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GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Pheu Thai Party campaigns in Bangkok's Muslim community for votes in February elections

Yodchanan Wongsawa, 46, Professor of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, Thailand, is the Pheu Thai Party first-listed candidate for Prime Minister in the general election on February 8, 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, January 9: The Pheu Thai Party vowed to promote multiculturalism and listen to proposals from the Muslim community during its election campaign in Bangkok, Thailand with Pheu Thai Party first-listed candidate for prime minister, Yodchanan Wongsawa, 46, saying he proposed cultural tourism in Muslim communities, reports the Bangkok Post.
Yodchanan Wongsawa, who is the nephew of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the son of former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, said that his relationship with Thaksin Shinawatra is an advantage for the Pheu Thai Party.'
''We actually have one vision that would benefit the people,'' he said.
Yodchanan Wongsawa, the Pheu Thai Party first-listed candidate for prime minister in the general election on February 8 visited the AI Istiqamah Mosque in the Thung Kru district during the election campaign on Wednesday.
He said his discussion with community leaders and residents in the Thung Kru district focused on traffic congestion and proposals to add expressway entry and exit points to improve mobility and quality of life in the area.
''I proposed cultural tourism in Muslim communities,'' he said.
He said he proposed transport systems to accommodate tourists and increase public awareness of Muslim history in Thailand.
''While Thailand is a predominantly a Buddhist country it remains open and committed to religious freedom and equality,'' he said.
He said as a Prime Ministerial candidate he placed a strong emphasis on multiculturalism and equality among all faiths and cultures.
''Bangkok must be a city where everyone can equally access public services, food, transportation and government facilities,'' he said.
He said the Pheu Thai Party has been closely monitoring the political situation and public sentiment in the Thung Kru district, saying ''residents indicated improving support for the Pheu Thai Party.''
Ministry of Transport Thailand, spokesman, Kittiphon Ruayfuphan, said the visit to AI Istiqamah Mosque in the Thung Kru district aimed to exchange views on the area's multicultural character, saying ''people of different faiths including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and others live together in the Thung Kru district.''
''Although the Muslim population has declined, the Thung Kru district still has a large number of mosques,'' he said.
He said the Thung Kru district is one of the areas with the highest concentration of mosques in Bangkok, saying ''Bangkok is an important religious and cultural centre.''
''The discussion with Yodchanan Wongsawa and community leaders and residents in the Thung Kru district was intended to explore development approaches that align with cultural diversity and promote mutual understanding and respect among all communities,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

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Netflix removes Chinese TV series from Vietnam for showing maps that violate Vietnam sovereignty

Vietnam issues Netflix with Take-down order to remove Chinese TV series ''Shine on Me '' claiming the series contains maps showing the ''U-shaped line'' that claims China's sovereignty in the East Vietnam Sea

From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 8: The Chinese TV series ''Shine on Me '' was removed from Netflix after Vietnam's Cinema Department in the Ministry Of Culture and Information (Moci) issued Netflix with a take-down order claiming the series contains maps showing the ''U-shaped line,'' in the East Vietnam Sea, saying ''the U-shaped line'' is inaccurate and violates Viet Nam's national sovereignty, report the Vietnam News.
Vietnam's Cinema Department in the Ministry Of Culture and Information (Moci) ordered Netflix to remove the film within 24 hours from 9 pm. on January 3, 2026 under Government Decree No. 131/2022/ND-CP.
Vietnam's Cinema Department classified ''Shine on Me'' a C-rated film that prohibits the film from distribution, citing violations under Point d, Clause 1, Article 9 of the 2022 Law on Cinematography.
Vietnam's Cinema Department found that the Chinese TV series contains maps showing the ''U-shaped line in the South China Sea, saying ''the ''U-shaped line'' is inaccurate and violates Vietnam's national sovereignty in the East Vietnam Sea.''
In July 2023 Vietnam banned the fantasy feature film ''Barbie'' from screening in cinema's across Vietnam ahead of the film's international release on July 21 by its United States producer, Warner Bros for showing China's 'nine-dash line over the South China Sea.
The film ''Barbie'' featured a world map showing China's claim of sovereignty over Vietnam's two Island chains, the Truong Sa (Spratlys) and the Hoang Sa, saying ''we do not grant license for the American movie ‘Barbie’ for release in Vietnam."
In December 2023, a United States report prepared by the Bureau of Oceans and International and Scientific Affairs, on the Limits in the Seas Study, released by the US Department of State, claims that almost all islands in the South China Sea as shown on Chinese maritime maps do not comply with the 1982 United Nations convention on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS), saying "China had not clarified through legislation, proclamation or other official statement the legal basis for the map."
China's assertion of indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters that China lodged with the United Nations in 2009 was disputed by Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines in an appeal to the rule of International Law and Arbitration in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.
The 1982 UN convention on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) requires that the China claim to any islands meet the terms in the UN Convention on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) including the naming of a territorial sea, a contiguous zone, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or a continental shelf.
The UN Convention reportedly requirers that all maritime boundary lines be negotiated with neighbouring states.
"One country may not unilaterally establish a maritime boundary", the report states.
The report also states that the International law of the sea does not permit historical claims to override geographic boundaries, saying that the UN Convention on the Law of the SEA (UNCLOS) was designed to bring "clarity and uniformity to maritime disputes between neighbouring states."
The Southeast Asian Times

Imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi not among 6,134 prisoners granted amnesty by Myanmar military

Relatives and friends wait for prisoners to be released from the Insein prison in Yangon, Myanmar during an annual amnesty to mark Myanmar's independence day on Sunday January 4, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, January 7: The Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the political party of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, that claimed victory in the first phase of the general elections on December 28, granted amnesty to 6,134 imprisoned Myanmar nationals, with Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claiming that more than 22, 000 political prisoners including former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor (SAC) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, remain in prison, reports the Irrawaddy.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar State Administration Councillor (SAC), Commander in chief, Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing, announced the release of prisoners on Myanmar state-run MRTV television on Sunday to mark the 78th anniversary of Myanamr's independence from Britain.
Commander in chief. Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing, announced the release of 6,134 prisoners from the Insein Prison in Yangon and the reduction of prison sentences for 8,665 arrested, imprisoned, or charged under Penal Code Section 505(a) and 505(b).
The Penal Code Section 505(a) and 505(b) criminalises speech that was deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar take over of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 1, 2021.
Commander in chief. Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing also announced the pardon of 52 foreign nationals, saying ''foreign nationals will be released and deported.''
Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claims that 7,646 including pro-democracy activists and civilians
have been killed by Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar since the military seizure of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021
''A total of 30,223 people have been arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar since the military seizure of the elected government,'' claims the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP)
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claims that 22,686 are in detention while 11,436 are serving sentences .
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claim the actual numbers are likely much higher.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar after the military takeover of the legitimate civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government
was not granted amnesty by the State Administration Councillor (SAC), Commander in chief, Senior General, Min Aung Hlaing.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor Daw 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 two year prison sentence in December 2021 for incitement under Section 505(b) and 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hanoi Court sentences journalist and lawyer to prison for undermining national security and public order

Hanoi People's Court sentenced journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, left, and Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, right, to 17 years in prison in absentia on Wednesday December 31, 2025

From News Reports:
Hanoi, January 6: The Hanoi People's Court sentenced journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, and Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, to 17 years in prison each in absentia on Wednesday for "making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Socialist Republic of Vietnam" with the Court finding ''the defendants actions had seriously infringed national security, caused public concern and affected Vietnam's international reputation,'' reports the Vietnam News.
Ministry of Public Security (MPS) investigations found that journalist, Le Trung Khoa, 44, and Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, had used YouTube channels, email and social media to post and disseminate numerous articles that contained distorted and defamatory content against the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
The Hanoi People's Court held that the charges made against the defendants under Article 117 of the Penal Code for making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, were well-founded and lawful, describing the charges as serious.
''A strict sentence was necessary to punish the offenders and serve as a deterrent and a general prevention measure,'' said the the Hanoi People's Court ruling.
Journalist, Le Trung Khoa, 44, founder and editor of the Viet Times, Thoibao.de, reported on corruption, internal disputes within the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) including the state support of Vingroup Joint Stock Company.
Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, co-founder the ''Brotherhood for Democracy'', called for political reform and expressed views critical of the Communist Party's rule and policies that were interpreted by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) as undermining national security and public order leading to charges under Article 117 of the Penal Code.
Journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, and Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, were charged on November 18, 2025 for making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Socialist Republic of Vietnam, after The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) had initiated an investigation on November 11, 2025.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) called on journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, and lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, to surrender, saying ''to assist with investigation, prosecution, and trial procedures.''
''By doing so, they would be eligible for leniency as provided by law,'' said the Ministry of Public Security.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said ''the public has the legal right to apprehend journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, and lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, and deliver them to the nearest police station or the Peoples's Committee.
''Officials are instructed to notify the Investigation Security Agency at the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi,'' said the
Ministry of Public Security.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's President Prabowo questions citizens consititutional right to vote for regents, governors and mayors

Indonesian Gerindra Party leader, President Prabowo Subianto, speaking at the 61st anniversary of coalition Golkar Party themed 'Prayers for the Nation: Weaving Togetherness, Building a Progressive Indonesia in Jakarta Friday December 5 2025

From News Reports:
Jakarta, January 5: Indonesian Gerindra Party leader President, Prabowo Subianto, said he is considering the proposal put by coalition Golkar Party Chairman, Bahlil Lahadalia, to change the regional voting system from the current direct citizen voting system for regents, governors and mayors to indirect regional voting system where the Regional Representative Council (DPRD) elects regents governors and mayors, with President Prabowo Subianto, saying ''democracy in Indonesia must be constituted with minimal costs,'' reports the Jakarta Post.
President Prabowo Subianto said at the celebration of the 61st anniversary of the coalition Golkar Party in Jakarta on December 5, 2025, "we must minimize the cost of democracy so that our politics won't be determined solely by the wealthy.''
''The direct citizen voting system is expensive politics, this direct citizen voting system of copying other countries, I believe is a huge source of corruption," said President Prabowo Subianto.
President Prabowo Subianto said the proposal put by coalition Golkar Party Chairman, Bahlil Lahadalia, for an indirect regional elections with the Regiona Representative Council (DPRD) electing the regents, governors and mayors should be considered.
''Having the governor and the mayor elected by the Regional Representative Council (DPRD) is an idea worth considering because it might offer a more affordable approach while maintaining democratic principles,'' he said.
''If we have already elected members of legislatures at the provincial and regental levels, why not have the legislators also choose regents, governors and mayors ?'' he said.
"Once again, I would like to express my belief that democratic politics is characterized by competition,'' said President Prabowo Subianto.
Coalition Golkar Party Chairman, Bahlil Lahadalia, said at the 61st anniversary celebration of the Golkar Party that he expects that discussion for a draft proposal for the reconstruction of the voting system to begin next year, saying ''the proposed bill must undergo a thorough judicial review.''
''We must not let the proposed draft law on the voting system be passed in the House of Representatives (DPR) only to find that it will be rejected in the Constitutional Court,'' he said.
Golkar Party Chairman, Bahlil Lahadalia, said the change of the current direct citizen voting system for the election of regents, governors and mayors to the indirect voting system where the Regional Representative Council (DPRD elects the regents, governors and mayors warrants judicial review.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's Federation of Islamic council warned of Conflicts of Interest in government grant funding

Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, Australia PM Anthony Albanese and wife Jodie Haydon at the 2nd National Muslim Community Iftar 2023 hosted by Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) attended by 600 in Sydney on Wednesday April 5, 2023

From News Reports:
Canberra, Sunday 4: The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) warned the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) of Conflicts of Interest (COI) in government grant funding, with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) dismissing reports in an article published in The Australian on December 25, saying ''the article contains serious inaccuracies, misleading claims, and unsubstantiated allegations that require correction,'' reports the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC).
''Many of the claims reported in The Australian originate from a former senior member of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC).'' said the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) in a statement on...
''That individual is no longer associated with AFIC and has since sought to undermine the organisation by disseminating selective and misleading material,'' said the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) in a statement
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) claims that the article published in The Australian ''relies heavily on unverified material provided by a discredited source, saying ''AFIC was not afforded a proper opportunity to respond to several claims prior to publication in The Australian including allegations relating to third-party dealings and misappropriation.''
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) is under investigation by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) for allegations involving financsial mismanagement undisclosed conflicts of interest and failures to comply with repeated undertakings going back almost a decade, with allegations including the management of the Al Ameen Mosque
in Perth Western Australia ''off the books'' through an undisclosed bank ccount.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) also loaned a related entity ''Muslim Youth Support'' $200,000 that was listed as ''Total Receivable.''
The loan to the ''Muslim Youth Support'' was waived with no financial records existing as to how the loan was used by the
''Muslim Youth Support.''
In November 2025 Australian Labor Party (ALP) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese awarded $27 million in a security grant to the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) through a closed, non-competitive process that allowed no other organisations to apply.
The funding, delivered under Home Affairs’ program for security upgrades at Islamic community facilities, will run until 2028.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said that both Jewish and Muslim communities face heightened risk and that the government makes no apology for providing targeted security programs.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights condemn Myanmar military elections as illegal and undemocratic

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, January 3: The Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)condemn the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), elections as Illegal and undemocratic, with APHR chairwoman and Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mercy Chriestry Barends, saying in a statement, ''the Myanmar military abuse of and hunger for power must be stopped,'' reports reports Agence France Presse.
''This sham election will only entrench military rule and deepen the suffering the people of Myanmar are already enduring,'' she said.
The APRH said in a statement that since seizing power from the

Mercy Chriestry Barends, chairwoman of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives condemns the Myanmar military elections on Sunday December 28, 2025

elected League for Democracy (NLD) civilian government on February 1, 2021, the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar led by Sr Gen, Min Aung Hlaing, ''has unleashed unprecedented violence and impunity against the Myanmar people.''
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) claims that over 7,000 civilians have been killed including more than 900 children in the APRH statement, saying ''more than 25,000 remain arbitrarily detained, with countless subjected to torture and extrajudicial killings.''
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar have displaced over 3.5 million people internally and driven over 1.5 million refugees across borders,'' says the APRH statement.
The APHR states that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar lifted its nationwide state of emergency in July 2025 but immediately imposed martial law in 63 townships across Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay, Rakhine, and Shan state, transferring all administrative and judicial powers to Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar commanders.
''These sham polls will intensify conflict, not resolve it.''
The APHR states that forcing polls amid active warfare risks mass atrocities, saying ''refugee flows into Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and other neighbouring countries, and will worsen regional instability.''
In March 2025 the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) chairwoman Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mercy Chriestry Barends, said after the visit of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen, Min Aung Hlaing, to Moscow to meet Russian President, Vladimir Putin, said ''the expanded military ties are linked to the continued delivery of Russian arms and military technology that have been used in operations resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread arbitrary detentions since the February 2021 coup.''
''This continued Russian support for the Myanmar junta is not just an affront to democratic principles but a clear endorsement of a regime responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, said (APHR) chairwoman Mercy Chriestry Barends and Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) Co-Chairman, and former Malaysian Member of Parliament, Charles Santiago, said ''the Myanmar junta has no legitimacy and yet Russia is treating it as a strategic ally.''
''This ongoing partnership not only supports the junta’s operational capabilities but also contributes to instability in the region.'' he said.
''The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urge ASEAN and the international community to review these arms transfers, isolate the junta and impose targeted sanctions on entities involved in this deadly trade,'' he said
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia honours victims of Bondi Beach massacre at Sydney Harbor News Year's Eve celebration

From News Reports:
Sydney, January 1: Australia held a one- minute vigil to honour the victims of the terror attack on the Jewish community at the Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney last month at News Years Eve
2026 celebrations at the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, saying ''I invite people at home and around the harbor to join with us by shining their phone torch in solidarity to show the Jewish community that we stand with them, and that we reject violence, fear and antisemitism.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military claims victory in first elections since seizure of civil government

Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing, centre, and election observers from Russia, China, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Japan, Nicaragua, and two ASEAN member countries Vietnam and Cambodia in Myanmar on Sunday December 28, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, January 1: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's political party, the Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), claimed victory in the first phase of the general elections on Sunday, with a senior official of the military political party claiming the majority of seats in the House of Representatives, reports the Agence France Presse.
''We won 82 lower house seats from 102 townships in the first phase of the elections on Sunday,'' said a senior member of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), reportedly speaking on condition of anonymity.
''The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the political party of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar won all eight townships in the capital, Naypyidaw,'' said the senior official.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing said ''the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar could be trusted to hand back power to a civilian-led government.''
''We guarantee it to be a free and fair election,'' he said in Naypyidaw.
''It’s organised by the military, we can’t let our name be tarnished,'' he said.
MRTV, a Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar controlled television station, claims that voting was peaceful in Thandaunggyi Township in the Hpa-an district in Kayin State that is in conflict with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that seized the elected League for Democracy (NLD) civilian government on February 1, 2021, reports Mizzima
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar controlled television station MRTV, failed to release photos or videos of the voting in Thandaunggyi Township,'' reports Mizzima.
Thandaunggyi Township residents claim that polling stations for the elections on Sunday were located within the Bayintnaung (Army) Combat Training School in Thandaunggyi Township and the Light Infantry Battalion 124 camp, excluding the residents from voting.
''More than 30,000 residents in the area were not issued with voter lists or allowed to cast ballots,'' reports Mizzima.
A Thandaunggyi Township resident said ''the people of Thandaunggyi did not get to vote, saying ''there were no polling stations in the town.''
''Polling stations were set up inside the military compounds, no one received a voter list,'' said the Thandaunggyi Township resident.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is holding the general elections in three phases with the first phase on December 28, 2025 including 102 townships, the second phase on January 11, 2026 with 100 townships and the third phase with 63 townships on January 25, 2026.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is unable to hold elections in 65 of the total 330 townships nationwide due to resistance from the People's Defence Forces (PDF) and Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs) that hold territories in Kachin, Shan, Rakhin, Chin, Karen and Karenni States, with the resistance forces controlling over half of Myanmar in 2025.
On February 1, 2021 the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar transferred full authority of the administration of Myanmar to commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing after the seizure of the civil National League for Democracy (NLD) government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi and after the general elections on November 8, 2020 held under the civil National League for Democracy (NLD) administration.
The military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) then chairman, former general, U Than Htay, called on the Union Election Commission (EUC) for a copy of the original list of voters in military townships after the now dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD) party led by former State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, won the majority of the electoral votes in the newly introduced military-civilan joint polling stations that were located outside Myanmar military bases in the November 8, 2020 general elections.
The dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD) led by State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, won 399 of the 440 seats in the Union Parliament with the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), left with only 21 seats in the general elections November 8, 2020.
The Southeast Asian Times

Voters in Myanmar military elections mostly elderly: Youth conspicuous by their absence

Mynamar voters line up to cast their ballots in Yangon, near the Sule Pagoda, on Sunday December 28, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, December 31: Voters in Myanmar's first general elections since the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected League for Democracy (NLD) civilian government on February 1, 2021 were mostly elderly, with less than 500 residents voting in Yangon from 1,400 registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC) on Sunday, reports Agence France Presse.
''Myanmar youth were conspicuous by their absence from Sunday’s military-run poll, with older voters dominating the turnout,'' reports the Agence France Presse.
''Thousands of Myanmar's young have left the war-ravaged country including males of conscription age, up to 35 years of age,'' reports the Agence France Presse,
''The young are seeking better livelihoods away from Myanmar’s moribund economy,'' reports Agence France Presse.
''Voters were primarily senior citizens, mothers carrying children and housewives with shopping baskets, at the polling station near the Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon,'' reports Agence France Presse.
''Less than 500 residents from 1,400 residents registered with the Union Election Commission (UEC) voted at the Sule Pagoda polling station, in Yangon,'' reports the Agence France Presse.
Sein Yee, 74, a retired rural school teacher in Yangon, said that ''voting is a duty for all citizens,''
''It’s an opportunity for all citizens to achieve peace in the country,'' she said.
A male in his 20's in Mandalay in southern Myanmar, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said ''Most of the people who go to vote are elderly.''
''I don’t think anyone wants to get involved in this chaos,'' he said.
''People probably don’t believe in the fairness of this election,'' he said.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar banned all males from working abroad after more than 100,000 had fled to avoid the Conscription Law that came into effective on May 1, 2024 with the Myanmar Labor Permanent Secretary Nyunt Win, saying ''conscription is temporary and will remain in effect as needed,''
''Starting from May 1, 2024 we will only send registered women as migrant workers abroad, saying ''males will not be able to register to work abroad,''
The Conscription Law requires males aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 to enlist for service in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has enforced the Conscription Law in 224 townships across Myanmar, recruiting about 5,000 males who were sent to 17 military training camps.
Rohingya men from villages and camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Rakhine State were reportedly forcibly recruited, with Free Rohingya Coalition (FRC) co-founder, Nay San Lwin, saying that residents in Rakhin State had warned that Rohingya recruits would be used as human shields in the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar conflict against the Arakan Army (AA) on the Myanmar-China border.
''The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that enacted the Conscription Law intend to draft 60,000 men annually,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar's Keren State abstains from voting claiming elections attempt to manufacture military legitimacy

More than 3,000 residents in Hpa An Township, Karen State protest against the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar elections on Sunday December 28, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, Dccember 30: Voting closed in Myanmar's first general election since the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected League for Democracy (NLD) civilian government on February 1, 2021, with thousands abstaining from voting in the general election in Karen State on Sunday, saying the election is an attempt to manufacture military legitimacy, reports the Karen Youth Organization (KYO).
The Karen Youth Organization (KYO) said residents in Thaton Township, Mon State, and townships across Karen State including Hpa An and Hpapun townships reject the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar organised general election.
The Karen Youth Organization (KYO) claims that residents of more than a hundred Myanmar's 330 townships did not vote in the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar general elections on Sunday.
The Karen Youth Organization (KYO) reports that more than 7,500 residents over more that 10 townships in areas under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU) abstained from voting for the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar organised general election on Sunday.
The Karen Youth Organization (KYO) reports that more than 3,000 Hpa An Township residents see the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar elections as an attempt to manufacture military legitimacy, ''rather than a credible democratic process grounded in freedom and liberty.''
''More than 3,000 Hpa An Township, Karen State residents abstained from voting in the election on Sunday,'' said the Karen Youth Organization (KYO).
The Karen Youth Organization (KYO) reports that almost 400 Hpapun township residents abstained from voting in the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar organised general election on Sunday, saying ''Hpapun residents reject injustice.''
''Hpapun residents continue to call for genuine democracy,'' said the Karen Youth Organization (KYO).
Hpapun residents say an election held under intimidation, violence, and restrictions cannot reflect the people’s will.
' 'Do not give permission to kill with your vote,'' ''The military system that has oppressed the people and ethnic communities for over 70 years must end,'' and ''Do not legitimize the killers,'' chanted the Hpapun residents.
In September 2025 the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar declared the Karen National Union (KNU) a terrorist organisation and unlawful, accusing the Karen National Union (KNU) with its armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, of terrorist activities after the Karen National Union (KNU) dismissed the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar planned elections as illegitimate and designed to prolong the military dictatorship.
In August 2020 under the civil National League for Democracy (NLD) government of Aung San Suu Kyi. the Karen National Union (KNU) and the armed wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, that is one of 10 Ethnic Armed Organisations in Myanmar agreed to the separation of powers, resource allocation, tax sharing, self governance laws that would guarantee the rights of States to self determination and the sharing of state powers , had failed to reach agreement on allowing the 10 Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) to draft their own constitutions.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar elections held without ASEAN or EU election observers to monitor voting

Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing, shows his inked finger after voting in Myanmar's general election in Naypyidaw on Sunday December 28, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, December 29: The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that has delayed elections since the takeover of the elected League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, held general elections on Sunday, with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) among 12 organisations refusing to send observers to monitor voting, with the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar relying on 60 observers from nine countries to oversee voting, reports the Irrawaddy.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is among 12 organisations including the European Union, International IDEA and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) that have refused to send observers or provide any form of technical or political support for the elections to be conducted in three phases beginning on December 28, 2025, on January 11, 2026, and the on January 25, 2026.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is reportedly relying on election observers from nine countries including Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Japan to oversee voting, with an unidentified domestic monitor saying ''the election observers from the nine countries are confined to embassy-appointed polling stations.''
''Foreign observers can only visit selected polling sites,'' said the unidentified domestic monitor.
The unidentified domestic monitor reportedly said that without local election observers, the foreign election observers will be forced to rely on second-hand information, saying ''it is impossible for 60 observers to monitor voting across 102 townships.''
''Domestic monitors understand the local context and know where problems may arise,'' said the unidentified domestic monitor.
About 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing for seats in the Lower House, Upper House and State and Region Parliaments under the newly introduced Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system that combines First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Sr Gen, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing, urged Myanmar's 900,000 government employees to vote for the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), one of 57 parties contesting the elections ahead of the elections.
He called on the Civil Service Academy, Police Officer Training Depot, and Central Firefighting Training School in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region Monday, to support politicians aligned with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in the elections.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), is reportedly fielding almost twice as many candidates as its competitors that include the National Unity Party (NUP), People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), People’s Party, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) and the Nationalities Democratic Party.
Myanmar's last general election that was held on November 8, 2020, under the civilian Myanmar's National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint and State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, had left the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) with only 21 seats of the 440 seats in the parliament with the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, saying then that "the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would hold another general election and transfer power to the successful party."
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali rejects claims that tourism is in decline over Christmas and New Year holidays

Bali Governor Wayan Koster rejects claims that Bali tourism is in decline a week ahead of the implementation of Islamic values and Sharia Law in the revised Criminal Code (KUHP) on Friday January 2, 2025

From News Reports:
Bali, December 28: Bali Governor Wayan Koster rejected claims that Bali tourism is in decline over the Christmas and New Year holidays, saying ahead of the implementation on January 2, 2026 of Islamic values and Sharia Law in the revised Criminal Code (KUHP), ''the claims are false,'' reports Antara.
The revised Criminal Code (KUHP) that was enacted into law at the House of Representatives (DPR) plenary session on December 6, 2022 includes the criminalisation of cohabitation and sex outside marriage that aligns with Islamic values and Sharia Law.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said the claim that Bali tourism is in decline is false, saying ''I have the data to show that the claims are false.''
''The total number of arrivals in Bali is increasing every day,'' he said.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said that Bali receives an average of 17,000 foreign tourists per day, saying ''international arrivals from January to December 16, 2025 reached 6.7 million, up from 6.3 million during the same period last year.''
''I am confident Bali will meet its target of 7 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025,'' he said.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster attributed complaints that Bali tourism was in decline to Bali tourism transport operators, saying ''Bali tourism transport operators had reported fewer passengers in recent weeks.''
''It is the rainy season, with flooding in several areas.'' he said,
''Many tourists are choosing to stay indoors instead of traveling around,'' he said.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said of the revised Criminal Code (KUHP) that includes the criminalisation of cohabitation and sex outside marriage and that will be implemented on January 2, 2026,that ''prosecution is highly unlikely without a complaint from a family member.''
The revised Criminal Code (KUHP) that was enacted into law at the House of Representatives (DPR) plenary session on December 6, 2022 and that will be enacted on January 2, 2025 reportedly applies to all within Indonesia's borders including foreigners and tourists.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster said Bali officials do not intend to check marital status or target tourists, saying '' prosecution is highly unlikely without a complaint from a family member.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Mediation between conflicting Muslims and Christians in Indonesia ends with forgiveness and celebration of Christmas

Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar said ''God’s attributes are not only powerful and commanding, but also merciful, nurturing, and loving. We must restore this balance in our understanding of divinity,'' at the 24th annual International Conference on Islam, Science and Society in Jakarta Wednesday July 9, 2025

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 25: The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs mediated between conflicting Muslims and Christians the day after Muslims formed a human wall at the Christian Protestant Church outside Jakarta to prevent the congregation from celebrating Christmas on December 14, with the Minister of Religious Affairs, saying the conflicting Muslims and Christians agreed to forgive each other,'' reports the Morning Star News.
The Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar said ''Muslims and Christians agreed to forgive each other and resolve all permit requirements for christian churches, saying ''the Ministery of Religion has agreed to the celebration of Christmas by the Christian Protestant Church in Bekasi Regency.''
On December 14, Muslim from Bekasi Regency formed a human wall around the Protestant Church in Jayasampurna village, Serang Baru Sub-District, Bekasi Regency outside Jakarta to prevent the congregation from celebrating Christmas, with Christians saying ''we only want to worship peacefully,'' with Muslims rejecting Christian churches in the neighbourhood.
''We only want to worship peacefully...we have no intention of disturbing anyone,'' said the Christians.
Indonesian National Police officers and onlookers watched dozens of Muslim men and women form a human chain, shouting the jihadist slogan 'Allahu Akbar (God is Greatest).''
''The Muslims pushed back the Christians as they attempted to make their way to prayer at a Christmas service,'' reports the Morning Star News.
A Muslim protester held a banner saying, ''We, the Muslim residents of Jayasempurna village, firmly reject the construction of illegal churches in our neighbourhood forever.''
Muslims also blocked Christians from worship at the Protestant Church in Bekasi Regency West Java on two prior Sundays, December 7 and November 30 that had been a Christian Protestant Church for 7 years.
The mediation between West Java Muslims and the Christian Protestant Church, that has the largest congregation in Indonesia and Southeast Asia with 6.5 million members in 2024, was overseen by the Regent of Bekasi Dani Ramdan, saying ''the parties agreed that the Christian congregation would hold Christmas services temporarily at the Interfaith Harmony Forum office in
Jababeka in Bekasi Regency West Java.''
Indonesian social media activist and a self-described advocate for religious freedom and tolerance, Permadi Arya, said
''don’t just stay silent' to West Java Governor, Dedi Mulyadi.
''This kind of intolerance happens too often in your province,'' he said
Please, policymakers, don’t turn a blind eye to this persecution of Christians…They are not second-class citizens, Sir. They have the same right to worship, and the state is obliged to protect and defend them,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's PM rejects Iraeli warning ''Australia's recognition of Palestine has contributed to antisemitism''

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 24: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejects the Israeli warning ''Australia’s recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has contributed to antisemitism,'' after the massacre of Australian Jews at Bondi Beach, Sydney on December 14, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejecting a link between his decision to recognise Palestine statehood and the terror attack on Bondi Beach, reports Reuters.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ''No I don't,'' when asked whether he perceived a link between the recognition of Palestinian statehood and the terrorist attack, saying ''...and overwhelmingly most of the world recognises a two-state solution as two-state solution as the path to peace.'' United Nations Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, Ben Saul, said

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese of ''pouring fuel on the antisemetic fire'' in Australia's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood on Tuesday August 12, 2025

''I am disgusted that the Iraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu links Australia's support for a Palestinian state with the terrorist attack in Bondi.''
''Australia has taken extensive measures to prevent antisemitism,'' he said.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said after the massacre of Jews on Bondi Beach that the decision by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August 2025 to recognise Palestinian statehood ''poured fuel on the antisemitic fire.''
''The massacre of people celebrating the start of Hanukkah is cold-blooded murder,'' he said.
Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused the Australian government of ''doing nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia,'' saying "you took no action.''
On September 22, 2025 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, saying "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.''
In October 2022 Australia's Labor Party , foreign minister, Penny Wong, reversed the previous Australian Liberal Party of Australia centre-right recognition in December 2018 of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel 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 from 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

Sydney crowd boo's Australian Labor Party PM Anthony Albanese at Jewish community vigil after Bondi Beach massacre

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. left, wearing the Jewish kippah, and Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn, right, at the Jewish community vigil on the National Day of Reflection at Bondi Beach, Sydney Sunday December 21, 2025

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 23: The leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) centre-left, Prime Minister. Anthony Albanese, was booed by the crowd as he arrived at the Jewish community vigil on the National Day of Reflection on Bondi Beach, Sydney on Sunday, a week after the massacre of Jews by two Australian men believed to be ISIS militants, reports Reuters.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by a crowd of about 20,000 with shouts of ''shame on you'' and ''blood on your hands,'' at the Jewish community vigil to mark the National Day of Reflection for the victims and survivors of the Bondi Beach massacre on December 14.
Leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the memorial for the victims and survivors of the Jewish Hanukkah festival together with dignitaries including the former Prime Minister of the Liberal Party of Australia Prime Minister John Howard, the former Prime Minister of the Liberal Party of Australia, Scott Morrison, the current opposition Liberal Party of Australia leader Sussan Ley and Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn, who was appointed by King Charles III on the advice of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The crowd booed loudly when the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President, David Ossip, acknowledged the Australian Labor Party (ALP) leader Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, at the National Day of Reflection for the victims and survivors of the Bondi Beach massacre.
Jewish Board of Deputies President, David Ossip, said ''we have lost our innocence...last week took our innocence.''
"Like the grass here at Bondi was stained with blood, so, too, has our nation been stained,'' he said.
''We have landed up in a dark place,'' he said
''But friends, Hanukkah teaches us that light can illuminate even the bleakest of places,'' he said.
''A single act of courage, a single flame of hope, can give us direction and point the path forward,'' he said.
Opposition Liberal Party of Australia Minister for Education and Early Learning, Julian Leeser, said ''Australia has been humiliated and that the Anthony Albanese government’s review into the Bondi attack is inadequate.''
“Australia stands humiliated by the failure of leadership of the Anthony Albanese government, by the failure of leadership which has led to the extraordinary deaths in a terrorist act on the shores of Bondi in this great city of ours,'' he said.
The crowd cheered current opposition Liberal Party of Australia leader, Sussan Ley, when she said that a conservative government led by her would reverse a decision made by the Anthony Albanese Australian Labor Party (ALP) centre-left government on September 22, 2025 to recognize a Palestinian state.
On September 22, 2025 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, saying "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.''
Australia, UK, Canada, France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and Portugal were among 157 of 193 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) members that recognised Palestine as a sovereign state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, 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.
The Southeast Asian Times

Kim Aris wants proof that his imprisoned mother Aung San Suu Ky is alive and well

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, December 22: Kim Aris, son of imprisoned Myanmar's former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, called on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar for proof that his mother is alive and well outside the Burmese embassy in Tokyo on Sunday 14, saying ''for all I know, she could be dead already,'' reports the Irrawaddy.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar after the military takeover of the legitimate civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 2021, was sentenced to prison for a combined 33 years for treason and corruption charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.

Kim Aris, son of Myanmar’s imprisoned former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, calls for the release of his mother at a protest outside the Burmese embassy in Tokyo on Sunday December 14, 2025

Aung San Suu Kyi, was first sentenced to two years in prison in December 2021 for incitement under Section 505(b) and 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest.
Kim Aris said ''the military claims my mother is in good health, yet they refuse to provide any independent proof, no recent photograph, no medical verification, and no access by family, doctors, or international observers, saying ''if she is truly well, they can prove it."
He said he had heard only second?hand reports of his mother’s health problems, including heart, bone and gum issues, but had received no direct communication,'' saying ''for all I know, she could be dead already,'' he said
The Central Working Committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD), that was dissolved by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in 2023, member, U Tun Myint, said ''the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar bears responsibility
for clarifying Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s condition.''
He said there has been no verifiable evidence of Aung San Suu Kyi whereabouts, saying ''the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar must resolve whether Aung San Suu Kyi is alive or not.''
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar issued a response on Wednesday to Kim Aris call for Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to provide proof that his mother is alive, saying ''Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is in good health.''
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar claimed that Kim Aris intended to disrupt the upcoming elections due to begin on 28 December.
''This is merely a fabrication, timed and distributed to disrupt the free and fair multi-party democratic general election that will be held in Myanmar in the near future,” the statement said.
Kim Aris said that he has no intention of interfering in Burma's politics, saying ''after years of total isolation, secrecy and silence
any son would begin to fear the worst.''
''My concern is growing because my mother has been hidden for so long that I now have to ask the most painful question: is she still alive?"
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippine National Security says claims describing Mindanao as hotspost for Islamic state ideology are outdated

Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram, 24, captured on CCTV in a Davao City street in Mindanao in the Southern Philippines on Tues November 11, 2025

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 21: Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) in Mindanao in the southern Philippines have confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who shot and killed Australians of Jewish faith on Bondi Beach, Sydney on December 14, had stayed at a hotel in Davao City for four weeks before retuning to Sydney on November 28, and with Philippines National Security saying Islamic State ideology was outdated in Mindanao, reports Agence France Press.
Bondi Beach Sydney, Australia gunman Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by the Australian New South Wales Police force and his son Naveed Akram, 24, survived gun shot injuries after firing on thousands of Australians gathered at Bondi Beach for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, killing 16 and injuring 40 on December 14.
''We are now in the process of investigating the movements that the two men made while here in the Philippines,'' said Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) Brigadier General, Leon Victor Z. Rosete.
''The national police force of the Philippines is investigating the mobile phone numbers and contacts during their stay in Davao City,'' he said.
''We are determining their activities, their support networks,'' he said.
''We are investigating and gathering intelligence information,'' he said.
He said Sajid Akram, 50, had shown interest in firearms, saying ''he entered a firearms shop located in the Davao City.''
He said that CCTV footage shows Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, in a ''jog walk'' for about an hour around the vicinity of the hotel, saying ''this appeared to be their physical exercises.''
''We are patching together all the information. We are now connecting the dots,'' said Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) Brigadier General, Leon Victor Z. Rosete.
Philippine National Security Adviser, Eduardo Ano, said the Philippines Bureau of Immigration records showed that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled via Manila to Davao City to Mindanao, saying
''Sajid Akram, 50, entered the Philippines on an Indian passport and his son Naveed Akram, 24, on an Australian passport.''
''There was no evidence that the men had received any form of military training while in the Philippines,'' he said.
He said reports describing Mindanao as a hotspot for violent extremism or Islamic State ideology were outdated and misleading, saying ''since the 2017 Marawi Siege, Philippine security forces have significantly degraded ISIS-affiliated groups in the Philippines.''
''The remnants of these groups have been fragmented, deprived of leadership, and operationally degraded,'' he said.
In May 2017 the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) security forces battled with the Maute Abu Sayyaf ISIS militants who lay seige to Marawi City, a predominantly Muslim city, called the Islamic City of Marawi, in northwest-central Mindanao, Philippines.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte had declared martial law over Muslim Mindanao on May 22 after Abu Sayyaf Maute ISIS fighters occupied Marawi City, in Muslim Mindanao.
Abu Sayyaf Maute ISIS fighters occupied the public hospital, City Hall, City jail and the university grounds and held Catholic priests hostage in Marawi City in their effort to establish an Islamic caliphate in the Philippines for ISIS.
The Southeast Asian Times

Would-be terrorists enroute to
Australia's Bondi Beach investigated for radical Islamic extremism

Seven males travelling from the Australian state of Victoria to the state of New South Wales were detained by the Tactical Operations police on Thursday December 18, 2025

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 20: Seven males were apprehended by the Tactical Operations police in Sydney on Thursday under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 that mandates detention of 'unlawful non-citizens' in Sydney, Australia, with New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, saying ''the men are under investigation for radical Islamic extremism,'' reports Rueters.
New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said the males travelled in two vehicles from the state of Victoria to the state of New South Wales, saying ''investigators were certainly looking at radical Islamic extremism as one of the ideologies potentially motivating the males to travel to News South Wales.''
''The seven males were known to Victorian Police,'' he said.
He said that the specific threat posed by the males is unknown, saying ''the potential of a violent offence being committed was such that we were not prepared to tolerate the risk and interacted accordingly.''
He said the information received was that Bondi Beach may have been one of a number of locations that the males were intending to attend, saying ''but the reason for attending Bondi Beach is unknown."
The seven males were intercepted by the Tactical Operations police four days after Bondi Beach gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, fired on thousands of Australians gathered at Bondi Beach for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, killing 16 and injuring 40 on December 14.
Five of the seven men were apprehended after their vehicle was rammed by the Tactical Operations police and a second vehicle with two male passengers was stopped nearby.
NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said that police had received information that a violent act was possibly being planned, saying '' but the police had not found any connection to the current police investigation into the Bondi beach terror attack."
''We're still reviewing evidence to determine whether there's a justification to detain the seven men," he said.
New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, said ''it's a thorough investigation, saying ''We will have to release the men if we don't have sufficient evidence.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines rejects claims that southern Philippines is an Islamic State training hotspot after Australia's Bondi Beach massacre

Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on MondayDecember 15, 2025 that the Philippines is seeking to determin the reason behind the visit of the Australian Bondi Beach gunmen to the Philippine in November

From News Reports:
Manila, December 19: The Philippine National Police are investigating the visit to the Philippines of the two gunmen who fired Australians of Jewish faith on Bondi Beach Sydney, Australia on Sunday, saying ''the Philippine police seeks to establish the purpose of their travel to the Philippines and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejecting claims that the Philippines is an ISIS training hotspot, reports Reuters.
Bondi Beach gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, fired on Australians gathered at Bondi Beach for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, killing 16 and injuring 40 on Sunday December 14, after the gunmen returned to Sydney from the Philippines on Friday November 28, 2025.
''This matter is being investigated as we seek to determine the reason behind their visit to the Philippines,'' said Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
''We are finding out what places they went to, who they talked to, and where they stayed while they were in the Philippines.'' he said.
Philippine Bureau of Immigration data shows that, Sajid Akram, 50, travelled on an Indian passport and his son, Naveed Akram, 24, on an Australian passport, arriving in the Philippines from Sydney on Saturday November 1, 2025, and departed the Philippines on Friday November 28, 2025 on a connecting flight from Davao City in Mindanao in the southern Philippines to Sydney.
Philippines Presidential Press Officer, Claire Castro, said ''Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly rejects claims that ''the Philippines is a training ground for terrorism and a ISIS training centre.''
''Of course, the President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot, said Presidential press officer Claire Castro.
''Currently, there is no validated report or confirmation that the individuals involved in the Bondi Beach incident received any form of training in the Philippines,'' reports the Philippines National Security Council.
''Philippine authorities, in coordination with international partners, continue to verify all available information but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training,'' reports the Philippine National Security Council.
The Australian Federal Police claim that the massacre of Australians who were celebrating the Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach Sydney on Sunday was inspired by Islamic State (IS) that is designated by Australia as a terrorist organisation, with Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, saying "early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State,
''These are the action of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion.'' said Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett.
''The vehicle that is registered in the name of Naveed Akram, 24, contained improvised explosive devises and two homemade flags associated with ISIS.
''Videos have emerged of Naveed Akram, 24, preaching Islam outside train stations in suburban Sydney,'' said the Australian Federal Police Commissioner.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said that both Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, were in the Philippines last month, saying ''the purpose of the trip is under investigation.''
In June 2017 the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) agreed to fly intellegince-gathering aircraft over the southern Philippines in Muslim Mindanao in order to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its fight with Maute Abu Sayyaf ISIS who lay seige to Marawi City in Mindanao, with then Liberal Party of Australia, Australian Defence Minister, Marise Payne, saying that Australia will operate two of its P-3 Orion aircraft over the southern region of Mindanao.
"The regional threat from terrorism in particular Islamic State (IS) foreign militants is a direct threat to Australia and our interests," she said
The Southeast Asian Times

Australian Federal Police claims massacre of Jews at Sydney's Bondi Beach inspired by Islamic State

Bondi Beach gunmen, Naveed Akram, 24, left, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, right, fired on hundreds of Australians gathered at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Jewish festival, killing 16 and injuring 40, on Sunday December 14, 2025

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 18: The Australian Federal Police claim that the massacre of Australians who were celebrating the Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bindi Beach Sydney on Sunday was inspired by Islamic State (IS) that is designated by Australia as a terrorist organisation, with the Australian Federal Police, saying "early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, reports Reuters.
Bondi Beach gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, fired on hundreds of Australians gathered at Bondi Beach for the Jewish Hanukkah festival, killing 16 and injuring 40 during a 10 minute killing spree.
"Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State,'' said Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said ''these are the action of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion.''
''The vehicle that is registered in the name of Naveed Akram, 24, contained improvised explosive devises and two homemade flags associated with ISIS.
''Videos have emerged of Naveed Akram, 24, preaching Islam outside train stations in suburban Sydney,'' said the Australian Police Commissioner.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Krissy Barrett, said that both Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, were in the Philippines last month, saying ''the purpose of the trip is under investigation.''
Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) deputy commissioner spokesperson, Dana Sandoval, said that Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, travelled to Manila and onward to Davao in southern Mindanao on November 1, and left November 28.
She said that Sajid Akram, 50, travelled on an Indian passport and his son Naveed Akram, 24, on an Australian passport, saying ''it was not conclusive they were linked to any terrorist group or whether they received training in Mindanao.''
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, chairman, Rommel Banlaoi, said ''the Philippines is really fertile ground for terrorist training activities.''
''It has very mountainous terrain, the people are very open to foreign nationals, and the borders are porous and easy to get across,'' he said.
''There is combat and guerrilla training and training for the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.'' he said.
''While they have diminished somewhat, there are still active terrorist groups that are willing to support personalities like this father and son responsible for the Bondi attack.''
Bondi gunman, Naveed Akram, 24, has reportedly had links to members of Australia's pro-Islamic State (IS) network
including Sydney jihadist preacher Wisam Haddad and convicted Islamic State (IS) youth recruiter Youssef Uweinat.
Sydney jihadist preacher, Wisam Haddad, said he ''vehemently denies any knowledge of or involvement in the shootings that took place at Bondi Beach".
The Southeast Asian Timess

Hong Kong finds Apple Daily publisher guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign powers

Former Hong Kong Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, arrested under the Beijing new national security law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday August 10, 2020

From News Reports:
Hong Kong, Wednesday: Former Hong Kong Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, charged with publishing "seditious publications" and "collusion with foreign powers to endanger national security" was found guilty of all charges by the West Kowloon Hong Kong court on Monday, with Hong Kong chief executive John Lee saying ''the national security law does not allow individuals to openly criticise China in the name of human right, democracy and freedom,'' reports Reuters.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, who was appointed Hong Kong Chief Secretary of the vetting committee to screen out candidates deemed unpatriotic to China or a threat to national security in the November 2021 Hong Kong District Councillor elections, was selected by the election committee to be the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in May 2022.
Hong Kong chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, said ''Monday's ruling confirmed that Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, had used the defunct tabloid Apple Daily newspaper to criticise China’s interests.''
He said that acts by the publisher of the Hong Kong Apple Daily newspaper were ''despicable'' saying ''publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, had ''malicious intentions.''
He said that publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75 has ''long used the Apple Daily newspaper to deliberately create social conflicts, provoke polarisation in society, incite hatred, glorify violence, and openly call for foreign sanctions on China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).''
''The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) law does not allow individuals from any occupation to openly criticise the country and fellow citizens in the name of human rights, democracy and freedom,'' he said.
On August 11, 2020 Apple Daily newspaper publisher Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 74, and 10 executives, were arrested for allegedly supporting rioters, instigating hatred, spreading rumours and slandering Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) authorities in the Apple Daily publication.
Former Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, is accused of publishing seditious material in an article in the Hong Kong-Apple Daily on October 11, 2020, saying ''Taiwan had become more important strategically than Korea in the 1950s and asked if the US would be willing to show military might to stop the brinkmanship of China.''
''The US could prevent a war with China by getting ready for war and showcasing its military supremacy,'' he said.
''That’s why the Chinese Communist Party don’t want to start a war because the war would only cause damaging without a chance of winning,'' he said.
“If there’s a war the Chinese Communist Party would only cause disaster and death without winning,'' he said.
He said in the article that ''Taiwan had become a priority in US international policy because Xi Jinping had vowed the reunification of mainland China and Taiwan.''
''Xi is not elected, he alone controls the whole country, what he says goes, he is a dictator,'' he said in the article published in the
Hong Kong-Apple Daily on October 11, 2020.
He denied that he had sought to incite hatred against Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, by describing him as a dictator in the Hong Kong-Apple Daily on October 11, 2020.
The Southwast Asian Times

Israeli accuses Australia of fuelling antisemitism with recognition of Palestinian statehood

Visitors hang an Australian and Israeli national flag on the gates of Bondi Pavilion after the massacre of Jews gathered at Bondi Beach for the Hanukkah Jewish festival at Bondi beach in Sydney on Sunday December 14, 2025

From News Reports:
Sydney, December 16: Israeli accused the Australian government of fuelling antisemitism in the lead up to the massacre on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying Prime Minister Anthony Albanese decision in August 2025 to recognise Palestinian statehood ''poured fuel on the antisemitic fire'', reports Reuters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had warned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August that his decision to recognise Palestinian statehood ''poured fuel on the antisemitic fire.''
''The massacre of people celebrating the start of Hanukkah is cold-blooded murder,'' he said.
Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, accused the Australian government of ''doing nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia,'' saying "you took no action.''
''You let antisemitism spread and the result is the horrific attacks on Jews we saw on Sunday,'' he said.
Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, said that since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli by the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist political organisation, there has been a surge in antisemitism in Australia including violent incitement against Israel and Jews in the digital and public spheres.
"Calls such as 'Globalise the Intifada', 'From the River to the Sea Palestine Will be Free', and 'Death to the IDF' are not legitimate, are not part of the freedom of speech, and inevitably lead to what we witnessed today,'' he said.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general, Mike Burgess, said that one of the two Bondi Beach gunmen, who fired on the Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday, was known to ASIO.
Bondi Beach gunmen, Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, fired on hundreds of Jews gathered at Bondi Beach for the Hanukkah Jewish festival, killing 16 and injuring 40.
"One of these individuals was known to us, but not in an immediate-threat perspective, so we need to look into what happened here," he said.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) director-general, Mike Burgess said ASIO has examined gunman, Naveed Akram, 24, for his close ties to a Sydney-based Islamic State (IS) terrorism cell.
On September 22, 2025 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, saying "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.''
Australia, UK, Canada, France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco and Portugal were among 157 of 193 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) members that recognised Palestine as a sovereign state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, 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.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand PM dissolves parliament over constitutional disagreement with opposition party

Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul submitted his request to dissolve parliament to King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday December 11, 2025

From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 15: Bhumjaithai party Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, dissolved the House of Representatives after approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Friday with government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat, saying ''dissolution of the parliament was prompted by constitution disagreement with the opposition People's Party, 'reports the Nation.'
Government spokeman, Bhumjaithai party deputy, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, said ''dissolution of the parliament was caused by constitution disagreement with the opposition People's Party.''
He said that the Bhumjaithai Party secured the support of the People's Party ahead of the September 5, 2025 elections with agreements that included a referendum on constitutional amendments.
"When the People's Party couldn't get what they wanted, they said they would submit a no-confidence motion, asking Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to dissolve parliament immediately," he said.
Prime Minister, Bhumjaithai party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, said ''the dissolution of parliament clears the way for elections earlier than previously anticipated,'' he said.
The pro-monarchy Bhumjaithai Party leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, was voted the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand on September 5, 2025 with the new Prime Minister saying then ''victory is the result of a pact with the opposition People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.
''The People's Party made its decision to support the Bhumjaithai Party to unlock the political deadlock and pave the way for elections and constitutional reform,'' he said.
People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said after the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Friday that the Bhumjaithai Party did not adhere to the agreement made with the People's Party in the September 5, 2025 elections.
"The opposition Peoples Party has tried to advance amendments to the constitution," he said.
People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said that ''a crucial point of disagreement among parliamentarians is the requirement for one-third of Senate votes to approve the new constitution draft before it goes to a public referendum.''
''This effectively gives the Senate control over the content of the new constitution from start to finish,'' he said.
He said that during the committee process the Bhumjaithai Party supported the majority committee position requiring only a simple majority of parliament to pass the new draft constitution, saying ''without needing one-third of Senate votes.''
He said the Bhumjaithai Party voted to maintain Senate power on Thursday, saying ''this means the constitutional amendment process underway cannot truly lead to a new constitution that the people want.''
Section 256 of the 2017 Constitution stipulates that if the draft Constitution Amendment is contrary to Section 255 which states that "changing the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State or changing the form of the State shall be prohibited" that "the Prime Minister may not present such a draft Constitution Amendment to the King for signature."
Both Section 256 and 255 are tied to Section 272 of the 2017 Constitution that deals with the Royal Thai Armed Forces appointed Senate to nominate and elect a Prime Minister
The Southeast Asian Times

Filipino's accuse Vice President Sara Duterte of plundering Confidential and Intelligence Funds

Vice President Sara Duterte at the House Appropriations Committee deliberation of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) proposed P889 million budget for 2026 on Tuesday 16 Sept 2025

From News Reports:
Manila, December 14: Philippines Civil society organisations filed complaints with the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday against Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 officials of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education accusing the Vice President of plunder, graft, malversation, bribery and administrative criminal offences in the use of Confidential Funds (CF) and Intelligence Funds (IF), reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Priests, academics, rights advocates and journalists, including Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Roberto Reyes, economist and former Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Dr. Maria Cielo Magno, claim the alleged criminal offences are connected with the alleged irregular use of P612.5 million (US$10.35) from the Confidential Funds (CF) and Intelligence Funds (IF).
Civil society organisations allege that P612.5 million (US$10.35) from the Confidential Funds (CF) and Intelligence Funds (IF) of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education were diverted, misused and concealed in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
''The release and utilization of P125 million (US$10.35) confidential funds that were transferred to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022 and in 2023 should be investigated for possible violation of government auditing,'' said the Civil society organisations.
The Civil society organisations claim that Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 officials of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education violated Section 2 of the Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 as amended by RA 7659 (plunder); Article 219 and 212 of the Revised Penal Code bribery and corruption of public officials; Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code malversation; Section 2(a) and (e) of the RA 3019 (graft); and Article XI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution betrayal of public trust.
In January 2025 more than a million Filipinos demonstrated their support for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, at a peace rally organised by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, with Philippine House of Representatives member, Francisca Lustina Castro, saying 'the rally is an attempt to shield Vice President Sara Duterte from accountability.
On December 29, 2024 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered Congress not to file an impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte for the alleged misappropriation of P612.5 million (US$10.3) million of the Confidential Funds (CF) and Intelligence Funds (IF) from the Office of the Vice President for 2022, saying that an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte ''would only tie down both the House of Representatives and the Senate.''
“It will just take up all our time and for what? For nothing. For nothing. None of this will help improve a single Filipino life,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

UNESCO calls for protection of heritage sites after Thailand destroys 11th century temple in Cambodia

Thailand launched attacks on the 11th century Preah Vihear temple and the 11th century Ta Krabey temple on the Thailand Cambodia border on Tuesday December 9, 2025

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, December 13: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), that listed the 11th century Preah Vihear temple a world heritage site in 2008, called for urgent protection of the region's cultural heritage after Thailand's destruction of the 11th century Ta Krabey temple located on the Thailand Cambodia border on Sunday, reports Khmer Times.
''UNESCO expresses strong concern over the renewed tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, including in the vicinity of the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site,'' said UNESCO in a statement.
''UNESCO stands ready to provide the necessary technical assistance to ensure the protection of cultural property and implement any necessary safeguarding measures as soon as conditions allow,'' said UNESCO in a statement.
Cambodia Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) spokesman, Sum Mab, said ''Thailand launched new attacks on Preah Vihear temple and the Ta Krabey temple,'' saying 'the Ta Krabey temple was destroyed in the attack by the Royal Thai Air Force F-16 jets on Wednesday.''
''MCFA continues to strongly condemn this immoral action by the Thai land military against cultural heritage, said Cambodia Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) spokesman, Sum Mab.
In November 2025 Thailand's Deputy 2nd Army commander Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in offered two options to reclaim the Ta Krabey temple that Thailand claims is located in Thailand's Surin Province and Cambodia claims is located in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey Province, saying in his experience as a former ranger commander he had two options to reclaim the Prasat Ta Kwai temple.
''The first option to reclaim Prasat Ta Kwai temple includes an immediate military recapture, a direct assault would be fast but would risk heavy casualties,'' he said.
''The second option includes a slower, technology-led approach, using radar and other survey technologies to verify and document the territory,'' he said.
In June 2025 Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet officially requested that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervene in the border dispute on the Cambodian Thailand border in four disputed areas including the Ta Krabey temple.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has not yet issued a final ruling on Cambodia's request to intervene in the border disputes involving the Ta Krabey temple and including Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Mom Bei.
In November 2013 the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the immediate area surrounding the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu temple on the Thailand Cambodia border belongs to Cambodia.
"Cambodia holds sovereignty over the whole territory of the promontory of Preah Vihear," said the International Court of Justice,
International Court of Justice said that as a consequence of the decision Thailand was now under obligation to withdraw Thailand military or police forces or other guards or keepers who were stationed in the immediate area surrounding the temple.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia withdraws athletes from 33rd Southeast Asian Olympic Games in Thailand for security reasons

Cambodian athletes at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday December 9, 2025

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, December 12: Cambodia withdrew all its athletes from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) under way in Thailand, with the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) calling for the athletes to return to Cambodia for security reasons, reports the Nation.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) Secretary General, Vath Chamroeun, said in a letter addressed to the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SAGF) on Wednesday, ''the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia NOCC must withdraw all of our delegation and arrange for their prompt return to Cambodia for security reasons.''
''I regret to inform you that due to serious concerns and requests from the families of our athletes to have their relatives return home immediately,'' he said.
''This decision was not made lightly,'' he said.
''We greatly appreciate the hospitality, warmth and spirit of sportsmanship extended to our athletes by the Thailand Sports Organising Committee (THASOC) and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand (NOCT) throughout their stay.'' he said.
Thailand Chef de Mission of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Thana Chaiprasit, said he understood the feelings of his Cambodian counterpart, saying ''the Cambodian government and the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) had come under intense pressure from parents.''
''Parents phoned throughout the day urging that their children to come home following reports of heavy fighting on the border,'' he said.
He said that claims that Cambodian soldiers captured by Thailand during Cambodia and Thailand border clashes had not been released, saying ''this had fuelled fears among families that their sons and daughters completing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand might be harmed or taken hostage.''
Thailand Chef de Mission of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Thana Chaiprasit, said he emphsised with those concerns, saying ''even as Thailand continued to guarantee the safety of all and maintained its commitment to upholding the spirit of friendship and solidarity at the Games.''
On Sunday a Thailand F-16 fighter jet destroyed a casino on the Thailand Cambodia border at Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani Province northeast Thailand reportedly used by Cambodia as a military drone station with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) saying ''the Thailand air force is now targeting rocket bases that threaten Thai communities.''
Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said ''Thailand's response was focused on destroying Cambodia's rocket bases,'' saying ''the Cambodia drone station on the Thailand Cambodia border posed a serious risk to both military personnel and civilians,'' he said.
''Thailand's action against Cambodia was taken after Cambodia employed artillery and air-dropped munitions against Thailand forces at the Anuphong base killing a Thailand soldier and injuring two soldiers,'' he said.
''The ultimate goal is to destroy as many of Cambodia's supporting fire systems as possible,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand F-16 fighter jet destroys casino on Thailand Cambodia border used by Cambodia as a military base

A Thailand F-16 destroys a casino used by Cambodia as a drone control station on the Thailand Cambodia border on Sunday December 7, 2025

From News Reports:
Bangkok, Thursday11: A Thailand F-16 has destroyed a casino used by Cambodia as a drone control station on the Thailand Cambodia border at Chong An Ma in Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani Province northeast Thailand on Sunday, with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) saying ''the air force is now targeting rocket bases that threaten Thai communities'', reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said ''Cambodian attacks on Thailand on Sunday afternoon with a clear intention to harm Thailand, leaving the country no choice but to defend itself.''
''Thailand's response was focused on destroying Cambodia's rocket bases,'' he said.
''The Cambodia drone control station on the Thailand Cambodia border posed a serious risk to both military personnel and civilians,'' he said.
''Thailand's action against Cambodia was taken after Cambodia employed artillery and air-dropped munitions against Thailand forces at the Anuphong base killing a Thailand soldier and injuring two soldiers,'' he said.
''The ultimate goal is to destroy as many of Cambodia's supporting fire systems as possible,'' he said.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened a meeting of National Security Council agencies at Government House on Monday after the F-16 strike on the Casino, saying ''the National Security Council convened and resolved that the government will act in accordance with National Security Council resolutions.''
He said that Cambodia has launched attacks on Thailand civilian areas and Thailand military basis, saying ''Thailand has a duty to safeguard its sovereignty and the security of is people.''
''Thailand will no longer open the door to negotiations with Cambodia,'' he said.
On July 28, 2025 Cambodia Minister of National Defence, Tea Seiha and Thailand acting Defence Minister, Nattaphon Narkphanit, signed the Cambodia Thailand border ceasefire agreement that requires the Interim Observer Team (IOT) including the ASEAN Defense Attaché Observer Group (Interim), Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, led by Malaysia Defence Attaché Observer to be established separately and independently on both sides of the Cambodia Thailand border.
The agreement states that both Cambodia and Thailand must avoid unprovoked firing towards the position on the other side or on the military, saying ''this agreement must not be violated under any circumstances.''
''Cambodia and Thailand agreed to maintain current military deployments without further movement as at the time of the July 28 ceasefire.'' the agreement says.
The agreement states that no military movements including patrols towards the position on the other side should be made, saying ''Both Cambodia and Thailand agree not to increase forces along the entire Cambodia Thailand border.''
''Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation,'' the agreement says.
Cambodia and Thailand agreed not to enter the others air space and territory or position and refrain from constructing or enhancing any military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.
The Southeast Asian Times

Mastermind responsible for the pork barrelling of Philippine government funds from 2007 to 2010 found guilty

The Sandiganbayan anti-graft and corruption court convicted Janet Lim-Napoles, 62, and 10 accomplices for the misappropriation of funds, known as pork barrelling, from the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) on Friday 5 Dec 2025

From News Reports:
Manila, December 10: The mastermind responsible for the misappropriation of funds, known as pork barrelling, from the Philippine Government's Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF), was found guilty on six charges for the misappropriation of P92.103 million from 2007 to 2010 through bogus development organisations, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
The Sandiganbayan anti-graft and corruption court convicted Janet Lim-Napoles, 63, and 10 accomplices for the misappropriation of funds, known as pork barrelling, from the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF), that were allocated to farmer-beneficiaries who were affected by cyclones "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" in 2009.
An audit of the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) between 2007 and 2009 show that 82 Non Government Organizations (NGOs) received P6.165 billion from allocations made by12 senators and 180 members of the House of Representatives through the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) program.
The Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) was reportedly a discretionary fund available to members of Congress that was publicly criticised following abuses of the fund by members of Congress
The Sandiganbayan anti-graft and corruption court found Janet Lim-Napoles, 63, misappropriated funds from the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) to bogus development organisations including the Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CARED), Peoples Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc. (POPDFI), Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (SDPFFI).
Janet Lim-Napoles, 63, who was first accused of the misappropriation of funds, known as pork barrelling, from the Government Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) in 2013, was convicted by the Sandiganbayan anti-corruption court on six charges, carrying the maximum penalty of life in prison on Monday.
Evidence provided by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in 2013 showed that Janet Lim-Napoles had prepared manufactured documents for submission to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) including fraudulent letters of request from mayors for funds for farmers affected by the typhoons in July 2009 two months before Executive Order (EO) 848 that released the funds to implementing agencies was issued.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) showed that fraudulent memoranda of agreement (MoA) was entered into between the bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs), government departments and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
The signatures were reportedly ''always forged".
Janet Lim Napoles, 63, allegedly purchased properties in the United States with pesos exchanged for dollars with local money changers. The US dollar notes were carried in hand luggage and cleared at United States airports by Filipino accomplices
Janet Lim-Napoles surrendered to police in August 2013 after a reward of P10-million was offered by then Philippine president Aquino for her arrest.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar ruling military urges government employees to vote for military aligned candidates

Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Senior General, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing, urged Mynamar's government workers to vote for the Myanmar military aligned candidates, Monday December 1, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, December 9: The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that forcibly took over the elected League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, urged Myanmar's 900,000 government employees to vote for the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), one of 57 parties contesting the upcoming elections on December 28, reports the Irrawaddy.
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Senior General, State Administration Council (SAC), Min Aung Hlaing, called on the Civil Service Academy, Police Officer Training Depot, and Central Firefighting Training School in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region on Monday, to support politicians aligned with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in the elections.
He called for support for the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in ''three main causes including non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty.''
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar political party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), is reportedly fielding almost twice as many candidates as its competitors including the National Unity Party (NUP), People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), People’s Party, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) and the Nationalities Democratic Party.
The Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), that was formed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in 2010 to maintain power in civil life, reportedly emphasised race, religion and military loyalty in the political campaign.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that has delayed elections since the takeover of the elected League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, after the declaration of a State of Emergency, introduced a new law ahead of the December 2025 elections.
The ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, State Administration Council (SAC) chairman, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, introduced a new law, ''Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction,'' 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 Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam issues arrest warrant for journalist and lawyer for alleged crimes against the state

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security issued arrest warrants for Vietnamese Journalist, Le Trung Khoa, 44, left, and Vietnamese lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, right, on Friday 5 December 2025

From News Reports:
Hanoi, December 8: An arrest warrant was issued against two Vietnamese accused of "making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" on Friday, by the Investigation Security Agency at the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) calling on Vietnamese lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, and Vietnamese journalist, Le Trung Khoa, 44, to surrender, reports the Vietnam News.
Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, and journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, were charged under Article 117 of the Penal Code on November 18 for making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, after initiating an investigation on November 11.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) called on lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, and journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, to surrender, saying ''to assist with investigation, prosecution, and trial procedures.''
''By doing so, they would be eligible for leniency as provided by law,'' said the Ministry of Public Security.
The Investigation Security Agency at the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said ''the public has the legal right to apprehend lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, and journalist Le Trung Khoa, 44, and deliver them to the nearest police station or the Peoples's Committee.
''Officials are instructed to notify the Investigation Security Agency at the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi,'' said the Ministry of Public Security.
Lawyer, Nguyen Van Dai, 56, co-founder the ''Brotherhood for Democracy'', called for political reform and expresseds views critical of the Communist Party's rule and policies that were interpreted by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) as undermining national security and public order leading to charges under Article 117 of the Penal Code.
Journalist, Le Trung Khoa, 44, founder and editor of the Viet Times, Thoibao.de, reported on corruption, internal disputes within the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) including the state support of Vingroup Joint Stock Company.
On January 5, 2021, Le Huu Minh Tuan, 35, founding member of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAV), was sentenced to 11 years in prison by the People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City for reporting the mass pro-democracy student protests in Hong Kong.
He was arrested in Vietnam on June 12, 2020 and reportedly held in solitary confinement for five months and denied legal representation and family visits.
Vietnamese journalist Pham Chi Dung, 58, also a founding member of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAV), was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City on January 5, 2021 for signing a joint letter that was published in Voice of America urging the European Union to delay the approval of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement until Vietnam improved its human rights record.
He was also involved in anti-China demonstrations and in campaigns in support of human rights.
Former Vietnam army veteran, journalist Nguyen Tuong Thuy, 73, also a foundin member of the Independent Journalists Association of Vietnam (IJAV), who was arrested in May 2020 for assisting political prisoners and land rights protesters, was sentenced to 11 years in prison also by the People's Court in Ho Chi Minh city on January 5, 2021.
He reportedly smashed his mobile phone on the floor rather than reveal the password to Vietnam People's Public Security.
The Vietnam journalists were charged under Article 117 of the revised 2018 Criminal Code that criminalises making, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and items against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military announce mass amnesty for political prisoners ahead of first elections since coup in 2021

U Kyi Toe, National League for Democracy (NLD) Central Information Committee, released from the Insein Prison in Yangon on Thursday November 27, 2025

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, December 7: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that forcibly took over the elected civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021, arresting party leader Aung San Suu Kyi, announced mass amnesty for thousands of political prisoners on November 27 including U Kyi Toe but excluding Aung San Suu Kyi, reports Irrawaddy.
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar spokesman, Zaw Min Tun, announced amnesty and sentence reductions for 8,665 arrested, imprisoned, or charged under Penal Code Section 505(a) and 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar take over of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 2021.
''Amnesty for political prisoners is meant to ensure that all eligible voters cast their votes freely and fairly on December 28,'' said Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar spokesman Zaw Min Tun.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD) Central Information Committee, U Kyi Toe, who was released from the Insein Prison in Yangon on November 27, was arrested under Section 505(a) and 505(b) of the Penal Code that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest at his home in Yangon after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar forcibly took over the elected civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021.
''I am determined to work with Aunty until I am 90 years old,'' former National League for Democracy (NLD) Central Information Committee, U Kyi Toe, told reports on release from the Insein Prison in Yangon November 27.
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.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD) State Councillor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar after the military takeover of the legitimate civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government faces a combined prison term of 33 years for treason and corruption charges brought by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, beginning with a two year prison sentence in December 2021 for incitement under Section 505(b) and 505(b) that criminalizes speech deemed by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to incite public unrest.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing declared Marshal Law after takeover of the legitimate National League for Democracy (NLD) government on February 1, 2021 after 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 only 21 seats of the 440 seats in the parliament.
The Southeast Asian Times

Warden of North Sulawesi prison dismissed for serving dog meat to Muslim inmates

From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 6: Warden of the Enemawira Correctional Institution (Lapas), north Sulawesi, Indonesia, Chandra Sudarto, was dismissed for serving Muslim inmates dog meat, after the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) member Mafirion said on November 27 ''serving Muslim inmates dog meat is an act of discrimination and religious blasphemy,'' reports Antara.
''Muslims are forbidden from consuming dog meat,'' he said.
''Indonesian Criminal Code Articles 156, 156a, 335, and 351 clearly regulates the prohibition of religious discrimination and blasphemy,'' he said.
He said the Enemawira Correctional

Chandra Sudarto, warden of the Enemawira Correctional Institution, north Sulawesi, Indonesia, dismissed for serving Muslim inmates dog meat on Thursday November 27, 2025

Institution (Lapas) also violated Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, saying ''the law guarantees the freedom of religion and to carry out beliefs without coercion.''
He said serving inmates dog meat is a violation of Human dignity because it forces someone to do something that is contrary to their moral and religious beliefs.
Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) member, Mafirion, said ''the prison must not be a place for arbitrary oppression and action, saying ''for this reason, I ask the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections to act quickly and decisively.''
Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Corrections Minister, Agus Andrianto, confirmed the dismissals of the Head of the Enemawira Correctional Institution (Lapas), saying ''an ethics hearing has been held.''
The Ministry Immigration and Corrections is questioning Chandra Sudarto, warden of the Enemawira Correctional Institution (Lapas), saying ''preliminary information suggests the alleged abuse of Law No 39 of 1999 on Human Rights occurred during a celebratory event at the Enemawira Correctional Institution (Lapas).''
''Inmates were allegedly forced to eat dog meat during a birthday party,''
''We give zero tolerance to such conduct,'' said Ministry of Immigration and Corrections Minister, Agus Andrianto.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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