The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Monday 9 December 2024
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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Israel PM says ''impossible to separate arson attack on synagogue in Australia with UN vote against Israel''

Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, James Larsen, votes in favour of United Nations resolution against Israel Tuesday December 3, 2024
From News Reports:
Canberra, December 9: The arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue at Ripponlea, Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Australia early Friday morning that gutted two buildings after masked intruders broke into the synagogue setting it alight, with the Prime Minister of Israel, saying ''it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Australian Labor government that supported the United Nations resolution,'' reports the Australian Associated Press.
''Unfortunately, it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Austraian Labor government in Australia, including the scandalous decision to support the United Nations resolution,'' said Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Australia was one of 157 countries that voted in support of the United Nations resolution that recognised ''the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, primarily the right to self-determination and the right to their independent state,'' urging ''Israel to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible.''
The United Nations resolution that was passed with 157 countries in support of the resolution included the rejection of any attempt by Isreal at ''demographic or territorial change in Gaza.''
Of the 172 countries that were eligible vote at the United Nations, 157 countries supported the resolution, eight voted against with seven abstentions.
Countries against the resolution included Israel, the United States, Hungary, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Nauru and Micronesia.
Abstentions include Cameroon, Czechia, Ecuador, Georgia, Paraguay, Ukraine and Uruguay.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese condemned the arson attack at the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne saying ''this violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage.''
He said that the Australian Labor government position was consistent with most of Australia's closest partners, saying ''157 countries voted for the United Nations resolution including, ''Five Eyes partners, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
In September 2024 Australia abstained from a Palestine drafted United Nations resolution that demanded Israel end its ''unlawful presence in Gaza and the West Bank within 12 months.''
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, said then she was "disappointed by the outcome,'' saying ''while Australia had wanted to vote for the resolution, it abstained as amendments it sought to the resolution were not accepted.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Kokoda Track back on track after PNG government pays landowners compensation owed since 2010

Papua New Guinea Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture, MP, Belden Namah, MP, Henry Amuli, Northern Governor Garry Juffa, and Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) and Central government officials at Naoro, Mt Kodu reopening the Kokoda Track on Friday December 6, 2024
From News Reports:
Port Morsby, December 8: The historical Papua New Guinea, Kokoda Track, was reopened on Friday after 193 km of the track was closed on September 16 by the Mount Kodu Landowners Association in protest over non-payment of compensation by the Papua New Guinea government, with the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) saying ''Trekking for December and onwards is now opened,'' reports the National.
Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture, Member of Parliament for Vanimo Green, Belden Namah, said the ''The Papua New Government promised to pay K3 million a year to develop policies on Kokoda Track initiatives and none of it was paid.''
He said the first payment of K20 million will be released before the end of the year, saying ''the rest will be organised by the first quarter of 2025.''
The Mount Kodu landowners Association closed the Kokoda Track on September 16, 2024 in protest over compensation owed by the Papua New Guinea government after Rare Earth Minerals were discovered in the area in 2006.
The Mount Kodu landowners Association demanded payment of K40 million ($15 million) in compensation as part of a socio-economic development package offered by the Papua New Guinea government in 2010 to prevent Rare Earth Minerals mining in the area.
Kokoda Adventures managing director, Charlie Lynn, said that in addition to non-payment of compensation owed by the Papua New Guinea government, the Kokoda landowners did not receive benefits from the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA), saying ''the Kokoda Track Authority collects fees and manages the Kokoda Track.''
'He said the Kokoda Track communities have been disenfranchised, disengaged and ignored, saying ''this has manifested itself in the barricade of the Koko Track.''
''Kokoda tourism was not created by Government,'' he said.
''Kokoda tourism was created by individual entrepreneurs who took a risk to invest in the emerging tourist industry after the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda in World War 11,'' he said.
In March 2008 Koaiari and Kokoda landowners protested against the Australian Government's proposal to list the Kokoda Track on the World Heritage list, saying ''the listing would effectively stop Rare Earth Minerals mining in the area.''
The Koaiari and Kokoda landowners said that they had had enough of living in poverty and wanted the Rare Earth Minerals mining to go ahead.
The Kokoda Track Authority( KTA), Barney Jack, said then that the Koaiari and Kokoda landowners want to develop their land that had remained idle since World War 11 in 1942, saying ''people living in the proposed Rare Earth Minerals mining area of the Koko Track lacked water, power and roads.''
But National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop described the Kokoda Track as priceless and worth more than
the Rare Earth Minerals mining, saying ''the Kokoda Trail area must be placed on the World Heritage List.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Criminal investigation recommended into former PM Dr Mahathir handling
of sovereignty dispute with Singapore

Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad said on Wednesday 12 June 2024 after testifying at the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) on the dispute over sovereignty of Islands of Johur Baru ''this proceeding is a closed meeting. So, I cannot disclose anything''

From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 7: Malaysia's Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommended a criminal investigation into former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad's, handling of the decades old dispute with Singapore over sovereignty of islands off Johor Baru, in a report distributed to Members of Parliament on Thursday, reports Bernama.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommends a criminal investigation into former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad's, handling of the territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Pulau Batu Puteh or Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge located 7.7 nautical miles off Malaysia's southern city Johor Baru and 25 nautical miles from the island state of Singapore.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommends that a criminal investigation be initiated under section 415(b) and Section 418 of the Penal Code, saying ''what needs to be demonstrated is that Tun Dr Mahathir had deceived the Cabinet and intentionally persuaded the Malaysian Government not to proceed with the applications for review and interpretation of International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague rulings, even though the decision was made unilaterally by Tun Dr Mahathir without Cabinet approval.''
''If the Cabinet had been provided with the action papers for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case and written opinions from international consultants, the Cabinet would likely have had a different perspective regarding both applications,'' said the report.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) claims that Dr Mahathir may have deliberately persuaded the Cabinet not to proceed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings despite the contrary opinion of international consultants, saying ''international consultants stated that there was a basis for the applications and a possibility of success.''
On June 3, 2018, during the second administration of former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague announced that Malaysia had withdrawn a submission before the United Nations World Court to overturn a decades-old dispute with Singapore over sovereignty of islands off Johor Baru on the eastern approach to the Singapore Strait from the South China Sea.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in a statement that Malaysia had notified the Court that the parties had agreed to discontinue the proceedings ahead of a two week hearing scheduled to begin on June 11, 2018.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in a statement that the court has ordered the discontinuation of court proceedings following proceedings institutated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, against Singapore directing the removal of the case from the Court's list.
On June 30, 2017, under the administration of Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Abdul Razak, Malaysia lodged an appeal to the 2008 International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague decision that had granted Singapore sovereignty of the disputed islands, with Malaysia arguing that new documents had been discovered in British archives backing its territorial claim over the islands.
Malaysia claimed that Singapore was seeking to subvert the arrangements reached between Johor and Great Britain over 150 years ago.
Malaysia argued that Johor Baru had given permission to Great Britain to build and operate a lighthouse on the Pulau Batu Puteh island, saying that Great Britain and then Singapore have operated the lighthouse on the island ever since with Malaysia's consent.
Malaysia argued that the islands in dispute were not terra nullius as claimed by Singapore.
The Southeast Asian Times  

Papua students call for end of National Strategic Projects for extinction of indigenous Papuans

Papua student represents the banned pro-independence West Papua Bintang Kejora or Morning Star flag on 63rd anniversary of the raising of the pro-independence Morning Star flag at the Papua Student Alliance (AMP) protest in Yogyakarta on Monday December 1 2024
From News Reports:
Yogyakarta, Friday 6: Papua Student Alliance (AMP) protesters called for an end to the National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Papua, clashed with the Indonesia Military (TNI) and National National Police (INP) in Yogyakarta on Sunday, saying ''We know that the mobilisation of the transmigration program will be orientated to the slow-motion extinction of indigenous Papuans,'' reports Indoleft.
The Papua Student Alliance (AMP) protesters clashed with the Indonesia Military (TNI) and National National Police (INP) on the intersection of Jalan Kusumanegara in central Yogyakarta as the protesters called for an end to the regular transmigration program in Papua planned by newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
"We know that the mobilisation of the transmigration program will be orientated to the slow-motion extinction of indigenous Papuans,'' said the Papua Student Alliance (AMP),'' said Papua Student Alliance (AMP).
''The mobilisation of the transmigration program to Papua is a form of hand washing by the Indonesian colonial-capitalist regime,'' said the Papua Student Alliance (AMP).
''The National Strategic Projects (PSN) has brought structural impoverishment to the Indonesian people through the theft of land in various parts of Indonesia.", said the Papua Student Alliance (AMP).
The Papua Student Alliance (AMP) oppose the National Strategic Projects (PSN) in Papua, saying ''the promoting PSNs is to build strategic industries and infrastructure with high investment value that is managed by the state together with the oligarchy.''
On July 22, 2023 thousands of Rempang Island residents in Batam city, in Indonesia's Riau Islands protested against the Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project (PSN), rejecting relocation of residents for China's planned glass and solar-panel manufacturing plant on Rempang Island after then Indonesian President, Jokowi Widodo, visit to China.
China’s Xinyi International Investment Ltd. committed to investing US. $$11.6 billion in a glass and solar-panel manufacturing plant in Rempang Island in a joint venture agreement between Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project (PSN), the Indonesian government Batam Development Board (BP) for Free Trade Zone and Free Port of Batam and local company, PT Makmur Eloc Graha (MEG) that is in partnership with China’s Xinyi International Investment Ltd.,
Thousands of Rempang Island residents in Indonesia's Riau Islands from villages in Galang district including Kampung Sembulang Hulu, Sembulang Tanjung, Sembulang Pasir Merah, Sembulang Camping, Sungai Buluh, Pasir Panjang and Sungai Raya oppose the Rempang Eco City national strategic project (PSN) that includes the relocation of the Pasir Merah Sembulang beach, with Sembulang Camping resident Bakir saying ''we the residents of Rempang, refuse relocation.''
''We will not leave our home villages, saying 'in these villages we were born, in our villages we will die,'' he said.
He said that there had been numerous protests against the Rempang Eco City National Strategic Project (PSN) that includes the relocation of Rempang Island residents, saying ''there has never been any response from the government.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Human Rights lawyer imprisoned for further two years for Lese Majeste Law totallying 16 years since 2020

Amnesty International Thailand activists call on the Thailand government to halt prosecution of Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, on Ratchadamnoen Avenue in Bangkok Monday February 5, 2024

From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 4: The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, to a further two years imprisonment on Tuesday, bringing the total to 16 years since 2020 for violation of the Lese Majeste Law and the Computer Crime Act, reports the Bangkok Post.
Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, was charged on the fifth of 14 charges brought against him since the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration student movement mass protests in 2020 that drew hundreds of thousands of protesters to Bangkok, demanding reform of the monarchy.
The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, to a further two years imprisonment on Tuesday bringing his total sentence to 16 years and two months for posting a letter to His Majesty the King online on November 8, 2020, saying ''the letter contained untruthful statements.''
The Bangkok Criminal Court found Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, guilty of violated the Lese Majeste law and the Computer Crime Act for posting false claims on social media that threatened national security.
Human Rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, 39, claimed on a social media posting that King Maha Vajiralongkorn also known as King Rama X, was directly administering the country,'' ruled the Bangkok Criminal Court.
On November 10, 2021 the Constitutional Court ruled that mass protests held at the Thammasat University Rangsit campus in Bangkok on August 10, 2020 by the Untited Front of Thammasat and Demonstration student movement ''aimed to overthrow the democratic institution with the King as head of state."
The Constitutional Court ruled then that Arnon Nampa, 37, Panupong Jadnok, 24, and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, 23, attempted to overthrow the democratic institution with the King as head of state in the demands made in a 10 point manifesto that was submitted to the Parliament by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration student union on August 28, 2020.
The accused, Arnon Nampa, Panupong Jadnok and Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul said then that they had no intention of overthrowing the constitutional monarchy, saying "the demands in the 10 point manifesto are intended to strengthen the constitutional monarchy and not a proposal to abolish the monarchy."
The accused said that the demands in the 10 point manifesto were not intended to overthrow but reform the monarchy, saying "the proposed amendments to Section 112 of the Criminal Code that would decriminalise the Lese Majeste Law are not an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy."
The ten point manifesto demands that the government revoke Article 112 of the Criminal Code, that would decriminalise the Lese Majeste law and allow the exercise of freedom of expression.
The ten point manifesto also demands that the monarchy give amnesty to those prosecuted for criticizing the monarchy and
also called for the government to revoke the Crown Property Act of 2018 and make a clear division between the kings assets under the control of the Ministry of Finance and his personal assets.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia's Northern Territory aware of financial debt of China's 99 year lease of Darwin harbour

Ye Cheng, chairman of Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. , left, and Adam Giles, former Chief Minister of the Australia's Northern Territory, right after the signing of the 99-year lease of the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour on Tuesday October 13, 2015
From News Reports:
Darwin, December 4: Australia's Northern Territory, Country Liberal Party (CLP) in Darwin said on November 27 that ''the Government has been made aware of concerns surrounding the financial status of foreign investor, Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. from Shandong province in China, that was granted a 99 year lease at the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour in 2015, reports the NT News.
The Country Liberal Party (CLP) Government said ''the government has provided notice to the Federal Government, with Northern Territory Treasurer, Bill Yan, saying ''the Northern Territory will meet with the Federal Government’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development to discuss the debt in Canberra.''
''The Northern Territory is reviewing our rights and our future action will be made in the best interests of Territorians,'' he said.
He said that the Northern Territory government has communicated with Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. seeking further information about the foreign invester's financial status and ability to meet their payment obligations.
''This additional information will guide the Territory Government's next steps regarding operations at the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour,'' he said.
Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. non-executive director, Terry O'Conner, who served as CEO during the Port Darwin's transition from the Northern Territory Government to its operation under the Shandong Landbridge Group Co., from Shandong province in China, said '' the Shandong Landbridge Group Co., is pleased with the port’s 2024 financial year operational performance.''
''But Port Darwin lost $34.362m for 2024 as the owners moved to refinance a $107 bond debt,'' he said.
He said that Shandong Landbridge Group Co., is considering selling assets in China to pay the debt, saying ''Landbridge in China has a portfolio of large infrastructure assets.''
''Shandong Landbridge Group Co.in China is looking to moderate its debt, which will likely see the sale of some assets across the group,'' he said.
The 2015 lease agreement between Shandong Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. chairman, Ye Cheng, who was the winning bidder for the Darwin harbour land deal worth A$506 million, and then leader of the Country Liberal Party of the Northern Territoy, chief minister, Adam Giles gave the Shandong Landbridge Group operational control of the East Arm Wharf in Darwin harbour in Australia's Northern Territory including 80 percent ownership of the land and facilities.
In 2020 Amendements to the Foreign investment laws, that were made by the Australian Parliament under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, gave the Australian Federal Government the power to impose conditions that include forced divestment of previously approved foreign investment deals, with then Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying "the new foreign investment laws focus on protecting Australia's national security."
"The new foreign investment laws give the Australian Federal Government the retrospective power to review the port lease agreement between the Northern Territory government and China's Landbridge Group Co., Ltd. in northern Australia from a national security perspective," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodian withdraws from international pageant, saying ''Cambodia does not value Khmer culture''

Miss Planet Cambodia (MPI) 2024, Cambodia pagent contestant, Det Sreyneat, centre, announced her withdrawal from the pageant on social media on Wednesday November 27, 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, December 3: Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024, Cambodia pageant contestant, Det Sreyneat, announced a day ahead of the Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 final contest held in Phnom Penh on November 28 that she ''would not be representing Cambodia, on the international stage,'' reports Khmer Times.
Former Miss Planet Internationa (MPI) 2024, Cambodia pageant contestant, Det Sreyneat, announced her withdrawal from the Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 Cambodia pageant contest on November 27 on social media, saying she would not represent Cambodia.''
''I am very hurt by what happened in Siem Reap,'' she said.
Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 Cambodia replaced Det Sreyneat with runner-up Khon Sovansonita, who said she was ''committed to representing Cambodia on the international stage.''
Former Miss Planet Cambodia 2024, Det Sreyneat, said in her announcement of withdrawal from pageant ''my goal was to represent Cambodia in the promotion of Cambodia's culture, traditions, and tourism to a global audience.''
''I dedicated my time and money to charity work and to making videos at various tourist sites to promote Cambodia's culture, traditions, and tourism to a global audience,'' she said.
Former Miss Planet (MPI) 2024 Cambodia, Det Sreyneat, said in her announcement of withdrawal from the Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 contest ''I am very hurt by what happened in Siem Reap on the day before the final of the Miss Planet International 2024 contest.''
''There were national and international guests, relatives, grandparents and children as witnesses at Siem Reap,'' she said.
''I am really hurt that they do not value Khmer, they despise our Khmer cultural heritage and civilization and despise my people,'' she said.
Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA) president, Sivlin Chhay, said that the Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 pageant held in Phnom Penh from November 19 to 27, 2024 included contestants from 70 countries, saying the pageant aims to promote Cambodian culture, traditions, and tourism to a global audience.
Miss Planet International (MPI) 2024 pageant contestants travelled to Siem Reap, to participate in environmental activities and visit Angkor Wat, saying ''the organization aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, appointing ambassadors from participating countries.
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai's pose as Royal Thai Police to rob Vietnamese tourists in Bangkok

A Thailand national arrested for posing as a member of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) in robbery of Vietnamese tourists in Bangkok on
Wednesday November 20, 2024
From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 2: Two Thai nationals posing as members of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) who robbed Vietnamese tourists in Bangkok on November 20, were arrested for posing as police officers, with the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) saying ''both Thailand nationals have extensive criminal histories,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, said the Royal Thai Police (RTP) apprehended Thailand nationals Thitiphong Phromcharoen and Phongsaphat Tanchan.
''A third suspect identified as Kittichai Owatsiriwong, linked to theft of the Vietnamese tourists, drug use and gambling, remains at large,'' he said.
Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, said the attempted robbery of the Vietnamese tourists occurred at a restaurant in Bangkok on November 20, saying the Thailand nationals falsly accused the Vietnamese tourists of using their rented vehicle to transport drugs.
''The Thai nationals demanded to search the vehicle,'' he said.
He said the Thai nationals were dressed as officers of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), saying ''they wore bulletproof vests and jackets and displayed police ID cards.''
''The Thai nationals carried walkie-talkies and guns,'' he said.
Deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, said that the two Thailand nationals posing as Royal Thai Police (RTP) searched the vehicle, saying ''the two Thailand nationals examined the Vietnamese tourists passports and bags.''
He said that one of the Thailand nationals posing as Royal Thai Police (RTP) seized their belongings and took the car keys, saying ''The other Thailand national stood guard holding a gun,'' he said.
''The two Thailand nationals fled with the victims rented car and cash,'' he said.
Deputy chief Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poolsawat, said the Vietnamese tourists reported the robbery to a Thai friend, saying ''the Thai friend took the Vuetnamese tourists to the Lat Phrao police station to file a complaint.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodians deported from Thailand on Monday arrested for treason in Cambodia on Tuesday, described as cross border prosecution

Two of six Cambodian political activists deported from Thailand on Monday November 25, 2024 and arrested for treason on in Cambodia on Tuesday November 26, 2024 are imprisoned at the Kandal provincial prison
From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 1: Six Cambodian political activists were deported from Thailand under Thailand's Immigration Law on Monday, with Cambodia's General Department of Prisons, saying ''the six Cambodians were charged with treason in Cambodia on Tuesday and with Human Rights Watch (HRW) describing the deportation from Thailand on Monday and arrest in Cambodia on Tuesday as ''cross border prosecution.''
Cambodia's General Department of Prisons, Kheang Sonadin, said that the six political activists.Pen Chan Sangkream, Hong An, Mean Chanthon, Yin Chanthou, Soeung Khunthea and Vorn Chanratchana were arrested in Cambodia on Tuesday saying ''all are facing treason charges.''
Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia director, Elaine Pearson, said ''Thailand officials have charged the detainees with plotting to overthrow the Cambodian government under article 453 of the criminal code that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.''
''Thai officials have used immigration charges as a convenient excuse to deport these Cambodian refugees without court review and in blatant disregard for fundamental refugee protection principles,'' she said.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) describe the deportation of the six Cambodian political activists from Thailand on Monday
and their arrest for treason in Cambodia on Tuesday as ''cross border prosecution.''
Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims that the charges brought against the six Cambodian political activists stem from a criminal case file opened on August 15, 2024 in Cambodia related to protests against the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative on August 11, 2024 by the Khmer community together with the Cambodian diaspora in Japan, South Korea, Canada and Australia.
Sean Sinoun, daughter of Hong An, one of six political activists deported from Thailand to Cambodia, confirmed that her mother was charged with treason, saying ''the charges are linked to her mother's social media posts that include criticism of the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative.''
Hong An was part of the protest movement that included environmental, human rights and other activists who protested against the
the Cambodia Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative on August 11, 2024.
The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) ordered the arrest of at least 94 protesters from the Khmer community on August 11, 2024, who together with the Cambodian diaspora in Japan, South Korea, Canada and Australia conducted mass protests against land evictions and forest land grab concessions under the Cambodia Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative.
The environmental, human rights and other activists claim that under the Cambodia Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative Cambodia granted land and territorial concessions to China for the construction and maintainance of a major naval military base in Sihanoukville province and continues to grant land concessions to Vietnam and Malaysia in Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces.
Cambodia officially withdrew from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) on Tuesday with
former Prime Minister of Cambodia, President of the Senate of Cambodia, Hun Sen, who established the CLV-DTA triangle in 1999, announcement that ''the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative on the border region of the three countries would be replaced with the Trilateral Joint Training Exercise of the three armed forces of Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam 2024.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Chinese national arrested for operating unlicensed beauty salon for foreign tourists in Bangkok

Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, 42, arrested in a raid on the YF Salon, in Bangkok on Wednesday November 28, 2024 with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB showing medical gowns purchased from Taobao, a Chinese online marketplace
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 30: Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and officials of the Ministry of Public Health raided an unlicensed beauty salon and botox clinic in the Huai Kwang District of Bangkok on Wednesday.
arresting the owner, Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, 42, after a tip off to the Royal Thai Police (RTP), reports the Bangkok Post.
An investigation into the operation of the unlicensed, YF Salon, a beauty salon and botox clinic, owned by Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, was initiated by Royal Thai Police (RTP) Lieutenant General, Thiti Saengsawang.
Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, was arrested on Wednesday for providing services including surgery, massage, spa treatments, facial injections and vitamin injection to foreign tourists at the YF Salon without a licence.
The raid on the six-story YF Salon revealed that each floor offered various beauty services, with the fifth floor dedicated to unauthorized botox injections.
Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and officials of the Ministry of Public Health seized evidence including promotional materials, CCTV memory cards, massage booking records, receipts, rental agreements, medical gowns, saline solutions, anesthetic drugs, and numerous used injection needles and medical waste in the raid on the YF Salon.
YF Salon owner, Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, claimed she was a customer when the Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and officials of the Ministry of Public Health raided the YF Salon on Wednesday.
She admitted she was the owner of the YF Salon after employees identified her as the operator of the six-story beauty salon and botox clinic, YF Salon, in the Huai Kwang District of Bangkok.
Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei admitted to operating the YF Salon without a licence and to purchasing medical gowns from Taobao, a Chinese online marketplace.
Chinese national, Ren Xue Mei, also admitted that employees who administered injections were not qualified medical practioners after she was arrested for illegally operating a health establishment as a foreigner without proper authorisation.
''I chose to open in Thailand because there’s too much competition in China.''
''The profit margins are better here,'' she said.
Six employees were also arrested in the raid at the YF Salon including female Chinese nationals cashier, Wen Chun, 28, and foot massage therapist, Gao Juan, 44, charged with working without permits.
Four female Shan ethnic workers from Myanmar, aged 18-20, who worked as hair washers, were arrested for illegal entry and working without permits.
The Southeast Asian Times

Cambodia's withdrawal from CLV-DTA will not affect relationship with ASEAN Laos and Vietnam

Vietnam Gen. Phan Van Giang Minister of the National Defence of Vietnam, left, and former Prime Minister of Cambodia and now the President of the Senate of Cambodia, Hun Sen, right, in Phnom Penh on Tuesday November 26, 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 29: Cambodia's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) will not affect the relationship between the three ASEAN countries said former Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen on the official visit of the Minister of the National Defence of Vietnam, Gen. Phan Van Giang, to Cambodia on Tuesday, reports the Khmer Times.
Former Prime Minister of Cambodia, President of the Senate of Cambodia, Hun Sen, who established the CLV-DTA triangle in 1999, said ''the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) cooperative initiative on the border region of the three countries would be replaced with the Trilateral Joint Training Exercise of the three armed forces of Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam 2024.''
The end of Cambodian official involvement in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Plan (CLV-DTA) for expanded trade, development and exchange with Laos and Vietnam was welcomed by the Khmer community and Cambodian diasporia in Japan, South Korea, Canada and Australia.
Former Prime Minister of Cambodia and now President of the Senate of Cambodia, Hun Sen, acknowledged that the demands by the Khmer community and the Cambodian diaspora in Japan, South Korea, Canada and Australia for Cambodia's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) in mass protests on August 11, 2024 were valid and just.
But the protesters said that the official withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Plan (CLV-DTA) does not end land evictions and forest land grab concessions, saying ''land evictions and forest land grab concessions continue on a massive scale associated with other development plans not necessarily associated with the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Plan (CLV-DTA) activities.''
''Cambodia continues to grant forest land and territorial control to China for the construction and maintainance of a major naval military base in Sihanoukville province and continues to grant land concessions to Vietnam and Malaysia in Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri provinces,'' said the protesters.
The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) ordered the arrest of at least 94 protesters from the Khmer community including environmental, human rights and other activists for protesting against the Cambodia Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) on August 11, 2024.
The protesters say that while Prime Minister of Cambodia and now the President of the Senate of Cambodia, Hun Sen, had acknowledged that their complaints and protests were valid and just, the protesters arrested in the mass protest demanding Cambodia's withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Plan (CLV-DTA) have not been released from prison.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines call for clemency for death row drug trafficker in Indonesia on her return

Celia Veloso, mother of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Mary Jane Veloso, calls for the release of her daughter at a candelight demonstration in Manila on Tuesday September 13, 2016
From News Reports:
Manila, November 28: Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Mary Jane Veloso, 39, who was sentenced to death in Indonesia in October 2010 for attempting to traffic heroin into Indonesia from Malaysia but was given a stay of execution following intervention by then Philippine President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III, is to be returned to the Philippines in December, with the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs calling for executive clemency on her return, reports Reuters.
"Eventually, the goal is not just for Mary Jane Veloso to be transferred, but for our President Ferdinand Marcos to grant her clemency," said Foreign Affairs undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Institutions, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said that Mary Jane Veloso will be transferred in December, 2024.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said that Mary Jane Veloso would serve the remainder of her prison sentence in the Philippines, saying ''diplomacy and reciprocal partnership in law enforcement is the reason for her transfer.''
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowleged the Philippines and Indonesia's shared commitment to justice and compassion, saying
''after over a decade of diplomacy and consultations with the Indonesian government we managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines.''
In September 2022 Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally requested Indonesia to grant, Mary Jane Veloso, 39, who had been given a stay of execution in 2015, executive clemency during a state visit to Indonesia following an appeal from parents of the detained Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) to grant their daughter executive clemency on humanitarian grounds.
Parents of detained Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Cesar Veloso and Celia Veloso, had written a letter of appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to request that former Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo grant Filipino Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Mary Jane Veloso, executive clemency on humanitarian grounds with a copy of the letter sent to the Department of Migrant Workers.
Mary Jane Veloso, 39, was sentenced to death in October 2010 for attempting to traffic heroin into Indonesia from Malaysia after she was arrested at Adisucipto International Airport in Java on April 2010 with 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.
Mary Jane Veloso claims that she was tricked into carrying the luggage containing the drugs.
She was set to be executed on the Indonesian prison island of Nusakambangan with Australian drug traffickers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran in April 2015 but was given a stay of execution following intervention by then Philippine President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III, who appealed for humanitarian consideration.
The Southeast Asian Times

Kuala Lumpur High Court orders seized LGBT+Q rain-bow watches be returned

Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said the Malaysian government is deciding whether to challenge the High Court decision on Monday November 25, 2024
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 27: The Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled on Monday that the Swiss made Swatch Group Ltd., LGBT+Q rain-bow watches from the 2023 Pride Collection and accessories that were seized for displaying the acronym'LGBT+Q on the watches be returned to the Swatch Group Ltd., within 14 days, with Malaysia's Home Minister saying the government is yet to decide whether to challenge the verdict, reports Reuters.
Malaysia's Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government respected the High Court decision and would wait for the full judgement to be released before deciding whether to challenge the verdict.
In May 2023 the Royal Malaysia Police seized 172 Swiss made Swatch Group Ltd LGBT+Q rainbow watches from the 2023 Pride Collection from 11 stores throughout Malaysia with five stores ordered to remove accessories from their shelves after the Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, banned the Swiss made Swatch Group Ltd., LGBTQ watches from Malaysia saying "Swatch products are subject to the Prohibition Order."
"Products that harm or may harm morality are against the public interest and the interest of the state," he said.
He said the promotion, support and normalisation of the LGBT+Q movement is not accepted by the general public of Malaysia. saying "any LGBT+Q references on Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, accessories or other items was prohibited."
Selling or owning the Swiss made Swatch Group Ltd., LGBTQ banned watches is punishable by up to three years in jail and a fine of up to 20,000 ringgit ($4,376).
In August 2023 Swatch Group Ltd filed a lawsuit against the Ministery of Home Affairs in the Kuala Lumpur High Court over the seizure of the rainbow watches from the 2023 Pride Collection, with the Swatch Group Ltd., chief executive officer, Nick Hayek, saying "the arbitrary seizures done without prior notice caused loss and damage to the company’s trading reputation."
"The seizure notices did not cleary state on what basis the watches were being confiscated," he said.
He said then that the Swatch Group Ltd contests the Minister of Home Affairs, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, statement that rainbow watches from the 2023 Pride Collection could be harmfull, saying "the rainbow-coloured watches give a possitive message of joy in life."
Malaysia Non-Government-Organisation, Justice for sisters, co-founder, Thilaga Sulathireh, said "the minority LGBT+Q community that is already a target in Malaysia will now become more marginalized."
She said the ban on the Swiss made Swatch Group Ltd., LGBTQ rain-bow coloured watches creates further misconceptions, stigma and discrimination.
She said that any form of restriction of rights on grounds that products are harmful has to be justified in terms of its legality, necessity and proportionality, saying "symbols and words matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesian Civil Society claim election of anti-corruption commissioners hand picked by former President Widodo

Deputy chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Joanis Tanak, was re elected in a plenary meeting by the Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday November 21, 2024
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 26: Indonesia's Civil Society Coalition including the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) and Transparency International Indonesia (TII), claim the election of five Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) commissioners on Thursday for the 2024 -2029 period that includes the re election of the deputy chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Joanis Tanak ''is strongly suspected of choosing candidates affiliated with former President Joko Widodo,'' reports Antara.
The election of five Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III on Thursday November 21, includes three-star police general Comr. Gen. Setyo Budianto with 46 votes, incumbent commissioner, Johanis Tanak 48, Attorney General Office (AGO) prosecutor Fitroh Rohcahyanto, 48, who has previously held a position at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), former Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) deputy chairman, Agus Joko Pramono 39, and judge, Ibnu Basuki Widodo with 33 votes.
Setyo Budianto was selected by a majority of House Commission III as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman, with four commissioners to serve as his deputies.
Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), chairman, Julius Ibrani, said that the five commissioners of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Supervisory Council members of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), who are appointed by the House of Representatives ''have a bad track record.''
He said that Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy chairman, Johanis Tanak, is accused of leaking the results of the investigation into corruption at the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry to the acting director general of Minerals and Coal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Muhammad Idris Froyoto Sihite.
''The Selection Committee for the Leadership and Supervisory Council of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) submitted 10 candidate names for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leadership claiming that ''the Selection Committee is strongly suspected of choosing candidates affiliated with former President Joko Widodo,''
He said the claim that the Selection Committee selected candidates affiliated with former President Joko Widodo has been proven, saying ''many candidates that had a good track record and commitment to eradicating corruption were culled in the early stages of the selection process.''
''The selection committee instead let through names that have a bad track record,'' he said.
In September 2019 the Indonesian House of Representatives passed amendments to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) into law that required all Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) employees be civil servants, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to obtain a wiretapping warrant from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) supervisory council and to drop cases that are not completed within a year and to revoke the KPK independent recruitment of investigators.
President Joko Widodo said then that he had started to look for candidates to fill the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)supervisory council that would monitor the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) saying that he would "handpick the council members without a formal selection process."
The Southeast Asian Times

Thai woman sentenced to death for fatally poisoning victims with cyanide

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, charged with poisoning 14 victims at the Bangkok Criminal Court on Tuesday April 24, 2024
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 25: Thai woman, Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36, who is charged with poisoning 14 victims with cyanide, was sentenced to death on Wednesday for the premeditated murder of Siriporn Kanwong in Bangkok on April 25, 2023, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Bangkok Criminal Court convicted Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, a gambling addict, with the premeditated murder of Siriporn Kanwong, ordering her to pay the victim's family 2 million baht ($A88,000) in compensation.
''The court's decision is just,'' said Tongpin Kiatchanasiri, mother of poisoned, Siriporn Kanwong.
''Justice has been done for her today,'' she said.
Royal Thai Police national police chief, Surachate Hakparn, said that Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, funded her gambling addiction by borrowing money from her victims before poisoning them with cyanide and stealing their jewellery and mobile phones.
He said that Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, borrowed money from her victims with 300,000 baht ($A13,000) from one victim, to pay for credit card debt, saying ''she killed her victim when they asked for their money back.''
''She lured 15 victims, one survived, to take poisoned herb capsules,'' said the Royal Thai Police.
Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, 36 had met Siriporn Kanwong in Bangkok on April 25, 2023 at the Mae Klong river in Ratchaburi province for a Buddhist ritual
Siriporn Khanwong had collapsed and died on the riverbank after a meal with Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, with the Royal Thai Police saying ''Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn made no effort to help the collapsed woman.''
Royal Thai Police investigators found traces of cyanide in the dead woman's body and her phone, saying ''police were then able to trace Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, to previous unsolved cyanide poisonings as far back as 2015.''
Former Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn, former husband of Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was sentenced to 16 months in prison and lawyer Thannicha Aeksuwannawat to two years for complicity in the murder of Siriporn Kanwong on April 25, 2023.
Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn was accused of money laundering in connection with an illegal online gambling operation.
The Southeast Asian Times

Second Australian tourist dies after drinking Laos Vodka laced with poisonous methanol in Vang Vieng

Australians Holly Bowles, 19, left, and Bianca Jones, 19, right, both played football for the Beaumaris Football Club in Melbourne, died within a day of each other in Thailand after drinking Laos Vodka laced with poisonous methanol in Vang Vieng, Laos on Sunday November 11, 2024
From News Reports:
Vientiane, November 24: A second Australian tourist, Holly Bowles, 19, died from methanol poisoning in a hospital at Uddon Thani in Thailand on Friday after she was transferred from Vang Vieng a tourist town on November 12, becoming the sixth tourist to have died from drinking Laos Vodka laced with poisonous methanol, reports Bangkok Post.
Her friend Australian, Bianca Jones, 19, died from methanol poisoning at a hospital in Bangkok on Thursday after she was transferred from the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng to Thailand on November 12, becoming the fifth tourist to have died from drinking alcohol laced with methanol.
British, Simone White, 28, became the fourth tourist to die from drinking alcohol laced with methanol in the tourist town of Vang Vieng in Laos on November 11.
An unidentified United States male was the third tourist and two Danish women in their 20's also unidentified became the first and second to have died after drinking alcohol laced with methanol in the tourist town of Vang Vieng on November 11.
At least eight other tourists at have been hospitalized for methanol poisoning in the small hospital in Vang Vieng since November 11.
Laos Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumxay Kommasith, said on Saturday after the death of Australian tourist, Holly Bowles, 19, on Friday 'the Laos government is profoundly saddened by tourist deaths after suspected methanol poisoning.''
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, saying
an investigation is underway into the deaths of the six tourists who died of suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng in Laos last week.
Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on Monday after four tourists had died from methanol poisoning in the tourist town of Vang Vieng that Laos has recorded over five million tourists arrivals as a result of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign.
''Tourist arrivals in Laos had exceeded expectations generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue,'' he said.
Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone credited the surge in tourist arrivals to the Laos-China Railway that connects key tourist destinations Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay.
The Southeast Asian Times  

Five including Australian dead from methanol poisoning in Laos tourist town

Duong Duc Toan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng in Laos, with the bottle of Tiger Vodka he served to guests as a gesture of hospitality Tuesday November 19, 2024
From News Reports:
Vientiane, Novemver 23 :Australian, Bianca Jones, 19, a British woman, an American and two Danes have died in suspected mass methanol poisoning in the tourist town, Vang Vieng in Laos, with another Australian, Holly Bowles, 19, in hospital in Udon Thani in Thailand on life support, reports the Bangkok Post.
Duong Van Huan, manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng in Laos said that he had served the two Australians, Bianca Jones, 19, and Holly Bowles, 19, free Tiger Vodka but denied this was what made them sick.
He said that the Australians both from Melbourne had joined more than 100 other guests for the Tiger Vodka offered by the Nana Backpacker Hostel as a gesture of hospitality.
He said the two Australians started drinking at the Nana Backpacker Hostel bar at 8pm and left about 10.30pm, saying ''the two women went elsewhere for the rest of the night.''
''The two women returned to the Nana Backpacker Hostel in the early hours of the morning,'' he said.
He said that other guests notified the Nana Backpacker Hostel that the two Australians were unwell.
''They failed to check out of the hostel as planned on Wednesday November 13,'' he said.
He said the Nana Backpacker Hostel arranged hospital transport for Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, saying ''both were flown from Laos to Thailand in critical condition.''
He said he had been in business in Vientiane and Vang Vieng for almost 11 years, saying ''it was the first time something like this had happened.''
Holly Bowles, 19, was transferred from Laos to a hospital in Udon Thani, Thailand and is on life support fighting for her life.
Bianca Jones, 19, was transferred from Laos to a hospital in Bangkok and died on Thursday.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused Question Time to inform the parliament that the Department of Foreign Affairs had confirmed Bianca Jones's death.
"Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss," he said.
"This is every parent's very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure."
He expressed hope that Holly Bowles would recover well.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnam Oil Transport, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Finance officials on trial for bribery

Former Director and Chairwoman of Board of Members of Xuyen Viet Oil Transport and Tourism Trading Company Limited, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, centre, on trial for bribery in HCMCity Wednesday November 20, 2024
From News Reports:
HCMCity, November 22: The trial of former Director and Chairwoman of the Board of members of Xuyen Viet Oil Transport and Tourism Trading Company Limited, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, is charged with violating regulations on the management and use of state assets under the ruling Communist party of Vietnam (CPV), causing loss and waste and giving bribes to the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam Ministry of Finance following an investigation by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), reports the Vietnam News.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) director, Lt. Gen. To An Xo, found that former Director and Chairwoman of the Board of members of Xuyen Viet Oil Transport and Tourism Trading Company Limited, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, causing loss of VND214.1 billion (US$8.8 million) to the state and VND1.246 trillion (US$51.1 million) in environmental protection taxes.
The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) director, Lt. Gen. To An Xo, has also investigated 15 officials of the Vietnam Ministry
of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam Ministry of Finance for "violating regulations on the management and use of state assets, causing loss and wastefulness," "accepting bribes," "giving bribes," and "abusing position and power for personal gain," under Articles 219, 354, 364, and 358 of the Penal Code.
Former chairwoman and director of the Xuyen Viet Oil Company, Mai Thi Hong Hanh, is accused of giving bribes and violating regulations on state asset management, causing loss and wastefulness.
Others found accepting bribes include, former Communist party of Vietnam (CPV), Party Secretary of Ben Tre Province, Le Duc Tho, is charged with accepting bribes and abusing his position and power for personal gain, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Do Thang Hai, for accepting bribes, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Do Thang Hai for accepting bribes, Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai and former Domestic Market Department Head, Tran Duy Dong, former deputy head of the Domestic Market Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Loc An, former head of the Tax Department in HCM City, Le Duy Minh, former head of the Domestic Market Department, Tran Duy Dong, former deputy head of the Domestic Market Department, Hoang Anh Tuan, and deputy head of the Price Management Department at the Ministry of Finance, Dang Cong Khoi.
In April 2024 Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, resigned after an investigation by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) director, Lt. Gen. To An Xo found that the National Assembly chairman was involved in alleged bribery of officials in the Thuan An Group Joint Stock Company that operates in technical infrastructure investment and construction and trading of electricity, renewable energy and real estate.
The resignation of the chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Vuong Dinh Hue, followed the arrest of his assistant, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Pham Thai Ha, for abusing his position and power for personal gain in allegedly bribing officials in the Thuan An Group Joint Stock Company.
Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and assistant vice chairman of the National Assembly Pham Thai Ha and a high-ranking delegation were arrested after an official visit to Beijing on Sunday 7 April 2024 at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China.
The Southeast Asian Times

OAG rejects petition against Thaksin Shinawatra for alleged attempt to overthrow the King as Head of State

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, right, campaigning for the election of the Udon Thani Provincial Administration Organisation CEO on Wednesday November 13, 2024 for the election scheduled for November 24
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 21: The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) rejected lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn's petition that includes Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) alleged attempt to overthrow the King as Head of State, with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) saying that ''the Office of the Attorney General did not see the complaint as a violation of Section 49 of the Constitution,'' reports the Bangkok Post.
The Constitutional Court had forwarded lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn's petition with six complaints to the Office of Attorney General (OAG instructing the Office of Attorney General (OAG) to investigate the complaints in the petition including the accusation that Thaksin Shinawatra and the Pheu Thai Party had attempted to overthrow the King as Head of State.
On 10 October, 2024 lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn petitioned the Constitutional Court to rule on whether Pheu Thai and Thaksin Shinawatra’s actions including Thaksin Shinawatra's six-month stay in the Police General Hospital instead of in prison serving his commuted one-year term had violated Section 49 of the Constitution.
'Doctors at the Corrections Department and the Police General Hospital claimed that the former prime minister suffered from life-threatening illnesses that required his admission to the hospital instead of the prison,'' said lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn.
Lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn claimed that the MoU 44 between Thailand and Cambodia that was signed by Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen more than 20 years ago for joint development in the Gulf of Thailand had put Thailand in a disadvantageous position vis-à-vis Cambodia.
He claimed that Thaksin Shinawatra had chaired a meeting of coalition parties at his Ban Chan Song La residence on August 14th to form a new government after then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed by the Constitutional Court.
He claimed that Thaksin Shinawatra's dominated the Pheu Thai party (PTP) and that the party had adopting Thaksin Shinawatra's visions as government policy.
''Thaksin Shinawatra was instrumental in the Pheu Thai party (PTP) decision to exclude the Palang Pracharath from the new coalition alliance.'' he said.
Lawyer Teerayut Suwankesorn claimed that Thaksin Shinawatra allegedly instructed the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) to cooperate with the new People’s party to amend the Constitution.
In April 2021 the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), that was founded by Thaksin Shinawatra, and that has nominated his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, ministerial candidate for the May 2023 elections, called on parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) said then the party is seeking to amend the section of the Constitution that deals with the Royal Thai Armed Forces appointed Senate that nominates and elects a prime minister.
The 2017 Constitution states that "changing the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State or changing the form of the State shall be prohibited" and that "the Prime Minister may not present such a draft Constitution Amendment to the King for signature."
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar's new free, fair and just elections would return Myanmar to original democratic state

Cambodia's Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of ASEAN Affairs, So Naro, said ''the general elections in Myanmar must be free, fair and just'' on Sunday November 17, 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 20: Cambodia's ASEAN Affairs said that the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that seized the civilian elected National League of Democracy (NLD) government of Myanmar in February 2021, is planning new general elections next year, saying ''a new general election offers a return to Myanmar's original democratic state,'' reports Khmer Times.
''But the key is that the general election must be free, fair and just, ensuring that all parties accept it and trust its outcome,'' said
Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister of ASEAN Affairs, So Naro.
'If such an election occurs, Myanmar would return to its original democratic state,” he said.
He said that ASEAN leaders have strongly opposed all violence against civilians and public property, calling for an end to indiscriminate violence and condemning escalation of tensions in Myanmar.
''ASEAN has urged the creation of an environment conductive to humanitarian aid and inclusive national dialogue among al parties involved,'' he said.
He said that the resolution of Myanmar's conflict is ultimately in the hands of the Myanmar people, saying ''with encouragement from ASEAN countries.''
Royal Academy of Cambodia Secretary-General and Political Scientist, Yong Pov, said that the ongoing conflict between the ruling Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar and Myanmar's civilians reflects ASEAN's limitations, saying ''ASEAN lacks effective mechanisims for resolving the conflict in Myanmar.''
''ASEAN has diplomatic and negotiation frameworks but no clear mechanisms to address inter-state conflicts within the organisation,'' he said.
He said that Cambodia plays a vital role in promoting peace in Myanmar through the Paris Peace Agreement of October 23, 1991, supported by United Nation member states and other ASEAN members.
In February 2021, in the days after the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seized the elected civilian National League of Democracy (NLD) government, the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar transferred full authority of the administration of Myanmar to commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), commander-in-chief, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing declared a state of emergency, saying then ''the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar would hold another general election and that power would be transferred to the successful party.''
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar seized the elected civilian National League of Democracy (NLD) government after the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) led by State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, won 399 of the 440 seats in the Union Parliament with the military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), left with only 21 seats
in the general elections November 8, 2020.
The Southeast Asian Times

Quad Committee of enquiry calls for Philippine National Police involved in war on drugs killings to testify

The Quad Committee of the House of Representatives co-chair, Rosa City, Laguna Representative, Dan Fernandez called on Philippine National Police (PNP) officers to testify at the Quad Committee inquiry on Friday November 16, 2024
From News Reports:
Manila, November 19: The Quad Committee of the House of Representatives co-chair called for a congressional investigation into administrative and criminal charges against Philippine National Police (PNP) officers involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, with co-chair Rosa City, Laguna Representative, Dan Fernandez calling on Philippine National Police (PNP) officers to testify at the Quad Committee inquiry, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''Low ranking police officers face legal consequences for actions they claim were orders given by their superiors,'' said the Quad Committee co-chair, Dan Fernandez.
''Police officers have been dismissed or face charges,'' he said.
''Philippine National Police officers were unaware the orders they followed could lead to legal consequences,'' he said.
''Police officers believed they were following lawful directives from former President Rodrigo Duterte and former police chief Bato dela Rosa,'' he said.
''The Quad Committee calls on police officers involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign to testify at the Quad Committee,'' he said.
Dan Fernandez said that Philippine law does not recognise ignorance of the law as a defence in committing a crime, saying ''the
Quad Committee enquiry wants to know if the Philippine National Police believed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s promises of protection or immunity.''
''President Rodrigo Duterte announced police protection and immunity in public engagements during his presidency,'' he said
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said that Philippine National Police officers involved in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign are ''struggling financially due to legal fees.''
''Police officers have resorted to loans to pay for legal representation,'' he said.
He said that the goal of the Quad Committee enquiry would be to assist police officers, not punish them, particularly those willing to reveal the truth about their orders.
''The Quad Committee would seek witness protection for Philippine National Police officers willing to speak out,'' he said.
He said that Philippine National Police officers feel betrayed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying ''former President Rodrigo Duterte promised police that he would protect them is they fulfilled his orders during the war on drugs.''
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

APEC Peru 2024 concludes with ministers acknowledging market driven economy in ASIA-Pacific

The 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting 2024, at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2024 at Peru, Lima Thursday November 14, 2024
From News Reports:
Lima, November 18: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2024 meeting of 21 APEC member economies concluded in Peru on Saturday with ministers saying at the 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting 2024 that a market driven economy in the Asia-Pacific is a core objective of APEC, while acknowledging the endorcement of the Beijing and Lima road maps.
''We value and recognize that advancing economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region in a manner that is market-driven is a core objective of APEC,'' said the APEC Ministers.
The 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting 2024 that was chaired by the Peru Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Elmer Schialer and Peru Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism Ms. Desilú León was attended by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD), the World Bank (WB), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
APEC Ministers said that continued efforts on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda will enhance
information sharing, capacity building and technical cooperation in support of economic readiness to participate in high quality and comprehensive Asia -Pacific market driven undertakings.
APEC Ministers endorced the Lima Roadmap to ''Promote the Transition to the Formal and Global Economies 2025-2040'' with the outcomes expected to strengthen collaboration, foster innovation and to ensure market economic resilience across the Asia -Pacific.
APEC Ministers endorced the Beijing Roadmap in order to contribute to the realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) agenda, tasking APEC officials with a strategic study on the support of market economic readiness to participate
in the acceleration of trade liberalization.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Davao police officer flees to US after claiming former president Duterte involved in extrajudicial killings

Former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, at 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives enquiry into former President Rodrigo Duterte involvment into extrajudicial killings Friday October 11, 2024
From News Reports:
Manila, November 17: Former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, who fled the Philippines for San Francisco, California on November 7 after providing affidavits at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives enquiry that involved former President Rodrigo Duterte in extrajudicial killings, was detained on entry into the United States, with the Philippines Department of Justice directing the Bureau of Immigration to facilitate her repatriation, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) justice secretary, Jesus Crispin Remulla, said that former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing 11th House Quad Committee investigation into extrajudicial killings involving former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
Former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, provided affidavits implicating former president Rodrigo Duterte in the Davao Death Squad (DDS), claiming that ''a reward system had incentivized police officers to carry out drug-related killings,'' on October 11, 2024 at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives enquiry.
Former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, also provided an affidavit on October 11, 2024 at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives claiming that ''former President Rodrigo Duterte had instructed her to find a police officer who was a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and capable of implementing the war on drugs campaign on a national scale by replicating the Davao Death Squad (DDS) model.''
Philippines Department of Justice (DOJ) justice secretary, Jesus Crispin Remulla, said that the Bureau of Immigration is working to facilitate former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, safe repatriation, saying ''the Department of Justice (DOJ) trusts that Royina Garma will remain cooperative with all ongoing investigatios.''
He said the cases against Royina Garma have not yet been filed, saying ''the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still conducting case buildup.''
''Former Davao City anti-vice police officer, Royina Garma, is considered a very important witness by the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives enquiry into extrajudicial killings,'' he said.
''The Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to offer Royina Garma witness protection,'' he said.
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 police 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

Cambodian King appoints new members to the Supreme Council of the Magistracy

Cambodi King Norodom Sihamoni announced the appointment of new members to the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) in a royal decree on Tuesday, November 12, 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 16: Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni announced the appointment of new members to the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) in a royal decree on Tuesday, with the royal decree saying ''Prime Minster Hun Manet is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the decree,'' reports the Khmer Times.
King, Norodom Sihamoni, appointed 11 new members to the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) including Keut Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to head the Supreme Council of Magistracy (SCM).
Chiv Keng was appointed President of the Supreme Court, Chea Leang appointed General Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, and Leang Sour, Ith Rady, Phlong Chhlam, Buninh Bunnary, Veng Bunthoeun, Seng Bunkheng, Iv Borin; and Srea Ratanak, were appointed members of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) to oversee the Law on the Organisation and Functioning of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM).
Article 18 of the Law on the Organisation and Functioning of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) under the chairmanship of King Norodom Sihamoni includes appointing, transferring, and removing judges from their positions.
King Norodom Sihamoni as chairman of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) appoints all members to the Council of the Magistracy (SCM).
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he will appear before ICC in the Hague for war on drugs

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said that he will appear before the ICC in The Hague at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday November 13, 2024
From News Reports:
Manila, November 15: Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said that he will appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives enquiry into the former presidents war on drugs campaign, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
''I myself will go to the International Criminal Court (ICC),'' said former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday at the 11th Quad Committee of the House of Representatives that includes the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts.
''I will have myself investigated at the International Criminal Court (ICC)'', he said.
'Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called on the 11th Quad Committee members of the House of Representatives to pay for his air fare to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague in the Netherlands.
''Give me money to buy a plane ticket to the court’s headquarters in The Hague,'' said former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
''The International Criminal Court (ICC) does not scare me a bit,'' he said.
''The International Criminal Court (ICC) can come here to Manila anytime,'' he said.
''What I did, I did it for my country and for the young people. No excuses, no apologies. If I go to hell, so be it,'' he said.
''The International Criminal Court (ICC) is too slow. Hurry up! Because I’m already old and may die,'' he said.
''You might miss the pleasure of seeing me standing before the court and hearing the judgment, whatever that may be,'' said the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said at the 11th Quad Committee members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
Lucas Bersamin, the executive secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the Philippine government would not object to the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's surrender to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
''If the former president desires to surrender himself to the jurisdiction of the ICC the government will neither object to it nor move to block the fulfilment of his desire,'' he said.
''If the International Criminal Court (ICC) were to involve Interpol and issue a red notice, Philippine authorities would be bound to accord full cooperation under established protocols.'' said Lucas Bersamin, who is a retired Supreme Court associate chief justice.
In April 2023 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said that "the Philippines considers the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines to be interference, " after the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague rejected the Philippine government appeal to halt investigations into the former Philippines President Rodrigo Dutere war on drugs.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines is an attack on the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines," he said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In March 2018 former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
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 police 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

Attack on Singapore catholic priest not considered a terrorist act or religiously motivated

From News Reports:
Singapore, November 14: Singaporean, Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon to Catholic priest, Christopher Lee Kwong Heng at Sst Joseph's Church Singapore on Saturday, with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) saying the attack is not considered a terrorist act or a religiously motivated attack, reports the Straits Times.
Singaporean, Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, was remanded for three weeks for psychiatric assessment ahead of a court hearing on December 2.
Basnayake Keith Spencer is charged with using a foldable pocket knife to stab Catholic priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng in the face at St Joseph's Church at Upper Bukit Timah in Singapore 6.30pm on Saturday.
.Basnayake Keith Spencer is charged with causing an 8cm-long laceration to Catholic priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng

Catholic priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng, left, and Cardinal William Goh, right, at the National University Hospital, the day after the Catholic priest was stabbed with a foldable pocket knife at the St Joseph's Church Singapore on Saturday November 9, 2024
tongue and a 3cm cut to his upper lip and a 4cm cut to the corner of his mouth, with the Singapore Police Force saying ''the stabbing endangered the life of Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng.''
The Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations (AERO) Council and members of the congregation disarmed Basnayake Keith Spencer as he wielded a foldable pocket knife during a church service at the St Joseph's Church monthly children's mass on Saturday.
Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that preliminary investigations indicate that Basnayake Keith Spencer acted alone, saying the attack on Catholic priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng is not considered a terrorist act or a religiously motivated attack.''
''Singaporean Sinhalese, Basnayake Keith Spencer, has previously declared that he is a Christian at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and has previously visited St Joseph's Church Singapore,'' said the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said that Basnayake Keith Spencer was charged under Section 326 of Penal Code 1871, that includes life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a term extending to 15 years and to caning and a fine.
Catholic Cardinal William Goh said that the attack on Father Christopher Lee Kwong Heng at St Joseph's Church has "sown fear in the community", urging the community to be prepared without overreacting.''
''The Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations (AERO) Council will review their security protocols to ensure the places of worship remain safe for everyone,'' he said.
He said that although St Joseph's Church also works with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore Police Force (SPF) on security matters, ''we cannot prevent every incident of this nature from taking place.''
''We must, as a community, be both mentally and operationally ready to guard against them, and mitigate the consequences when they do happen,'' he said.
In April 2024 Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said after the attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a church service in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley that ''the attack is a terrorist act,'' with ASIO director general, Mike Burgess, saying ''ASIO, as part of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team would support the investigation into the attack.''
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was among at least four injured in the attack at the Assyrian Orthodox Church, Christ The Good Shepherd Church that was broadcast online showing a 16 year-old-male lunging at Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel with an object in his hand.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel survived the stabbing during a service at the at Assyrian Orthodox Church, Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley with ASIO director general, Mike Burgess saying ''the stabbing appears to be religiously motivated.''
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's Federal Court rejects review of King's decision to reduce prison sentence for former PM Najib Razak

Former presidents of the Malaysian Bar lawyers, Zainur Zakaria and Yeo Yang Poh, seek instruction from client former Prime Minister Najib Razak whether to appeal the Federal Court decision Monday November 11, 2024
From News Reports:
Malaysia, November 13: The Fedesral Court of Malaysia rejected the Malaysian Bar application for a judicial review challenging the Federal Territories Pardons Board decision to reduce the prison sentence and fine for former Prime Minister Najib Razak from 12 years to six years in prison for the misappropriation of RM42 million from the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) state subsidiary SRS International Sdn Bhd funds, reports the Star.
Federal Court of Malaysia, Justice Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid, said on Monday in rejecting the Malaysian Bar application to challenge the Federal Territories Pardons Board decision on February 2, 2024 to reduce the former Prime Minister Najib Razak prison sentence ''the prerogative of mercy pursuant to Article 42 of the Federal Court was the direct exercise of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's sole discretion and not the Federal Territories Pardons Board or power delegated to the Federal Territories Pardons Board.''
"Hence, the reliefs sought to challenge the decision of the Federal Territories Pardons Board are by its nature and subject matter, not justiciable to judicial review," he said.
The Malaysian Bar argued that it was not challenging the prerogative of the new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor but instead its legal challenge was focused on the advice provided by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
Federal Court of Malaysia, Justice Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid said ''In essence the Malaysian Bar is splitting the decision of
the new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor and the advice by the Federal Territories Pardons Board.''
"I am of the considered view that the Malaysian Bar attempt to differentiate between challenging the advice of the Federal Territories Pardons Board and the actual decision of the new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor is flawed, it is non- challengeable," Justice Ahmad Kamal said.
Federal Court of Malaysia, Justice Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid, said that he was of the view that ''the decision of the
new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor and the advice of the Federal Territories Pardons Board are all part and parcel of one process that culminated with the granting of pardon by the new King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor,''
saying ''consequently not a matter that is suitable and appropriate to be reviews before the court.''
Lawyer, Zainur Zakaria, for the Malaysian Bar said that the Bar would seek instructions from client former Prime Minister Najib Razak whether to appeal the decision.
The Southeast Asian Times

Vietnamese arrested for threatening national security for promoting Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism

Tran Khac Duc, 29, was arrested in HCMCity for threatening Vietnam national security on Saturday November 9, 2024
From New Reports:
HCMCity, November 12: The Ministry of Public Security under the control of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) arrested Tran Khac Duc, 29, for allegedly threatening national security and political stability in his involvement in the promotion of the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP), saying ''the Ministry of Public Security deems the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organization a serious threat,'' reports Vietnam News.
Tran Khac Duc, 29, was arrested by the HCMCity People's Police Force (PPF) on Saturday under Article 117 of the Penal Code for creating, storing, distributing or disseminating information, documents and materials for the promotion of the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organisation that opposes Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) rule.
The People's Public Security of Vietnam has accused Tran Khac Duc, 29, of following instructions from the leaders of the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organization, saying ''Tran Khac Duc is influenced by articles that insult national leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and distort historical facts.''
The People's Public Security of Vietnam has also accused Tran Khac Duc of building domestic support for the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organization, saying ''the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) deems the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism organization a national threat.''
The People's Public Security of Vietnam says that the Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organisation is using social media to recruit members, saying that using social media to recruit members for the Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organisation is in violation of Vietnam law.
The Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) organization was founded in 1982 and is led by Nguyen Gia Kieng, a former official of the United States allied South Vietnamese government before the end of the Vietnma War in 1975
Nguyen Gia Kieng, who lives in exile in France said that Assembly for Democracy and Pluralism (ADP) supporters had previously been harrassed and beaten by police.
In April 2018 the Peoples Court in Vietnam's Thai Binh province sentenced one of seven charged with attempting to overthrow the government of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and replace it with a pluralistic multi-party system to prison.
Nguyen Van Tuc, 54, was sentenced to 13 years in prison followed by five years probation for engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) government in his role in the Brotherhood for Democracy.
Nguyen Van Tuc, 54, was the deputy chief of the representative committee and first vice president of the northern Vietnam branch of the Brotherhood of Democracy organisation that was founded in 2013
The Peoples Court in Vietnam's Thai Binh deemed the Brotherhood for Democracy organisation a "reactionary organisation that is involved in illegal activities against the state and aimed to eliminate the Communist Party of Vietnam".
The Thai Binh Provincial People's Procuracy's claimed that Nguyen Van Tuc was a threat to national security saying that he was recruited by "Democratic party 21" and "Association for victims of injustice" and had received financial support.
The Southeast Asian Times

Human Rights defender of villagers in land dispute in Preah Vihear province sentenced to prison for incitement

Keut Saray, President of the Khmer Students Intellectual Association (KSILA) sentenced to prison for incitement on Wednesday November 6, 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 10: The Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced president of the Khmer Student Intellectual Association (KSILA), and former Buddhist monk, Keut Saray, to four years in prison and a fine of US$500 for inciting villagers involved in a land dispute in Preah Vihear province, with the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defence of Human Rights (LICADHO), saying ''the activities of Keut Saray as a human rights defender should not have led to prosecution and punishment,'' reports Khmer Times.
''I am deeply disheartened by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court’s decision to sentence Keut Saray to four years in prison and impose a fine of 2 million Riel,'' he said.
He said that Keut Saray's past activities as a human rights defender, advocating for land rights, social justice and freedom of expression should not have led to prosecution and punishment.
''Freedom of expression is essential to a democratic society,'' he said.
Keut Saray was charged with incitement under Article 494 and Article 495 of the Criminal Code and for committing a misdemeanor after sentencing under Article 88 of the Criminal Code for comments made on a land dispute
involving an Economic Land Concession (ELC) granted to Seladamex Co., Ltd. in Preah Vihear province.
KSILA, president, Keut Saray, was arrested on April 5, 2024 a month after twenty-nine villagers were charged by the Preah Vihear Provincial Court on 8 March 2024 with clearing forestland and enclosing the land to claim ownership under Article 97(6) of the Law on Forestry.
Four of the 29 villagers charged were released on bail with the remaining 25, 13 males and 12 women, sent to pre-trial detention in Preah Vihear provincial prison.
The 29 villagers were arrested after the Cambodian Royal Gendarmerie and National Police and forestry administration officials entered the cleared forestland firing live ammunition and smoke grenades in Mrech, Srayang Tboung, and Kdak villages in
Preah Vihear province that is included in the Economic Land Concession (ELC) granted to Seladamex Co., Ltd.
Keut Yi, sister of KSILA, president, Keut Saray, demanded that the Phnom Penh Municipal Court release her brother, saying ''he has committed no wrongdoing.''
''I urge the court to drop all charges against him and restore his freedom so that he can continue his work for the community,” she said.
''My brother is kind-hearted, generous, and always willing to help others,'' she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

United States and Cambodia commit to landmine and explosives clearance under Ottawa Convention

US Embassy in Cambodia Charge d’Affaires, Bridgette L Walker, left, Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) vice president Ly Thuch, at CMAA office in Phnom Penh on Tuesday 5 November 2024
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 10: Vice-president of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) and the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Cambodia committed to mine clearance in Cambodia under the Ottawa Convention on Tuesday, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
CMAA vice-president, Ly Thuch, and Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Bridgette L Walker, committed to cooperation to eradicate landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) that continue to endanger Cambodian lives, with CMAA vice-president Ly Thuch saying ''US long-standing support has been instrumental in saving lives and making land safe for Cambodian communities.''
''Over the past 30 years, US contributions have not only been significant but transformative,'' he said.
CMAA vice-president Ly Thuch called on the US for demining equipment, bulletproof vests and enhanced technical training for Cambodian deminers, saying ''efforts to clear cluster munitions came second after landmine clearance.''
''Landmine clearance continues to pose a serious threat to safety and development.''
Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Bridgette L Walker, congratulated Cambodia on its leadership for the Ottowa Convention that prohibits the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, saying ''the Ottowa Convention has made a significant contribution to global mine action initiatives.''
Last month CMAA vice-president, Ly Thuch, chaired meetings in New York, Geneva and Lausanne in Switzerland and Germany on the submission of a United Nations resolution for universal implementation of the Ottowa Convention.
In Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland he attended the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to encourage non-party states of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to join the State Parties of the Ottawa Convention.
He called for the review and approval of the universal implementation of the Ottowa Convention ahead of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in Cambodia at the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit in November.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Cambodia PM Hun Sen calls on defecting opposition party members to ''eliminate the colour revolution''

Former President of Cambodia, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), Hun Sen, claims the ''colour revolution aims to overthrow the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) legitimate governments''
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh November 9: Former Prime Minister of Cambodia, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), Hun Sen, called on 2,000 former opposition party members and other parties who defected to the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) ''to eliminate the colour revolution,'' claiming that the ''colour revolution'' seeks to overthrow the legitimate government, reports Khmer Times.
President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), Hun Sen, thanked 2,000 new members ''for working for the nation and contributing to Cambodia's ongoing development'' at the Prampi Makara Palace in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.
He called on the new members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), led by his son, Prime Minister Hun Manet, to work towards ''eliminating the colour revolution'', saying the ''colour revolution'' aims to overthrow the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) legitimate governments.''
Capital-Provincial Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Member Movement Working Group chairman, You Sereyvuth, said that the working group has collaborated with the Capital-Provincial Party Committee and the Party Working Group to visit provinces and welcome 14,539 former opposition members and members of other political parties since May 2024.
''The new members include 774 at the capital and provincial levels, 1,591 at the city and district levels, and 12,174 at the commune level,'' he said.
The Royal Academy of Cambodia secretary-general, Yang Peou, said that any participation in a movement to overthrow a legitimate government is a step backward in history, warning ''such movements would only deepen division among the Khmer people.''
''The Cambodian Constitution does not allow for the division of territory or the splitting of government power into multiple factions,'' he said.
In October 2022 then ruling Cambodia's People's Party (CPP) Prime
Minister. Hun Sen. warned opposition political parties ahead of the 7th National Assembly elections in June 23, 2023, of associating with founder of the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) Sam Rainsy who is also the former president of the Supreme Court-dissolved opposion Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), saying he would dissolve political party's that associated with Sam Rainsy.
In January 2020 the then former president of the Supreme-Court- dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Kem Sokha, denied treason charges at his trial for allegedly conspiring with a foreign power to overthrow the then Hun Sen government, claiming that he had not called on his supporters in Australia in 2013 for a colour revolution as accused.
Deputy prosecutor Plang Sophal claimed that Kem Sokha had told his supporters in Australia in 2013 that the US had told him to follow the Yugoslavia model which brought about regime change through the overthrow of Serbian, Slobodan Milosevic.
Kem Sokha denied that he had acted on the US advice, saying ''I did not take up the suggestion to learn how to stage a colour revolution like the one in Yugoslavia.''
“I did not want to follow a model that would cause a bloody revolution in Cambodia,” he said.
Lawyer, Chan Chen said that his client, Kem Sokha, is innocent because he did not plan to overthrow the government as charged, saying ''my client Kem Sokha follows a principle of non-violence and seeks change through elections and not colour revolution.”
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's Civil Society Coalition says ''the state should not award Suharto with the title of national hero''

Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) Dimas Bagus Arya calls for the plan to award the title of national hero to Suharto to be examined according to the Law on Titles, Medals and Honors
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 8: Indonesia's Civil Society Coalition including the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has petitioned the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to review the removal of New Order (Orba) former President Suharto from commitment to People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Decree (TAP MPR) Number 11/1998 on the organisation of governance free from corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), with Dimas Bagus Arya, saying ''the state should not award Suharto with the title of national hero,'' reports Tempo.
Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Dimas Bagus Arya, said ''the plan to award the title of national hero to Suharto must be examined according to the Law on Titles, Medals and Honors.''
He said that the examination must be based primarily on a sense of justice and humanity, saying ''the title of national hero can only be awarded to people who have integrity.''
"We looked at a number of facts and also the crimes committed by Suharto during his 32-year-old leadership ranging from gross human rights violations and also state violence, the practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism, the crime of murder and crimes against the environment and agrarian reform", he said.
People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker, Golkar Party Member of Parliament, Bambang Soesatyo, called on new President Prabowo Subianto, a former commander in the Special Detachment 88 anti-terror squad in the New Order regime of former president Suharto, to have Suharto's name removed from commitment to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Decree (TAP MPR) Number 11/1998 on Orders to Organise Clean Governance without Corruption, Collusion and Nepotism (KKN)
''There's no need for historical revenge to be bequeathed to the children of the nation,'' he said.
''The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Decree is still legally valid but in accordance with the articles in the decree the legal process against Suharto ended following his death in 2008,'' he said.
In November 2015 Judges of the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) in The Hague concluded that the Indonesian government under President Suharto was responsible for the 1965-1966 killings of Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) members and supporters.
The judges said that the killings under President Suharto of up to two million Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) members and supporters had "the political objective of removing the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and its sympathizers from the Indonesian political scene".
The Southeast Asian Times

Thailand calls for resumption of talks with Cambodia over oil and gas claims in Gulf of Thailand

Director-General of the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, says 2001 MoU serves only as a framework for negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia

From News Reports:
Bangkok, Thursday 7: Thailand has called for a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to resume talks with Cambodia over the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) in the Gulf of Thailand based on the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between Thailand and Cambodia, with Thailand's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, saying ''Article 5 of the 2001 MoU clearly states that the memorandum and its implementation should not affect either party's maritime claims,'' reports Bangkok Post.
Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, director-general Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, said ''the 2001 MoU would only be used as a famework for negotiations and was not a threat to national interests as claimed by opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).''
''Article 5 of the 2001 MoU clearly states that the memorandum and its implementation should not affect either Thailand's or Cambodia's maritime claims,'' she said.
Opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week to revoke the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia on joint investment of oil and gas resources in the Gulf of Thailand before oil and gas exploration talks with Cambodia, saying ''revoke the 2001 MoU and do it swiftly.''
The opposition Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) academic committee Member of Parliament, Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala said that ''the 2001 MoU indicated that Thailand and Cambodia had acknowledged a 26,000 square kilometer area in the Gulf of Thailand for joint development.''
He said that the 2001 MoU also accepted Cambodia's territorial claim made in 1972 to half of Koh Kut island in Trat province, saying ''I have no problem with the government’s intention to discuss joint investment with Cambodia.''
''But I will object if the government uses the 2001 MoU as a famework for the discussions,'' he said.
He said that the government use of the 2001 MoU for discussion of joint investment of oil and gas resources in the Gulf of Thailand with Cambodia is not only illegal but would also result in territorial loss for Thailand.
Thailand Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs director-general Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang said that the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) will include officials from the Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Energy Ministries, saying ''legal experts from the Council of State will help negotiations go smoothly.''
She said that negotiations over the Overlapping Claims Area (OCA) will cover joint natural resource development and maritime security issues, saying ''the government has also set up two separate panels to work on both issues.''
''The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will lead a panel working with Cambodia's own Joint Technical Committee (JTC) on maritime security and the sea border and the Energy Ministry will lead a panel working on joint natural resources development,'' she said.
She said that negotiations will seek mutual consensus between both countries, saying ''the cabinet must approve the outcome of the negotiations.''
''The result must be in line with international law and other legal frameworks," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times




What they're saying open page here


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


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



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




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


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


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


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


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


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

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



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


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

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

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


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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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