The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Thusday 1 December 2022
GATHERINGS:
An informed guidexto happenings throughout the region.  

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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Former PM censured by Australian parliament for appointing himself to
five ministeries

Former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, was sensored by the Australian parliament on Wednesday November 30, 2022 for appointing himself to five ministerial roles without the knowledge of his ministers, the parliament or the public
From News Reports:
Canberra, November 2: Former Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, who was censured by the parliament for appointing himself to five ministerial roles without the knowledge of his ministers, the parliament or the public, said that he gave himself additional ministerial powers "at a time when Australia was dealing with extreme uncertainty and unpredictability," reports Associated Press.
The House of Representatives passed a censor-motion, 86 to 50, against former Prime Minister Scott Morrison for appointing himself ministerial roles in the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Home Affairs, saying ahead of the vote "criticisms had been made from the safety and relative calm of hindsight."
"I am proud that at a time of extreme trial, my government stood up and faced the abyss of uncertainty that our country looked into and the coercion of a regional bully and saw Australia through the storm," he said.
He said that his achievements in government included standing up to a "bullying China" in his argument against the censor-motion passed by the parliament on Wednesday for ammassing ministerial powers without the knowledge of his ministers.
"Australia faced a rising and assertive China seeking to coerce Australia into submission," he said.
A report by former chief justice Virginia Bell found that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had undermined public trust in democracy and enabled a culture of secrecy and cover-up, saying "former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had failed to inform his Cabinet, the Parliament and the Australian people of his additional ministerial powers."
"The secrecy with which the appointments had been surrounded was corrosive of trust in government," she said.
Chief justice Virginia Bell said that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s appointment to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Home Affairs "had little if any connection to the Covid-19 pandemic."
"Rather, former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was appointed to administer these departments to give himself the capacity to exercise particular statutory powers," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Phnom Penh Court seizes opposition Candlelight Party property in lieu of compensation for defamation

Opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay, 66, was found guilty in absentia by the Phnom Penh Municiple Court for defamation of ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the National Election Committees (NEC) after the Commune elections on June 5
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 31: The Phnom Penh Municiple Court has ordered the siezure of two propertes belonging to opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay, 66, in compensation for defaming the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the National Election Committees (NEC) after the Commune elections on June 5, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay was found guilty in absentia by the Phnom Penh Municiple Court for defamation for saying in an interview with the Cambodia Daily on June 7 that the
the preliminarily 2022 Commune election administered by the National Election Committees (NEC) "was not independent and did not reflect the true will of the people and that there was ballot theft."
The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won the Commune elections on June 5 with 80 percent of the 11,622 commune councillor positions with opposition Candlelight Party (CP) winning 18 percent of the commune councillor positions dispite the National Election Committee (NEC) disqualification of Candlelight Party (CP) candidates in 11 communes.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Uong Vuthea, said that the Phnom Penh Municiple Court ordered the seizure of the two properties in accordance with the request of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) lawyers.
He said the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay had ignored the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruling on October 7, 2022 to pay 3,000 million Riel ($750,000) in compensation to the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
He said the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay had also ignored the order to pay 17 million Riels ($4, 250) in a fine that would be deposited in the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) state budget.
"The court also ordered him to publish a written apology to both National Election Committee (NEC) and the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) in newspapers for eight days and bear the costs," he said.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court Judge Uong Vuthea, said that opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president Son Chhay had indicated in an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) that he would not pay compensation to the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) for defamation.
The founder of the opposition Candlelight Party (CP), Sam Rainsy, said from exile in France following the June, 5 elections that "the results showed the Candlelight Party had successfully revived democracy in what has effectively been a one-party state in recent years."
Sam Rainsy, former secretary-general of the now defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in June, 2022 to eight years in prison in absentia for treason for plotting to overthrow the Hun Sen government, incitement to committ a felony and inciting military disobedience under Articles 453, 471, 494 and 495 of the Criminal Code.
The opposition Candlelight Party (CP), formerly known as the Sam Rainsy Party and the Khmer Nation Party, was founded in 1995 and merged with other opposition forces to form the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2012.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hong Kong judges rule in favour British lawyer to defend Hong Kong publisher on trial under Beijing security laws

Judges of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal ruled that British King's Council, Timothy Owen, right, can defend Hong Kong-listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, on charges of "seditious publications" and "collusion with foreign powers to endanger national security."
From News Reports:
Hong Kong, November 30: Judges of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal ruled that British King's Council, Timothy Owen, can defend, Hong Kong-listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 74, who is on trial for breach of the National Security Law (NSL) that is to begin on Thursday, despite the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) seeking to ban foreign national lawyers handling the Beijing National Security Law (NSL) cases, reports Reuters.
Judges of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Roberto Ribeiro and Joseph Fok, ruled that British King's Council, Timothy Owen, can defend Hong Kong-listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, on charges of "seditious publications" and "collusion with foreign powers to endanger national security" under the Bejing National Security Law (NSL) on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The judges of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal criticised the Department of Justice (DoJ) that upholds the Bejing National Security Law (NSL) on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), for "raising undefined and unsubstantiated issues said to involve national security which were not mentioned or explored in the Courts."
"Accordingly, we dismiss the application," said the judges.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) lawyer, Rimsky Yuen, told the Court of Final Appeal that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) seeks "to ban foreign national lawyers from handling Beijing National Security Law (NSL) cases, except in exceptional circumstances."
"Beijing National Security Law (NSL) cases involved a unique piece of legislation," he said.
He told the Court of Final Appeal that the Beijing National Security Law (NSL) on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) required a lawyer who was familiar with the national security of China, saying "a foreign national lawyer would not be in a position to do so."
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), chief executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, who was appointed Hong Kong Chief Secretary of the vetting committee to screen out candidates deemed unpatriotice to China or a threat to national security in the Hong Kong District Councillor elections in November, 2021, was selected by the 1,461 member election committee to be the next Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Hong Kong chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu said after the Court of Final Appeal ruling infavour of British King's Council, Timothy Owen, defence of newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, that the Department of Justice (DoJ) secretary, Paul T K Lam, would seek an adjournment of the trial that is scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Hong Kong chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he is seeking an interpretation of the National Security Law (NSL) on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from Beijing, saying he will seek an interpretation of Article 65 with the
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (NPCSC) at the next meeting on December 31, 2022.
The Southeast Asian Times

China's largest cities call for democracy and for President Xi Jinping to step down

Shanghai protesters hold blank sheets of white paper, a traditional symbol of protest against censorship in Shanghai Saturday November 26, 2022
From News Reports:
Beijing, November 29: Mass demonstrations in China' largest cities including in Shanghai and Beijing began on Saturday with residents shouting "step down Xi Jinping" and calling on the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) for "political freedoms" and an end to Covid-19 restrictions, reports Reuters.
By Sunday mass demostrations against China's President for life, Xi Jinping, had spread to Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Wuhan, where thousands of residents called for political freedoms and an end to Covid-19 restrictions, shouting "We don’t want dictatorship, we want democracy!. "
A fire in an apartment block in Urumqi, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China that killed 10 tenants and injured nine on Thursday reportedly "acted as a catalyst for searing public anger."
"Video's emerged that suggested Covid-19 lockdown measures delayed firefighters from reaching the victims in the burning apartments," reports Reuters.
Shanghai residents shouted "step down Xi Jinping" and called for "political freedoms" and "democrcy" in protest against the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) Covid -19 restirctions.
Shanghai residents held a candlelight vigil in Shanghai's "Urumqi road" that was named after Urumqi, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, holding blank sheets of white paper, reportedly a traditional symbol of protest against censorship.
In Beijing, protesters in the commercial centre of the city protested into the early hours of Monday morning, shouting "We want freedom! We want freedom, "
The protesters first called on the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) for "political freedoms" along the Liangma River for a vigil for the victims of the fire in Urumqi, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, before marching to Beijing's Third Ring Road.
The protesters held blank white papers, reportedly a traditional symbol of protest against censorship, as they shouted "opposition to dictatorship” "We don’t want lifelong rulers," "We don’t want emperors"
The Southeast Asian Times

Beijing disapproves British lawyer hired to defend Hong Kong publisher on trial under Beijing national security law

Hong Kong-listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, was denied bail at the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong on February 9, 2021

From News Reports:
Hong Kong, November 28: Hong Kong pro-Beijing political party vice-chairman, lawyer, Holden Chow, has disapproved the hiring of a British lawyer to defend Hong Kong-listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 75, who is charges under the Beijing national security law in Hong Kong, saying "the publisher could face trial in a mainland China court," reports Reuters.
Hong Kong vice-chairman Holden Chow of the pro-Bejing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), the largest pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong, said ahead of the trial that begins on Thursday, December 1, 2022 "the British lawyer was hired to challenge the Bejing national security law in Hong Kong."
He said that British lawyer, King's Council, Timothy Owen, was hired by Hong Kong listed Apple Daily newspaper publisher, Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, "to challenge Beijing's Hong Kong national security law from a Western human rights perspective to whip up Western public opinion and to put pressure on Hong Kong and China governments."
Hong Kong-listed media Next Digital and Apple Daily newspaper Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, who is to be tried under the Bejing national security law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that came into effect in June 2020, has hired British King's Counsel, Timothy Owen to defend charges including "seditious publications" and "collusion with foreign powers to endanger national security" in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong pro-Beijing political party vice-chairman, lawyer, Holden Chow, said that a final appeal against the hiring of British lawyer, King's Council, Timothy Owen to defend publisher Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, is before the Hong Kong Court of final Appeal, saying the publisher Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, could face trial in a mainland China court."
The Court of Appeal ruled on Monday November 21, 2022 that publisher Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai,Lai should be allowed to hire King's Council Tim Owen to defend the Hong Kong publisher on charges under the Bejing national security law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) .
On August 11, 2020 Apple Daily newspaper publisher Lai Chee-Ying also known as Jimmy Lai, 74, and 10 executives, were arrested for allegedly supporting rioters, instigating hatred, spreading rumours and slandering Hong Kong authorities in the Apple Daily publication.
Executives, reporters and student activists of the Hong Kong Apple Daily newspaper were charged with "collusion with foreign forces" under the new law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that upholds the institutional system of one country, two systems and the Beijing ruling that Hong Kong use the "one man one vote" system to elect the Chief Executive of Hong Kong from two or three candidates that are elected by a nominating committee from Beijing.
Beijing's new national security law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was enforced on the day it was passed into legislature in Beijing on June 30, 2020 with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) given the power for the first time to make arrests on grounds of national security.
The Southeast Asian Times

China wants to participate in ASEAN Parliamentary Friendship Group

The 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) "Advancing Together for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient ASEAN" in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 21 to November 25, 2022 promotes its role in legislation
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 27: The People's Republic of China (PRC) wants to participate in a Parliamentary Friendship Group with the parliaments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) "in an effort to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future," reports the Khmer Times.
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China , speaker Li Zhanshu, said at the 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Cambodia that "legislative exchanges mark an important part of China-ASEAN relations," saying "the National People's Congress of China will continue to carry out friendly exchanges with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the parliaments of ASEAN member countries."
He said at the 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) that "China is pleased with the achievements of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community building and the development of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA)."
"China-ASEAN relations are moving at a fast pace," he said.
He said that the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership "got off to a good start under the guidance of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"China is committed to pursuing friendship and partnership with ASEAN neighbours in the formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group with the parliaments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)," he said.
Vietnam, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said at the 43rd General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Phnom Penh that "ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) is a model for regional inter-parliamentary cooperation that contributes to the coordination between agencies representing the will of the peoples of ASEAN countries."
He called for the promotion of AIPA and ASEAN to the people, saying "in 2023 Vietnam will host the Forum of Young Parliamentarians of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)."
"AIPA works with ASEAN parliaments to address challenges by promoting its role in legislation," he said.
He said at the opening of the 43rd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Phnom Penh on Monday that Vietnam is committed to participating in a Parliamentary Friendship Group with the parliaments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Southeast Asian Times

New Prime Minister of Malaysia keeps promise not to accept salary

New Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, 75, was appointed the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia by the constitutional monarch King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and head of state on Thursday November 24, 2022
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 26: The New Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, 75, was appointed the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia by the constitutional monarch and head of state, King Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, on Thursday after votes from 117 members of parliament, with the new Prime Minister, saying he would keep his election pledge and not receive a salary for his position as prime minister, reports the Star.
New Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, said that he would keep his election pledges made in the 15th General Election (GE15) campaign in order to restore the people's confidence in the new administration."
He said that he has announced that the first step is to restore the people's confidence, saying "so that the people will not see that the ministers and leaders of government only think about their salary."
"Therefore, I decided not to accept my salary as prime minister," he said.
He said he felt ashamed of the RM80,000 awarded as salary for a prime minister, saying "the salary for a Malaysian prime minister was in stark contrast to the salary of the indigenous Orang Asli who he has visited."
The indigenous Orange Asli struggled to even make RM400 as did the minimum wage earner of RM1,500," he said.
He said that votes from the 117 members of parliament was not enough seats to form a federal government, saying he would form a "national unity government" with the Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
He said the "national unity government" has pledged to build a clean and trustworthy system of governance by strengthening the integrity of institutions, safeguarding parliamentary sovereignty as the core pillar of democracy and guarantees media freedom together with the people's freedom of expression.
In October 2018 Anwar Ibrahim, was sworn in as Port Dickson Member of Parliament on the re-convening of the Parliament after securing a mandate with a 23,560-vote majority at the by-election, with the Election Commission (EC) saying then the majority secured by People's Justice Party (PJP) president-elect, Anwar Ibrahim, was higher than the three previous by-elections.
He said then that the majority secured by Anwar was the largest in the history of the constituency despite a low voter turnout of only 58.25 percent of the 68,317 eligible to cast their ballots in Friday's by-election.
Anwar Ibrahim, described his victory then as a political milestone and a vote of confidence for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Alliance of Hope government and its reform agenda.
“What is astounding to me is that we have managed to garner favourable support from all indigenous groups,” he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Muhyiddin rejects Kings proposal to form government with Anwar Ibrahim

King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah meets the media outside the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur on Monday November 21, 2022
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 25: Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who stood for election for the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on Saturday and claims that he has enough members of parliament to form the next federal government, has rejected the King's proposal that he form the next federal government with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) party led by Anwar Ibrahim, reports the Star.
The proposal for the Perikatan Nasional (PN) party to form the next federal government with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) party follows information provided to the Malay Royal Institution that no single party had successfully obtained a parliamentary majority.
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), council member, Dr Paud Zarkashi, whose defence of the Malay Royal Institution is enshrined in the UMNO Constitution, described the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as 'arrogant', saying the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman "clearly does not respect the King."
He said that former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin claims he has submitted 115 statutory declarations to the Malay Royal Institution that name the Members of Parliament who would support him to become Prime Minister, saying "who knows, there might be Barisan Nasional (BN) Members of Parliament on the list."
He called on former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to reveal the names of the 115 Members of Parliament who would support him to form the next federal government, saying "any Members of Parliament who violate Article 49(A) of the Federal Constitution that bars Members of Parliament from switching parties will have their membership revoked"
Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that Article 49(A) of the Federal Constitution does not prevent any party from offering their support for me to become the Prime mMnister, saying "the Federal Constitution states that a prime minister candidate requires support from the majority of the Members of Parliament not the parties."
He said that Members of Parliament do not leave their party but offer their support as individuals as Members of Parliement, saying "that is not wrong according to Article 49(A) of the Federal Constitution Act."
The Southeast Asian Times

US - Philippines reitorate committment to Defence agreement, "we are both proud members of the Indo-Pacific"

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Vice President Kamala Harris at the Malacanang Palace
in Manila Monday November 21, 2022
From News Reports:
Manila, November 24: The United States Vice President Kamala Harris visit to the Philippines on Monday reiterates the United States committment to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), with the United States Vice President saying at a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang Palace on Monday "We are both proud members of the Indo-Pacific, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris said at the meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, that "an armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke United States mutual defense commitments.
"I reiterate that the United States stands with the Philippines in defence of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as it relates to the South China Sea.
The United States and the Philippines reitorated committment to the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that was signed under the United States President Barack Obama administration, follows the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the 1951 Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saying that he did not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States.
"The Philippine and United States partnership has become more important", he said.
The signing of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the United States and the Philippines authorizes United States forces access to agreed locations in the Philippines on a rotational basis, security cooperation exercises, joint and combined military training activities, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China has violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling saying that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
The Southeast Asian Times

Mynamar declines invitation to send non-political representative to 17th ASEAN Defence meeting in Cambodia

Malaysia's Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Myanmar's Defense Minister Mya Tun Oo, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh, Philippine's Defense Minister Jose Faustino, at the 16th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, June 22, 2022
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 24: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has declined invitation to send a non-political representative to the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat and the 9th ADMM-Plus1 meeting held in Canbodia this week, with Cambodia, Minister General Tea Banh, saying "ASEAN will keep the seat and the Mynamar flag in place," reports the Khmer Times.
Cambodia, Minister General Tea Banh, said the Ministry of Defence has invited a non-political representative from Myanmar, saying "the Myanmar delegation has not confirmed attendance at the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat here but ASEAN will keep the seat and the Mynamar flag in place."
"Myanmar is still a member of ASEAN," he said.
ASEAN rotating chair for 2022, Cambodia, called on State Administration Council (SAC) for the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to send a non-political representative to the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat and the 9th ADMM-Plus1 at the exclusion of Myanmar Defence Minister General Mya Tun Oo.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Defence Minister General Mya Tun Oo, has attended all ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat including the 16the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Phnom Penh in June, 22, 2022, since the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February 2021, was not invited by ASEAN to attend the 17th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Retreat held in Cambodia's Siem Reap City on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar Defence Minister General Mya Tun O was also not invited by ASEAN to attend the 9th ADMM-Plus1 meeting that includes ASEAN member countries and its eight dialogue partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
Asian Vision Institute’s (AVI) Centre for Strategic Studies in Cambodia, researcher, Thong Mengdavid, said that "the exclusion of Defence Minister General Mya Tun Oo, by ASEAN puts pressure on Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) ."
"Mynamar General Tun Oo was excluded from the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting to pressure the State Administration Council (SAC) to release Aung San Suu Kyi and her political allies from prison," he said.
He said that ASEAN cannot expel Myanmar but it can put pressure on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar to accept the full implementation of 5PC, saying "the State Administration Council (SAC) could face more severe consequences in the future."
He said the ASEAN Chair for 2023, Indonesia, will impose tougher measures and could shift the political and economic support from Myanmar's State Administration Council (SAC) to the National Unity Government (NUG) in exile.
"The State Administration Council (SAC) can only choose the stick or the carrot from ASEAN," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

UMNO supports Muhyiddin as 10th PM of Malaysia after withdrawal of support for disobediance to the King

Malaysia's largest political party, United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi agreed to support Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Muhyiddin Yassin, as 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on Monday November 21, 2022
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 22: Malaysia's largests political party the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), whose defence of the the Malay Royal Institution is enshrined in the UMNO Constitution and who withdrew support for former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in his first term as Prime Minister in July 2021, pledged support for former Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia on Tuesday, reports Reuters.
The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), said in defence of the the Malay Royal Institution in July 2021 after former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin failed to obey calls from the King and the Malay Rulers to reconvene Parliament that was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying then "UMNO cannot compromise with the Muhyiddin Yassin government attitude towards the monarchy."
On Tuesday United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that UMNO has agreed to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government led by Muhyiddin Yassin government, saying "UMNO supports the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government led by Muhyiddin Yassin in its effort to fight the Covid-19 virus and to strengthen the pandemic-battered economy."
“The cooperation of all parties in the government must be strengthened in order to ensure political stability at a time when Malaysia is facing the threat of COVID-19 and economic uncertainty." he said.
On Monday United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that "UMNO had not had any negotiations with Perikatan Nasional (PN)," saying "it cannot be assumed that there is an understanding to form government with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition."
"Therefore, any Members of Parliament who violate Article 49(A) of the Federal Constitution that bars Members of Parliament from switching parties will have their membership revoked," he said.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, former Prime Minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, said that he will present a statutory declarations from Members of Parliament to the King to show that he has the support to be appointed the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia.
“The Federal Constitution states that prime minister candidate require support from the majority of the Members of Parliament not the parties," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's former PM Muhyiddin
to form government after conditions made by King fulfilled

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, claims he has secured enough seats in the 15th general elections held on Saturday November 19, 2022 to form a government
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 21: Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, leader of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) party, claims he has secured enough seats in the 15th general elections held on Saturday to form government, saying "Perikatan Nasional (PN) has received conditions to form government from the Malay Royal Institution," reports the Star.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) leader former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, said "Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition party leaders had agreed to form government by Wednesday."
He said the Perikatan National would form government with any party which would accept its principles, saying ,"Perikatan National has enough seats to form a federal government."
He said that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition had received a letter from the Royal Palace that had laid out conditions to be fulfilled before the Perikatan Nasional (PN) could form government.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) leader former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, replaces Perikatan Nasional (PN) leader former Prime Minister Sabri Yaakob, who was appointed by the King in August 2021 and who dissolved parliament with the concent of King, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah on October 10.
Last month the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), upheld consent by King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shahfor the dissolution of Parliament ahead of the 15th general elections on Saturday, saying "representatives of the parties that formed the ruling coalition government were increasingly showing lack of solidarity with the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government led by Prime Minister Sabri Yaakob."
In July 2021 support for former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who was appointed by King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shahin March 2020, was withdrawn by Malaysia's largests political party the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), in defence of the the Malay Royal Institution as enshrined in Article 3 of the UMNO Constitution.
UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said then "UMNO cannot compromise with the Muhyiddin Yassin government's attitude towards the monarchy."
He said that the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) could not support the Muhyiddin Yassin government, saying the failure of the Muhyiddin Yassin government to immediately abide by calls from the King and the Malay Rulers to reconvene Parliament that was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic was reason for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) not to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
He said the Muhyiddin Yassin government had also failed to fulfill the Malaysian people's aspiration in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, saying "inconsistent policies had led to the inefective implementation of lockdowns and misuse of the Emergency Ordinance."
The Southeast Asian Times

APEC to adopt "Bangkok Goals" for sustainable economic growth for
Asia-Pacific

Greenpeace activists stand in the Benjakitti Park lake in Bangkok holding placards saying "climate pollutors pay up for loss and damage" and "APEC stop greenwashing" on Friday November 11, 2022 ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Bangok 18-19 November, 2022
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 20: Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called on the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) "to focus on sustainable economic growth in the Asia-Pacific" ahead of the adoption of the "Bangkok Goals" for a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy for the Asia Pacific, reports the Bangkok Post.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha called on the members of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting (AELM) held in Bangkok on Saturday to focus on sustainable economic growth to overcome the challenges of the pandemic, climate change and geopolitical division.
He called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders to break with past practices and adopt the "Bangkok goals" for a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy for the Asia Pacific.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are reportedly expected to adopt the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy concept for the Asia Pacific with a focus on sustainable economic growth that adresses environmental and climate change.
The "Bangkok goals" for a Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy for the Asia Pacific aims to promote balanced and sustainable economic growth that is reportedly envisaged in the intergration of the Bio-Economy model, the Circular Economy model and the Green Economy model.
The 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam represent about half of the global trade and 60 percent of the world economy
The Southeast Asian Times

Myanmar military releases political prisoners including foreign nationals on Mynamar National Day

Australia Department of Foreign Affairs an Trade (DFAT), Head of Mission in Myanmar and former economic policy advisor to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar, Australian, Professor Sean Turnell, on his return to Australia on Thursday November 18, 2022
From News Reports:
Naypyitaw, November 19: The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar that has arrested thousands of National League for Democracy (NLD) government members including State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, and supporters in the February, 2021 takeover of the elected government, released almost 2,000 prisoners including foreign national political prisoners on Thursday in commemoration of Myanmar National Day, November 17, reports Reuters.
Australian economist policy advisor, Sean Turnell, who served as conomic policy advisor to imprisoned former Mynamar State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, and who was sentenced to three years in prison at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court last month for violation of the Burma Official Secrets Act 1923 was released from prison on Thursday.
Australian economist policy advisor, Sean Turnell, former British envoy to Myanmar, Vicky Bowman and Japanese journalist Toru Kubota were among four foreign nationals released from prison on Thursday with Assistance Association of Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP), saying "52 political prisoners were released from the Yangon, Bago and Mandalay region prisons on Thursday."
Assistance Association of Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP) Joint Secretary Ko Bo Kyi said the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has arrested 16,232 since the takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government including National League for Democracy (NLD) President, Win Myint and State Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.
On February 1, 2021 the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar cancelled the National League for Democracy (NLD) dominated session of the parliament, saying that power had been handed to the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar, Sr Gen Min Aung Hlaing.
Assistance Association of Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP) Joint Secretary Ko Bo Kyi said that 13,015 political prisoners were in detention at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar prisons on Wednesday, saying "the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has killed more than 2,400 people since the takeover."
"The Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar is under pressure not only from Western democracies but from regional groups like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of which Myanmar is a member, he said.
He said that the international community should be aware that Thursday's amnesty was not enough, saying "the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar has to release all political prisoners unconditionally, including President U Win Myint and Stae Councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Former National League for Democracy (NLD), state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar in February 2021 on the declaration of martial law, faces a combined prison term of 164 years if found guilty of 20 charges including 13 corruption charges.
In March 2022 National League for Democracy (NLD) State councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, denied accepting bribes at the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar military court in Naypyitaw, saying "the allegations are completely false."
Former National League for Democracy (NLD), state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi, denied allegations of corruption for reciving $600,000 and more that 10kg of gold in bribes from the National League for Democracy (NLD) Yangon Region chief minister, U Phyo Min Thein.
“The allegations are completely false. I had no reason to take it, no reason to accept it," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Bali police to investigate raid on Legal Aid Foundation meeting in Bali ahead of C20 Summit

A meeting of the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) office administrators was raided on Saturday November 12, 2022 in Sanur, Bali by Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police ahead of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua, Bali
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 18: The Bali Regional Police are investigating a raid by Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police on a meeting held by Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) office administrators in Bali on Saturday ahead of the G20 Summit, with the Bali Police Chief Senior Commissioner, saying "the Bali Regional Police had not issued an order to disband the meeting." reports Tempo.
Bali Police Chief Senior Commissioner, Stefanus Satake Bayu ,said the Bali Regional Police are investigating the claim made by the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) that the meeting held at a Sanur villa in Bali on Saturday was raided by Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police .
He said that the Bali Regional Police had never issued an order to disband the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) meeting, saying "the Bali Regional Police were not involved in the raid on the meeting in Sanur."
He said that Bali Regional Police were at the villa in Sanur when the meeting was disbanded, saying "the police were outside the villa during a search of the premises by the Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang)."
"The Bali Regional Police were at the Sanur villa becasue people called them." he said.
Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Chairperson, Muhammad Isnur, said that the meeting held in Sanur was raided by people who claimed they were Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang), saying "I suspect that some were police officers in plain clothes."
He said that the purpose of the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) meeting in Sanur "was aimed at giving a response to the G20 Summit."
He said the Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police restricted public assess to the villa, saying "the restriction effectively banned YLBHI activities ahead of the G20 summit."
He said that the Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) was told by the Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police to make a statement that the meeting had nothing to do with the G20 Summit.
"They then forcefully searched our laptops and cellphones," he said.
He condemned all acts of terror, intimidation and arbitrary detention, and deprivation of liberty in accordance with Article 333 Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code that were committed by the Balinese Traditional Security Officers (Pecalang) and the Bali Regional Police police at the Sanur villa in Bali
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia and China revive trade talks at G20 in Bali

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese held talks with President of China, Xi Jinping, in Bali on Tueday on the sidelines of the two day 17th Group of Twenty (G20) Heads of State and Government Summit.
From News Reports:
Bali, November 17: Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese held talks with the President of China, Xi Jinping, in Bali on Tueday on the sidelines of the two day 17th Group of Twenty (G20) Heads of State and Government Summit, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying "we know that China is Australia's largest trading partner," reports Reuters.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, said that "Australia's trade with China is worth more than Japan, the United States, and the Repubic of Korea combined."
"So Australia-China relations are important to Australia."
President of China, Xi Jinping, said at the talks that "China-Australia relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with developed countries, saying "China and Australia have encounterd some difficulties in the past few years."
"Since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office he has dealt with China- Australia relations in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries," he said.
In July 2022 Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong, called on Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Bali, to remove trade bans, saying "the G20 meeting is an important step towards stabalising relations between Australia and China,"
China imposed trade sanctions on Australian products including coal, seafood and wine following Australia's policies and decisions including the Australian government's call for an investigation into the origins of Covid-19 and Australia's 5G network ban on China's Huawei, with the Australian Foreign Minister saying then, "we won't be resiling from those policies and decisions."
"We are a government that has made certain decisions on the basis of our national interests and our national security and our sovereignty," she said.
China Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said after the G20 meeting in Bali in July, 2022 that "Australia and China both recognised the meeting is a first step," saying "we spoke frankly and listened to each others priorities and concerns."
The Southeast Asian Times

Xi and Biden agree on fundamental differences between China and U.S.
at G20 summit in Bali

China President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden hold talks in Bali on sidelines of the two day 17th Group of Twenty (G20) Heads of State and Government Summit on Monday, November 14, 2022

From News Reports:
Denpasar, November 16: China President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden held talks in Bali on the sidelines of the two day 17th Group of Twenty (G20) Heads of State and Government Summit on Monday with United States President Biden saying "there was no hiding of fundamental differences between China and the United States" and President Xi Jinping saying "the U.S. is engaged in capitalism and China is engaged in socialism," reports Reuters.
United States President Joe Biden said at the three hour talks with President Xi Jinping that "the United United States will continue to compete vigorously with China," saying "but this competition should not veer into conflict."
He said that the United States and China must manage competition responsibly and maintain open lines of communication, saying "United Staes and China must work together to address transnational challenges."
"There was no hiding of fundamental differences," he said.
United States President Joe Biden raised U.S. objections "to China's coercive increasingly aggressive actions toward Taiwan," saying "China's actions towards Taiwain undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region and jeopardize global prosperity."
United States President Joe Biden raised concerns over China’s conduct in Hong Kong, against minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, and more broadly on human rights.
China President Xi Jinping said at the talks with U.S. President Joe Biden that "Taiwan is at the core of China’s interests," saying "Taiwan is the first insurmountable red line in U.S.-China relations."
China President Xi Jinping drew upon the differences between the political and economic systems of China and the United States, saying "the United States is engaged in capitalism and China is engaged in socialism."
"It is important for China and the United States to get along with each other by recognizing this difference and respecting it, he said.
China President Xi Jinping and United States President Joe Biden agreed to empower senior officials to communicate on issues and challenges including "climate change, global macroeconomic stability including debt relief, health security, and global food security."
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia commits to development funding in Indo-Pacific at ASEAN-Australia summit in Cambodia

Australia PM Anthony Albanese, centre, commits to developmen funding in Indo-Pacfic at ASEAN-Australia summit in Phnom Penh Saturday, November 12, 2022
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 15: The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, committed to development funding in the Indo-Pacific at the ASEAN-Australia summit included in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) 40th and 41st summits that ended in Phnom Penh on Sunday, reports Rueters.
"Australia would advance economic growth in the Indo-Pacific," he said.
He said that Australia would advance economic growth under the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative (Aus4 ASEAN Futures Initiative) in the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative
He said that Australia has committed AUS$470 million in development finding to support the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative that would enable support for three ASEAN Community councils.
The Australian support for the implementation of the Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative would enable support for theASEAN Political - Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
In May 2022 United States President Joe Biden launched the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Washington with an investment of $150 million on infrastructure, security, pandemic preparedness and other efforts in the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
U.S. State Department said then that the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) trade pact is aimed at countering the influence of rival China in the Indo-Pacific."
Deputy Assistant to United States President Joe Biden and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the United States National Security Council, Kurt Campbell, said "Washington remains focused on the Indo-Pacific and the long-term challenge of China," saying "We need to step up our game in Southeast Asia."
"We are not asking countries to make a choice between the United States and China. We want to make clear, though, that the United States seeks stronger relationships," he said.
He said that the United States would raise areas of cooperation with ASEAN leaders in the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) trade pact launched by President Joe Biden.
"The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) commits the United States to work with partners on key economic priorities including ensuring smooth supply chains, fighting corruption and promoting green energy," he said.
He said that unlike traditional trade pacts the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) would not guarantee market access to the United States, saying "the United States is the usual sweetner to persuade nations to make concessions."
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN admits Timor Leste to ASEAN as 11th member: Myanmar absent

Nine Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nations with Myanmar abstaining attended the four day 40th and 41st ASEAN summits in Phnom Penh that ended on Sunday, November 13, 2022

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 14: The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) admitted Timor Leste to ASEAN as the 11th member at the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits in Phnom Penh that ended yesterday, with a statement saying "ASEAN will grant Timor-Leste observer status and allow Timor-Leste participation at all ASEAN meetings," reports Phnom Penh Post.
The statement said that "ASEAN agreed to formalize an objective criteria-based roadmap for Timor-Leste's full membership", saying "the roadmap will be based on the milestones identified in the reports of ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams."
Cambodia restated support for Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership at the 30th ASEAN Co-coordinating Council (ACC) meeting chaired by Brunei ASEAN Chair for 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erywan Pehin Yusof in October 2021 with Cambodia's ministry of foreign affairs saying "Timor Leste membership would benefit Asean."
Cambodia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, called on the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams "to expedite their respective fact finding missions in East Timor"
He called on the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG) fact-finding teams to expediate the evaluation, capability and readiness of Timor Leste to join ASEAN in the context of the three pillars of ASEAN, being the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
"The findings of the fact-finding mission would enable Timor Leste to put forward a roadmap and timeline for accession to ASEAN," he said.
In March 2020 the ten Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries reached consensus in support of Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership, at the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group (ACCWG), with Chair of ASEAN 2020, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Quoc Dung, saying "the major task of the ACCWG was to focus on Timor Leste's application for ASEAN membership."
"Reports from the ASEAN Co-coordinating Council Working Group Meeting (ACCWG) fact finding teams on the capability and readiness of Timor Leste for ASEAN membership would be submitted to the ASEAN Co-ordinating Council (ACC) for approval by the end of the year," he said,
ASEAN members, Singapore and Laos have objected to Timor Leste joining ASEAN on the grounds that Timr Leste had yet to meet development standards in the context of the three major pillars of ASEAN with then former Secretary General of ASEAN, Le Luong Minh, saying following the ASEAN summit in April 2013 that all member states now supported Timor Leste's admission to the association pending assessment of Timor Leste's capability and readiness for ASEAN membership.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN calls for unity ahead of UN address on failure of ASEAN peace plan in Myanmar

ASEAN Chair for Cambodia 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen opened the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh on Friday, November 11, 2022

From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, Sunday 13: The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chair for Cambodia 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen, opened the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh on Friday, calling for commitment to ASEAN’s Motto "ASEAN: One Vision, One Identity," ahead of the United Nations Secretary-General 12th ASEAN-UN Summit address on the failure of ASEAN's Five-Point consensus (5PC) peace plan in Myanmar
ASEAN Chair for 2022, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen called for commitment to the ASEAN’s Motto ASEAN: One Vision, One Identity, One Community" by the 10 ASEAN members, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietname despite the absence of Myanmar at the ASEAN Summits.
"ASEAN resolves to building the future of ASEAN as a community that is united, inclusive, resilient and rules-based, saying "a community that abounds with opportunities, where all people enjoy seamless connectivity, equitable economic development, a healthy environment and equal social protection," he said.
"A community that remains central to the evolving regional architecture and one that forges external partnerships based on mutual trust and respect for regional and global peace, security and sustainable growth,” he said.
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said at the 12th ASEAN-UN Summit included in the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh on Friday "I condemn the escalating levels of violence, the disproportionate use of force, and the appalling human rights situation in Myanmar," saying "the political, security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar is sliding ever deeper into catastrophe."
"Indiscriminate attacks on civilians may constitute war crimes under international law," he said.
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said he welcomed ASEAN's principled approach through the Five-Point Consensus,(5PC) peace plan, urging the international community and ASEAN members to seek a unified strategy towards Myanmar.
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) released a report by the International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) last week into the international community response to the crisis in Myanmar, saying "ASEAN’s five-point consensus (5PC) reached with Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta in April 2021 has been an utter failure."
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), chairman, Charles Santiago said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has shown absolute contempt for the ASEAN’s five-point consensus agreement, saying "the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been unable to adopt a stance to put pressure on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar."
“Meanwhile, most of the international community has hidden behind ASEAN in order to avoid doing anything meaningfull, he said.
He said that countries and international institutions that claim to support democracy in Myanmar have reacted with a timidity that puts in serious doubt their alleged commitment to Myanmar, saying "it is past time that ASEAN ditches the five-point consensus (5PC) and urgently rethinks its approach to the crisis in Myanmar."
The Southeast Asian Times  

China and Australia donate weapons and vehicles to Solomon Islands Police

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, left, at the handover ceremony of weapons and vehicles donated by China in Honiara Friday November 4, 2022
From News Reports:
Honiara, November 12: China and Australia handed over donations of weapons and vehicles to the Solomon Islands Police Force in Honiara, in a handover ceremony attended by Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, with Solomon Islands opposition Democratic Party leader, saying "It is clear Australia is anxious that if they do not supply guns then China will," reports Benar News.
"Geopolitical interests have surpassed national interest in this country and it is a sad state of affairs,” said Solomon Islands opposition Democratic Party leader, Matthew Wale.
China handed over two water cannon trucks, 30 motorbikes and 20 vehicles carrying the red China Aid logo in a handover ceremony in Honiara last week following Australia's donation of 60 MK18 rifles and 13 vehicles, two days earlier.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, said at the ceremony for the handover of equipment donated by China, "there are those people who see a better equipped police force through negative lens."
"Those people should consider that the Solomon Islands Police Force has a responsibility to protect the lives and welfare, liberty, property of all people in this country," he said.
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare said riots in Honiara in November last year "showed the consequences of a lack of police capacity", saying "we must have the capacity as our first line of defense and not depend on others."
Riots, arson and looting in the Chinatown district of Honiara in followed the severence by Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, of diplomatic ties with Taiwan after the Solomon Islands establishment of official diplomatic relations with China.
Thousands from Malaita Province protested outside the National Parliament in Honiara demanding the resignation of Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare after he had refused to respond to a petition that called for the right to self determination.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare ordered the capital Honiara locked down after two days of rioting, saying that his government stood by the decision to establish official diplomatic relations with China.
He said the government decision to "embrace" Beijing was the only reason for the violence in Honiara, saying "the violence was influenced and encouranged by other powers."
Australia’s High Commission to the Solomon Islands, Clive Moore, said "there are stringent training and safeguards for the 60 MK18 rifles that Australia has provided."
He said the weapons are part of a police rearming and would be used by a specialized police response team as a last-resort option only, saying "in the wrong hands it will all go wrong."
"But the police do need equipment and water cannons are better than bullets," he said.
In April 2022 Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and China signed a Framework Agreement on bilateral security cooperation, with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare saying "the agreement does not invite China to establish a military base,"
He said that Solomon Island Government is conscious of the security ramification of hosting a Chinese military base, saying "the government will not be careless to allow such an initiative to take place."
He said that it is clear that the Solomon Islands needs to diversify relationships with other countries, saying "but existing security arrangements with Australia would remain."
In May 2022 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, warned the Pacific nations of dire consequences if any nations endorse China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific that includes training Pacific police officers, expanding law enforcement cooperation and traditional and non-traditional security.
China also wants to jointly develop a marine plan for fisheries that would include the Pacific's tuna catch, to increase cooperation on running the regions internet networks and establish cultural Confucius Institutes and classrooms.
He said in his letter to the Pacific nations that "China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific is an intent to shift those of us with diplomatic relations with China very close to Beijing's orbit, intrinsically tying the whole of our economies and societies to them," saying "aggreement to the plan would needlessly heighten geopolitical tensions and threaten regional stability."
"The Common Development Vision was the single most game-changing proposed agreement in the Pacific in any of our lifetimes," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Legislative Assembly in Australia's Northern Territory rejects call to open parliament with a Hindu prayer

Speaker Kezia Purick at the opening of the 13th Legislative Assembly, in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia on 18 October 2016 where Chinese cremonial lions welcomed the opening of the parliament
From News Reports:
Darwin, November 11: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia rejected the call by the Universal Society of Hinduism on Wednesday to open a parliamentary session with a Hindu prayer, with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, saying "a Hindu prayer is not something provided for in our Standing Orders."
Universal Society of Hinduism, President, Rajan Zed, called on the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Darwin from Reno in Nevada in the United States, "to schedule him to read an opening Hindu prayer in an upcoming session of the Assembly."
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mathew Bates, who opens the Legislative Assembly session in Darwin in the Northern Territory each day with a Christian prayer, the Lord's Prayer, rejected the call to open a parliamentary session with a Hindu prayer.
"You would not be permitted to perform the opening prayer as it is not something provided for in our Standing Orders," he said.
The Universal Society of Hinduism, President, Rajan Zed, said that "Standing Orders for prayers in the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory needed to be urgently changed," saying "we were well into the 21st century and the Northern Territory was much more religiously diverse now."
"It is time for the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory to move to multi-faith opening prayers.," he said.
The Universal Society of Hinduism, President, Rajan Zed, who has opened both the United States Senate and US House of Representatives in Washington DC with Hindu prayers, said "that democratic governments should not be in the business of promoting one religion and excluding others and non-believers."
He said that the promotion of one religion and excluding others and non-believers infringe upon the human rights of minority religions and non-believers, saying "the existence of different religions was an evident symbol of God’s generosity and munificence."
The Southeast Asian Times

Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group pays compensation for environmental damage in Vietnam

Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group apologise for causing environmental damage from toxic waste released from its steel plants in four coastal provinces of Vietnam Thursday June 30, 2016

From News Reports:
Hanoi, November, 10: The Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group has paid compensation to Vietnam for environmental damage caused by toxic wastewater released from its steel plants in four coastal provinces of Vietnam causing massive fish poisonings in 2016, with the Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) saying "Formosa has admitted responsibility for massive fish poisonings in the coastal provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Huein." reports the Vietnam News Service.
The Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group has agreed to compensate an estimated 260,000 Vietnamese including fishermen in the four provinces a total of US$500 million, with Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group, steel plant chairman Hung Nghiep, at Ha Tinh Province saying "violations in the construction of the Ha Tinh Province plant caused mass fish poisonings."
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), said in a report that the Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group released toxic wastewater into the sea from four coastal provinces in April 2016, saying "the toxic wastewater caused massive fish poisoning "
An investigation by Vietnam Natural Resources and Environment Ministry into the cause of fish poisoning showed that toxic waste flowed into the sea from underground pipes laid at the steel plants constructed by the Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group.
The wastewater released by the steel plant at the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ha Tinh province contained phenol and cyanide that combined with hydro formed a deadly mixture was carried by the current to Hua Thien-Hue
In August 2017 fish farmers in Vietnam's southern province of Ba Ria- Vung Tau reported tons of fish poisoned from toxic waster for the third time in 12 months. with Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, saying that similar mass fish deaths were found on the Cha Va River in Long Son Commune in August and October 2016.
Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director Tran Van Cuong attributed the mass poisoning of fish to lack of oxygen and sudden change in water content brought about prolonged downpours, saying "fish from 23 farms were found dead en mass.
" Almost 250,000 fish with a total weight of 90 metric tons were found dead,"
Fish samples taken from the affected farms by the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, reportedly revealed viruses causing ulcers and hemorrhage with tests showing that the nitrogen and sulphur content in the water was much higher than normal limits.
The Southeast Asian Times

Claim of discrepancies in evidence in Papua 2014 Paniai massacre hearing in Jakarta

Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) claims discrepancies in evidence in the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing at the Makassar District Court, South Sulawesi on Saturday, November 5, 2022
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 9: Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) claims discrepancies in evidence in the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing in which four children were killed and 22 injured, between the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas) to the Makassar District Court, South Sulawesi on Saturday, reports the Indoleft.
The 2014 Paniai massacre hearing involves the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (polri) who allegedly fired at a crowd of West Papuans at the Soeharto field in Paniai Regency in the Papua Province of Indonesia on the morning of December 8, 2014 after the West Papuans had set fire to an Indonesian Military (TNI) vehicle on the Soeharto field.
The West Papuans had allegedly set fire to an Indonesian Military (TNI) vehicle at the Soeharto field on the day after an Indonesian Military (TNI) vehicle, believed to have been driven by a member of the Uwibutu 753 Special Team military command, at high speed at night without headlights towards the Ipakiye village Christian church.
A Christian Christmas service that was attended by women and children was underway at the Ipakiye village church on the night of December 7, 2014 when the miitary veihicle drove to the church.
The Uwibutu 753 Special Team military command reportedly left the Ipakiye village church for their command post, only to return to the Ipakiye village church with recruits, who allegedly assaulted the West Papuan women and their children on the night of December 7, 2014.
The four children killed and 22 injured in the 2014 Paniai massacre at the Soeharto were among those in the crowd the next morning on December 8, 2014 who had set fire to an Indonesian Military (TNI) vehicle on the Soeharto field.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (polri) reportedly arrived at the Soeharto field to disperse the crowd, allegedly firing at the crowd on December 8, 2014.
Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), monitoring division, Jane Rosalina, said that the discrepancies in the evidence given in the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing were "quite striking."
"Quite striking differences can be found in the chronology and actions of the perpetrators and victims between the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) indictment and the executive summary of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas)," she said.
She said that among the discrepancies in evidence presented in the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing by the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) includes "that the prosecution did not mention that the four who were killed on December 8, 2014 at the Soeharto field were children, saying "this is different from the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas) executive summary that says that the four victims were underage."
She said that among the discrepancies in evidence presented in the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing between the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas) is that the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas) presentation of evidence in detail of the firearms used at the Soeharto field on December 8, 2014.
She said in contrast the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) did not present any details on the firearms used by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (polri.), saying "the Indonesia public prosecutor (JPU) did present details of Papuans carrying weapons like axes, machetes, bows and arrows, sticks and stones at the Soeharto field on December 8, 2014.
She said the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas) presented evidence to the 2014 Paniai massacre hearing, saying the Indonesian National Police (polri) used AK 47 assault rifles, SS1 assault rifles and SS V2 Sabhara 7.62mm carbines.
"The BKO Under Operational Control Brimob Mobile Brigade paramilitary police used AK 101 assault rifles, 5.56mm caliber SS1s." she said.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) Timsus 753 military unit used rifles, 5.56mm M16 assault rifles, 7.62 mm assault rifles SS1 V3 and Stand firearms with the Enarotali Koramil sub-district military command using FN handguns, Stand firearms, M16s, SS V1s and S.O. Daewoo K2 assault rifles, said the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas).
She said the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) believes that these differences occurred because of the minimal involvement of the survivors and families of the victims in the investigation process, saying "the details of the indictment are very mush dominated by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (polri)."
"It is obvious that the judges should dig into the information and testimonies from civilians in order to balance out the minimal involvement of civilians and survivors along with the victims' families since the start of the investigation", she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Daughter of ousted PM Shinawatra wins in survey for PM in next general elections

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, at Pheu Thai Party (PTP) campaign in Bangkok Tuesday September 13, 2022
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 8: The youngest daughter of fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was nominated by the
Pheu Thai Party (PTP), the largest opposition party in Thailand, as candidate for prime minister in the next general elections,
tops the list of potential candidates in northern Thailand in a survey conducted by National Institute for Development Administration, (NIDA), reports the Bangkok Post.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, who was nominated the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) candidate for prime minister in the next general election, in March, 2022, tops the list of potential candidates for the post of prime minister by potential voters in Northern Thailand, says the National Institute for Development Administration, (NIDA) survey.
The National Institute for Development Administration, (NIDA) survey says that Pheu Thai Party (PTP) nominee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is ahead of, Pita Limjaroenrat, of the Move Forward Party (MFP), successor to the dissolved Future Forward Party (FFP).
The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) received 31.70 percent of the votes, the Move Forward Party (MFP) 15 percent and the ruling pro-Royal Thai Armed Forces party, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) received 12.50 percent of the votes conducted by the National Institute for Development Administration, (NIDA), by telephone between October 28 and November 2.
The National Institute for Development Administration, (NIDA) asked 2,000 voters aged 18 years and over of vatious levels of education, occupations and incomes Northern Thailand "who would you support as prime minister today"
When asked which party the 2,000 voters preferred when voting for constituency member of parliament, 48.7 percent said Pheu Thai Party (PTP). 16.4 percent said Move Forward Party (MFP) and 8.05 percent said the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
Under the party-list system 48.7 percent of the 2,000 voters said they would vote for the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), 16.1 percent said they would vote for the Move Forward Party (MFP), and 7.2 percent said thay would vote for the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP).
In November 2021 the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) called for an investigation into the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) candidate for prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for violation of ethical code of conduct for Holders of Political Positions accusing her of supporting the call by the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) in parliament to amend the 2017 Constitution, drafted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and signed into law by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, that 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."
Presidential candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is also accused of violation of ethical code of conduct for Holders of Political Positions in her political connection with her father fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Fugitive ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is the sponsor of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), fled Thailand for Dubai in 2002 to avoid facing trial for malfeasance in the raising or approval of alleged fraudulent Krung-Thai-Bank (KTB) non-performing loans worth almost baht 12-billion under Article 157 of the Criminal Code - the law that governs the behaviour of officials of State agencies; the Commercial Banks Act; the Securities and Exchange Act, and the Public Companies Act.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN five-point consensus peace plan with Myanmar military "an utter failure"

Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), chairman, Charles Santiago, says "ASEAN has been unable to adopt a stance to put pressure on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar"
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 7: The International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) report into the international community response to the crisis in Myanmar, was released by the Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), in Bangkok on Wednesday, saying "ASEAN’s five-point consensus (5PC) reached with Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has been an utter failure," reports Benar News.
The International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) report is critical of the international communty response to the crisis in Myanmar that followed the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government in February, 2021.,
The Association of Southeast Asian Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), chairman, Charles Santiago, said ASEAN’s five-point consensus (5PC) reached with the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta in April 2021 has been an utter failure."
He said that the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar's Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has shown absolute contempt for the ASEAN’s five-point consensus agreement, saying "the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been unable to adopt a stance to put pressure on the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar."
“Meanwhile, most of the international community has hidden behind ASEAN in order to avoid doing anything meaningfull, he said.
He said that countries and international institutions that claim to support democracy in Myanmar have reacted with a timidity that puts in serious doubt their alleged commitment to Myanmar, saying "it is past time that ASEAN ditches the five-point consensus (5PC) and urgently rethinks its approach to the crisis in Myanmar."
the International Parliamentary Inquiry (IPI) 52 page report called on ASEAN and dialogue partners including Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the United States to officially meet with the National Unity Government (NUG) that was formed following the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar takeover of the elected National League for Democracy (NLD) government .
The ASEAN Leaders Meeting (ALM) held in Jakarta in April 2021 introduced the ASEAN Five Point Concensus (5PC) that
includes restrain of security forces, commencement of dialogue with ASEAN, facilitation of mediation with Secretary General of ASEAN, Special ASEAN envoy and delegation to visit Myanmar and the ASEAN provision of humanitarian assistance.
The Southeast Asian Times


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


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


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


What they're saying open page here

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



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



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


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

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



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


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



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

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



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


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

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

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



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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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


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



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

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Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
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US...0.7582
Brunei...1.0310
Cambodia...3,115.36
China..Yuan..5,0710
East Timor...0.7582
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Japan..78.8528
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Singapore
properties listed for sale in Myanmar
From News Reports:
Yangon, November 25: Singapore's largest property developer, the Far East Organization, is to partner with Myanmar's property sales and marketing company, Min Zin Agency, in Yangon to sell condos in Singapore.
Managing director of the Min Zin Agency in Yangon, Ko Kyaw Min Zin, said that Singapore's Far East Organization has expanded its sales and marketing efforts into Myanmar.
“The Far East Organisation has been selling their Singapore properties to Myanmar buyers since 2009,” he said.
The Far East Organisation reportedly have over 750 properties in Singapore’s residential, hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial sectors,
including 45,500 or one in every six private homes in Singapore listed with the Min Zin Agency in Yangon.
The Southeast Asian Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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