammanat Prompao, 60, who was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, receiving Royal endorsement despite serving a four-year prison sentence for drug smuggling in Australia in 1994, reports Bangkok Post.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand endorsed 36 Cabinet members who hold 41 seats from three coalition parties, with 12 Bhumjaithai Party members holding 14 seats, 7 Kla Tham members holding 8 seats, 4 pro-monarchy, pro-Royal Thai Armed Forces Palang Pracharath party (PPRP) members holding 4 seats, 3 pro-monarchy, pro-Royal Thai Armed Forces Ruam Thai Sang Chart members holding 4 seats, 1 Pheu Thai Party member holding 1 seat, and nine with no political party membership appointed by Bhumjaithai’s quotas holding 10 seats.
Thammanat Prompao, 60, who was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives by the new Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, had pleaded guilty to heroin trafficking in Sydney in Australia in 1991.
Thammanat Prompao, 60, also known as Tamant Prompow, Yuthaphum Bophlom, Manat Bophlom, and Patchara Prompao, spent four years of a six year sentence in a Sydney jail for trafficking in heroin with a street value of $4.1 million was deported on his release on April 14, 1997.
In July 2020 the then opposition Move Forward Party Member of Parliament, Pita Limjaroenrat, submitted a motion for impeachment of Member of Parliament, Thammanat Prompao under Section 98(10) of the constitution that prohibited anyone found guilty of a narcotics trafficking offence from standing for election to parliament.
On May 5, 2021 the Constitutional Court rejected the coalition of opposition members of parliament lead by then Move Forward Party (MFP), submission to expel the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thammanat Prompao, from the Thailand parliament, saying that the Minister is qualified to hold a position in the parliament despite his conviction and imprisonment in Australia for trafficking in heroin.
The Consititution Court ruled that a conviction must be made in a Thai court not a foreign court in order for Thammanat Prompao to be disqualified from a position as Member of Parliament and cabinet member.
The Southeast Asian Times

China stands to lose from a Mutual Defence Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea

Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, left, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, right, sign a joint communique agreeing to the new Mutual Defence Treaty after the Papua New Guinea cabinet failed to achieve quorum on Monday, reportedly due to Papua New Guinea Independence celebrations, Wednesday September 17, 2025
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 21: Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a joint communique agreeing to the
the new Mutual Defence Treaty after the Papua New Guinea cabinet failed to achieve quorum on Monday, reportedly due to
Papua New Guinea Independence celebrations, with China saying, ''China expects Papua News Guinea to work with China to maintain strong bilateral relations,'' and with the Lowy Institute saying ''China is the only party that would stand to lose from a Mutual Defence Treaty between Australia and Papua News Guinea, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian said ''the Mutual Defence Treaty should not restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperation with a third party.''
The Papua New Guinea cabinet is yet to approve the new Mutual Defence Treaty that ensures that any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty.
The new Mutual Defence Treaty agrees that an armed attack on Australia or Papua New Guinea would be a danger to the peace and security of both countries.
The new Mutual Defence Treaty aims to ''strengthen and expand defence cooperation with enhanced capability, interoperability and integration ensuring that any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty.''
''Papua New Guinea reaffirms absolute respect for both countries' absolute respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,'' states the new Mutual Defence Treaty.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, said ''China respects Papua New Guinea’s right to enter a bilateral treaty with any country voluntarily.''
''However, the Mutual Defence Treaty should not be exclusive in nature,'' said spokesman, Lin Jian
''The Mutual Defence Treaty should not restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party,'' said spokesperson, Lin Jian.
''The treaty should not target any third party or undermine its legitimate rights and interests,'' said spokesperson, Lin Jian.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said that the China expected Papua New Guinea to continue to uphold its independence and self-reliance.'
''China expects Papua News Guinea to work with China to maintain strong bilateral relations,'' said China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian,
Pacific Island Countries (PICs) programme at the Lowy Institute Program Director, Mihai Sora, said in May, 2025 Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia in September 2025 offers both nations a symbolic milestone to showcase their enduring partnership.
''It is an opportunity to cement ties in an atmosphere of mutual respect, helping to dispel the perceptions of neocolonial interference that defence negotiations may trigger,'' he said.
"China is the only party that would stand to lose from a Mutual Defence Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea," he said.
"It would be naive to think that China hasn't been lobbying intensively this year against the Mutual Defence Treaty," he said, describing it as a "diplomatic knife fight in the Pacific."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian legislators drafting Bill for cap on share of fares for ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers

''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday September 17, 2025
From News Reports:
Jakarta, September 20: The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) is drafting a Bill to protect informal workers including ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers' who called for the prosecution for the death of an ''Ojol'' killed during protests last month, reports the Jakarta Post.
House of Representatives (DPR) chairman, Bob Hasan, said on Wednesday that the proposal for regulations to protect ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers, who called for a cap on the share of fares for each job at 10 percent, is on the list for deliberation in 2026.
''The proposed regulations are aimed at protecting informal workers,'' he said.
''The House of Representatives would begin drafting the Bill on Thursday in a session to be attended by Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas,'' he said.
Hundreds of 'Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers want legislators to cap the share of fares for each job at 10 percent,'' saying
''the cap at 10 percent would allow drivers to keep 90 percent of the fare compared with the 80 percent currently received.''
The ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi drivers also demanded that the Indonesian National Police prosecute those responsible for the death of ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, 21, who was killed in a protest against economic inequality on August 28.
''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, 21, died in Central Jakarta after he was struck by a National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tactical vehicle during protests demanding that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto revoke the law that had allowed 580 members of the House of Representatives a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($4,739) per month since September 2024.
Thousands of students began protesting at Parliament House on August 25 moving on to the Jakarta Police Headquarters on August 29 after ''Ojol'' online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, 21, was struck by a National Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tactical vehicle during violent clashes between the police and students on August 28.
Affan Kurniawan, 21, died in hospital from his injuries, with the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) deputy chairperson for research, Arif Maulana, urging the Indonesian National Police to investigate his death.
''Police had fired water canon and tear gas to move the protesters at Parliament House in Jakarta,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australian flag lowered not buried at Papua New Guinea commemoration of 50th anniversary of independence

British Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward was presented with the Australian flag in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Independence of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Wednesday September 16, 2025

From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 19: The Australian flag was lowered in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Independence in the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby on Tuesday with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, reaffirming the commitment made on 16 September 1975 by the then Papua New Guinea governor general ''we are lowering the Australian flag, not burying it,'' reports the National.
''At one minute past midnight on 16 September 1975, our first governor general, Sir John Guise, declared to the world, Papua New Guinea is now independent,'' said Prime Minister James Marape.
Prime Minister James Marape, said the first governor general of Papua New Guinea, Sir John Guise, said ''we are lowering the Australian flag, not burying it.''
''Out of many, we became one, united under a single flag that was hoisted for the first time, said Papua New Guinea Prime Minster James Marape.
Prime Minister James Marape said the words of the first governor general of Papua New Guinea, Sir John Guise ''captured the goodwill in which independence was born not out of anger, but out of respect, humility, and faith in the future of Papua New Guinea.''
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said both Papua New Guinea and Australia shared a deep history, saying ''fifty years ago, on this very ground in Port Moresby, former Australia Prime Minister Gough Whitlam stood side by side with Papua New Guinea’s first Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare to mark the birth of Papua New Guinea as an independent country.''
''Now, the Papua New Guinea flag proudly flies on these grounds,'' he said.
''Today we honour the rich history and the deep ties between our nation built on shared history, values and an enduring bond,'' said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Papua New Guinea Governor-General, Sir Bob Dadae, said after the Australian flag was lowered and presented to the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, ''Papua New Guinea is deeply honoured by the presence of your Royal Highness on the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea Independence.''
''His Majesty, the King has been gracious, and as a nation, sharing this special occasion in your presence, is significant to our 50th Independence anniversary celebrations,'' said Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown and Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupoutoa Ulukalala including Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Pabitra Margherita who represented India Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi also attended 50th anniversary of Independence in Papua New Guinea.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia and Papua New Guinea agree on text of new Bilateral Security Treaty without the word alliance

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, right, at the lowering of the Australian flag and raising of the Papua New Guinea flag in Port Moresby Tuesday September 16, 2025
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 18: Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, signed a joint communique agreeing to the text of the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) that excludes the word alliance after approval was delayed by the Papua New Guinea cabinet on Monday, reportedly due to Papua New Guinea Independence celebrations, reports Reuters.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Papua New Guinea's cabinet could not reach quorum to approve the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST), that recognised that an armed attack on Australia or Papua New Guinea would be a danger to the peace and security of both countries, on Monday.
''Ministers were absent on Monday due to the 50th anniversary commemorations,'' said Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Papua New Guinea cabinet is yet to approve the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) that includes ''strengthening and expanding defence cooperation through enhanced capability, interoperability and integration, ensuring any activities, agreements or arrangements with third parties would not compromise the ability of either of the Parties to implement the Treaty.''
''Papua New Guinea reaffirms absolute respect for both countries' absolute respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,'' states the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) .
Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute Program Director, Mihai Sora, said in May, 2025 Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia in September 2025 offers both nations a symbolic milestone to showcase their enduring partnership.
''It is an opportunity to cement ties in an atmosphere of mutual respect, helping to dispel the perceptions of neocolonial interference that defence negotiations may trigger,'' he said.
"China is the only party that would stand to lose from a mutual defence arrangement between Australia and Papua New Guinea," he said.
"It would be naive to think that China hasn't been lobbying intensively this year against the treaty," he said, describing it as a "diplomatic knife fight in the Pacific."
On February 20, 2025 the new proposed Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) was rejected by Papua New Guinea over sovereignty concerns over the use of the word alliance in the proposed treaty, with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape saying then ''Papua New Guinea did not agree on certain words used in the revised June 10, 2023 Bilateral Security Treaty (BST).
"Papua New Guinea felt that the word alliance encroach on our sovereign rights," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia asks if new PNG Security Treaty includes clause against PNG security Treaty with China

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, left, Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese , centre and British Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, celebrate 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea independence in Port Moresby Monday September 15, 2025
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 17: Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, arrived in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday to attend celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the independence of Papua New Guinea from Australia and to sign the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST), with the Lowy Institute asking ''if the agreement includes a clause that meant Papua New Guinea could not pursue similar deals with other countries such as China,'' reports Australian Associated Press.
''The landmark agreement will integrate forces on either side of the Torres Strait and could trigger mutual support in cases of conflict,'' said Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese.
''The new Bilateral Security Treaty will also enable Papua New Guinea nationals to serve in Australia's defence force with the same pay as other members and start a pathway to citizenship,'' he said.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) is an upgrade in our security relationship to a treaty level, saying ''the sort of level that we have with the United States and our important allies.''
Lowy Institute Research fellow, Oliver Nobetau, said ''the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) is Papua New Guinea's first defence agreement with another nation and deeply significant for the nation.''
''The world is waiting to learn if it includes an exclusivity clause that meant Papua New Guinea could not pursue similar deals with other countries such as China,'' he said.
"We can define that as a sort of holy grail of security partnerships in the Pacific and if you can get that, it can signal a return to greater regional stability," said Lowy Institute Research fellow Oliver Nobetau.
He said that Papua New Guinea is one of three nations in the Pacific with a military alongside Fiji and Tonga, saying ''Papua New Guinea viewed itself as a big brother in the Pacific and was seeking a more dominant role as it marked 50 years since gaining independence from Australia,'' he said.
''We may see Papua New Guinea play a greater role in influencing other countries as well," he said.
Australia Monash University historian of development, empire and decolonisation on Australia's role in the Asia-Pacific Nick Ferns, said ''the Papua New Guinea school curriculum did not focus on Australia as a colonial power.''
''When I speak to Papua New Guineas teachers and I spend time harping about Australia governing Papua New Guinea I’m often met with surprise,'' he said.
He said that World War II history of Australians fighting along the Kokoda Track and elsewhere in Papua New Guinea all happened on what was then deemed to be Australian territory.
The Southeast Asian Times

Seven years in prison for criticism of Myanmar military under new rules ahead of general elections in December

Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar deputy chief Soe Win, Prime Minister Nyo Saw, Chief Executive Aung Lin Dwe, and officials and Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar chief Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday August 30. 2025
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, September 16: Ko Nay Thway, 36, who was sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labour in the Taunggyi township court in the Shan state of Myanmar for allegedly criticising the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, is the first to be charged under the new ''Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction,'' that was introduced in August 2025 ahead of the Myanmar general elections scheduled for December 2025, reports the Associated Press.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that forcibly took over the elected League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, charged Ko Nay Thway, 36, for posting a video deemed critical of the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar on his facebook account ''Lashio Baegyi'' on August 25.
Ko Nay Thway, 36, showed a video of a car robbery that involved an assault on a female driver on his facebook account that has since been removed.
He criticised the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar for urging the people of Myanamar to partake in the upcoming December 2025 elections without first ensuring safety in urban areas.
''Look at it with your own eyes,'' he said.
''If you want the votes from the people, think of serving the people,'' he said.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC) chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, signed the new ''Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction,'' in Naypyitaw on Tuesday 29 July 2025 saying ''anyone who orates, speaks, organizes, incites, protests or distributes letters to disrupt any part of the electoral process shall be punished with three years to 10 years in prison including a fine.''
''Anyone who threatens, obstructs, abuses or severely hurts any personnel of the election commission, candidates or voters could be sentenced to three years to life in prison,'' states the new law.
''Whoever destroys or damages any equipment or materials used in elections, including ballot papers, or any related building or structure, could get five years to life in prison,'' states the new law.
''If the action results in the death of a person, each person involved shall be sentenced to death,'' states the new law.
''A security committees will be formed to monitor the activities of internal and international organizations that may threaten security during the election period,'' states the new law.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) of Myanmar said on Tuesday that the Union Election Commission (UEC) had revoked registration and dissolved four political parties for failing to meet the required number of party members and party office.
About 60 political parties including the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)
have registered to stand for election in December 2025.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia and Papua New Guinea
sign new Bilateral Security Treaty to protect each others territories

Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence, Billy Joseph, said ''Australia is secure when Papua New Guinea is secure, and Papua New Guinea is secure when Australia is secure,'' at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute ASPI defence conference in Canberra Wednesday June 4, 2025
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, September 15: Australia and Papua New Guinea will be totally integrated in the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) to be signed by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) today, with Papua New Guinea Defence Minister, Billy Joseph saying ''the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) was a mutual defence treaty that would see Australia and Papua New Guinea together defend each other’s territories,'' reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
''We’re not talking about interoperability, we’re talking about totally integrated forces,'' he said.
''The new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) will allow the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to recruit Papua New Guinea citizens and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to recruit Australian citizens.''
''Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) will be working together, using the same equipment, fighting together, defending our sovereignties as an integrated force,'' he said.
Papua New Guinea Defence Minister, Billy Joseph, said the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) between Australia and Papua New Guinea would contain an article similar to Article Four of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) founding treaty, saying ''NATO member countries must consult when any of them feels their territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened.''
''I expect unanimous support for the agreement within Papua New Guinea’s parliament that will need to ratify the agreement for it to take effect,'' he said.
In February 2025 Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, and Papua New Guinea Defence Minister, Billy Joseph, agreed that a new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST), would build on the Bilateral Security Treaty (BST), that was proposed on June 10, 2023, saying that the new Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) would enhance strategic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia in accordance with the August 5, 2020 Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP) agreement.
The proposed Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) on June 10, 2023 was rejected by Papua New Guinea over sovereignty concerns in the wording of the proposed treaty, with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape saying then ''Papua New Guinea did not agree on certain words used in the June 10, 2023 Bilateral Security Treaty (BST).
"Papua New Guinea felt that the wording encroach on our sovereign rights," he said.
"Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, acknowledged that both Papua New Guinea and Australia had to agree on the wording in the Bilateral Security Treaty (BST)," saying ''there was no timeframe set for the signing of the Bilateral Security Treaty
He said then that Papua New Guinea and Australia are trying to elevate the defence security cooperation agreement to a Bilateral Security Treaty (BST) level.
"Treaties have stringent requirements and processes to be followed," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

U.S. supports Philippines protest against China plan for nature reserve in West Philippine Sea

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson, Angelica Escalona, said the Philippine government strongly protests China's establishment of the ''Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve'' on the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea Wednesday September 10, 2025
From News Reports:
Manila, September 14: The U.S. Secretary of State supports the Philippines protest against the approved by the State Council of the People's Republic of China for a nature reserve on the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, saying ''this is yet another coercive attempt to advance China’s interests at the expense of its neighbours and regional stability,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''The U.S. stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China’s destabilizing plans to establish a national nature reserve at Scarborough Reef,'' said U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.
The State Council of the People's Republic of China announced plans for a nature reserve to maintain diversity, stability and sustainability of the natural ecosystem of Huangyan Island, the China name for Scarborough Shoal or the Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian, said "the establishment of a national-level nature reserve on Huangyan Island falls within China's sovereignty.''
"China does not accept the Philippines unreasonable accusations and protests, and urges the Philippine side to cease its infringements and provocations,'' he said.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson, Angelica Escalona, said the Philippine government strongly protests the approval by the State Council of China for the establishment of the ''Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve'' on the Scarborough Shoal or the Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.
''Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction,'' said spokesperson, Angelica Escalona.
''The Philippines likewise has the exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and relevant maritime zones,” said spokesperson, Angelica Escalona.
Spokesperson, Angelica Escalona, said ''the Philippines will be issuing a formal diplomatic protest against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China as it clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law.''
Australia's Western Sydney University School of Law, Lowell Bautista, said ''China's announcement for a nature reserve on the disputed Scarborough Shoal was less about environmental stewardship than power and control.''
"International law and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling makes clear that Beijing has no lawful basis to impose conservation measures or regulate activities in these waters," he said.
"By cloaking its actions in the language of environmental protection, China is entrenching its administrative grip, marginalising Filipino fishers who have traditionally relied on the shoal, and reinforcing its contested claims,'' he said.
"The result is not genuine conservation, but the further consolidation of China's presence and the erosion of the rights of other coastal states in the South China Sea,'' said Australia's Western Sydney University School of Law, Lowell Bautista.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

New pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai government calls for referendum to determine new Thailand constitution

Newly elected Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party calls for referendum to determine amendments to the 2017 Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) drafted Constitution
From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 13: Pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who was voted the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand on September 5 with 311 votes, more than double the votes received by anti-monarchy Shinawatra Pheu Thai Party of 152 and 27 abstentions, called for a public referendum to determine whether the Thai people agree to a new constitution, reports the Bangkok Post.
'Constitutional amendment is a core policy of the government led by the Bhumjaithai Party,'' said Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul.
''A public referendum must first be held to determine whether the people agree that a new constitution should be written,'' he said.
He said the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that Parliament has the authority to initiate a new constitution, saying ''but this must be preceded by a referendum.''
''The initiation of a new constitution must be preceded by a referendum to confirm whether the public agree to adopt a new Constitution,'' he said.
On Wednesday the Constitutional Court ruled by a majority of 5 to 2 that under the 2017 Constitution, Parliament has the authority to initiate a new constitution, saying that the initiation or the aspiration for a new constitution must be followed by a public referendum in order to obtain public approval first.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the drafting of a new constitution must adhere to the provisions outlined in Chapter 15 of the Constitution on constitutional amendments, saying ''Parliament has the power to amend the constitution, but it cannot allow the public to directly elect the drafters of the constitution.''
In December 2024 the anti-monarchy Shinawatra, Pheu Thai Party, said the 2017 Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) drafted Constitution should be amended section by section, saying ''amendment of the Constitution section by section would avoid having to conduct a referendum.''
The anti-monarchy Shinawatra Pheu Thai Party said ''a referendum presents insurmountable legal and technical hurdles in passing a wholesale constitutional amendment,''
''The bill to prepare the groundwork for a referendum appears to be giving lawmakers more trouble than they need,'' he said.
Shinawatra Pheu Thai Party said then that at least three referendums must be organised with an approval vote before major changes can be made to the 2017 Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) drafted Constitution.
''Concern is growing that the process of arranging the referendums that mandate sweeping charter amendment and rewriting the Constitution cannot be completed in time,'' he said.
Former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, said then that the best option was to rewrite the Constitution section by section, saying, ''rewriting the Constitution does not require a referendum.
"If we go down the path of a referendum, we are bound to run into a debate about how many must conducted,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Assets linked to Malaysia fugitive financier used for election campaign to re elect U.S. President Barack Obama

Former Wall Street Journal reporters, Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, who played a central role in exposing the misappropriation of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds, claim that Low Taek Jho is residing in a mansion in Green Hills in Shanghai .''Low Taek Jho is living under a fake identity in Shanghai using a forged Australian passport in the name of Constantinos Achilles Veis,'' claimed the former Wall Street Journal reporters on Saturday July 19, 2025

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, September 12: Assets worth millions of dollars linked to Malaysian fugitive financier, Low Taek Jho, who was convicted in absentia by the Kuala Lumpur High Court in 2022 for the disposal of assets involved in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state subsidiary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds that included conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the United States former President Barack Obama, Democratic Party, presidential election , have been repatriated to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) Asset Recovery Trust Account, reports the Star.
In October 2022 the Kuala Lumpur High Court sentenced Malaysian fugitive financiers Low Taek Jho and his father Larry Low Hock Pen, to prison in absentia for contempt of court for the disposal of assets involved in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state subsidiary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds trial that found ousted former Prime Minister Najib Razak guilty of misappropriating funds.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement on Wednesday that the recovered assets totalling US$8.57million (RM39.1million) are the result of the Global Diversified Investment (GDI) forfeiture settlement with Malaysian fugitive financier, Low Taek Jho, by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
"Other accounts belonging to Low Taek Jho family members are also scheduled for repatriation in the near future," the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said in a statement.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said recovered assets totalling US$8.57million (RM39.1million) together with the recent US$330million (RM1.4billion) settlement with JPMorgan Chase and Co, brings the total amount of assets recovered by Malaysia to (RM31.19billion.)
"In total, US authorities have secured over US$1.5billion linked to Low Taek Jho, with a significant portion of these funds already returned to Malaysia," said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
In June 2024 the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) reached agreement with Malaysian financier fugitive Low Taek Jho also known as Jho Low, members of his family, and trust entities involved in the misappropriation of RM42 million from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state subsidiary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds under Malaysia's former ousted Prime Minister Najib Razak.
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) said that Malaysian financier fugitive Low Taek Jho also known as Jho Low,
faces criminal charges for allegedly conspiring to launder billions of dollars embezzled from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by allegedly paying bribes to various Malaysian and Emirati officials and for conspiring to make and conceal foreign and conduit campaign contributions during the United States
Barack Obama, Democratic Party, presidential election in the District of Columbia in 2012.
Fugitive financiers Low Taek Jho and his father Larry Low Hock Pen, allegedly laundered hundreds of millions of illicit funds in real estate in the United States, transferring $85 million to casinos in Las Vegas in eight months between 2009 and 2010.
The US Justice Department claims that more than $1.7 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) fund was invested in hotels, luxury real estate in Manhattan, Beverly Hills and London including $100 million in the 2013 film “The Wolf of Wall Street" and including the luxury yacht 'Equanimity' valued at US$250 million.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra returns to Thailand after fleeing for Dubai for second time to face court ruling

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra arrives at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on Tuesday September 9, 2025
From News Reports:
Bangkok, September 11: Former Thailand Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, returned to Thailand after fleeing for Dubai for the second time on Thursday ahead of the parliamentary vote for the pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party new president on Friday, to face a Supreme Court Ruling on Tuesday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra fled Thailand for Dubai for the first time in 2008 to avoid trial
for nonfeasance and malfeasance while holding the position of Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, returned to Thailand for the second time to face a Supreme Court ruling on the accommodation provided for Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for one year rather than a Department of Corrections (DoC) operated prison on his return to Thailand from Dubai for the first time in August 2023..
On Tuesday the Supreme Court ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve one year in a Department of Corrections (DoC) operated prison, rejecting the former Prime Ministers' transfer to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for one year.
A letter of complaint was submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman in Bangkok against the Thailand Department of Corrections and the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for not cooperating with an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Medical Council of Thailand into the accommodation provided for Thaksin Shinawatra at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for one year rather than a Department of Corrections (DoC) operated prison on his return to Thailand for the first time in August 2023.
Inmates at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok are legally permitted to receive treatment outside prison for 120 days but the Department of Corrections (DoC) allowed Thaksin Shinawatra to stay at the Police General Hospital for 180 days on his return to Thailand, saying that conditions in the prison could threaten his life.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra paid all costs for his six-month stay at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok, including a VIP room on the hospital's 14th floor costing 8,500 baht a night.
The Southeast Asian Times


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






What they're saying open page here


MEDIA CHECK
Cambodia-China Journalist Association (CCJA) launched in Phnom Penh ...open here


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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here
Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here




Indigenous Australians in the northern Queensland town of East Trinity aim for economic independence from eco-cultural tourism, reports Christine Howes in "Australian indigenous eco-cultural tourism venture wins best small project national award " ...open here


Kavi Chongkittavorn talks about the UK application to become an ASEAN dialogue partner in "New dynamics of Aseans external ties," with consensus yet to be reached on admitting a former colonial master of four ASEAN member countries into the Southeast Asian bloc....open


Esther Samboh talks about the choise between thousands dying of Covid-19 or from hunger in densely populated Jakarta in the new normal in "Medics dying, infections soaring - it's still the economy" ...open page here


Australian reporter, Chris Ray, investigates why Australia dropped five spots in the World Press Freedom Index...open


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Read what Son Nguyen has to say about the impact of China's virus on Vietnam's economy in "When the economy gets sick" open here


Has the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra suffered a fatal blow, or will it rise again? asks Australian reporter Chris Ray... Open page here

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Darwin reporter John Loizou asks a survivor of the 1965 killings in Bali "why didn't you try to stop them" in "Remembering the slaughter in Paradise"
........open page here



"Goodbye America" says B.A. Hamzah as he calls for Asians to determine their own political destiny in "Time for Asia to set it's own course, minus the U.S."...open here


Is prescribed burning of grasslands in northern Australia out of control? ......Chris Ray reports ... open page here

"Rockefeller and the Demise of Ibu Pertiwi" by Kerry B. Collison "is undoubtedly fictional but by no means improbable, " says Johannes Nugroho ....open page here

Viet Nam is planning to go nuclear by the year 2020.reports
John Loizou in "Calculating the costs of nuclear energy in Vietnam" ...open page here


The founder of the Revolutionary Front of Independent East Timor (Fretilin), Mari Alkatiri, the now former Prime Minister of Timor Leste, after losing the May 12, 2018 election to the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party, led by Xanana Gusmao, has accused the opposition of a coup attempt.
Twelve years ago Mari Alkatiri also accused the opposition of a coup attemp claiming then that the crises that led to his resignation was the result of a conspiracy. "I have no doubt about that" he told Darwin reporter John Loizou in an interview in Dili on 6 November 2006
......open page here

 

Cuba's 302 physicians in East Timor work at five hospitals and remote villages throughout the republic...writes Darwin reporter John Loizou ...open page here

 

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

 

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


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

 

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


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


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


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Published by Pas Loizou Press Darwin Northern Territory
Australia
PASLOIZOUPRESSDARWIN@bigpond.com

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Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only

US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
Euro..0.6794
HongsKong...5.8808
Indonesia Rupiah.9,997.47
Japan..78.8528
Laos..6,140.58
Malaysia Ringgit.....3.0900
Myanmar..923.19
Viet Nam Dong..16,849.44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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