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GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thailand Cambodia border conflict could reignite warns Thailand after Cambodia orders weapons

The Royal Thai Army raises the Thailand flag atop the Ta Kwai ancient temple in Phanom Dong Rak district in Surin Province Thailand on the Cambodian border on Wednesday December 17, 2025

From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 26: The Royal Thai Army (RTA) Directorate of Intelligence warned that the Thailand Cambodia border conflict could reignite, with Director of Intelligence Lt Gen Teeranan Nandhakwang saying ''Cambodia has placed large orders for weaponry,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
The Director-General Lt Gen Teeranan Nandhakwang said that ''Cambodia has bought a large quanitiy of armaments from countries in eastern Europe,'' saying ''this could trigger another round of border conflict.''
''The situation along the border would need to be closely monitored once the wet season ends,'' he said.
Royal Thai Army (RTA) spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, said there was some movement by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, saying ''The Thai army had reliable information about Cambodia's arms procurement.''
He confirmed reports of Cambodian military movements near the Ta Kwai temple , saying ''Ta Kwai temple is under the jurisdiction of the 2nd Royal Thai Army (RTA) in Surin Province, saying ''the Thai army has reliable information about Cambodia's arms procurement.''
Col Nattakorn Rueantip, Commander of the Phoenix Unit, chief of staff of the 4th Infantry Division said at the Ratchamanu Task Force in Tak Province ''the army is preparing for future scenarios and improving survivability against increasing threats.''
''We must develop more advanced drones than our adversaries and integrate artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, reduce interference and ensure missions can proceed without disruption or resistance in complex environments,'' he said.
''The army is planning a centralised drone command centre, allowing rapid redeployment of drone units to any region facing sudden threats, similar to recent operations along the Thai-Cambodian border,'' he said.
In November 2025 Thailand's Deputy 2nd Army commander Maj Gen Nutt Sri-in offered two options for the reclamation of the Ta Kwai temple in Surin Province saying ''the first option to reclaim Ta Kwai temple includes an immediate military recapture, a direct assault would be fast but would risk heavy casualties,'' he said.
'The second option includes a slower, technology-led approach, using radar and other survey technologies to verify and document the territory,'' he said.
In November 2013 the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague, in an unanimous decision, ruled that the immediate area surrounding the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu temple on the Thailand Cambodia border belongs to Cambodia.
"Cambodia holds sovereignty over the whole territory of the promontory of Preah Vihear," said the International Court of Justice,
International Court of Justice said that as a consequence of the decision Thailand was now under obligation to withdraw Thailand military or police forces or other guards or keepers who were stationed in the immediate area surrounding the temple.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippine's ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' calls for nationwide transport strike for lower fuel prices

Solidarity of Drivers and Operators' Organizations Nationwide (PISTON) president Mody Floranda calls for two day nationwide transport strike in Manila on Thursday 26 March 2026 and Friday 27 March 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, March 25: The Solidarity of Drivers and Operators' Organizations Nationwide (PISTON) called for a two day nationwide transport strike on Thursday and Friday, with PISTON president Mody Floranda saying the ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' is calling for the rollback of fuel prices, removal of excise tax, and repeal of the Oil Deregulation law, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
PISTON president Mody Floranda said on Monday the ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' that includes the Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJ) and Buses (PUB), Utility Vehicle Express (UVE), Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS), and Motorcycle Taxis (MC) have agreed to participate to the two day nationwide strike on Thursday and Friday.
''The ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' is calling for several measures to address the oil crisis,'' he said.
He said transport workers have been severely affected by the surge in fuel prices, saying ''the ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition''
is calling for lower fuel prices, the removal of taxes on petroleum products and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation law.''
He said ''the ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' has criticized the Philippine government for relying on temporary aid instead of long term solutions. saying ''No To Oil Price Hike Coalition'' also questions the continued fuel price hikes despite sufficient supply.''
Federation of Drivers, Commuters, and United Transportation Terminals (Manibela) chairman, Mar Valbuena, said that Manibela would also conduct a two day transport strike on March 26 and 27, saying the Philippines government's lack of response to rising fuel costs has forced Manibela to take protest action.
Manibela chairman, Mar Valbuena, said that the impact of rising oil prices is felt by not only public utility vehicle drivers but also by Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) cargo truck drivers, and motorcycle riders, saying ''the drivers are struggling to bring home enough income for their families.''
''Income losses caused by passengers who fail to pay fares are further affecting the daily earnings of drivers,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Communist Party of Vietnam wins almost all seats in one party state National Assembly

Nguyen Huu Dong, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Deputy Affairs and member of the National Election Council, said ''the election on March 15 was the largest and most demanding elections to date,'' at a press conference on Saturday March 21, 2026

From News Reports:
Hanoi, March 24: The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) secured a landslide victory in the National Assembly elections on March 15 winning 97 percent of the 500 seats in the one party state, with the result reportedly ''solidifying Vietnam's continued one-party rule,'' and the National Assembly Committee for Deputy affairs chairman, saying ''the success of the general election reflected thorough, democratic and lawful practices,'' reports the Vietnam News.
National Assembly Committee for Deputy affairs chairman, member of the National Election Council, Nguyen Huu Dong, said ''the success of the National Assembly reflected thorough, democratic and lawful practices.''
''The success of the elections reflects a strong sense of political awareness and civil responsibility among the voters,'' he said.
He said that political security, public order and safety were maintained throughout the electoral process, saying ''with no serious incidents or unusual situations reported.''
''The number of complaints and petitions related to the election was significantly lower than in previous terms,'' he said.
He said that the close and decisive leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central committee, the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Communist Party committees at all levels ''are the foremost factors that ensured the success of the election.''
''Public confidence, national unity, citizens’ sense of responsibility and the active participation of the entire political system also contributed to the successful outcome,'' he said.
National Assembly deputies are expected to select both the President and Prime Minister that were nominated by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) at the 16th National Assembly session on April 6, 2026.
The National Assembly is expected to elect To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) as President.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), To Lam, election to President reportedly ''further aligns Vietnam's political structure with that of the Communist Party of China (CCP).
Xi Jinping serves as the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and President.
Pham Minh Chinh is expected to be re-elected as Vietnam's Prime Minister at the 16th National Assembly session on April 6, 2026.
Politburo member and National Assembly chairman, National Election Council (NEC) chairman Tran Thanh Man said that the March 15 election was a resounding success, saying ''the election was conducted in a democratic, equal, lawful, safe, economical and substantive manner.''
''The election on March 15 was the largest and most demanding elections to date,'' he said.
National Election Council (NEC) chairman Tran Thanh Man said that the election was organised under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) General Secretary To Lam, saying ''the entire political system was mobilised in a coordinated proactive and disciplined manner.''
National Election Council (NEC) chairman Tran Thanh Man said that ''voter turnout reached a record high'' with ''no constituencies requiring re-elections nationwide.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines PM urged to pursue compensation from China for preventing traditional fishing in West Philippine Sea

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Antonio Carpio, left, donates a copy of the 1878 Carta General del Archipelago Filipino map to the National Library of the Philippines on Thursday March 19, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, March 23: A former Supreme Court Associate Justice, urged the Philippine Government to pursue compensation from China for preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, arguing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must use the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision to demand accountability, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Antonio Carpio, urged the Philippine Government to pursue compensation from China for Filipino fishermen's loss of income at the National Library of the Philippines after he had donated a copy of the 1878 Carta General del Archipelago Filipino map on Thursday.
''The long lost historical map of the Philippines supports the Philippines claim over the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea,'' he said.
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Antonio Carpio, argues that the Philippines Government must move beyond diplomatic protests and use the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling to demand accountability for environmental and economic losses in the West Philippine Sea.
He said that Filipino fishermen should be able to fish in the West Philippine Sea, saying ''but the Chinese have prevented the Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen from fishing in their traditional fishing grounds.''
''I urge the Philippine Government to go to an arbitral tribunal and demand damages for our fisherfolk,'' he said.
On July 12, 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 including fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Philippine 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 claimed that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague had made an illegal and invalid final verdict on the South China Sea dispute, with China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang saying then 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 China Foreign Ministry spokesman said then that "China's position of neither accepting nor participating in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines remains unchanged".
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Antonio Carpio urged the Philippines government to utilize the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to hold China accountable for economic and environmental damage in the West Philippine Sea, saying '' UNCLOS allows for compulsory arbitration even if China refuses to participate.
He recommends that the Philippines Government pursue compensation from China for preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, saying ''the July 12, 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that the West Philippine Sea is a traditional Philippines fishing ground.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam calls on China to ensure energy security after Iran attacks tankers in Strait of Hormus

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang at the inaugural ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security in Hanoi, Vietnam on March 16, 2026.

From News Reports:
Hanoi, March 22: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has warned the Vietnam's aviation industry to prepare for flight reductions from next month after China and Thailand halted jet fuel exports after the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corpos (IRGC) Navy attacked oil and petroleum tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs calling on China ''to ensure energy security,'' reports the Vietnam News.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) Deputy Director General Ho Minh Tan, said that Vietnam imports more than two-thirds of its jet fuel requirements, saying ''Vietnam imports sixty percent of jet fuel from China and Thailand.''
''There are risks of jet fuel shortages for Vietnamese airlines from the beginning of April and the following months,'' he said.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) Deputy Director General Ho Minh Tan, has instructed Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air to review their operational plans and prepare for significant flight cuts, saying ''particularly on high-frequency domestic routes.''
''Airports operators have been told to prepare additional parking capacity for planes that may be grounded starting in April,'' he said.
Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung called on China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi to ensure energy security at the inaugural China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security held in Hanoi, on March 16, 2026, with Vietnam Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung reaffirming ''that Vietnam remains committed to the One China Principle that is the official position of the People's Republic of China (PRC), asserting that there is only one China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Family of Malaysian found dead in
Anti-Corruption Commission office
seeks justice at UNHRC

Teoh Beng Hock, 31, was found dead at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Selangor headquarters in Kualau Lumpur after he was summoned for questioning on July 15, 2009

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 21: The family of the late Teoh Beng Hock, 31, who was found dead at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Selangor headquarters after he was summoned for questioning in 2009, is pursuing action at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), after the Attorney General decision to classify the investigation as requiring No Further Action (NFA) last year, reports the Star.
The Attorney General classified the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 31, former reporter for the Chinese-language newspaper, Sin Chew Jit Poh, and assistant to Democratice Action Pary member, Ean Toung Hian Wah, as requiring No Further Action on May 21, 2015 after the submission of the investigation by the Royal Malaysia Police.
Sister, Teoh Lee Lan, addressed the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 15 ''in an effort to urge the Human Rights Council to activate human rights mechanisms to secure justice for Teoh Beng Hock.
Koong Hui Yein, chairman of the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement that was established in 2010 to secure justice for Teoh Beng Hock, ''promises of human rights progress have yet to translate into concrete outcomes.''
''While the Anwar Ibrahim government brands itself on human rights and reform, it has fallen short in implementing the Right to Life and the Right to Equality as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he said.
He said the address to the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva is intended to galvanise international attention and pressure Malaysian authorities to launch rigorous and professional criminal investigations in the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 31 in 2009.
In September 2024 the Court of Appeal three-man panel, chaired by Judge Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, ruled that the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 31, on 15 July 2009 was caused by multiple injuries from a fall from the 14th floor of Plaza Masalam Tower, the headquarters of the Selangor Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) due to or accelerated by unlawful acts by unknown persons inclusive of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers involved in the investigation.
In December 2011 High Court Judge Abdul Rahim Uda upheld a coroner’s “open verdict” following an inquest into the death of Teoh Beng Hock, 31 and dismissed a request from the dead man’s family that the finding be revised.
In January 2011 coroner Azmil Mustapha Abas, found that he could not decide if the death of the former journalist who worked for Ean Toung Hian Wah, a Democratic Action Party member of the Selangor legislative assembly and state executive, was suicide or murder.
“We cannot use suspicion …and hesitate in coming to a finding …unless there were testimonies that could prove the suspicion,” said the judge in supporting the coroner’s verdict.
There was no evidence to prove who committed the pre-fall injuries found on the victim, said the judge.
And he agreed that the evidence put before the coroner did not show anything that would implicate a third party's role in causing the victim's death, hence ruling out homicide.
In July 2011 a Royal Commission of Inquiry found that three Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission officers drove political secretary Teoh Beng Hock, 31, to suicide, saying in the 124-page report that ''anti-corruption personnel were then prepared to go to great lengths to lie and form a blue wall of silence in the spirit of brotherhood.''
“Having considered all the evidence in its entirety, we found that Teoh was driven to commit suicide by the aggressive, relentless, oppressive and unscrupulous interrogation to which he was subjected by certain officers…'' said the report.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand flagged Mayuree Naree attacked by Iran Islamic Navy in Strait of Hormuz

Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree attacked by the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday March 11. 2026

From News Reports:
Bangkok, March 20: An explosion at the stern of the Thailand flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 has left three of 23 crew members missing, with ship owner Precious Shipping Public Company Limited confirming that 20 crew members were brought ashore, with the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy saying the vessel had ignored warnings, reports Bangkok Post.
Thailand flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, ship owner, Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, reports that the vessel was carrying general cargo intended for commercial, industrial or personal use and not intended for military operations was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to India when the vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11.
''An explosion at the stern of the Mayuree Naree triggered a fire in the engine room,'' said the report.
The Precious Shipping Public Company Limited report said that the captain of the Mayuree Naree, ordered the crew to abandon ship, evacuating the crew into lifeboats with assistance provided by the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) that is responsible for protecting maritime traffic near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The 20 crew members of the Thailand flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, were brought ashore safely to the port city of Khasab, Oman, with three crew members missing believed to have been in the engine room at the time of the explosion.
Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, reports that ''the Mayuree Naree strictly implemented enhanced security measures and remained in regular contact with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Royal Thai Navy prior to and during the attempted transit of the Strait of Hormuz.''
''Based on the information and maritime security advisories available at that time, the vessel was assessed as suitable to undertake the transit with appropriate precautionary measures in place,'' said the Precious Shipping Public Company Limited.
The Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims that the Thailand flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, was targeted after the vessel ignored warnings from the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy for attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Precious Shipping Public Company Limited claims it did not receive any specific warning advising the vessel not to proceed with transit, saying ''the Company determined that proceeding with the transit through the Strait of Hormuz with enhanced security precautions was the appropriate course of action at that time.''
The Thailand flagged bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, was one of six vessels struck in the Gulf region in a 24 hour period.
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military convenes parliament first time since coup after military victory in elections

The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar convened parliament for the first time since military seizure of power in 2021 from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party government in Nay Pyitaw, Monday March 16, 2026

From News Reports:
Nay Pyitaw, March 19: The Myanmar military convened parliament for the first time since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in 2021 and after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's sponsored Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), claimed victory in the three-phase general elections, with all 373 parliament representatives attending the first session of the third lower House of Representatives parliament at Nay Pyi Tawr on Monday, reports the Irrawaddy.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's sponsored Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) elections that were held in three phases on December 28, 2025, January 11, 2026, and January 25, 2026, is the first elections held in Myanmar since November 8, 2020 under the legitimately elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) of Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seized the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government lead by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2020 after the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) won the general elections on November 8, 2020.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's sponsored Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), chairman, Khin Yi, was elected speaker of the Lower House of Representatives. lower House of Representatives speaker, Khin Yi, is a former Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar brigadier general and served as the chief of the Myanmar Police Force.
Lower House of Representatives speaker, Khin Yi, is a close ally of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar.
Maung Maung Ohn, who was appointed Minister of Information by the State Administrative Council (SAC), led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar was elected deputy speaker at the opening session of the of the Lower House of Representatives on Monday.
ASEAN chair for 2026 Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. Lazaro, said at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat on January 26-29 in Cebu City, Philippines that ''the 11-member regional bloc has not endorsed the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar three phase election between December 28, and January 26.''
''As of now, ASEAN does not recognize the recently held elections,” she said.
She said that some ASEAN member nations viewed the election as potentially positive, saying ''this did not amount to a formal endorsement of the elections.''
''ASEAN continues to withhold recognition of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seizure of power from the elected civilian National League for Democracy Party (NLD) government in 2021,'' she said.
''We do not recognize the military administration,'' said Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary, Theresa P. Lazaro.
The Southeast Asian Times

Fifth member of Iranian women's soccer team withdraws offer of Asylum in Australia

Zahra Ghanbari is the fifth member of the Iranian women's soccer team to withdraw offer of asylum in Australia

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 18: A fifth member of the Iranian women's soccer team withdrew asylum in Australia after initially accepting the offer, leaving two Iranian soccer players in Queensland, Australia, with Australia Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirming on Monday ''another team member had left Australia late on Sunday.'' reports Reuters.
Zahra Ghanbari became the fifth member of the Iranian women's soccer team to change her mind after initially accepting asylum in Australia after the team had refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia on March 1.
Members of the Iranian women soccer team sought asylum out of fear of persecution on their return to Iran after Iranian state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called the soccer players "traitors to the nation " and said they would be dealt "harshly" on their return to Iran.
''The Iranian women's football team's refusal to sing the national anthem is the height of shamelessness and betrayal,'' said the Iranian state TV presenter.
Three Iranian women soccer players, Zahra Meshkehkar, Zahra Sarbali, and Mona Hamoudi, who were granted asylum in Australia, also reversed their decision to accept asylum in Australia, with Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, saying "the Australian government has done everything it could to make sure that the three Iranian women's soccer players were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia.
'While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions,'' he said.
Iranian women's national soccer team player Mohaddeseh Zolfi, who also rejected asylum in Australia after having earlier accepted asylum had contacted the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canberra asking to be returned to Iran.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said "in Australia people are able to change their mind.''
''We respect the context in which she had made that decision,'' he said.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke said that officials had spoken to the soccer player that had changed her mind saying ''to make sure it was her decision'' and that ''every question you would want to ask was asked.''
Two of the original seven members of the Iranian women's soccer team, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, remain in Australia after accepting asylum offer by Australia Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia National Labour Federation says ''Cambodia does not tolerate forced labour practices''

Sam Soeun, president of the National Labour Federation of Cambodia (NLC) says ''Cambodia does not tolerate forced labour practices,'' after Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announces investigation Wednesday March 11, 2026

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, March 17: The National Labour Federation of Cambodia (NLC) said ''Cambodia does not tolerate forced labour practices,'' after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced investigations into Structural Excess Capacity and Forced Labour Unfair Trade in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Cambodia on March 11, reports the Khmer Times.
The National Labour Federation of Cambodia (NLC) president, Sam Soeun, said ''Cambodia has consistently complied with international labour standards, national labour laws, trade union regulations and employment.''
''Cambodia does not tolerate forced labour practices,'' he said
He said that Cambodia is not the only country subject to the investigation by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) into over-production and forced labour, saying ''the investigation into the use of forced labour does not target Cambodia alone.''
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is to investigate over production and forced labour in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
He said that China, the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India are subject to the same scrutiny.
The National Labour Federation of Cambodia (NLC) president, Sam Soeun, said that Cambodia should continue to adhere to national laws, international conventions and relevant legal framework.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said investigation into acts, policies, and practices of economies relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors that restrict United States commerce will be conducted under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974.
''This probe targets several nations for structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors that allegedly restrict United States commerce.'' said United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.
''Sectors include manufacturing of steel, aluminium, semiconductors, robotics, and transportation equipment,'' he said.
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, is also to investigation Forced Labour Unfair Trade Probe saying ''the investigation targets 60 of the United States largest trading partners for alleged failures to take action on forced labour.''
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are a major trading bloc partner for the United States with sectors including electronics integrated circuits, machinery, and textiles.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said that the investigations will determine whether governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour, saying that ''the investigation will determine ''how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts United States workers and businesses.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Three more Iranian women soccer players reverse decision to accept asylum in Australia

Iranian women's soccer players, Zahra Meshkehkar, left, Zahra Sarbali, centre, and Mona Hamoudi reverse their decision to accept asylum in Australia, Saturday March 15, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 16: Three more Iranian women soccer players, who were granted asylum in Australia, reversed their decision on Sunday bringing the number of Iranian soccer players who have decided to return to Iran to four, leaving three Iranian soccer players in Australia, with Australia's Home Affairs Minister saying 'they were given repeated opportunities to discuss their options,'' reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"The Australian government has done everything it could to make sure that the three Iranian women's soccer players, Zahra Meshkehkar, Zahra Sarbali, and Mona Hamoudi were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia, said Australia's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke.
The Iranian women's soccer team were granted asylum in Australia after the team had refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia on March 1.
Members of the Iranian women soccer team sought asylum out of fear of persecution on their return to Iran after Iranian state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called the soccer players "traitors to the nation " and said they would be dealt "harshly" on their return.
''The Iranian women's football team's refusal to sing the national anthem is the height of shamelessness and betrayal,'' said the Iranian state TV presenter.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said that the three women soccer players who reversed their decision to accept asylum in Australia on Sunday ''were given repeated opportunities to discuss their options.''
''But the players have chosen to join their team and return to Iran,'' he said.
"While the Australian government can ensure that opportunities are provided and communicated, we cannot remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions," he said.
Iranian women's national soccer team player Mohaddeseh Zolfi, who reversed her decision to accept asylum in Australia last week
had contacted the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canberra asking to be returned to Iran.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said then "in Australia people are able to change their mind.''
''We respect the context in which she had made that decision,'' he said.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke said that officials had spoken to the soccer player that had changed her mind saying ''to make sure it was her decision'' and that ''every question you would want to ask was asked.''
The Southeast Asian Times

United States to conduct investigation into over production and forced labour in ASEAN

United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, in Brussels, Belgium at the "Implementation Dialogue on EU-US investment relations" meeting on Monday November 24, 2025

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, Sunday 15: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is to investigate Structural Excess Capacity and Forced Labour Unfair Trade in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, reports The Star
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said investigation into acts, policies, and practices of economies relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors that restrict United States commerce will be conducted under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is to investigate over production and forced labour in China, the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan and India.
''This probe targets several nations for structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors that allegedly restrict United States commerce.'' said United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer.
''Sectors include manufacturing of steel, aluminium, semiconductors, robotics, and transportation equipment,'' he said.
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, is also to investigation Forced Labour Unfair Trade Probe saying ''the investigation targets 60 of the United States largest trading partners for alleged failures to take action on forced labour.''
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are a major trading bloc partner for the United States with sectors including electronics integrated circuits, machinery, and textiles.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said that evidence of structural excess capacity or over-production
exists in Malaysia as shown in Malaysia's large and persistent goods trade surpluses.
''Malaysia maintains a global goods trade surplus in sectors including electronic equipment, mineral fuels and oils, machinery, animal and vegetable fats and oils, and optical, photo, technical and medical apparatus, he said.
''Evidence suggests that Malaysia has significant excess capacity in its steel sector, which recorded capacity growth of 22 percent between 2018 and 2022, despite a 25 percent decline in steel demand during that timeframe,'' said United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer.
United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, said that the investigations will determine whether governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour, saying that ''the investigation will determine ''how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts United States workers and businesses.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Iranian women’s soccer team arrives in Kuala Lumpur after rejecting asylum in Australia

Members of the Iranian women's national soccer team, who rejected asylum in Australia, arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in transit to Iran on Wednesday March 11, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 14: Members of the Iranian women's national soccer team who rejected asylum in Australia, were met by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador to Malaysia on their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Wednesday, reports Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Members of the Iranian women's national soccer team who had rejected asylum in Australia and are in transit from Sydney to Iran were welcomed by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi on their arrival in Malaysia.
Twenty members of the 26 Iranian women's national soccer team including players, coaches and supporters have checked into a hotel in Kuala Lumpur awaiting flight schedules for their return to Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi reportedly greeted the 20 members of the Iranian women's national soccer team including players, coaches and supporters as they disembarked their flight in Kuala Lumpur from Sydney on Wednesday.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Abassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, reportedly shook hands with the players, coaches and supporters as they disembarked from their flight at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Iranian women's national soccer team player Mohaddeseh Zolfi, who rejected asylum in Australia after having earlier accepted asylum had contacted the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canberra on Wednesday asking to be returned to Iran.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said "in Australia people are able to change their mind.''
''We respect the context in which she had made that decision,'' he said.
Six of 26 members of the Iranian women's national soccer team remain in Australia after accepting asylum in Australia that was offered by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday.
The Iranian women’s Soccer players had refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia on Sunday March 1, 2026.
The Iranian women’s Soccer team reversed their decision not to sing the anthem in the final two matches against Australia and the Philippines, singing the anthem loudly and performing military salutes.
The Iranian soccer players were reportedly pressured by the Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) security personnel who are reportedly embedded in the team, warning the players that their families in Iran would face violence and torture if they did not comply.
The Southeast Asian Times

Iranian soccer player backs out of asylum in Australia

Iranian women's soccer team supporter, Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar, left, Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, centre and team player Mohaddeseh Zolfi, granted asylum in Australia on Tuesday March 11, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 13: One of seven Iranian women's national soccer players who were granted asylum in Australia this week has changed their mind and asked to be returned to Iran, with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) accusing Australia of "abducting" the members of the Iranian women's national soccer team, reports Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), president Mehdi Taj, a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) the state-controlled media corporation that ''Australia pressured members of the women's soccer team into seeking asylum.''
''When the team tried to leave the country Australian police intervened on the orders of the Australian prime minister, he said on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
He condemned the Australian government for granting asylum to members of the Iranian women’s football team accusing Australia of orchestrating a hostage situation and using coercive tactics during the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.
The Iranian women’s Soccer team refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia.
The Iranian women’s Soccer team reversed their decision not to sing the anthem in the final two matches against Australia and the Philippines, singing the anthem loudly and performing military salutes.
The Iranian soccer players were reportedly pressured by the Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) security personnel who are reportedly embedded in the team, warning the players that their families in Iran would face violence and torture if they did not comply.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, has confirmed that one of the seven members of the Iranian women's national soccer team who had been granted asylum had asked to be returned to Iran on Wednesday.
''One of two players who had decided to stay in Australia after five others had been granted asylum has changed their mind,'' he said.
Iranian women’s Soccer team player, Mohaddeseh Zolfi, contacted the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canberra
on Wednesday, with Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, saying "in Australia people are able to change their mind.''
''We respect the context in which she had made that decision,'' he said.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke said that officials had spoken to the soccer player that had changed her mind saying ''to make sure it was her decision'' and that ''every question you would want to ask was asked.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Two more Iranian women soccer players granted asylum in Australia

Iranian women soccer player, Mohaddeseh Zolfi, and team supporter, Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar, were granted asylum in Australia on Wednesday March 11, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 12: Two more Iranian women soccer players have been granted asylum in Australia after refusing to board a flight from Australia on Monday to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to return to Iran, taking the number of Iranian women soccer players granted asylum in Australia to seven, with Australia's Home Affairs Minister saying ''humanitarian visas have been granted to a player and a team supporter,'' reports Australian Associated Press.
The Iranian women’s Soccer team who had refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia last week, were reportedly in fear of their lives on their return to Iran.
Iranian state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called the Iranian women's football team's refusal to sing the national anthem "the height of shamelessness and betrayal."
The Iranian state TV presenter called the players "traitors to the nation " and said they would be dealt "harshly"on their return..
Iranian soccer player Mohaddeseh Zolfi and team supporter, Zahra Soltan Meshkeh Kar, sought asylum in Australia at the Gold Coast Airport in Queensland Australia on Tuesday night before the soccer team was to board the plane bound for Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia at 10.45pm.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said on Wednesday that the additional two Iranian women soccer players were granted asylum, bringing the number of Iranian women soccer players who have been granted asylum in Australia to seven.
"I made them the same offer that I made the five players the night before,'' said Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke.
He said he offered the Iranian soccer players a humanitarian visa that would give the football players a pathway to a permanent visa, saying 'they both said they did.''
''I signed off on that and asked the department to start processing straight away," he said.
He said that Australia's objective here was not to force people to make a particular decision, saying ''we're not that sort of nation.''
What we wanted to make sure of was that sometimes, possibly for the first time, these individuals were meeting a government that
said, ''the choice is up to you.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Iranian women's soccer team granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem

Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, centre, granted asylum to five of the Iranian women’s soccer team, Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi on Monday March 9, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 11: Five members of the Iranian women’s Soccer team who refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia have been granted asylum in Australia, after United States President Donald Trump threatened to take the football players to the U.S. if Australia did not, reports Australian Broadcasting Corpration.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke granted five of the Iranian women’s football team asylum in Australia on Tuesday, after United States President Donald Trump urged Australia not to send the Iranian football team back to Iran, calling it a "terrible humanitarian mistake" saying the United States would take them if Australia would not.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke said that visas had been granted to the Iranian football players at about 1.30 am on Tuesday morning after the United States President Donald Trump urged Australia not to send the Iranian football players back to Iran at 1.15 am on Tuesday.
United States President Donald Trump said that Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, saying ''where they will most likely be killed.''
United States President Donald Trump said after he spoke to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at 3.00am Tuesday after Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke had granted visas to the Iranian football players at about 1.30 am on Tuesday.
''He’s on it! Five have already been taken care of, and the rest are on their way.''
''Some, however, feel they must go back because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return,'' said United States President Donald Trump.
''In any event, the Australian Prime Minister is doing a very good job having to deal with this rather delicate situation. God bless Australia!'' said United States President Donald Trump.
Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said that five Iranian football players Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, who had been granted asylum in Australia, had made it clear that they were not political activists.
''They are athletes who want to be safe," he said.
"I say to the other members of the team, the same opportunity is there,'' he said.
''Australia has taken the Iranian women's soccer team into our hearts,'' he said.
''These women are tremendously popular in Australia,'' he said.
"But we realise they are in a terribly difficult situation with the decisions that they're making," said Australian Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke.
The Southeast Asian Times

Iranian women's soccer team refuse to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem in Australia

The Iranian women's football team refuses to sing national anthem at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, in Queensland, Australia on Wednesday March 4, 2026

From News Reports:
Brisbane, Tuesday 10: The Iranian women's football team who refused to sing the Islamic Republic of Iran national anthem in Australia at the opening match of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup, are in fear for their safety on their return to Iran after the Iranian state TV called the Iranian women ''traitors to the nation.'' reports Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The Iranian women's football team staged a silent protest at the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup opening match against South Korea at the Gold Coast Stadium (Cbus Super Stadium) in the state of Queensland in Australia on Wednesday.
The silent protest staged at the opening of 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup was reportedly viewed as a protest against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Iranian state TV presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi called the Iranian women's football team's refusal to sing the national anthem "the height of shamelessness and betrayal."
The Iranian state TV presenter called the players "traitors to the nation " and called for them to be dealt with "harshly" upon their return..
Treason is punished by death in Iran by Islamic Revolutionary Courts that apply a strict interpretation of Islamic law or Sharia law.
The Iranian women's football team reversed their stance in the final two matches against Australia and the Philippines, singing the anthem loudly and performing military salutes.
The players were reportedly pressured by the Islamic Republic of Iran security personnel to sing the anthem and salute.
The Islamic Republic of Iran security personnel, who are reportedly embedded in the team, warned the players that their families would face violence and torture if they did not comply.
The Iranian women's football team are reportedly prisoners in their Gold Coast hotel in Queensland, Australia under constant surveillance and denied freedom of movement without security or speak to the media.
Former Australian of the Year and human rights advocate, Craig Foster, called for football's governing bodies, the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and tournament organiser the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to uphold their obligations to players.
"If any player feels unsafe for any reason, whether in camp or following, they are entitled to make this clear to the AFC and FIFA, who must immediately secure their safety," he said.
"The Australian government should ensure that no players are forced to leave against their wishes or will, and provide all opportunities to be satisfied this is not the case."
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines renew call for House of Representatives to pass Anti-Espionage Act

Representative Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Leila de Lima, renews call for the House of Representatives to pass the amended ''Anti-Espionage Act'' on Saturday March 7, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, March 9: Mamamayang Liberal Party-list representative, Leila de Lima, renewed calls for the House of Representatives to pass the amended ''Anti-Espionage Act'' after the Philippines National Security Council (NSC) disclosed that three Philippine civilians had confessed to working for China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), and China saying ''the Philippines had fabricated a series of spy cases,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list, Leila de Lima, called on the House of Representatives to pass amendments to the ''Anti-Espionage Act'' ''to strengthen our national security policies and counter-espionage measures to adequately respond to threats against our country.''
''The National Security Council (NSC) must be given sufficient resources to conduct a nationwide crackdown on spies,'' she said.
She said that approval for the ammendments to the ''Anti-Espionage Act'' that were submitted to the House of Representatives on July 14, 2025
''were long overdue.''
''The presence of spies in the Philippines is no longer a surprise,'' she said.
''Filipinos were involved in foreign-directed malign activities in exchange for large amounts of money,'' she said.
The National Security Council (NSC) Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. said that three Philippine civilians had admitted to working for China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), saying ''three civilians have been in Philippine National Police (PNP) custody since last year.''
''The Philippine civilians confessed to passing sensitive information to Chinese intelligence,'' he said.
He said the civilians, two males and a female, an analyst at the Department of National Defence, a researcher in the Philippine Navy and the female with close ties to a Philippine Coast Guard officer, passed on sensitive information to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).
He said the Philippine civilians admitted passing sensitive information concerning national security matters to foreign contacts that were suspected to be working for China's Ministry State Security (MSS).
''Information on the resupply and rotation of troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre on the Second Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal was passed on to China intelligence,'' he said.
The National Security Council (NSC) Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr. said that the BRP Sierra Madre that was grounded in the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 1999, represents a direct challenge to China's territorial claim over the Spratly Islands.
China Embassy in Manila spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said that espionage accusations were ''malicious smears against China'' and ''another attempt to hype up the so-called ''China threat'' rhetoric, saying ''the Philippines had fabricated a series of spy cases.''
He said that the claims lacked evidence, saying ''the claims of espionage are politically motivated attempts to sabotage bilateral ties.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam warned of crude oil supply risk after blockade of Straits of Hormuz

Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025 attended by China President Xi Jinping and hosted by China in Tianjin, China August 31 to September 1, 2025

From News Reports:
Hanoi, March 8: Vietnam has establish a working Task Force to respond to energy supply risks after the United States and Israel military strike on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28, with the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration (VIMAWA) warning of the supply risk of crude oil to the Nghi Son Oil Refinery Plant after the blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, reports the Vietnam News.
Vietnam Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chính, signed decision No 3855/QD-TTg to establish a working Task Force to monitor developments in the Middle East on Vietnam national energy security after the Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration (VIMAWA) warned of an energy supply risk after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chính, said that the purpose of the Task Force is to ensure an adequate supply of gasoline and oil for production, business, and pubic consumption.''
''The Task Force would propose mechanisms and policies to avoid being caught off guard by market fluctuations,'' he said.
The Task Force is lead by Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister, Bui Thanh Son, followed by standing Deputy Le M?nh Hung, the acting Minister of Industry and Trade and includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and major energy corporations like Vietnam National Petroleum Group (PVN) and Vietnam Electricity (EVN).
The Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration (VIMAWA) Director Le Do Muoi issued a warning on the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that includes rising shipping rates and reduced supply of refined petroleum products.
''The disruption or congestion affecting oil tankers in the region could significantly impact the supply of crude oil to the Nghi Son Oil Refinery Plant,'' said Director Le Do Muoi.
''Under normal conditions the Nghi Son Oil Refinery Plant has enough crude oil reserves to operate for 40 to 50 days,'' he said.
He said that if the conflict continues, alternative sourcing from the United States, Africa or Russia may be necessary, saying ''this would likely increase costs and extend shipping times due to longer distances.''
He said that eight Vietnamese tankers carrying about 160 Vietnamese seafarers are operating in the Middle East, saying ''these vessels remain stranded due to closure of shipping routes.''
''Disruption to GPS and AIS signals make accurate positioning difficult,'' said Director Le Do Muoi.
The Vietnam Maritime and Waterways Administration (VIMAWA) Director Le Do Muoi said that no Vietnamese vessels have been directly impacted by military action so far, saying ''the vessels remain stranded due to closure of shipping routes.''
The Southeast Asian Times

China's Global South condemn United States and Israel attack on Iran

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks with Russian and Iranian officials at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on Friday March 14, 2025

From News Report:
Beijing, March 7: China, leader of the Global South, that includes the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) of 120 economic developing nations including 11 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), condemned the United States and Israel attack on Iran saying ''it is unacceptable to target a sovereign leader and instigate regime change".reports Reuters.
China Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the United States and the Israel military strike on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28, that left Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead ''is unacceptable.''
''It is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to blatantly kill the leader of a sovereign state," said China Foreign Minister Wang Yi
China is actively strengthening its leadership and solidarity with the Global South in order to reshape global governance by promoting global governance through the BRICS initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and South-South cooperation in trade, technology and security.
Nations of the Global South, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) including Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) claim that the United States and Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva that concluded without reaching agreement ''were not given a chance to succeed before the United States and Israel military attack on Iran.''
Brazil that has aligned with China's Global South interests, advisor, Celso Amorim, said ''the attacks occurred amid nuclear negotiation, saying negotiations are the only viable path to peace.''
Sultanate of Oman, foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, said on the eve of the attack that a nuclear deal was within reach, saying ''I urge the United States not to get sucked in further.''
''This is not your war,'' he said,
Republic of Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, said ''once again, the US and Israel threaten and seriously endanger regional and international peace, stability, and security.
On September 30, 2025 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia ASEAN chair for 2025, called for reform of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) veto powers to give economic developing Global South nations a decisive voice in global governance, with China saying at the Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) ''China's status as a developing country is key to China's position as leader in the ''Global South'',
China Ministry of Commerce International Trade representative, Li Chenggang, said at the Global Development Initiative (GDI) meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that China's renouncement of the Special and Differential Treatment (SDT) in the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement that prohibits fishing subsidies ''did not mean that China's self-designated status as a developing country, that is key to Beijing’s positioning as leader in the Global South, has changed.''
''The renouncement is an important step for China to uphold the multilateral trading system that is facing serious challenges including hegemonism and unilateralism,'' he said
He said that China remains the world largest developing country, saying ''China's status and identity as a developing country have not changed.''
''China has always been a member of the Global South and will always stand with developing countries,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's House of Representatives condemn United States and Israeli military strike on Iran

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28, at the House of Representatives on Tuesday March 3, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur: March 6: Malaysia's House of Representatives members from both the ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition condemned the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28, with Malaysia Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, saying ''both sides of the divide stand united in solidarity with Iran and its people,'' reports The Star
Malaysia Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said at the House of Representatives in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that ''the rare bipartisan consensus is clear proof that Malaysia would not compromise on the dignity, sovereignty and independence of any nation.''
''It moves me that although we differ on many issues, there is no division when it comes to sovereignty and the common good,'' he said.
''This is a positive sign for our country,'' he said.
''We are aware that when we speak the truth and defend justice, we may face consequences, including economic pressures,'' he said.
Malaysia Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said that the condemnation of the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran is the voice of the Malaysian people, saying ''and come what may we will face it together.''
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28 ''the deliberate targeting of a head of state sets a dangerous precedent and weakens the norms and principles that underpin the international order,''
"Those who greet his death with approval should recognise the consequences of such actions,'' he said.
'' Existential threats seldom yield predictable reactions," he said.
''The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity prohibits the use of force under the Charter of the United Nations and international law,'' he said.
On July 12, 2025 The United States and Malaysia signed a Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) for civil nuclear cooperation at the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Kuala Lumpur, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying ''signing the Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) marks an important step towards establishing a robust civil nuclear partnership between the United States and Malaysia," with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, saying ''Malaysia views the exploration of nuclear energy as a key component of its long-term strategy,''
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said civil nuclear cooperation between countries is possible, saying ''there are many countries that have expressed an interest in civil nuclear partnerships.''
''The Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) signed between the U.S. and Malaysia is an example of how a civil nuclear partnership can be achieved.'' he said.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) represents a crucial step in a shared journey to further the Malaysia-US comprehensive partnership.
The Southeast Asian Times

Maritime Union of Australia warns of fuel security risk in escalating war after attack on Iran

Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) National Secretary Jake Field says ''Australia must rebuild its sovereign fuel storage capacity onshore.''

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 5: The Maritime Union of Australia warns that Australia's fuel security is at risk in the escalating war in the middle east after Israeli and the United States launched a military attack on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28, leaving the Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead, reports the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA)
''The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the attack on Iran is a stark warning of the volatility of Australia’s access to global fuel supply chains,'' said the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) National Secretary Jake Field.
MUA National Secretary Jake Field called on the Australian Federal government to act decisively and urgently, saying ''Australia must rebuild its sovereign fuel storage capacity onshore.''
''We must protect and expand domestic refining capability to reduce reliance on imported finished fuels,'' he said.
Australia must realise the commitment of Australian flagged and crewed strategic shipping capability, saying ''Australian flagged and crewed shipping can guarantee delivery of essential energy supplies in times of crisis.''
''Fuel security must be recognised as a pillar of national security, economic policy and social stability,'' he said.
He said Australia must rebuild its sovereign fuel storage capacity onshore and maintain reserves that comfortably exceed international minimums, saying ''we must protect and expand domestic refining capability to reduce reliance on imported finished fuels.''
He said Australia imports the overwhelming majority of its refined petrol and diesel, saying ''we rely on foreign refineries, foreign-owned tankers and shipping lanes that run through contested waters.
''Our fuel security buffer remains dangerously thin and for years has fallen short of the 90 day minimum stockholding obligation set by the International Energy Agency,'' he said.
MUA National Secretary Jake Field said that fuel sovereignty is not an abstract policy saying ''running out of imported fuel during a global supply shock would not just drive up prices, it would stall the economy and threaten our entire economy.'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia calls on newly established Board of Peace to end Israeli, United States and Iran war

Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) chairman, Gus Yahya, centre, expressed ''deep condolences and sorrow for the death of Imam Ali Khamenei'' and ''invited Muslims and the entire international community to pray for the Iranian people,'' on Saturday February 28, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 4: Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), the world's largest Islamic organisation with more than 108 million members, urged the Indonesian government to utilize position on the Board of Peace (BoP) to end the Israeli, United States, Iran war, war, reports Tempo.
The Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) chairman, Gus Yahya, urged the Indonesian government to play an active role in de-escalating the conflict towards a peaceful resolution.
''The role of peacemaking is a mandate of the Indonesian constitution,'' he said.
He condemned the United States and Israeli attack on Iran, saying ''the brutal actions have the potential to trigger an uncontrolled global conflict and create a pretext for the resurgence of radicalism and extremism.''
He said that Iran's attack on various countries has resulted in an escalation of the conflict, saying ''making resolution efforts even more difficult.''
'These attacks will only worsen the situation.'' he said.
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono said he ''deeply regrets'' the failure of the nuclear negotiations in Geneva between Iran and the United States that concluded without reaching agreement'' that was followed by the United States and Israel military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
"Indonesia calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy," he said.
''Indonesia reiterates the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country and resolving differences through peaceful means, he said.
On February 19, 2026 more than 40 nations including Indonesia from 60 nations that were invited to join the Board of Peace (Bop) for Gaza reconstruction and peacekeeping, attended the inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, with nations that declined to join the Board of Peace (BoP) claiming that the Board of Peace (BoP) is the United States effort to replace or bypass the United Nations Security Council.
The Board of Peace,(BoP) launched by United States President Donald Trump at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 19-23 January 2026, was authorised by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 in October 2025 specifically for Gaza reconstruction and peacekeeping until 2027.
Nations that have joined the Board of Peace include Hungary, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Nations that have declined to join the Board of Peace (BoP)include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine, Iran and Association of Soth East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Brunei, and Laos.
Italy, Romania, and Cyprus, are among nations that have opted for observer status rather than full membership of the Board of Peace.
The Southeast Asian Times

Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead after United States nuclear negotiations end without agreement

Women mourn the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sunday February 28, 2026

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, March 3: United States President Donald Trump declared Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dead after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on Thursday after the United States and Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva concluded without reaching agreement, with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemning the killing of Ali Khamenei, saying "those who greet his death with approval should recognise the consequences of such actions,'' reports The Star.
United States President Donald Trump said that ''Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history is dead," saying ''this is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country."
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on February, 28 ''the deliberate targeting of a head of state sets a dangerous precedent and weakens the norms and principles that underpin the international order,''
"Those who greet his death with approval should recognise the consequences of such actions,'' he said.
'' Existential threats seldom yield predictable reactions," he said.
''The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity prohibits the use of force under the Charter of the United Nations and international law,'' he said.
On July 12, 2025 The United States and Malaysia signed a Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) for civil nuclear cooperation at the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Kuala Lumpur, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying ''signing the Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) marks an important step towards establishing a robust civil nuclear partnership between the United States and Malaysia," with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, saying ''Malaysia views the exploration of nuclear energy as a key component of its long-term strategy,''
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said civil nuclear cooperation between countries is possible, saying ''there are many countries that have expressed an interest in civil nuclear partnerships.''
''The Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) signed between the U.S. and Malaysia is an example of how a civil nuclear partnership can be achieved.'' he said.
Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the Nuclear Cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (NCMOU) represents a crucial step in a shared journey to further the Malaysia-US comprehensive partnership.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's ruling Labor Party declares support for United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran

Australian Labor Party (ALP) Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, right, declare support for the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on Saturday February 28, 2026

From News Reports:
Canberra, March 2: Australia's center-left ruling party, the Australian Labor Party (ALP) declared its support for the United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying ''A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy,''
reports Australian Broadcastin Corporation.
''Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression,'' he said on Saturday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Iran’s nuclear program was a threat to global peace and security, saying ''we support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.''
Australia's center-right opposition party the Liberal Party of Australia (LPA) denounced the ''theocratic Iranian regime,''
saying ''the Iranian regime was authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent.''
Australia's Opposition Liberal Party of Australia (LPA) leader, Angus Taylor, said ''the Iranian regime wants nuclear weapons, seeks the destruction of Israel, has encouraged terrorism through its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.''
He said the Iranian regime has supplied weapons to Russia to support Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, saying ''Iran is also responsible for acts of foreign interference in Australia and igniting antisemitism.''
''Since 1979, the revolutionary Islamic government in Tehran has oppressed, imprisoned and murdered Iranians. We pray for the Iranian people at this time,'' he said,
''May courage prevail,'' he said.
Australia's Pauline Hanson's One Nation (PHON) conservative right-wing populist party leader, Paulin Hanson, said that
the United States and the Israeli military strike on Iran in Operation Epic Fury on Saturday are a necessary show of strength, applauding United States President Donald Trump for his "decisive intervention."
''Global peace depends on strong leaders who follow through on their actions,'' she said
Pauline Hanson claims that the Australian Labor Party (ALP) has been blindsided on national security and too slow to recognise Iran as a major threat, claiming that she warned of Iran's role in global terrorism and its influence on terror attacks on Australian
soil years ago.
Pauline Hanson has called for the immediate closure of the Iranian Embassy in Australia and the expulsion of its diplomats, a ban on additional visas for Iranians seeking resettlement in Australia and the formal listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
Australia's left Greens party leader, Larissa Waters, and deputy leader, Mehreen Faruqi, claim the United States attack on Iran is illegal and disgraceful, accusing the ruling Australian Labor Party (ALP) government of violating international law by expressing support for United States Operation Epic Fury on Saturday.
''Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attacks on Saturday have unleashed chaos across the Middle East, said Senator Larissa Waters.
''The Greens condemn these illegal, abhorrent and unilateral attacks. Australians do not want to be dragged into another US-Israeli war, said Senator Larissa Waters.
“Australia’s support of Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal attack was disgraceful… We cannot bomb our way to peace.”
said Senator Larissa Waters.
The Southeast Asian Times

Review of Election Law submitted to Constitutional Court seeks to prohibit political dynasties in Indonesia

Anies Baswedan, centre, Indonesian academic with PhD in Political Science and an Honorary Member of the Indonesian People’s Movement Party, said ''the rise of political dynasties in Indonesia have become increasingly evident in recent years,'' in Jakarta on Thursday February 19, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, March 1: A judicial review of Indonesia’s Election Law that was submitted to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, seeks to prohibit blood relatives or in-laws of the sitting president and vice president from running in presidential elections, with academic and politician, Anies Baswedan, saying ''the rise of political dynasties in Indonesia have become increasingly evident in recent years,'' reports Tempo.
Indonesian academic with a PhD in Political Science and an Honorary Member of the Indonesian People’s Movement Party, Anies Baswedan, who served as the Governor of Jakarta 2017 to 2022 and was a leading candidate in the 2024 Presidential Election, said "there's a tendency in Indonesia for dynasties to emerge, for family powers to rise.''
He said a 2015 Constitutional Court decision addressed restrictions on potential regional leaders, who had blood or marital relation with incumbent regional heads, by ruling to remove restrictions on political dynasties.
"Since then, we have witnessed the emergence of numerous political dynasties," he said.
He said that revision of Indonesia's Election Law seeks to prohibit political dynasties saying "so that regional and central governments work for the people not just for specific family groups."
Lawyers, Raden Nuh and Dian Amalia filed a judicial review of Indonesia’s Election Law with the Constitutional Court seeking to prohibit political dynasties registered as 81/PUU-XXXIV/2026 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, challenging several provisions of Article 169 of Law Number 7 of 2017 on General Elections.
On October 16, 2023 the Indonesian Constitutional Court panel of nine judges, led by Chief Justice, Anwar Usman, who is the brother-in-law of former President Joko Widodo, amended the Election Law that made President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, eligible to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in February 2024.
The Constitutional Court panel of nine judges voted five in favour and four against to amend the Law on General Elections that would allow President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, who is the Mayor of Surakarta city in Central Java, to register at the General Elections Commission of Indonesia as a candidate in the legislative and presidential elections in the February 2024 elections.
The Southeast Asian Times

Lawyer for former Philippines president Duterte claims drug killings were done in self defence

Defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, said ''the police antidrug operations were done in self-defence '' at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday February 26, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, February 28: The defence lawyer for former President Rodrigo Duterte told the hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I in The Hague on Thursday that the war on drugs killings in the Philippine National Police (PNP) anti-drug operations were justified, with defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, saying ''the police anti-drug operations were done in self-defence,'' reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, claims the war on drugs killings were minimal saying ''the killings were not widespread and systematic as alleged by the prosecution.''
He said the drug war killings could not be considered a targeted attack on the civilian population, saying ''the killings involved drug suspects who allegedly had guns in their hands.''
''The prosecution omitted to say that former President Rodrigo Duterte had reminded police officers to only kill if their lives were in danger,'' he said.
Defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, quoted remarks made by former President Rodrigo Duterte in a speech to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines during his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly told the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines that they could only kill if there was no peaceful method of making an arrest and if their own safety was at risk.
Defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, claimed that the prosecution failed to establish causal links between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the deaths, saying ''no witness in the murder and attempted murder charges against Rodrigo Duterte could say that they got a kill order from the former president.''
''Not one witness relevant to any of the 49 incidents with which Rodrigo Duterte is charged will testify that he received a direct order from the former president to go out and kill someone,'' he said.
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Robynne Croft, claimed that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is "individually criminally responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for three counts of crimes against humanity.''
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is charged with three counts of murder that includes his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City in Mindanao.
The second count of murder includes the murders of 14 reportedly ''high value targets'' in 2016 and 2017 while Rodrigo Duterte was the president of the Philippines.
The third count includes 42 murders committed during ''clearance operations'' of alleged ''lower level drug users or pushers'' across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.
The Southeast Asian Times

International Criminal Court hearing claims war on drugs in Philippines widespread and systematic

Prosecution trial lawyer Robynne Croft at the International Criminal Court (ICC) PreTrial Chamber 1in The Hague on the second day of the hearing to confirm the war on drugs charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday February 24, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, February 27: The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I in The Hague hearing to confirm the war on drugs charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, began on Tuesday with ICC prosecutor trial lawyer alleging the war on drugs was widespread and systematic, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Robynne Croft, claimed that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is "individually criminally responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for three counts of crimes against humanity.''
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is charged with three counts of murder that includes his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City in Mindanao.
The second count of murder includes the murders of 14 reportedly ''high value targets'' in 2016 and 2017 while Rodrigo Duterte was the president of the Philippines.
The third count includes 42 murders committed during ''clearance operations'' of alleged ''lower level drug users or pushers'' across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.
ICC prosecution trial lawyer Robynne Croft presented evidence to demonstrate that the war on drugs was a widespread and systematic attack in a common plan to neutralize alleged criminals through state-sponsored violence.
Data evidence reportedly shows that the number of suspects killed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) increased by 590 percent in the first 25 months of the Rodrigo Duterte presidency that began on June 30, 2016, and ended on June 30, 2022.
Evidence from an anonymous Philippine National Police (PNP) witness at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I on Tuesday confirmed the war on drugs was widespread and systematic with the witness saying ''we were told that there should be 5 to ten deaths per month.''
The witness testified that the regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned a subordinate that if no killings were recorded that he would be relieved of his duty.
''I felt like I did not have any other choice but to follow their orders,'' said the witness.
ICC prosecution trial lawyer Robynne Croft argued that former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his alleged co-perpetrators identified as Dela Rosa, Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan, Oscar Albayalde, Christopher Go, Dante Gierran, Vitaliano Aguirre II, and Isidro Lapena expanded efforts to eradicate individuals perceived to be involved in drug-related crimes nationwide in what is called the Common plan using the National Network.
The National Network of Philippine government agencies used to carry out a widespread and systematic attacks against civilians in the Philippines included Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).
ICC prosecution trial lawyer Robynne Croft identified the role of ''ghost employees'' who were members of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) and were allegedly paid salaries as ''ghost employees'' of City Hall originally in Davao City to hide their roles as paid killers.
''Ghost employees'' included informants used to provide the identification or locations of targets for the Davao Death Squad (DDD) and contract hitmen who were non-police ''ghost employees'' who carried out killings by shooting or stabbing victims at close range, often arriving and fleeing on motorcycles.
The Davao Death Squad (DDS) that originated in Davao City in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was a core group of liquidation squads that served under the Mayor of Davao City Rodrigo Duterte from 1988 as a template for the expansion of the Common plan for the National Network.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Chair 2026 calls for review of Five Point Consensus (5PCs) plan agreed by Myanmar after coup

ASEAN Philippines chair 2026, Special Envoy for Myanmar, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa Lazaro, centre, at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu City, Philippines, January 29, 2026

From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, February 26: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Philippines chair 2026, Special Envoy for Myanmar, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa Lazaro, called for a review of the Five Point Consensus (5PCs) Plan that was proposed at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta in April 2021 following the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February, 2021, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''I think there should be a review of the Five-Point Consensus(5PCs),'' said Special Envoy for Myanmar, Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Theresa Lazaro, after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu City, Philippines last month.
Special Envoy for Myanmar, Theresa Lazaro, called for the creation of a long-term special envoy position in Myanmar, away from the annual rotating ASEAN Chair system, saying ''several ASEAN member states raised the idea of a long-term special envoy position during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ retreat in Cebu City last month.''
Special Envoy for Myanmar, Theresa Lazaro, called for institutional continuity, saying ''there should be knowledge of what has happened in the past.''
Special Envoy for Myanmar, Theresa Lazaro, said that in her current role as Special Envoy for Myanmar she had relied on the work of the previous Malaysian ASEAN chair 2025, saying she intends to continue with Malaysia's contribution and achievements.
''ASEAN operates by consensus and any adjustment to its approach would require agreement among member states,'' said Special Envoy for Myanmar, Theresa Lazaro.
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, agreed to the Five Point Consensus (5PCs) plan that was proposed at the ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) in Jakarta in April 202, two months after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government.
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, agreed to the Five Point Consensus (5PCs) plan that includes restraint by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, commencement of dialogue with a Special envoy of the ASEAN chair, assistance from the Secretary General of ASEAN to facilitate mediation, ASEAN provision of humanitarian assistance, and a special ASEAN envoy and delegation to visit Myanmar to meet with all parties including the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
In November 2022 the Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), then chairman, Charles Santiago, said ''ASEAN’s five-point consensus (5PC) that was reached with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta in April 2021 has been an utter failure."
He said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has shown absolute contempt for the ASEAN’s five-point consensus agreement, saying "the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been unable to adopt a stance to put pressure on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar."
“Meanwhile, most of the international community has hidden behind ASEAN in order to avoid doing anything meaningfull, he said.
He said that countries and international institutions that claim to support democracy in Myanmar have reacted with a timidity that puts in serious doubt their alleged commitment to Myanmar, saying "it is past time that ASEAN ditches the five-point consensus (5PC) and urgently rethinks its approach to the crisis in Myanmar."
The Southeast Asian Times

ICC begins hearing to confirm war on drugs charges against former Philippines President Duterte

Life-size cardboard cut out of former President Rodrigo Duterte, right, who was not present at the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I in The Hague on Monday February 23, 2026.

From News Reports:
Manila, February 25: The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I in The Hague began hearings to confirm the ''war on drugs'' charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, with the ICC advisor saying the Pre-Trial Chamber I will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe Rodrigo Duterte committed each of the crimes charged, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''The Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of victims will make oral submissions before the judges to present their arguments on the merits,'' the ICC advisory said.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I deputy prosecutor, Mame Mandiaye Niang, said the confirmation of charges hearings, where judges will decide whether to open a full trial against Rodrigo Duterte, was a reminder that those in power are not above the law.
''Rodrigo Duterte played a pivotal role in the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users, first as mayor of Davao City then as national president,'' said deputy prosecutor, Mame Mandiaye Niang.
''Rodrigo Duterte authorized murders and personally selected some of the victims,'' said deputy prosecutor, Mame Mandiaye Niang.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is charged with three counts of murder including his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City in Mindanao.
The second count of murder includes the murders of 14 ''high value targets'' in 2016 and 2017 while Rodrigo Duterte was the president of the Philippines.
The third count includes 42 murders committed during ''clearance operations'' of lower level alleged drug users or pushers across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.
On November 28, 2025 the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague upheld the Pre-Trial Chamber 1 decision of September 26, 2025 that denied the request by former President Rodrigo Duterte's defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, for interim release from detention in The Hague, saying ''former President Rodrigo Duterte continued detention was necessary.''
In March 2018 International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity had been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019, saying "a preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine National Police (PNP) officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia reporters appeal treason charges for reporting landmines on Cambodia-Thailand border

Cambodian reporters Pheap Pheara, left, and Phorn Sopheap, right, were sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Siem Reap Provincial Court for alleged treasonable offences on Wednesday December 17, 2025

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, February 24: Two Cambodian reporters have lodged an appeal against a 14 year prison sentenced for treasonable offences handed down by the Siem Reap Provincial Court in a on-day trial and conviction on December 17, 2025 for reporting on landmines on the Cambodian-Thailand border, reports Phnom Penh Post.
Reporters Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, for the local outlet TSP 68 TV and Battambang Post TV, were arrested in July 2025 after returning from the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in Oddar Meanchey province.
Both reporters were arrested on suspicion of gathering information and taking photographs in an restricted military zone with the Siem Reap Provincial Court claiming their actions undermined national defence.
Photographs taken at the Ta Krabei Temple in Oddar Meanchey province showing land mines were republished by Thailand media outlets with Thailand accusing Cambodia of placing land mines on the Cambodia-Thailand border to wound patrolling Thailand soldiers.
Cambodia denied using land mines in the Cambodia-Thailand conflict saying Cambodia adhered to the international agreement that banned the use of land mines, saying the land mines were left over from decades of conflict that ended in 1990's.
Reporters Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara were charged with ''supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence'' under Article 445 of the Criminal Code that carries a prison sentence from 7 to 15 years.
Om Sarath, wife of reporter Pheap Pheara, called the sentence ''unacceptable'' claiming her husband is innocent, saying ''it is unjust.
''The Siem Reap Provincial Court accused him based on a photograph, claiming it was related to treason,'' she said .
On July 14, 2025 Cambodia's National Assembly unanimously adopted an amendment to the Constitution of Cambodia that allows the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to revoke Khmer citizenship for Cambodians who collude with foreign nations to harm Cambodia.
National Assembly First Vice-President Cheam Yeap, said then that amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution that allows the revocation of citizenship does not affect the monarchy or the original Constitutuion, saying ''the amendement plays a key role in defending Cambodia from external interference.''
''The amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution of Cambodia particularly acts of treason and collusion with foreigners that threaten national security and interests,'' he said.
''Any Cambodian who commits treason by conspiring with foreigners to destroy the Khmer nation is no longer a Khmer citizen,'' he said.
''Acts of treason gravely endanger national security and disturb the peace of the Khmer people,'' said National Assembly First Vice-President Cheam Yeap.
The Southeast Asian Times

Civil Society investigation into 2025 Indonesian mass riots find alleged agent provocateurs in detention

National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) commissioner Abdul Haris Semendawai, fourth from left at the establishment of an independent fact-finding commission on Thursday September 12, 2026

From News Reports:
Jakarta, February 23: The Indonesia Civil Society independent Fact-Finding Commission (KPF) investigation into the nationwide arrest of thousands of protesters in August and September 2025, that began as a peaceful student protest at Parliament House in Jakarta and transitioned into nationwide riots, was released with the Attorney General's Office (AGO) saying that up to a thousand alleged agent provocateurs were still in detention, reports the Jakarta Post.
Attorney General's Office (AGO) prosecutor, Sanitiar Burhanuddin, said that up to a thousand agent provocateurs are in Indonesian National Police (POLRI) custody for allegedly spreading social media content deemed to incite hostility toward the government and encourage students in the August and September 2025 protest to participate in the riots.''
Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said that a large number of the about 1,000 agent provocateurs that are still in custody face allegations under the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (ITE Law) for disseminating hoax or incitement news.
''The total number of Indonesians that were apprehended by police during the August and September 2025 nationwide protest was approximately 7,000, though many were quickly released,'' he said.
Indonesian National Police senior commissioner, Ade Ary, urged students protesters during the August and September 2025 protests that had transitioned to nationwide riots ''not to be easily provoked by calls on social media to participate in risky activities.''
National Police senior commissioner, Ade Ary, urged agent provocateurs spreading calls to participate in risky activities to desist after the mass protests had spread from Jakarta to Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, Manado, Manokwari, Bogor and Bali.
Indonesian National Police senior commissioner, Ade Ary, accused agent provocateurs of inciting student protesters to burn flags damage the Parliament House building fence, vandalise CCTV cameras and of defacing street dividers.
The independent fact find Commission including the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) examined 115 Indonesian National Police interrogation reports, interviewed 63 informants and concluded field visits across eight provinces, 18 cities and three overseas locations since September 2025.
In September 2025 Indonesian National Police confirmed the arrest of 3,195 Indonesians across 15 regional police offices, with a further 959 including 295 minors named suspects by the end of September 2025.
The independent Fact-Finding Commission (KPF) estimated a much higher total of 6,719 Indonesians arrested during the August series of protests.
In August 2025 thousands of teenage students protested at Parliament House in Jakarta demanded that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto revoke the law that allows Members of Parliament an extravagant housing allowance.
Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), security personnel of the Indonesian National Police fired tear gas at thousands of stone throwing teenage students on their way to Parliament House in Jakarta who were protesting against reports that 580 members of the House of Representatives had received a housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($4,739) per month since September 2024.
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, said the housing allowance was for Members of Parliament to rent a property in Jakarta after the government discontinued its house program.
''The amount had been thoroughly considered and adjusted to current prices in Jakarta,'' he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Catholic majority Philippines approves Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act for Muslims

Philippine Senator Robinhood Padilla, a former Catholic, who converted to Islam while serving a 21 year prison sentence for illegal possession of firearms, said ''the passing of the Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act is a victory for all believers, regardless of their religion" on Wednesday February 18, 2026

From News Reports:
Manila, February 22: The Philippines, a predominantly Christian country with over 90 percent of its population identifying as Christian, approved the Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act on its third and final reading on Wednesday, reportedly for Muslims who observe scheduled daily prayers, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Senate approved the Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act with 18 in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions for a multi-faith prayer and quite room to be established in all public offices and selected public establishments including airports, hospitals, and ports, with Senator Mark Villar, a Catholic, saying ''the Senate Bill is a landmark step towards promoting religious inclusivity, respect, and harmony.''
''The Bill ensures that Filipino Muslims, who observe scheduled daily prayers, have access to dedicated spaces for prayer and quite reflection,'' said Senator Mark Villar.
Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act stipulates that Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms must be neutral and inclusive, specifically remaining free from permanent religious symbols that favour any single faith.
''The Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms are designated for prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection, catering to individuals of all faiths or those seeking a space for spiritual observance,'' said Senator Mark Villar.
Philippine Senator Robinhood Padilla, a former Catholic, who converted to Islam while serving a 21 year prison sentence at the New Bilibid Prison for illegal possession of firearms, said ''the passing of the Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act
is a victory for all believers, regardless of their religion."
Philippine Senator Robinhood Padilla who was sentenced to prison in 1994 for illegal possession of firearms, received a conditional pardon from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in 1998.
The legislative process for the passing of the Multi-Faith Prayer and Quiet Rooms Act, Senate Bill 1629, reportedly includes
possible bicameral conference proceedings and concurrence with the House of Representatives, before transmitted to current Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. for signature.
The Southeast Asian Times

Nations that declined to join the Board of Peace claim the United States aims to bypass the United Nations

U.S. President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the U.S. Institute of Peace renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. on Thursday February 19, 2026

From News Reports:
Washington, February 21: More than 40 nations from 60 nations invited to join the Board of Peace for Gaza reconstruction and peacekeeping, attended the inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, on Thursday, with nations that declined to join the Board of Peace claiming that the Board of Peace is the United States effort to replace or bypass the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), reports Reuters.
The Board of Peace, launched by United States President Donald Trump at the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, 19-23 January 2026, was authorised by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 in October 2025 specifically for Gaza reconstruction and peacekeeping until 2027.
United States President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace on January 22, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, at the 56th World Economic Forum, establishing the Board of Peace as a permanent independent international body.
The Board of Peace charter designates United States President Donald Trump as chairman for life with the United States President saying at the launching of the Board of Peace that ''the Board of Peace might replace the United Nations.''
''The United Nations has not lived up to its potential,'' said United States President Donald Trump.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that he rejected the invitation to join the Board of Peace because it goes way beyond the U.N. Security Council mandate.
''I think we have to recognize that moving forward from what has been established is something most European countries can’t do,'' he said.
Slovenian Prime Minister, Robert Golob said the Board of Peace dangerously interferes with the broader international order.
European Policy Centre, Chris Kremidas-Courtney warned that United Stated Donald Trump ''is advancing a parallel forum that bypasses the United Nations rules, universality and legal foundations".
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark warned that the Board of Peace structure, the pay-for-access model, is not a legitimate way to run international affairs and risks eroding respect for international law.''
Nations that have joined the Board of Peace include Hungary, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Nations that have declined to join the Board of Peace include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine, Iran and Association of Soth East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Brunei, and Laos.
Italy, Romania, and Cyprus, are among nations that have opted for observer status rather than full membership of the Board of Peace.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hong Kong publisher sentenced to
20 years in prison for sedition and collusion with foreign powers

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

From News Reports:
Hong Kong, February 20: Former Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying, known as Jimmy Lai, 75, charged with publishing "seditious publications" and "collusion with foreign powers to endanger national security" was sentenced to prison for 20 years in the harshest sentence since Beijing imposed the national security law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR in 2020, with Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, saying ''the newspaper publisher Lai deserved the long sentence,'' reports
Hong Kong Free Press.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, who was appointed Hong Kong Chief Secretary of the vetting committee to screen out candidates deemed unpatriotic to China or a threat to national security in the Hong Kong District Councillor elections in November, 2021, was selected by the 1,461 member election committee to be the next Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on May 8, 2022.
Hong Kong chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, said that ''Lai's newspaper had poisoned Hong Kong citizens and encouraged them to break the law and become radical and violent during mass Hong Kong demonstrations in 2019.''
''The severe sentence imposed on Lai upholds the rule of law and shows that justice has been done,'' he said.
Former Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiring to collude with foreign powers to endanger national security" in the commentary series ''Live Chat with Jimmy Lai'' published in the Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper on November 13, 2020.
''Taiwan had become a priority in US international policy because Xi Jinping had vowed the reunification of mainland China and Taiwan'' he said in the November 13, 2020 commentary series ''Live Chat with Jimmy Lai.''
''Xi is not elected, he alone controls the whole country, what he says goes, he is a dictator,'' he said in the November 13, 2020 commentary series ''Live Chat with Jimmy Lai.''
He denied that he had sought to incite hatred against Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, by describing him as a dictator in the commentary series ''Live Chat with Jimmy Lai,'' published in the former Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper November 13, 2020.
Former Hong Kong-Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying known as Jimmy Lai, 75, also pleaded not guilty to a third count of conspiring to publish seditious material in the commentary series ''Live Chat with Jimmy Lai'' Hong Kong-Apple Daily on October 11, 2020, saying "If we have the courage to take up the fight, Taiwan's future is looking up."
''Taiwan had become more important strategically than Korea in the 1950s and asked if the US would be willing to show military might to stop the brinkmanship of China,'' he said on October 11, 2020.
''The US could prevent a war with China by getting ready for war and showcasing its military supremacy,'' he said on Oct0ber 11, 2020
''That’s why the Chinese Communist Party don’t want to start a war because the war would only cause damaging without a chance of winning,'' he said on October 11, 2020
“If there’s a war the Chinese Communist Party would only cause disaster and death without winning,'' he said on October 2020.
''Taiwan had become a priority in US international policy because Xi Jinping had vowed the reunification of mainland China and Taiwan,'' he said on October 11, 2020.
''Xi is not elected, he alone controls the whole country, what he says goes, he is a dictator,'' he said on October 11, 2020.
He denied that he had sought to incite hatred against Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, by describing him as a dictator in the Hong Kong-Apple Daily on October 11, 2020.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia attends Board of Peace in Washington in lieu of the United Nations to achieve peace in Gaza

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto greeted by Indonesian students in Washington DC for the Board of Peace Summit Tues 17 Feb 2026

From News Reports:
Indonesia, February 19: Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Washington on Tuesday to attend the first Summit of the Board of Peace as an alternative to the United Nations (UN), saying ''the Board of Peace is an historic opportunity to achieve lasting peace in Gaza,'' reports Tempo.
Indonesian is among 60 nations invited to joint the Board of Peace launched by the United States President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.
Nations that have joined the Board of Peace include Hungary, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Jordan, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay and Uzbekistan.
Nations that have declined to join the Board of Peace include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine and Iran.
Italy, Romania, and Cyprus, are among nations that have opted for observer status rather than full membership of the Board of Peace.
Nations that have declined to join the Board of Peace claiming that the Board of Peace is the United States effort to replace or bypass the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Nations claim that the designation of President Donald Trump as chairman for life of the Board of Peace gives him veto power over all decisions
Nations claim that the ''Pay-to-Play structure of the Board of Peace that requires a $1 billion donation for permanent membership is transactional and exclusionary.
Nations claim that unlike the United Nations the Board of Peace makes no mention of human rights or Unlike the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the BoP charter reportedly makes no mention of fundamental principles like human rights or non-aggression.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the Board of Peace Summit in Washington to promote a second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza saying ''Indonesia is ready to contribute'' at the invitation to join the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.
Indonesian Foreign Minister, Sugiono, said then ''Indonesia's participation in the Charter of the Board of Peace represents a strategic, constructive, and concrete step to oversee post-conflict stabilization and rehabilitation in Gaza.''
"This Board of Peace is a concrete alternative to the United Nations,'' he said.
''The Board of Peace would function as a transitional administrative body in Gaza as originally endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025,'' he said.
Indonesian Foreign Minister, Sugiono, said that Indonesia's participation in the Charter of the Board of Peace means that the world recognizes Indonesia's diplomacy, saying ''the world also recognises Indonesia's vision and views for world peace and in particular regional peace."
The Southeast Asian Times

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

What they're saying open page here

MEDIA CHECK

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

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

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

Bombed by the Americans for Christmas in 1972, Ha Noi Bach Mai hospital is still a war zone...Christina Pas reports...Open page here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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