The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Tuesday 21 March 2023
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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Philippine legislators want immediate investigation into oil spill from sunken MT Princess Empress

Filipino's cleanup oil spill from the sunken oil tanker, MT Princess Empress, on the Verde Island Marine Corridor, on a cash-for-work program introduced by the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government
From News Reports:
Manila March 21: Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan) legislators have called for an immediate investigation into the oil spill from the sunken oil tanker MT Princess Empress that has affected the livelihood of more than two million Filipino's on the Verde Island Marine Corridor, with demands to Philippine's President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for compensation for fishers, reports the Manila Bulletin.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan), House Deputy Minority Leader, France Castro, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel called for an immediate investigation into the effects of the oil spill of MT Princess Empress that was carrying 900,000 liters of industrial fuel when it sank in the Verde Island Marine Corridor off the coast of Oriental Mindoro in the early hours of February 28.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan) legislators said that the Philippine national government must provide immediate compensation for the fisherfolk and families affected by the oil spill, saying "the national government must exhaust all means to stop the further spread of the industrial fuel oil."
"Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the House of Representatives through the Committee on Natural Resources and Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resource immediately conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the effects of the oil spill caused by the MT Princess Empress on the environment, livelihood of fisherfolks, and the local production of fish,” said the Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan) legislators.
Patriotic Coalition of the People' (Makabayan) legislators said that the oil spill-affected areas are within the Verde Island Marine Corridor that spans 1.4 million hectares and covers Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and Romblon, saying "more than two million people live along the Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor and depend on its resources to survive."
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the oil spill in the Verde Island Marine Corridor off the coast of Oriental Mindoro has caused more than 18, 000 Philippine fishermen to lose their livelihoods, saying "the oil spill threatens the nation’s most diverse sea region."
He said the cleanup of the oil spill from the oil tanker, MT Princess Empress, could take up to four months, saying he has directed government agencies to help fishermen affected by the oil spill.
He said the government has a cash-for-work program for the affected fishermen, saying "the fishermen can go back to fishing when the oil-spill is cleaned up."
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN calls for Extradition Treaty for all ASEAN members

The 4th meeting of the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM) Working Group on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty in Denpasar, Bali, Wednesday March 15, 2023

From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 20: The ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM) Working Group on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (WG-AET) called for the advancement of efforts for a binding Extradition Treaty for all ASEAN member states at its 4th meeting in Denpasar, Bali on Wednesday, with the chairman saying " Indonesia encourages the realization of an ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), reports Antara.
The Indonesian Law and Human Rights Ministry, Director General of Legal Administrative Affairs, and chairman of the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), Cahyo R, said the ASEAN Extradition Treaty will demonstrate ASEAN's strong commitment to working together with the international community in tackling and eradicating transnational crime."
"The eradication of transnational crime is vital in supporting the realization of a safe, stable, and prosperous ASEAN region," he said.
He said that the Law and Human Rights Ministry is the focal point of the ASEAN Senior Law Officials Meeting (ASLOM), saying "the establishment of the ASLOM Working Group on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty was a mandate of the ASEAN legal ministers' meeting with ASLOM."
He said that the efforts for a binding ASEAN Etradition Treaty align with ASEAN leaders' commitment contained in the 1976 ASEAN Concord Declaration in Bali that includes the "Study on how to develop judicial cooperation including the possibility of an ASEAN Extradition Treaty."
In December 2022 the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I and III members for 2019–2024 ratified the bill on the Extradition Treaty between Indonesia and Singapore, that was signed by President Joko Widodo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in January.
In April 2007, former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong oversaw the signing of an extradition treaty and Defence Cooperation Agreement between Singapore and Indonesia but it was not ratified by the Indonesia's parliament.
Indonesia's Members of Parliament reportedly argued that the extradition treaty and Defence Cooperation Agreement favoured Singapore and could compromise Indonesia's security.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar crisis affecting security and welfare of region: Malaysia PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila Wednesday March 1, 2023
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 19: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN for ASEAN's inaction on Mynamar during an official visit to ASEAN member, the Philippines, saying "the Myanmar crisis cannot be considered as purely internal because it’s affecting the security and welfare of the region," reports Agence France Press.
"The huge number of refugees from Myanmar, exceeding 200,000 in Malaysia now, are adversly affecting Malaysia," he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said at a meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 1, that "ASEAN's principle of non-interference in member-states affairs must not descend into indifference," saying "ASEAN should explore new approaches to resolving the post-coup crisis in Myanmar."
He said that consensus-based decision making should not devolve into silence on violations of the ASEAN's core principles of respect for democratic values, human rights and fundamental freedoms," saying "I believe that non-interference is not a license for indifference."
He said that Asean should not remain silent over develoments in member states that affect the wider region, saying "particularly egregious violations of the ASEAN Charter by its own members."
In February 2023 Indonesia ASEAN chair for 2023 affirmed ASEAN unity of the official ASEAN position on Myanmar at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM) in Jakarta, saying "the ASEAN foreign ministers reaffirmed a united approach in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus plan,"
She said that Indonesia has proposed and negotiated the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) plan, saying "support from all ASEAN members shows the strong unity of ASEAN members to implement the Five-Point Consensus."
The ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) plan that was introduced at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta in April 2021, was attended by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Then the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing agreed to the ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) plan that included an immediate end to all forms of violence, the release of political prisoners, implementation of the rights of women and children, unimpeded humanitarian access and facilitation and mediation with the Secretary General of ASEAN.
In October 2021 The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), chairman and Member of the Malaysian Parliament, Charles Santiago, who promotes democracy and human rights in Southeast Asia, called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and governments world wide to recognise Myanmar's civilian National Unity Government (NUG) that was founded following the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 2021.
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) urged ASEAN to recognise Myanmar's civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and ASEAN dialogue partners and governments world-wide "to sanction against the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar."
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), chairman and Member of the Malaysian Parliament, Charles Santiago, called on ASEAN dialogue partners that include Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States to officially meet with the National Unity Government (NUG) "to extend solidarity with the people of Myanmar."
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia rejects Human Rights call to release striking NagaWorld hotel casino workers from prison

Former NagaWorld hotel and casino employees demand the release from prison of president of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU), Chhim Sithar, in Phnom Penh on Tuesday March 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 18: The Ministry of Justice and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) have rejected the call from Human Rights Watch (HRW) to release nine former NagaWorld hotel and casino complex employees including Chhim Sithar, 35, president of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) detained on charges of "incitement to cause social chaos," saying "the statement issued by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) is biased against the Government with no specific basis," reports the Phnom Penh Post.
The Ministry of Justice, spokesperson and the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) vice chairman, Chin Malin said that the statement issued by Human Righrs Watch (HRW) titled "Cambodia: Labour Leaders, Activists Facing Baseless Allegations" on Tuesday "is biased against the government with no specific basis", saying "this case follows standard legal proceeding."
He said that the accused have already crossed the line of existing labour dispute resolution mechanisms, saying "this has led to the commission of crimes that are clearly defined under the law."
"Naturally, the courts follow all national and international conventions related to human rights," he said.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Deputy Director Asia, Phil Robertson, issued a statement on Tuesday urging the immediate and unconditional release of the nine former NagaWorld employees including Chhim Sithar, 35, president of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU), saying "Cambodia authorities were violating the criminal justice system by targeting union leaders and other labour rights advocates."
“They are being subjected to increasing pressure from Cambodian authorities as the space for civil society in Cambodia narrows in the run-up to the July parliamentary election,” he said.
In December 2022 the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered the arrest of Chhim Sithar, 35, president of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) on her return to Cambodia from Australia where she had attended the 5th International Trade Union Confederation World Congress (ITUC) from 17 to 22 November, 2022.
Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) president, Chhim Sithar, who represents 3,000 hotel and casino workers who stopped work at the five star NagaWorld hotel and casino complex in Phnom Penh in January 2020, was arrested at the Phnom Penh airport on November 26, 2022.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court ordered the arrest of Chhim Sithar on her return to Camboida after twelve days in Australia for failing to comply with bail conditions that were set on her release from the Prey Sar Prison on March 14, 2022.
In January 2020 about 3,000 hotel and casino workers went on strike at the five star NagaWorld hotel and casino complex in Phnom Penh for higher wages, improved working conditions and the reinstatement of their union Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld (LRSU) president Chhim Sithar.
Chhim Sithar, was suspended for allegedly breaching company rules, for supporting a union member who was harassed by security guards for wearing a union-T-shirt.
The Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged unionists, activists, striking workers and former employees of the Hong Kong investment holding company NagaCorp Ltd with incitement to commit a felony for reportedly "undertaking an illegal protest in front of the five star Hotel NagaWorld hotel and casino complex.
Thousands of unionists, activists, striking workers and former employees had been protesting at the Hotel NagaWorld hotel and casino complex since December 17 demanding that NagaCorp Ltd reinstate dismissed employees and end discrimination against union members.
The Southeast Asian Times

Reward offered for return of radioactive material missing from power plant in Thailand

Prachinburi provincial governor, Ronnarong Nakornjinda, warns public not to touch the cylinder of radioactive material Caesium-137

From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 17: The hunt for the missing radioactive material Caesium-137 that went missing from the National Power Plant 5A Co Ltd in Prachinburi province, 160 kilometres from Bangkok on February 23, has intensified, with the Prachinburi provincial governor offering a reward for the return of the radioactive material, reports the Nation.
Prachinburi provincial governor, Ronnarong Nakornjinda, said that those who provide information leading to the recovery of the missing 30cm-long, 13cm-wide cylinder, weighing 25 kg, containing the radioactive material Caesium-137 would receive a 50,000 baht (US$1,460) reward."
He warned the public not to touch the cylinder of radioactive material Caesium-137 that has a half-life of 30 years and remains in the environment for 300 years, saying "the radioactive Caesium-137 causes burns, acute radiation sickness and can increase the risk of cancer."
He said that the cylinder containing the radioactive material Caesium-137 is suspected to have been stolen for sale to an antique shop, saying "authorities have inspected junk shops, scrap metal yards and second-hand stores in Prachinburi province and neighbouring Chachoengsao province."
"Anyone who finds the tube can contact National Power Plant 5A community relations officer Aree Chaktreemongkol at 085 835 0190," he said.
Kittiphan Chitpentham, represenative of the National Power Supply Public Co, Ltd that operates National Power Plant 5A Co Ltd plant in Sri Maha Pho district in Prachinburi province, said that management believes that "the cylinder containing the radioactive material Caesium-137 was taken from the facility on February 23.
He said that a weekend search of the National Power Plant 5A Co Ltd failed to locate the cylinder containing the radioactive material Caesium-137, saying "radiation tests at the plant show that the cylinder has been taken off the premisis."
"The company believes the cylinder may have fallen from a wall mount on a 18 metres high silo that was used for measuring steam pressure at the plant."
The Southeast Asian Times

WHO fires regional director for the Western Pacific Regional Office for abusive conduct and racism

Dr Takeshi Kasai, regional director for the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines
From News Reports:
Manila, March 16: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has fired the regional director for the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines for abusive conduct and racism but not incuding sexual misconduct, with the WHO Executive Board saying "the Regional Director’s appointment has been terminated,” reports Reuters.
"After careful consideration of the findings and following consultation with the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific and the Executive Board, the Regional Director Dr Takeshi Kasaia's appointment has been terminated."
World Health Organisation (WHO ) member states voted to terminate the contract of Dr Takeshi Kasai at the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines last Wednesday week.
Former director of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Dr Takeshi Kasai, was elected to the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in 2019 after more than 15 years with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
World Health Organisation (WHO ) Executive Board confirmed Dr Takeshi Kasai's removal from his position as director of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) with a recommendation to the World Health Organisation (WHO ) Director General to discontinue any position held by Dr Takeshi Kasai at the World Health Organisation (WHO).
World Health Organisation (WHO ) Executive Board said that "the allegations of abusive conduct and racism were investigated by the WHO Office of Investigative Services (OIS) and subsequently reviewed in accordance with the normal procedures applicable to all WHO members."
World Health Organisation (WHO) said "the investgation included the right of the Regional Director of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Dr Takeshi Kasai, to receive all relevant evidence and respond to the allegations in line with due process."
"These procedures resulted in findings of misconduct," said the WHO Executive Board.
The removal of Dr Takeshi Kasai from his position as the regional director for the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO)
was opposed by Japan that gathered 11 votes against his removal against 13 that voted in favor.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indo-Pacific alliance AUKUS to build nuclear-propelled submarines in South Australia

Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Point Loma Naval Base, in San Diego, U.S, 13 March 2023

From News Reports:
Washington, March 15: The strategic Indo-Pacific alliance, Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) agreed on Monday to build a fleet of nuclear-propelled submarines in Adelaide in South Australia, with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying "cooperation between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) in the development of nuclear powered submarines would undermine regional peace and stability," reports Reuters.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at Point Loma naval base in San Diego on Monday that "the AUKUS agreement represents the biggest single investment in Australia's defence capability, strengthening Australia's national security and stability in the Indo-Pacific."
"It's the first time in 65 years that the U.S. has shared its nuclear propulsion technology," he said.
He said that Australia would build a nuclear-powered but conventionally armed submarine with the UK to be named SSN-AUKUS, saying "the massive defence project would bring billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs to Australia."
"This will be an Australian sovereign capability built by Australians, commanded by the Royal Australian Navy and sustained by Australians in Australian shipyards with construction to begin within this decade," he said.
In September 2021 Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) announced at the State Department in Washington DC, that the newly formed security partnership, AUKUS, would cooperate to develope nuclear-powered submarines in Australia with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian, saying that "cooperation between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) would undermine regional peace and stability in the building of nuclear powered submarines."
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Zhao Lijian said at a press conference in Beijing that cooperation in the development of nuclear submarines between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) would undermine regional peace and stability, intensify the arms race and undermine international non-proliferation of nuclear weapons efforts.
"Australia as a non-nuclear weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a party to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty, has introduced nuclear submarine technology of strategic and military value," he said.
Australia cancelled a multi-billion-dollar contract for conventional French submarines in September 2021 on the newly formed AUKUS security partnership, with France Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying that the cancellation of the contract and the newly formed trategic Indo-Pacific alliance between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States AUKUS "concerns the very nature of the relationship between Europe and the United States Indo-Pacific strategy."
"France has pushed for several years for a European strategy for boosting economic, political and defence ties in the region from India and China to Japan and New Zealand," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Two Arema Football Club officials sentenced to prison for deaths in stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium

Arema Football Club Organizing Committee chair Abdul Haris, left, and Arema Football Club security chief Suko Sutrisno, right, arrive at the Surabaya District Court, East Java, Indonesia Thursday March 9, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 14: The Surabaya district court, East Java, Indonesia, sentenced two Arema Football Club officials to 12 to 18 months in prison for criminal negligence causing death and bodily harm in a stampede that killed 125 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on October 1, with Arema Football Club security chief Suko Sutrisno who received a 12 month prison sentence denying any wong doing, reports Rueters.
Arema Football Club security chief Suko Sutrisno denied any wrongdoing in the stampede that killed 125 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, claimed he would appeal the verdict, saying "we want justice,"
He asked after the Surabaya District Court delivered the verdict, "why us little people" ?
What about the others?” he asked.
The panel of three judges at Surabaya District Court, sentenced Arema Footbal Club Organizing Committee Chair Abdul Haris, to 18 months in prison and Arema Football Club security chief Suko Sutrisno to 12 months in prison.
Chief judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya said that "Arema Footbal Club Organizing Committee Chair, Abdul Haris, has been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of causing deaths and severe injuries due to his negligence."
"The defendants had failed to ensure adequate security and crowd control measures at the stadium," he said.
Chief judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya said that the panel of judges had considered mitigating factors that included the Arema Footbal Club Organizing Committee Chair, Abdul Haris, proposal to reschedule the match for security reasons that was rejected, and Arema Football Club security chief Suko Sutrisno's initiative to evacuate victims.
Lawyer for the defendants, Eko Hendra Prasetyo, said that Arema Footbal Club Organizing Committee chair, Abdul Haris, and Arema Football Club security chief, Suko Sutrisno, "they should have been acquitted,"
"There is no evidence that their actions could have contributed to the deaths of the fans," he said.
He said that the defendents helped rescue victims, denying claims that the Arema Footbal Club Organizing Committee did not prepare evacuation doors, saying "there were evacuation doors below Gate F."
"Football fans couldn’t get to the evacuation doors because they were blocked by tear gas," he said.
In October 2022 the Joint Independent Fact-finding Team (TGIPF) found that tear gas fired at spectators at the Kanjuruhan Stadium has caused the deaths of 132 football fans and injuries to 596 as they ran towards the exits of the overcrowded stadium to escape tear gas.
The crowd at the Kanjuruhan Stadium was reportedly beyond capacity on Sunday 1 October 2022 , with 42,000 tickets sold for the match in a stadium designed to hold 38,000 spectators.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team (TGIPF) investigation into the firing of tear gas at the Kanjuruhan Stadium found that "the failure of police to follow Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regulations contributed to the deaths and injuries at the stadium.
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team (TGIPF) investigation also found that Indonesian National Police officers had attempted to secure the crowd by firing tear gas indiscrimintely, saying "the indiscriminate firing of tear gas caused panic among spectators and the ensuring stampede."
The Joint Independent Fact-finding Team (TGIPF) recommended that the Indonesian National Police take action against police officers who fired tear gas and against Arema Football Club supporters who the TGIPF claim started the provocation.
Indonesian National Police officers fired tear gas to disperse Arema Football Club supporters who had run onto the Kanjuruhan Stadium field after a 3-2 home defeat to Persebaya Surabaya despite the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) governing body for world soccer safety regulations that firearms or crowd control gas should not be used at football sports stadiums.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former PM Muhyiddin Yassin charged with abuse of power by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin at Kuala Lumpur Court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Friday March 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 13: Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, 75, was charged with abuse of power on Friday, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) saying "former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was arrested at the Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday," reports Reuters.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Commissioner, Azam Baki said "the former Prime Minister will face several charges under Section 23 and Section 4(1) b of the Anti- Money Laundering Act."
"Section 23 refers to the charge of abuse of power," he said.
He said that former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was arrested for abuse of power related to the Jana Wibawa project that was planned to assist ethnic Malays during and after the Covic-19 pandemic.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who served as Prime Minister during the Covid-19 pandemic from March 2020 until he resigned in August 2021, claimed innocence to the charge of abuse of power in the Jana Wibawa project, saying "I did not have the power to approve government projects."
"That power was with the Ministry of Finance," he said.
"The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should know from the statements that there was no element of power abuse or corruption." he said.
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin claims that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) charge "is aimed to humiliate me by dragging me to court, saying "this selective prosecution is a political move aimed at crippling and destroying the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU) and Perikatan Nasional parties (NP)."
In July 2021 support for former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who was appointed by King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shahin in March 2020, was withdrawn by Malaysia's largests political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), in defence of the the Malay Royal Institution as enshrined in Article 3 of the UMNO Constitution.
UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said then "UMNO cannot compromise with the Muhyiddin Yassin government's attitude towards the monarchy."
He said that the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) could not support the Muhyiddin Yassin government, saying the failure of the Muhyiddin Yassin government to immediately abide by calls from the King and the Malay Rulers to reconvene Parliament that was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic was reason for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) not to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
He said that the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) was formed to protect and defend the institution of the Conference of Malay Rulers and the King, saying that "the Party would not remain silent."
The King, who chaired the Conference of Malay Rulers in June 2021 and who is empowered to reconvene Parliament under the Federal Constitution on the advice of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, ruled that the state of emergency that expired on August 1, 2021 should not be extended and that Parliament would reconvene as soon as possible.
"The government’s failure to implement the Conference of Malay Rulers decision is considered a treasonous act and shows disrespect for the institution of the King and the Conference of Malay Rulers," said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the Muhyiddin Yassin government had failed to fulfill the Malaysian people's aspiration in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, saying "inconsistent policies had led to the inefective implementation of lockdowns and misuse of the Emergency Ordinance."
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Fiji PM and Commissioner of
Police charged with abuse of office

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and and former Fiji Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho at the Totogo Police Station in Suva, Fiji on Friday March 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Suva, March 12: Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was charged with abuse of office on Friday with the Fiji Public Prosecutor saying "the former Fiji Prime Minister and the former Fiji Commissioner of Police have allegedly arbitrarily terminated an active police investigation into the financial management of the University of the South Pacific (USP), reports Reuters.
Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, pleaded not guilty to the charge of abuse of office under Division 11 of Offences against the Administration of Lawful Authority, saying "I served as Prime Minister of Fiji with integrity and with the best interest of Fijians at heart."
"I am going to fight this charge not only for my own reputation but for democracy, all Fijians, and of course for the constitution," he said.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde, said that former Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, and Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho were charged with one count each of abuse of office, saying "the former Prime Minister and former Commissioner of Police are charged with interference in an active investigation into the financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2019."
He said that further investigations into other maters arising from the investigation into the financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific will be undertaken, saying "more charges may be laid against other suspects in due course."
In July 2022 China and the 10 Pacific Island countries from Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia that include the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands and Niue, that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, were to endorse China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific, with a warning against the endorsement by the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, warned the Pacific nations of dire consequences if any nations endorse China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific.
He said in his letter to the Micronesian, Melanesian and Polynesian countries in the Pacfic that "China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific is an intent to shift those of us with diplomatic relations with China very close to Beijing's orbit, intrinsically tying the whole of our economies and societies to them," saying "aggreement to the plan would needlessly heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability."
"The Common Development Vision was the single most game-changing proposed agreement in the Pacific in any of our lifetimes," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

KL court acquits ousted former PM Najib Razak of tampering with 1MDB state funds final audit report

Ousted former PM Najib Razak acquitted of tampering with 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state funds final audit report by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday March 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 11: The Kuala Lumpur High Court has acquitted ousted former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, on charges of tampering with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state funds final audit report, with the court ruling that the prosecution had failed to gather evidence to convince the court that Najib Razak must enter a defence, reports the Star.
Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan acquitted former Prime Minister and former Chairman of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Najib Razak, and the former 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) Chief Executive Officer, Arul Kanda Kandasamy, saying "the prosecution failed to gather evidence to convince the court that the two defendants must enter a defense."
"I find that the prosecution has failed to adduce credible evidence to prove the offense which would warrant a conviction," he said.
He said that the prosecution has not made a prima facie case against the accused Najib Razak, saying "Najib Razak is hence dischared and acquitted from the charge against him."
In December 2021 the Malaysian Court of Appeal upheld the High Court verdict that found ousted former Prime Minister Najib Razak, guilty of Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT) in the misappropriation of US$700million (RM2.6billion) from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and subsiduary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds.
In December 2018 former Prime Minister Najib Razak was arrested for allegedly tampering with the 1MDB final audit report, with the Auditor-General Madinah Mohamad saying that parts of the 1MDB final audit report had been expunged.
He said the attendence of Malaysian fugitive financier Low Taek Jho at the 1MDB board at the February 24, 2016 meeting had been expunged from the 1MDB final audit report, saying "fugitive financier Low Taek Jho attendence at the 1MDB meeting was excluded from the 1MDB final audit report," he said.
A warrant for the arrest of Malaysian fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, who is wanted by Malaysian police for alledged money laundering of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state funds was issued in August 2018.
Low Taek Jho, who is reportedly a family friend of ousted former Prime Minister Najib Razak, is wanted on eight counts of money laundering and his father Low Hock Peng on one count including the alleged investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in the United States and London.
In January 2020 the then witness for the prosecution, former director of the National Audit Department, Saadatul Nafisah Bashir Ahmad, told the Kuala Lumpur court that she and the former auditor-general Ambrin Buang "were forced to accept the decision to expunge parts of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state funds final audit report.
She said under cross examination by lawyer, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah who represented former ousted Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and former 1MDB chief executive officer, Arul Kanda Kandasamy, on charges of tampering with the final 1MDB audit report, that she was forced to expunge parts of the final audit report at a meeting held on February 24, 2016.
She said that the meeting was chaired by the then Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr Ali Hamsa, at his office, with 1MDB the then chief executive officer Arul Kanda Kandasamy, Shukry Mohd Salleh, the principal private secretary at the time to Prime Minister Najib Razak and officer at the Attorney-General's Chambers, Dzulkifli Ahmad, in attendance.
Witness for the prosecution, former director of the National Audit Department, Saadatul Nafisah Bashir Ahmad, said under cross examination that she viewed the request made by the then Chief Secretary to the Government and 1MDB chair, Dr Ali Hamsa, that her department. the National Audit Department .consider expunging portions of the audit report as an order, saying "it was akin to being forced to do so."
The 1MDB final audit report that had been marked secret under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) under the ousted former Prime Minsiter Najib Rajak administration was declassified less than a week after the May 9, 2018 elections that saw the defeat of the ruling Barisan National (BN) party lead by the former Prime Minister Najib Rajak and the return of Prime Minister Mathahir Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad said after he was sworn in as Prime Minister that he would appoint a finance ministry advisor to oversee efforts to recover US$700mil (RM2.6bil) that was allegedly transferred from 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak private bank accounts.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hong Kong Police cancel International Women's Day march without notice

Wu Mei-lin, right, executive director of the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA) on Thursday March 2, 2023
From News Reports:
Hong Kong March 10: The International Women's Day march in Hong Kong that was to be the first authorised public assembly to be held in Hong Kong since 2020 with the enforcement of Beijings's new security laws, was "abruptly cancelled" with representatives of the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association's (HKWWA) saying "representatives had been summoned numerous times for meetings with the police," reports Reuters.
The Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association's (HKWWA) representatives said they called off the International Women's Day march that was to be held on Sunday after the Hong Kong Police Force threatened to arrest the organisers.
"Groups and citizens who supported us were also pressured and warned," said the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA).
The International Women's Day march that was organised by the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association's (HKWWA), claims that the association had been granted authorisation to hold the International Women's Day march on Sunday, saying "but the authorisation was abruptly cancelled the night before, offering no reason for the cancellation."
The Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA) respresenatatives said the approval for the International Women's Day march on Sunday was obtained from Hong Kong Police Force in a letter of no objection.
The Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association (HKWWA) executive director Wu Mei-lin claims that the Hong Kong Police Force gave the association verbal approval for the International Women's Day march.
"The association tried its best to amend the agreement with the police in order for the International Women's Day march to take place," said the representatives.
In July 2020 the enforcement of the new law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that was adopted by China's National People's Congress in May 2020 was passed into legislature in Beijing.
The new law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) allowed the Hong Kong Police Force to exercised their new powers of arrest.
The Hong Kong Police Force under the new laws, arrested 10 for taking part in an illegal assembly, disordly conduct and possession of offensive weapons on the first day of the passing of the new security laws in Beijing.
Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Shen Chunyao, said in Beijing after the passing of the new security laws for Hong Kong that "the promulgation and implementation of the new law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong will uphold and improve the institutional system of "one country, two systems," he said.
He said that the new law on Safeguarding National Security does not target opposing political views in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), saying "political views, including those not favourable to the government can still exist."
"The new law does not criminalize normal international communication and exchanges either," he said.
He said that the new law will fully protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the vast majority of Hong Kong residents and the legitimate rights and interests of investors in Hong Kong.
The Southeast Asian Times

Transfer of nuclear material by AUKUS up for discussion by International Atomic Energy Agency

Ambassador Nguyen Trung Kien, Governor - Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at the meeting in Vienna on Monday March 6, 2023

From News Reports:
Hanoi, March 9: The transfer of nuclear material by the new Indo-Pacific alliance between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS), is up for discussion between the 35 nation board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week in Vienna that includes ASEAN members Vietnam and Singapore, with Vietnam reitorating support for safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, reports the Vietnam News Service.
ASEAN member Vietnam and Governor - Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ambassador Nguyen Trung Kien, reiterated Vietnam’s support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) three pillars, safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology at the meeting of the 35 nation board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna this week, reviewing security, safety and the application of nuclear technology in 2023.
"The board of Governors agreed to a safeguard agreement between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran, Syria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)," he said.
The 35 board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) including, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, the Republic of Korea, Libya, Namibia, Pakistan, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, Uruguay and Viet Nam, are to discuss the transfer of nuclear materials in the context of the new Indo-Pacific alliance between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS)
In September 2021 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Le Thi Thu Hang, said in Hanoi after the announcement in Washington of the newly formed alliance between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) that "nuclear energy must be used for peaceful purposes"
She said that "all countries in the region should strive for peace, stability, cooperation in their development of nuclear energy."
after Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, announced that the newly formed security partnership, AUKUS, would cooperate to develop nuclear-powered submarines in Australia.
Then Australian Defence Minister, Peter Dutton said "Australia is committed to the highest standards for safeguards, transparency, verification, and accountancy measures to ensure the non-proliferation, safety, and security of nuclear material and technology."
"Australia remains committed to fulfilling all its obligations as a non-nuclear weapons state, including with the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA)," he said.
China Ministry of Foreign Affairs then spokesman, Zhao Lijian said in Beijing following the announcement of the formation of (AUKUS) that nuclear submarine cooperation between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, (AUKUS) would undermine regional peace and stability, intensify the arms race and undermine international non-proliferation of nuclear weapons efforts.
"Australia as a non-nuclear weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a party to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ) Treaty, has introduced nuclear submarine technology of strategic and military value," he said.
Malaysia's then Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob warned that the new Indo-Pacific alliance between Australia, United Kingdom and the United States, AUKUS, that was formed to construct nuclear submarines in Australia, could provoke a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Malaysia feared that the new Indo-Pacific alliance AUKUS that was announcement at the State Department in Washington DC,
would work in cooperation to build nuclear-powered submarines in Australia and that the rotational deployment of U.S. military aircraft to Australia "would provoke other powers to also act aggressively in the region."
The Southeast Asian Times

China sends flotilla of war ships to
the West Philippine Sea

More that 40 Chinese vessels sighted off Pag-asa Island, about 300 miles (483 kms) from Puerto Princesa in Palawan province in the West Philippines Sea on Saturday March 3, 2023
From News Reports:
Manila, March 8: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported sighting more than 40 Chinese vessels anchored off Pag-asa Island, also known Thitu Island, in the West Philippines Sea, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) saying "the location of the Pag-asa Island is clearly inside the Philippines 12-nautical mile territorial sea," reports Reuters.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said that the continuing unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippines Sea "is clearly inconsistent with the right of innocent passage and a blatant violation of the Philippines' territorial integrity."
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island, reported on Saturday that a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel, a China Coast Guard (CCG) 5203 vessel, and 42 suspected maritime militia vessels, were anchored within 4.5 to 8 nautical miles off the Pag-asa Island shore.
"The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel and China Coast Guard (CCG) 5203 vessel, were observed idling in waters surrounding Pag-asa Island," the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said in a statement.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island said that the suspected People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels were anchored in the vicinity of reefs west of Pag-asa Island, saying
"the suspected People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels were anchored at Pag-asa Island reef 3 and Pag-asa Island reef 4."
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China had violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling with China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang saying then that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
"The dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights.
The Southeast Asian Times


ASEAN member Cambodia supports China's proposal to end Russia-Ukraine war

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen announced his support for China's 12-point peace proposal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation annual meeting at the Peace Palace on Friday March 3, 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 7: The Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) member country, Cambodia, announced support for China's 12-point peace proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine crisis, with Cambodia Prime Minister saying "the peace proposal respects international laws and the United Nations Charter's principles," reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia Prime Minister, Hun Sen called on all parties concerned to consider the proposal on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, saying "China's 12-point peace proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine crisis conforms with Cambodia's stance."
“China's 12-point proposal also calls for an end to military hostilities," he said.
China's 12-point peace proposal includes respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the cold war mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians and prisoners of war, keeping nuclear power plants safe, reducing strategic risk, facilitating grain exports, stopping unilateral sanctions, Keeping industrial and supply chains stable, and promoting post-conflict reconstruction.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said "War is the worst way to end war." saying "a ceasefire is the best means toward the end of war."
In October 2022 seven of 10 Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) member country, voted in favour of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) motion that condemned the Russian referendums of four partially occupied regions in Ukraine, with ASEAN member nations, Thailand Laos and Vietnam abstaining from the vote.
ASEAN member countries, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia including Myanmar that was representated at the United Nations by envoy, Kyaw Moe Tun, who voted without the support of the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, were among 143 countries that voted in favour of the motion condemning the Russian four partially occupied regions in Ukraine.
Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea and Belarus are the only countries that joined Russia in voting against the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) motion at the 77the session, with 35 countries abstaining from the vote including ASEAN member countries Laos and Vietnam, China and India.
The Southeast Asian Times

QUAD accused of encircling China and preserving US hegemony

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi at Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting in New Delhi on Friday March 3, 2023

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 2023: Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, Japan and the Secretary of State of the United States reaffirmed the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) commitment to support a free and open Indo-Pacific in New Delhi on Friday, saying "the Quad will be guided by the priorities of the Indo-Pacific region" with China reaffirming criticism of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) grouping "as a tool to contain and encircle China and preserve America's hegemony," reports Reuters.
On Friday China reaffirmed its criticim of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) grouping "as a tool to contain and circle China, and preserve America's hegemony," with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, saying "China has stated our position on QUAD on multiple occasions."
"We believe that state-to-state cooperation needs to be consistent with the trend of peace and development, rather than be about putting up exclusionary blocs," she said.
She said that state-to-state interactions should pursue peace and development and contribute to mutual trust and regional stability rather than exclusivity.
In February 2022 China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said following the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Foreign Ministers meeting in Australia "the so-called Quad mechanism is in nature a tool to contain and encircle China and preserve America's hegemony,"
Australia, India, Japan and the United States, Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Foreign Ministers, who committed to non-military initiatives including new techno-democratic statecraft in a free and open Indo-Pacific at the first Quad meeting in March 2021, attended the 4th Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in Australia with the then Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, saying "the meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers sends a message to China that security in the region remains a priority for the U.S."
On Friday in New Delhi Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japan's Yoshimasa Hayashi, Australia's Penny Wong and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a joint statement "the Quad is acting as a force for regional and global good," saying "the quad will be guided by the priorities of the Indo-Pacific region through its positive and constructive agenda."
"We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight, and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) said in a statement.
In May 2022 the launch in Tokyo of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) planned to reassert United States economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with United States National Security Council, Kurt Campbell, saying "the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) trade pact is aimed at countering the influence of China in the Indo-Pacific."
He said that Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China, saying "we are not asking countries to make a choice between the United States and China."
"We want to make clear, though, that the United States seeks stronger relationships," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Phnom Penh court sends former president of court dissolved opposition party to prison for 27 years

Phnom Penh court sends former president of court dissolved opposition party, Kem Sokha, 69, to prison for 27 years
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 5: The Phnom Penh Municiple Court sentenced former president of the court dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha, 69, to 27 years in prison for "conspiring with foreign powers to overthrow the Hun Sen government" in 2013, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Judge Koy Sao handed down the sentence on Friday, saying "Kem Sokha is sentenced to 27 years in prison on the charge of collusion with foreigners that was committed in Cambodia and other places."
Deputy Prosecutor, Plong Sophal, said on December 21, 2022 ahead of the verdict handed down by Judge Koy Sao on Friday that "based on the real evidence in this case, the court’s prosecutor has enough evidence to place the burden of proof on the accused that Kem Sokha plotted a "colour revolution" in Cambodia.”
Deputy Prosecutor, Plong Sophal, argued that on November 9, 2013, Kem Sokha, who was then the deputy president of the now dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), had told supporters in Melbourne, Australia that he had followed US orders to plot the overthrow of the Cambodian Government throught a "colour revolution."
Deputy Prosecutor Plong Sophal claimed that Kem Sokha had confessed his relationship with foreign states and foreign agents in a video clip that was recorded by CBN TV in Australia, saying "the foreign states and agents were teaching and helping Kem Sokha to prepare a plot to create a "colour revolution" in Cambodia.
"The "colour revolution" in Cambodia was aimed at overthrowing the givernment through undemocratic means," he said.
Deputy Prosecutor Plong Sophal argued that from 1993 to 2017 before his arrest, Kem Sokha and the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president, Sam Rainsy had plotted against the Hun Sen government.
Deputy Prosecutor Plong Sophal argued that former deputy president, Kem Sokha, and former president, Sam Rainsy, of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) "had incited people, especially garment workers and the armed forces personnel to go against and overthrow the government."
"The "colour revolution" plot and the activities of both Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy in their attempt to overthrow the government had failed," he said.
In February 2017 the Cambodian National Assembly unanimously passed amendments to the Constitution, saying it was in the national interest in order to stop foreign interference.
Former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) president Kem Sokha, 69, was arrested on September 3, 2017 without a warrant at his Phnom Penh residence and was charged with treason, with Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, saying then that Kem Sokha had committed a "clear act of treason."
"A 2013 video showed that the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), president Kem Sokha, had received assistance from the United States," he said.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court said then that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to charge the opposition party president with treason under Article 443 of the Criminal Code for conspiring with a foreign power.
Following the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party's (CNRP) on November 16, 2017, Prime minister Hun Sen called on more than 5000 elected officials to defect to his Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
The Southeast Asian Times

Susi Air pilots afraid of flying to West Papua after New Zealand pilot taken hostage and aircraft torched

Susi Pudjiastuti, founder of Susi Air, and the former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said "lack of confidence among pilots makes it difficult to confirm flights to Papua’s mountainous areas
From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 4: Susi Air founder, Susi Pudjiastuti, claims that pilots are afraid of flying to West Papua after New Zelander Philips Max Mehrtens was taken hostage and his aircraft torched by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) on February 7, repots Antara.
The Susi Air plane was set on fire at the Paro airport in Nduga regency, Pegunungan Province in West Papua after West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) release five passengers and took the New Zealand pilot hostage.
Susi Pudjiastuti, who is the former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said in Jakarta on Wednesday that "lack of confidence among pilots makes it difficult to confirm flights to Papua’s mountainous areas.
"Susi Air could be abandoned by its pilots if the rescue operation for the New Zealand pilot is not successfull," she said.
She said that about 70 percent of Susi Air aircraft have been grounded since the hostage takeing, saying "the grounding of Susi Air aircraft has disrupted mobility and delivery in a number of Papuan regions,"
Susi Pudjiastuti rejected accusations that New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens is part of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) Free Papua Movement (OPM) that supports a referendem for independence from Indonesia, saying "that is very false."
She said that New Zealand pilot Philips Max Mehrtens is not with the Free Papua Movement (OPM), saying "I have known Philips Max Mehrtens for a long time."
"He worked for Susi Air in 2012 and resigned in 2015 but returned in 2020," she said.
She said that Philips Max Mehrtens is married to a Pangandaran, saying "I know his wife's family," "his wife worked in my fishing company a long time ago."
"We still hope and pray that our pilot,Captain Philips Max Mehrten, be released without conditions," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines, last ASEAN member to ratify RCEP trade agreement

Senator Imee Marcos abstained from voting for the ratification of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on Tuesday February 21, 2023, saying "the RCEP would not be beneficial to the Philippines agricultural sector particularly local farmers"
From News Reports:
Manila, March 3: Twenty Philippines senators have ratified the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement, despite farmers, fishers, workers, civil societies organizations, the private sector and individuals rejecting the senate to vote against the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that grants corporations the exclusive right to bypass domestic legal systems, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
The Philippines is the last of the ASEAN member countries to ratifiy the RCEP agreement that was signed on November 12, 2020 after eight years of negotiations by 15 countries including the 10 member states of ASEAN and five partners, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and Korea but excluding India.
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairman, Rafael Mariano said that farmers were against the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement including Chapter 11 on Intellectual Property Rights that would privatize seed and proliferate genetically modified organisms (GMO), including the hybrid rice program.
He said that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has approved the hybrid rice program despite opposition from farmers, saying "unlike certified seeds, hybred seeds cannot be planted again so farmers must buy new seeds every time."
"Only the big seed corporations will benefit from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hybrid seeds program and not the farmers," he said.
He said that Philippine membership in RCEP would result in increased imports from China, including plastics, rubbers and mechanical appliances, saying "the RCEP would also result in decreased exports in various Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines."
National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines (Pamalakaya), chairman, Fernando Hicap, said "the liberalization of imports, conversion projects and massive privatization of aquaculture are among the adverse effects of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement on the fisheries sector"
"Private aquaculture funded by China will multiply through RCEP," he said.
He said that an estimated 70 percent of aquaculture would be foreign owned including by China, saying "the Marcos administration blatantly submits to China saying "the Marcos administration did not consider the dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea before approving the RCEP agreement."
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) secretary-general Jerome Adonis said that increased importation of products manufactured in China under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has had a harmful effect on workers, saying "the ratification of RCEP has caused a severe economic crisis resulting in poverty, hunger and joblessnes."
"The already insufficient workers' salary would become lower and workers’ union rights will worsen," he said.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement negotiations failed to reach consensus at the 35th Asean Summit in Bangkok in November 2019 with India and other RCEP members failing to reach agreement on tariffs.
Indian National Congress Party president Sonia Gandhi said that any decision by the government to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement "will bring untold hardship to farmers, shopkeepers, and small and medium-sized enterprises in India."
She said that India feared that cutting tariffs on dairy and other products would allow for a greater influx of Chinese goods and agricultural imports from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries.
The Communist Party of India said that joining the RCEP will harm the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, and increase the deficit.
The Indian disagreement with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) also included the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism (ISDS) that would grant corporations the exclusive right to bypass domestic legal systems and sue the partner government for compensation at an international arbitration tribunal.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand delays full enforcement of Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act

Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) president, Sarawut Pratumrat, Thammasat University vice rector, Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, Cross Culture Foundation (CrCF) chairman, Surapol Kongchantuek, against Cabinet executive decree delay of enforcement of Articles 22-25 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance on Tuesday February 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 2: Thailand's academics are against the Cabinet executive decree that delays the full enforcement of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance until October, with Thammasat University vice rector saying , "the Cabinet issued the decree on grounds that the Royal Thai Police lacked the equipment and personnel required to enforce the law," reports the Nation.
Approval of the delay of the full enforcement of Articles 22-25 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance was given by the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn and published in the Royal Gazette on February 19, 2023.
Article 22: State officials are required to make continuous video and audio recordings of the arrest and detention of suspects until they are handed over to interrogating officials or until they are released.
Article 23: State officials are required to record all information about detainees, including the reasons for arrest or detention, identity, whereabouts and physical conditions of the suspects.
Article 24: Officials will be required by the court to provide information about the detainees to their relatives or lawyers.
Article 25: Officials can withhold information about the detainees from the public if the disclosure will violate their privacy, cause harm or inhibit investigation.
Thammasat University vice rector, Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, said that the law was published on October 25, 2022 with a 120-day waiting period, saying "what were the cabinet ministers doing during these 120 days."
The cabinet issued an executive decree on February 14, 2023, delaying the enforcement of Articles 22-25 of the Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance until October 1, 2023.
Cross Culture Foundation (CrCF) Thailand chairman, Surapol Kongchantuek, said Articles 22-25 of the Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance "are good laws that have been created through public participation."
"Thailand was applauded by the international community for the law," he said.
He said that the delay in the enforcement of Articles 22-25 of the Act on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance was unjustified and unconstitutional.
Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) Thailand president, Sarawut Pratumrat, claims that "Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin and Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam allowed the delay of the enforcement of Articles 22-25 because the Royal Thai Police claimed it was not ready to enforce the law, saying "delay violates human rights."
"With the law not fully enforced, suspects in the deep South would continue being tortured by police," he said.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia director, Elaine Pearson, said "the Thai government keeps finding new reasons not to tackle the serious problems of torture and enforced disappearance in the country,"
"All along the police and other security officials knew training and equipment would be needed to enforce the new law, but instead they could only come up with excuses," she said.
She said that the Thai government’s decision will make it extraordinarily difficult to enforce the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance, saying "officials are not yet required to provide information about detainees or record arrests and interrogations to prevent abuses from taking place."
"The delay will allow officials to continue to engage in abusive practices that facilitate enforced disappearances, such as the use of secret detention by anti-narcotics units, as well as the secret detention of national security suspects and suspected insurgents in the South, she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Royal Thai Police operate illegal online gambling with Chinese nationals
Lawyer, Achariya Ruangrattanapong, of Help Crime Victims Club, at Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters on Monday February 27, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 1: Help Crime Victims Club, lawyer, Achariya Ruangrattanapong, accused the Royal Thai Police (RTP) of involvement in illegal online gambling at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters in Pathumwan district, Bangkok on Monday, saying "some of the illegal websites were operated by Chinese nationals," reports the Bangkok Post.
Lawyer, Achariya Ruangrattanapong, displayed a banner at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) headquarters on Monday listing the names of Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers he alleges are involved in illegal online gambling.
He alleges that a former Royal Thai Police (RTP) chief, Pol Lt Col Wasawat, supervised the operation of about 70 percent of the illegal gambling websites in Thailand, saying "some of the illegal websites were operated by Chinese nationals."
He also alleges that a football club in northern Thailand is used to launder gambling money, saying "the football club's directors include Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers.
Central Investigation Bureau commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, is to head an investigate into Pol Lt Col Wasawat also known as "Inspector Sua" for his alleged involement in an illegal online gambling network.
"The panel is gathering information and will build a case when it has evidence or information about illegal activities," he said.
In May 2022 Chutchawan Kong-u-dom of the Thai Local Power Party (TLP) led representatives from smaller political parties to the House of Represenatives to submit a draft amendement to the Gambling Act.
Chutchawan Kong-u-dom said the draft emendments aimed to legalise online casinos and online gambling to generate revenue in Thailand amid the economic downturn.
"The legalisation of online casinos will enable authorities to collect taxes from the licence holders and define punishments to impose on illegal casino operators, "he said.
He said that legalisation of online casinos will allow for data checks of online players, saying "checks can help prevent crimes associated with gambling activities."
The Southeast Asian Times

Anthropologists held for ransom by "worlords and bandits" in Papua New Guinea released

Papua New Guinea National Museum officer Jemina Haro, PhD student Teppsy Beni, and program coordinator Cathy Alex were released by "worlords and bandits" on Sunday February 26, 2023 after being held hostage for a week in PapuaNew Guinea
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, February 28: All seven hostages held at the border of the Southern Highlands, Hela and Western in Papua New Guinea by reportedly "warlords and bandits" have been released, with Papau New Guinea opposition political party, saying "Police and the military are simply outgunned and outnumbered, and cannot effectively deal with the armed bandits," reports the National.
An Australian anthropology, officials from the National Museum, a member of the Woman Leader Network, and an anthropologist graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea and four local guides who were held hostage for a week by armed men near Mt Bosavi on the border of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western at Fogomaiyu Village were released on Sunday.
People's National Congress (PNC) deputy opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa, said that he supports the call by leader of the People's National Congress (PNC) member of parliament for Ialibu-Pangia and former prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, for the safe release of the hostages held by reportedly "armed bandits in the highlands region."
"Warlords and armed bandits are very dangerous and pose a real threat to national security and freedom and must be destroyed," he said.
He said that the proliferation of warlords in the highlands provinces armed with machine guns stolen from the Defence Force armoury had been reported many times in the media, saying "but the Marape-led Government has failed to address it seriously,"
He said that the ruling Pangu Party of Prime Minister James Marape should consider inviting the Australian and New Zealand Special Forces, saying "the Special Air Service (SAS) possess superior weapons and tactics"
"The Special Air Service (SAS) could assist Papua New Guinea with these dangerous criminals and eliminate these so-called warlords once and for all." he said.
Hela Governor, Philip Undialu, said that no one had the right to abduct, kidnap, hold anyone hostage for cash, saying "this is an act of terrorism that we have heard of in other countries."
"Now it is happening here," he said.
Hela Governor, Philip Undialu said that law enforcement agencies must take this seriously and deal with this hostage situation appropriately.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Commissioner of Police David Manning said the criminals came across the seven by chance, saying "they are opportunists who have obviously not thought out this situation before they acted."
"They asked for cash to be paid for the release of the seven," he said.
He said that the abductors were offered a way out, saying "the release of their captives means that they will be treated faily through the criminal justice system."
"Failure to comply and resisting arrest could have cost these criminals thier lives," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Free Papua Organisation rejects call to release New Zealand pilot held hostage

Free Papua Organisation (OPM) army have held New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, centre, hostage in Nduga Regency West Papua since Tuesday February 7, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, February 27: West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) has rejected the call by United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) chairman, Benny Wanda, to release Susi Air pilot, New Zealander, Phillip Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) in Nduga Regency in West papua since February 7, 2023, with West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) spokesperson saying "Benny Wenda is not a revolutionary fighter," reports Reuters.
West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said on Thursday "Benny Wenda is an agent of western capitalism who makes a living in Europe by selling the Papua independence issue," saying "Benny Wenda is of no use."
He said that the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) will not release New Zealander, Phillip Mehrtens, until their demands are met, saying the New Zealand pilot is in good condition, he is healthy and well."
United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) chairman Benny Wanda, who proclamed West Papuan independence from Indonesia in 2020 on the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the West Papua New Guinea National Congress (WPNGNC), said on Thursday from exile in the UK, "I do not condone the actions of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) army rebels" calling on the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) "to release the pilot."
United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) chairman Benny Wanda, said that holding of the New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, hostage is a result of the Indonesian refusal to allow the UN Human Rights Commissioner to visit West Papua.
He said that the Free Papua Organisation (OPM are holding the New Zealand pilot hostage in Nduga Regency, saying that "hundreds of thousands of West Papuans have been displaced from Nduga, Intan Jaya, Mybrat and Oksibil."
"This a warning to Indonesia to let the UN High Commissioner visit Nduga regency," he said.
In March 2019 Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and Indonesian Police (Polri) deployed thousands of military personnel to secure the construction of the 4,600-kilometer Trans-Papua road project following resumption of construction of the Yigi River bridge in Nduga regency in West Papua that was suspended following the attack on construction workers by the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) army on the anniversary of the Papuan declaration of Independence December 2, 2018.
The West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility for the attack on construction workers employed by Indonesia's state-owned company, PT Istaka Kar December 2, 2018, saying the (OPM) were not armed criminals as claimed by Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, "but true fighters for the freedom of the Republic of West Papua".
The West Papua Liberation Army -Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) spokesman Sebby Sanbom said then that "through this attack on the construction of the trans Papua highway we are telling the colonialist country of Indonesia that we are not armed criminals but true fighters for the freedom of the Republic of West Papua,” saying that the workers shot dead were not civilians but Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) engineers.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam arrests environmental, freedom of expression and sovereignty activist in Mekong Delta for second time

Le Minh The, 60, at the Binh Thuy district court in Can Tho Tho city in the Mekong Delta, southern Vietnam on March 20, 2019
From News Reports:
HCMCity, February 26: The People's Public Security of Vietnam under the administration of the Ministry of Public Security that is part of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and under the control of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has arrested Le Minh The, 60, for a second time in accordance with Article 331 of the 2015 Criminal Code that was revised in 2017, reports the Vietnam News Service.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam of Binh Thuy district in Can Tho city in the Mekong Delta, southern Vietnam arrested Le Minh The, 60, for the second time for "abusing the rights of freedom and democracy to violate the State interests, legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals" in accordance with Article 331 of the 2015 Criminal Code that was revised and supplemented in 2017.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam arrested Le Minh The, 60, at his residence in Tran Quang Dieu Street in An Thoi Ward in Can Tho City in a raid on the premises on Wednesday February 22, 2023.
Le Minh The, 60, was first arrested by the People's Public Security of Vietnam on October 10, 2018 for "abusing the rights of freedom and democracy to violate the State interests, legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals" for activism in the environment, freedom of expression, and sovereignty.
Le Minh The, 60, was arrested for a second time for "abusing the rights of freedom and democracy to violate the State interests, legitimate rights and interests of organisations and individuals" for his activism in the environment, freedom of expression, and sovereignty.
The environmental, freedom of expression and sovereignty activists was arrested for allegedly posting and sharing articles and photos with alleged illegal content on his Facebook page that were available to share and for comment allegedly in violation of Article 331 of the 2015 Criminal Code that was revised in 2017.
The Southeast Asian Times

Negotiations on maritime Code of Conduct on South China Sea to be continued in Indonesia

China Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Indonesia Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta Wednesday February 22, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, February 25: Negotiations on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea, that was first proposed by ASEAN member Philippines in 1997 but was not adopted by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, are to continue with Indonesia as ASEAN chair for 2023, with Indonesia saying "Indonesia and ASEAN want to produce an effective, substantive and actionable maritime Code of Conduct (CoC), reports the Jakarta Post.
Indonesia Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, met with China Foreign Minister, Qin Gang in Jakarta on Wednesday ahead of the negotiations on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC) scheduled for March.
China Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, said that "China would work with ASEAN countries to accelerate consultations on the maritime draft
Code of Conduct (CoC), saying "Southeast Asian nations should not be forced to take sides."
"China believes that Indonesia and ASEAN will make their judgement and choice indepently and autonomously in the fundamental interest of the stability, development and prosperity of the region," he said.
Cambodia as ASEAN Chair for 2022 held negotiations on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC) for the South China Sea at a workshop in Siem Reap Province, in June 2022, saying "ASEAN and China have reaffirmed their commitment to working toward the early conclusion of the CoC."
Cambodia Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, said then "ASEAN and China have committed to working toward a maritime Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea that is effective and substantive and in accordance with international laws including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."
The Asociation of South East Asian (ASEAN) member countries and China began negotiations on the maritime Code-of-Conduct (CoC) at the 20th ASEAN-China Summit in Manila in November 2017, following the completetion of negotiations on the draft Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea at a meeting in Guiyang in China's Guizhou Province in May 2017.
China's claim over the South China Sea is contested by Asociation of South East Asian (ASEAN) member countries, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines with the Philippines first proposing a Code of Conduct (COC) in 1997 but it was not adopted by ASEAN and China.
Instead five years later in 2002 the Philippines steered the adoption of a nonbinding Declaration of Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the South China Sea, calling on the claimnants including China to exercise self-restraint.
Negotiations on the maritime draft Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea follows the Arbitration Court in the Hague ruling in July 2016 that ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of historic rights over the South China Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling, saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
China reportedly claims that the Arbitration tribunal made an illegal and invalid final verdict on the South China Sea dispute.
China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang said ahead of the ruling that the dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights.
The Southeast Asian Times

New PM of Malaysia bans childrens books promoting LGBTQ lifestyles

Lawyer and human rights activist, Siti Zabedah Kasim, said "banning the books is an attempt to chisel away at LGBTQ rights," Monday Friday February 24, 2023

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, February 24: Malaysian human rights activists are critical of the government decision to ban two children’s books for "promoting LGBTQ lifestyles" and for "being harmful to Malaysian morals," saying "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should remember who voted for him." reports Straits Times.
Lawyer and human rights activist, Siti Zabedah Kasim, said that banning the books, "Jacob’s room to choose" and "The Tale Of Steven," "is an attempt to chisel away at "LGBTQ rights,"
She said that the LGBTQ group has always been marginalised and oppressed, saying "it looks like Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is pandering to the conservatives,"
"Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim forgets that those who voted for him are not conservative," she said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, announced the ban on the books on Monday, saying "the books promote an LGBT lifestyle."
"The books "Jacob’s room to choose" and "The Tale Of Steven," are a threat to the good values taught by religion and upheld by the community in the East," he said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, served in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration under former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who said "Malaysia cannot accept Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) rights."
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at a lecture in 2018 titled "Malaysia -Thailand Bilateral Relations in the Context of ASEAN" that "in the west now, men marry men, women marry women."
"They call themselves a family," he said.
He said that Malaysia does not accept Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) rights, saying that "if the west wants to accept LGBT right that's their business".
Under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad administration two Muslim lesbian women were publicly canned after pleading guilty in the Terengganu Sharia court to charges under Islamic law that forbids lesbianism, with human rights activists and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community describing the punishment ordered by the Terengganu Sharia court as torture.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military rewards Buddhist monks for "outstanding work for the good of the union of Myanmar"

Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, rewards Buddhist monks for "outstanding work for the good of the union of Myanmar" in Yangon on Saturday February 20, 2023

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, February 23: The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who ordered the seizure of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government and the ousting of State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, awarded two Buddhist monks with titles for their "oustanding work for the good of the union of Myanmar" on Saturday, reports Irrawaddy.
Buddhist monks, U Wirathu and Bhaddantaka Kavidaja, also known as Zwekabin Sayadaw were awarded membership of the Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) by Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing at a ceremony held at the Thiri Mingalar Maha Sasana Beikman religious hall, in Yangon's Insein Township.
The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who is an permanent patron of Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) conferred the title 'Agga Maha Mingala Dhamma Jotika' on the Buddhist Monks for their "oustanding work for the good of the union of Myanmar."
In November 2020, under the National League for Democracy (NLD) government of Aung San Suu Kyi, Buddihist monk U Wirathu, who was against change to the military-sponsored 2008 constitution, surrendered to Yangon police for sedition for alleged defamatory comments against Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Fugitive Buddhist monk, U Wirathu, who surrendered to police ahead of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the Aung San Suu Kyi, government, was charged with sedition under Section 124(a) of the Penal Code for allegedly inciting disaffection against the National League for Democracy (NLD) party led by state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi with personal and obscene comments directed at the State Counsellor at a rally held in support of the Myanmar military in southern Myanmar on May 5, 2019.
The Buddhist monk said at the rally that military appointed representatives in the Myanmar Parliament "should be worshipped."
The military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), under the military-drafted Myanmar 2008 constitution, allows for the allocation of 25 percent of parliamentary seats in both houses to unelected military officers
Buddhist monk, U Wirathu, who is supportive of Myanmar's powerful military was critical of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi for government efforts for change to the military-sponsored Myanmar 2008 constitution in order to reduce the power of the military in the parliament, said that his comments about the State Councellor did not warrant his arrest for sedition.
"The arrest is an act of bullying and the shaming of a son of the Buddha," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Democracy and Christianity to be upheld in review of Papua New Guinea Constitution, says PM

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, left, called on the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) newly appointed Chairman and Member for Okapa, Saki Soloma, right, on Tuesday October 11, 2022 to begin consultation on the proposed constitutional laws announced by the Government
From News Reports:
Port Moresby, February 22: Papua New Guinea is to consider whether the British Monarch should be replaced as head of state and whether the vote for prime minister should be direct as in a presidential election, in a review of the constitution, with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, saying "above all, democracy and Christianity must be upheld," reports the National.
"I am treating the review seriously and will give it high priority and support," he said at the launch of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) proposed review of the constititutional laws last week.
Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) chairman, Saki Soloma, said "the review would consider whether Papua New Guinea should have an upper house of parliament; whether the prime minister should have a limit of two terms; whether the prime minister should be directly elected instead of elected by parliament; and whether the British monarch should continue to be head of state."
Former member of parliament, Gabriel Ramoi, called for the Papua New Guinea government to focus on economic problems such as runaway inflation and high unemployment.
"The review would be a waste of time, money and intellectual capital," he said.
Former provincial governor and commander in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Ted Diro, said that there has never been an honest election since Papua New Guinea became independent, saying "maybe rather than democracy we need a guided democracy in future."
"The review is timeley and necessary," he said.
Jean Eparo Parkop, candidate for Northern for the 2022 national elections said she had doubts about whether the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) public consultation would be adequate, saying "not all of Papua New Guinea is connected to the internet."
"The majority of people in rural areas have no access to the internet." she said.
“Will the commission be able to travel the length and breadth of Papua New Guinea and hear the views of our people in three months,”
"I am also concerned whether the majority of women and people in the rural areas will participate," she said.
Papua New Guinea is one of five countries in the Indo-Pacific where the British Monarch is head of state incuding, Australia, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.
The Southeast Asian Times


Australia calls for security assessment of 99 year lease of Darwin harbour to China

Adam Giles, former Chief Minister of the Australia's Northern Territory and Ye Cheng, chairman of Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. , after the signing of the 99-year lease of the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour on Tuesday October 13, 2015
From News Reports:
Darwin, January 28: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on a range of national security agencies for assessment of the
the 99 year lease of the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour in Australia's Northern Territory to foreign invester, Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. from Shandong province in China in 2015, as part of the ongoing review that was initiated under former Prime Minister Scott Morrision, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on national security agencies including Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Defence, Office of National Intelligence, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Attorney-General's Department for assessment of the review initiated by Prime Minister Scott Morrision in May 2021 of the 99 year lease agreement on Port Darwin between Australia and China .
Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. said in a statement that the Grouo is ready to answer any queries from the Australian Federal Gvernment as part of the latest review, saying, "Landbridge would expect the Australian Federal government to undertake a comprehensive review using all its agencies to address any concerns it may have," it said.
"The agreement with the Northern Territory Government has been reviewed a number of times previously and Landbridge's position remains that the lease is a commercial arrangement with the Northern Territory Government and believes that there are no grounds on which the lease could be disputed."
The 2015 lease agreement between Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. chairman, Ye Cheng, who was the winning bidder for the Darwin harbour land deal worth A$506 million, and then leader of the Country Liberal Party of the Northern Territoy, chief minister, Adam Giles gave the Shandong Landbridge Group operational control of the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour in Australia's Northern Territory including 80 percent ownership of the land and facilities.
In 2020 Amendements to the Foreign investment laws, that were made by the Australian Parliament under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, gave the Australian Federal Government the power to impose conditions that include forced divestment of previously approved foreign investment deals, with then Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying "the new foreign investment laws focus on protecting Australia's national security."
"The new foreign investment laws give the Australian Federal Government the retrospective power to review the port lease agreement between the Northern Territory government and China's Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. in northern Australia from a national security perspective," he said.
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



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


Kang-Fu the Red Kangaroo is relentless in his fight to protect Australia's sovereignity...Open page here


What they're saying 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



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



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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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Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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