The Southeast Asian Times
NEWS FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
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established 2000
Monday 4 December 2023
GATHERINGS:
An informed guide to happenings throughout the region.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Papua Biak massacre remembered in Sydney
with 136 white carnations
From News Reports:
Sydney, July 5: A ceremony to mark the 16th anniversary of the Biak Massacre in West Papua ua on 6 July 1998 will be held at the Waverley Cliffs cemetery in Sydney on Sunday.
The Waverley Cliffs community will throw 136 white carnations from the waverley cliffs into the Pacific Ocean in memory of the Biak massacre.
A citizens tribunal, hosted by the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPACS) at the University of Sydney last year on the 15th anniversary of the Biak massacre found that 136 West Papuan protesters were thrown into the sea by Indonesian security forces.
The tribunal heard eye witness testimony that the West Papuan demand for the right to vote for independence from Indonesia was met with gunfire by Indonesian security forces.
Survivors of the massacre told the international team of jurists that the unarmed West Papuan protesters were surrounded and shot by Indonesian security forces and that survivors were thrown into the sea on 6 July 1998.
The Southeast Asian Times
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Bangkok Court sentences 2013 and 2014 protesters against former PM Yingluck Shinawatra to prison
Protesters against the ruling Pheu Thai Party at the entrance gate of the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok on Friday November 29, 2013
From News Reports:
Bangkok, December 4: The Bangkok Criminal Court sentenced six protest leaders to prison from six months to nine years with five receiving suspended sentences for demonstrations against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the ruling Pheu Thai Party in 2013 and 2014, reports the Bangkok Post.
Nussor Yeema, Uthai Yodmanee, Nititorn Lamlur, Ms Chitpas Kridakorn, Pansuwan Na Kaew, Prakobkit Inthong and Kittisak Prokkati were charged with illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand constitutional monarchy in demonstrations led by the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) against the Yingluck government between November 23, 2013, and May 1, 2014.
The court found Nussor Yeema, a former security guard of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), guilty of illegal assembly and sentenced him to six months without suspension.
Uthai Yodmanee and Nititorn Lamlur, both leading members of the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), were sentenced to four years and nine months in prison and fined of 200,000 baht each for illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand's constitutional monarchy Ms Chitpas Kridakorn, former Democrat Party member, received a nine-month prison term and a fine of 40,000 baht for inciting civil servants to stop work.
Pansuwan Na Kaew and Prakobkit Inthong were sentenced to prison four years and nine months and a fine of 180,000 baht each for their part in the demonstrations against the former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra government.
Kittisak Prokkati was acquitted of all charges with the court finding that the defendant had expressed his opinion honestly based on academic information.
The Bangkok Criminal Court suspended prison sentences by two years for all defendants excluding Nussor Yeema, for illegal assembly, attempting to overthrow the Thailand's constitutional monarchy in demonstrations led by the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).
n November 2013 then Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra extended the Internal Security Act (ISA) following the occupation of the Finance Minstry, the Budget Bureau, the Foreign Ministry and the Pubic Relations Department by thousands of anti government protesters.
The Prime Minister announced the extended Internal Security act to cover Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and in Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani in a televised address on Tuesday.
The Internal Security Act allows authorities to impose curfews, establish checkpoints and restrict the movement of protesters.
The Southeast Asian Times

Senator calls for former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs to be judged by fellow Filippino's not ICC
Philippines Senator Christopher Bong Go says "let the Filipinos judge and decide" alleged humn rights violations in the Philippines
From News Reports:
Manila, December 3: Philippines Senator Christopher Bong Go, who served as a special assistant to former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) "war on drugs" campaign claims "there is no need for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged human rights violations in the Philippines," after President Ferdinand Marco Jr said he would consider resuming membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) following former President Rodrigo Dutere's withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Senator Christopher Bong Go said that former President Rodrigo Duterte should be judged by fellow Filipino's, not by a foreign court, saying "democracy exists here."
"Investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) are conducted
in lawless countries where crimes are committed," he said.
Senator Christopher Bong Go said "there is no dictator here in the Philippines", saying "let the Filipinos judge and decide."
President Ferdinand Marco Jr said last month that the Philippines was considering proposals to resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after a House of Representaives resolution reinforced the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs," saying "problems of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained."
He said that the withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague by former President Rodrigo Dutere brings into question whether or not it is "actually possible" that the Philippines can resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., dissolved former President Rodrigo Duterte's Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC)
on the same day that he was inaugurated the 17th President of the Philippines on June 30, 2022 saying “Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order: The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission is hereby abolished and its jurisdiction, powers and functions shall be transferred to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs."
President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 in the Government of Philippines war on drugs campaign.
"A preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's Civil Society Organisations condemn criminalisation of defamation of government minister
Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, at the East Jakarta District Court Thursday June 8, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, December 2: Indonesia'a Civil Society Organizations (CSO) have condemned the criminalisation of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, for allegedly defaming Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, saying " Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar, are treated as enemies of the state," reports Indoleft.
More than 350 Civil Society Organizations (CSO) claim that the public prosecutor at the East Jakarta District Court treated Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and Lawyer Haris Azhar, as enemies of the state during the seven month trial that ended last month, saying "the ordeal reveals the deteriation of Indonesia's civic and democratic space."
"The indictment of Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar reveals how dangerous it is to be a human rights defender in Indonesia for merely speaking truth to power, seeking justice and accountability, and expressing evidence-based criticisms against the government," said the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) representatives.
Society Organizations (CSO) argues that the criminalisation of Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar Fatia is in contravention with several of Indonesia’s international commitments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
On Tuesday November 14, 2023 the public prosecutor demanded three years and six months prison sentence for Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and four years for Lawyer Haris Azhar, at the East Jakarta District Court for alleged defamation under Article 27 paragraph (3) in conjunction with Article 45 paragraph (3) of the Electronic and Information Transaction (EIT) Law.
The charge of defamation against Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, were brought by the Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, in September 2021
The Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, alleged that Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, had defamed him in a video on Haris Azhar's YouTube channel on August 20, 2021
The Metro Jaya Special Crimes Detective Directorate in Jakarta alleged that Kontras coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, had accused Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan of conflict in his mining interests in Papua.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Senator Leila de Lima calls for investigation of chief justices over use of convict testimony against her
Former Philippines Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, calls for an investigation into former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra Friday November 24, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, December 1: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, who was released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame on bail last month, has called for an investigation into
former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra after the Court of Appeals ordered the Office of the Ombudsman to act on her complaints against the two Justices over use of convicted criminals as witnesses against the former Senator, report the Philippine Inquirer.
The Court of Appeal also reversed the Ombudsman dismissal of former Senator, Leila de Lima's, complaint against former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra over the prosecution under the then President Rodrigo Duterte government use of convicted criminals as state witnesses who signed affidavits against the Senator in exchange for dismissing the charges against them.
The Court of Appeal reversed the Ombudsman dismissal of former Senator, Leila de Lima's, complaint, making the complaint null and void citing "lack of due process."
"With the reversal of the Ombudsman dismissal by the Court of Appeal, I expect the Ombudsman to now conduct a full investigation of both chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra, said former Senator Leila De Lima.
Former Senator Leila De Lima said that former Chief Justice Menardo Guevarra, who serves as the solicitor general, should at least be required "to answer the administrative aspect of the case and defend his role in supporting criminal convicts as state witnesses even if they are disqualified from being granted immunity under the law."
Former Senator Leila De Lima argued that former chief Justice Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra violated Republic Act No. 6981, or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, as well as Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code, and Section 3(e) of the Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Former Senator, Leila de Lima, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under the former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, called for protective custody for seven prisoners on her release on bail from the philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame last month.
Former Senator, Leila de Lima, called for the transfer of seven prisoners from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in the Muntinlupa City Region (NCR) "for their own protection" after the prisoners had retracted their testmonies in a letter addressed to Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Friday November 17, 2023.
"We no longer desire to live our lives with the knowledge that we allowed ourselves to become pawns or instruments of injustice… If given the chance to retract, it will be our way of expressing our sincerest apologies to Senator De Lima and her family,” the inmates said in the letter.
The Southeast Asian Times
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission seizes gold bars purchased with public donations for Palestine
Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, centre, and board of directors of the Muslim Non-Gvernment Organisations (NGO) Aman Palestin Bhd, have given the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) three days to release frozen accounts or legal action will be taken
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 29: Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, that is under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for alleged misuse of public donations for Palestine, revealed on Tuesday that gold bars seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) were purchased by public donations collected by Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, with lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, saying "its board of directors are allowed to invest in several ways," reports the Star.
Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali, for the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd., denied that gold bars that were seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a raid on the Aman Palestin Bhd, premises were the result of the misappropriation of the public donations, saying "the board of directors are allowed to invest in several ways."
He said that there are 16 powers given to the board of directors of Aman Palestin Bhd., saying "it is not wrong, after all the gold is valuable and easy to convert into cash before sending to those in need."
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that launched an investigation into the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd, last month, said the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), and the Penal Code.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Azam Baki, said it has frozen RM15 million in 41 bank accounts connected to the Muslim Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Aman Palestin Bhd., and other companies in the alleged misappropriation of alleged RM70 million by the Aman Palestin Bhd., Non-Government Organisation (NGO).
The Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) in Perlis State suspended Aman Palestin Bhd fund raising activities effective October 12, pending the completion of an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Perlis Mufti, Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said he had instructed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) not to allow Aman Palestin Bhd to collect donations in places of worship and relevant religious premises within the state.
He said he held reservations about the collection and distribution of donations by Aman Palestin Bhd, calling for more transparency.
The Southeast Asian Times

Philippines considering proposals to resume membership of International Criminal Court in The Hague
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction to conduct an investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s "war on drugs" on Friday November 24, 2023

From News Reports:
Manila, November 29: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the Philippines was considering proposals to resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) after former President Rodrigo Dutere withdrew the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17, 2019, saying "problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained," reports the Philippine Inquirer.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said "the Philippines considers the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines to be interference" ahead of the House of Representatives Resolution on Monday November 20, 2023 that reinforced the Supreme Court ruling that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs" under the former President Rodrigo Dutere administration.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday November 24 after the House of Representaives Resolution reinforced the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague jurisdiction to investigate the "war on drugs" that "problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty remained."
He said that the withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague by former President Rodrigo Dutere brings into question whether or not it is "actually possible" that the Philippines can resume membership of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" campaign.
Vice President Sara Duterte said that she respects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to consider proposals for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite maintaining her position against cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an investigation into the "war on drugs" under the former President Rodrigo Dutere administration.
"We will continue to work with the Department of Justice regarding the Philippine position on the matter of jurisdiction and sovereignty," she said.
Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, said following the House of Representatives Resolution on Monday November 20, 2023 that "the question of cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been asked of the President many times and he has consistently said that our courts will not be rendered subordinate to the ICC and that we are a sovereign nation with its own system of Justice."
"Lets stand our ground as the President has done, many times," she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Court sentences Andal Ampatuan Jr., to 210 years in prison for embezzlement on anniversary of Maguindanao massacre
The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court sentenced Andal Ampatuan Jr. to 210 years in prison on Thursday, 23 November 2023
From News Reports:
Manila, November 28: The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court sentenced Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, who is accused of organising the November 23, 2009 massacre of political opponents and reporters in the southern Philippines, to 210 years in prison for 21 counts of corruption for embezzling funds for the purchase of fuel and lubricants amounting to P44-million, reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Former Maguindanao governor, the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, was accused of organising the November 23, 2009 massacre in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Province, southwestern Mindanao, southern Philippines in which 58 political opponents, including the prospective candidate's wife and sister and 31 reporters were killed.
The political opponents and reporters were massacred while on their way to file a certificate of candidacy for Esmael Mangudadatu to challenge the incumbent Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr.
The Philippines Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court Associate Justices, Sarah Jane Fernandez, Karl Miranda and Kevin Narce Vivero said that the prosecution had proved that Andal Ampatuan Jr., also a former Mindanao governor, has conspired with his father, the late Andal Ampatuan Sr, and officials in the Maguindanao Provincial Government to award the contract for purchase of fuel and lubricants to the Andal Ampatuan Jr. gas station from 2001 to 2008.
Sandiganbayan Sixth Division anti-corruption Court said that evidence showed that the Maguindanao Provincial Government released cash advances as payment for the fuel and lubricants, saying "it was revealed later that no complete delivery of the fuel and lubricants was made."
"While the Court cannot determine if there was no delivery at all or if there was only partial delivery of the fuel and lubricants to the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, the accused undoubtedly caused undue injury to the Provincial Government of Maguindanao because public funds were released as payment for goods not completely delivered," said the court
In April 2019 the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division anti-corruption court, Justices Bayani Jacinto, Alex Quiroz and Reynaldo Cruz sentenced the second son of the late Andal Ampatuan Sr,, Sajid Ampatuan, also a former Maguindanao governor, to a total maximum prison term of 556 years that included a prison term of six months and one day to eight years for each count of falsification, eight to 12 years for corruption and reclusion perpetua or 40 years imprisonment for corruption.
The former governor of Maguindanao province, Sajid Ampatuan, and co-accused officials claimed to have purchased timber and other construction materials for the repair of a school building in Maguindanao Province.
The former governor of Maguindanao province, Sajid Ampatuan, and co-accused official were charged with fabricating 73 disbursement vouchers to embezzle provincial funds from May to September 2009 in the purchase of construction materials from a fictitious or non existent supplier.
The late Andal Ampatuan Sr his sons Andal Ampatuan Jr., Sajid Ampatuan pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges of murder against them in the November 23, 2009 massacre of 58 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Province, southwestern Mindanao, southern Philippines.
The dead were reportedly shot at close range, some with their hands tied behind their backs, and dumped or buried in shallow graves on a remote road close to Ampatuan.
More than 100 court hearings have been held since the Maguindanao massacre trial began in 2010 with 104 including eight members of the Ampatuan clan arraigned.
89 of the 193 allegedly responsible for the massacre remain at large not including three wittnesses that have since been killed.
In June 2012 Shariff Aguak police superintendent Marcelo Pintac confirmed that Alijol Ampatuan, 36, a potential witness to the massacre had been killed.
Three witnesses and three relatives of other witnesses were killed including the driver for the Ampatuan family and a supposed key witness to the massacre, the driver Esmail Amil Enog, who testified that he had driven dozens of armed men who participated in the massacre, was mutilated and dismembered.
The Southeast Asian Times
Former Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha richer on leaving office than when he took office
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) former, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and wife, Naraporn, on their trip to Japan on Wednesday October 25, 2023, saying "trip to Japan was the first family trip abroad in 10 years"
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 27: Thailands National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has revealed the declared assets and debts of 18 pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) members including the declared assets and debts of former Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, showing that the former Prime Minister was richer on leaving office than when he took office after declaring martial law in 2014, reports the Bangkok Post.
National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assistant secretary-general Phuthep Thaweechotethanakul, said on Friday that former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was 2 million baht richer on leaving office after losing the elections in May 2023, with assets worth 89.2 million than when he took office in 2014 with assetts worth 87.3 million and a small debt of 757.26 baht.
The former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn, declared 130.2 million baht worth of assets without debt in 2023, an increase of 27.9 million baht on their declaration in 2014, when Commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha declared martial law under the Royal Thai Army (RTM).
In 2014 former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn declared assets worth 128.6 million baht and debts of 654.745 baht.
In 2022 former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha and his wife Naraporn declared that assetts worth 98.6 million baht were bank deposits, investments, two land plots, four cars worth 10.7 million baht, including a Porsche Panamera, nine gold wristwatches, nine guns and two bicycles, reporting an income tax payment of 343,814 baht.
Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's wife, Naraporn, declared assets totalling 31.5 million baht that included bank savings, four plots of land, a Toyota Alphard and sets of accessories, paying an annual income of 453,351 baht and annual expenses of 400,000 baht.
National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assistant secretary-general Phuthep Thaweechotethanakul, said the NACC was running a further check on former interior minister Anupong Paojinda's assets and liabilities, saying "this was part of a routine check."
In April 2023 the Supreme Administrative Court ordered the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to disclose two of three sets of documents to Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid within 15 days.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid claimed then that pro-military Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon had omitted to declare the ownership of 22 luxury gold watches and rings on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assets declaration list in 2017.
Acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwon claimed that he had "borrowed the gold watches from a long-time collector friend.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid filed a petition at the Supreme Administrative Court demanding disclosure of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigation into the undisclosed assets following the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissal of accusations that General Prawit Wongsuwon had falsely declared his wealth in the declaration of assets.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) ruled in 2018 that there were no grounds to accuse General Prawit Wongsuwon of falsely declaring his wealth in the 2017 declaration of assets.
Anti-Corruption People's Network, Veera Somkwamkid, said that he intends to organise a campaigne to collect at least 20,000 signatures to initiate impeachment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) commissioners for "disregarding the very law they are meant to uphold."
The Southeast Asian Times
 
Former Senator Leila de Lima calls for protective custody for prisoners retracting testimony against her
Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) calls for protection of prisoners who have retracted their testimonies against alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade
From News Reports:
Manila, November 26: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, who was released on bail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Centre in Camp Crame last week, has called for protective custody of seven prisoners who have retracted their testimonies against her, with the prisoners saying "we retracted in the interest of truth and justice," reports the Philippine Inquirer.
Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, called for the transfer of the prisoners from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro the after the prisoners retracted their testmonies in a letter addressed to Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Friday November 17, 2023.
"We no longer desire to live our lives with the knowledge that we allowed ourselves to become pawns or instruments of injustice, the inmates said in the letter.
Lawyer Bonifacio Tacardon, said that he has "filed an urgent motion for transfer of the seven prisoners, German Agojo, Tomas Doniña, Jaime Patcho, Engelberto Durano, Jerry Pepino, and Hans Anton Tan from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm (SPPF) in Occidental Mindoro to the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in the Muntinlupa City Region (NCR) for their own protection."
In May 2022 the prosecution star witness Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, withdrew his statements that accused Senator Leila de Lima of drug trafficking at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) during the Senator's term as Justice Secretary.
"The withdrawal by the former Bureau of Corrections officer of the accusations against Senator Leila de Lima in an affidavit should compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to drop all charges against Senator Leila de Lima," said Lawyer, De Leon for Senator Leila de Lima.
Lawyer, De Leon said then that the Rafael Ragos retraction followed the retraction of key witness Rolan Kerwin Espinosa, who said he had been misled by the police into signing his affidavit against the senator in exchange for dropping charges against him.
Sen. Leila de Lima has denied charges of alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP), accusing President Duterte of political persecution.
In April 2009 Senator De Lima in her role as the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, said that the Commission would prove there is a Davao Death Squad (DDS) in Mindanao in the southern Phillipines that was initiated and funded by former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte
"The Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigation had "found evidence of complicity and at times direct involvement of government officials and members of the police in killings by the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS)."
The Southeast Asian Times

US$12.5 billion embezzled from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank "just the tip of the iceberg"

From News Reports:
HCMCity, November 25: The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 under the Ministry of Public Security has charged Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, and 86 others with embezzlement, bribery and violation of banking regulations, with former represenatative of the National Bank of Vietnam in New York, Bui Kien Thanh, saying, "And when the bubble bursts, the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) embezzlement of US$12.5 billion will be just the tip of the iceberg," reports the Vietnam News Agency.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 found that Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat (VTP) Group, used the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) to raise capital, saying

Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group at the opening of The Reverie Saigon in Times Square on Tues September 1, 2015 was arrested on Saturday October 7, 2023 for embezzlement
"Chairwoman Truong My Lan, directed bank appointees to provide loans resulting in the embezzlement of VNÐ304 trillion (US$12.5 billion) from the bank."
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 claims that ghost companies were established to borrow from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) for use by Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group.
Former represenatative of the National Bank of Vietnam in New York, Bui Kien Thanh, said "the value of the known embezzlement amounts to about 6 percent of Vietnam's GDP" saying "apart from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) scandal, real estate is another bubble that can burst at any time in Vietnam."
"A large group of companies often borrow seven or eight times more than the value of their assets," he said.
"No country's banking system operates in that way," he said.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 found that "although Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, did not hold any position at the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) she had held a controlling stake in the bank of 85 percent to 91.5 percent since 2012.
The HCMCity Investigation Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling, and Economic Crimes (CO3 claimed that Truong My Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat (VTP) group, appointed relatives to positions on the Board of Directors Executive Board of the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) , saying "all transactions of the bank basically served Truong My Lan's purpose."
The Southeast Asian Times

Senator Maria Marcos against ICC investigation into "war on drugs"

From News Reports:
Manila, November 24: Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, is against the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague investigation into the former President Rodrigo Dutere's "war on drugs," saying "Lets stand our ground as the President has done, many times," reports the Philippine Inquirer..
On Monday the House of Representatives Resolution No 1477 reinforced the Supreme Court ruling that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has jurisdiction in the Situation in the Philippines, with Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, saying "the question of the cooperation with ICC has been asked of the President many times."
"The President has consistently said that our courts will not be rendered subordinate to the ICC and that we are a sovereign nation with its own system of justice," she said.
Philippines Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos, statement against ICC in The Hague investigation in "war on drugs" on Monday November 20, 2023
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said in April 2023 after the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague rejection of the Philippine government appeal to halt investigations into the "war on drugs" that "the Philippines considers the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines to be interference."
"The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague jurisdiction over the Philippines is an attack on the sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines," he said.
The House of Representatives Resolution No 1477 reinforced the Supreme Court ruling in July, 2021 that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague has jurisdiction in the Philippines despite the former Philippines President Rodrigo Dutere withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity had been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019, saying "a preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Conference of rulers consent to proposals and improvements to Syariah law before Federal Parliament
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Parliament in Kuala Lumpur November 21, 2023.
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 23: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in reply to a question from the Kelantan Member of Parliament who was petitioned by two women to challenge the Kelantan Syariah law, that "the Conference of Rulers in Malaysia would have to give their consent to any proposals and improvements to Syariah law proposed by a special committee before the proposals and improvements were tabled in Parliament," reports Bernama.
Member of Parliament for Gua Musang in Kelantan, Mohd Azizi Abu Naim, called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to make clear the Ferederal Government stance on the Notice of Pettition filed by two women lawyers challenging the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, and the federal government's efforts to safeguard the Syariah Court.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in reply that "the Conference of Rulers have given consent to the committee to study ways to enhance the powers of the Syariah Court for Muslims in Malaysia,"
"That is why we have this special committee, to coordinate the implementation of Syariah law," he said.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that "any decisions by the Federal Court in the constitutional challenge by the two Kelantan Muslim women would not hinder the Federal Governments efforts to strengthen the Syariah Court through the special committee," he said.
He said the Conference of Rulers have given their consent to the selection of members on the special committee, saying "the committee members will be required to engage with the State Islamic Religious Councils and state governments before any matter is finalised."
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the public should have a correct understanding of the Notice of Pettition filed by two women lawyers challenging the Kelantan Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, saying "the case is not about challenging Syariah law but rather challenging considerations involving state powers in the Constitution.
Kelantan lawyers Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku are challenging the constitutionality and validity of Kelantan's Shariah laws at the Federal Court saying " 20 provisions of the Kelantan Shariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 are invalid and null and void.
Of the 20 provisions of Shariah Law offences listed by the Kelantan state legislature that include Sections 5, false claim; Section 11, destroying or defiling place of worship; Section 13, selling or giving away child to non-Muslim or morally reprehensible Muslim; Section 14, Section 16 and Section 17, sodomy, sexual intercourse with corpse, sexual intercourse with non-human; Section 30, words capable of breaking peace; and Section 31, sexual harassment, 13 were enacted in November 2021.
"The Kelantan state legislature has no powers to make laws on these matters, " said the lawyers.
The Southeast Asian Times

China renames German-made diesel engines for made-in-China submarines for Thailand

Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm Adung Phaniam said that changing the engine's name did not breach the 2017 contract with China at the Royal Thai Navy headquarters on Monday November 20, 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 22: A made-in-China version of the German-made MTU 396 diesel engine is to be fitted in three made-in China Yuan-class S26T submarines for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), after China's failure to obtain German-made diesel engines as stipulated in the 2017 contract with the state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), with Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Adm Adung Phaniam, saying "China has given the German made MTU 396 diesel engine a new name," reports the Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Navy, Adm Adung Phaniam said at a ceremony for the 117th anniversary of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) on Monday that the new name for the made-in-China version of the German made MTU 396 diesel engine is CHD620.
"The China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) is prepared to install the made-in-China CHD620 diesel engine in three made-in-China Yuan-class S26T submarines for the Royal Thai Navy," he said.
Royal Thai Navy, Adm Adung Phaniam said that changing the engine's name did not breach the 2017 Royal Thai Navy (RTN) contract with state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), saying "China produces the CHD620 diesel engines for Germany."
In April 2022 Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha instructed the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to cancel the 2017 contract with state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) to build S26T Yuan-class submarines, saying "China cannot fulfil the 2017 agreement that stipulates the fitting of German-made MTU396 diesel engines in the three made-in China Yuan-class S26T submarines."
The German government refused to sell the German-made MTU 396 diesel engine to China, saying " the German made MTU 396 diesel engine is designated military defence equipment."
The German government refusal to supply the German-made MTU396 diesel engines to state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) to be fitted in the S26T Yuan-class submarines built in China for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was based on the 1989 European Union (EU) arms embargo imposed on China.
The then opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) lawmaker, Yuttapong Charasathien, questioned in Parliament whether representatives from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and representatives of the state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) who signed the 2017 agreement for delivery of the submarines had the authority to do so and why the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) required the submarines in Parliament.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) agreement to purchase three S26T Yuan-class submarines from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC), worth 13.5 billion baht (US$408 million), was stalled due to China's failure to obtain German-made diesel engines as stipulated in the 2017 contract.
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's demand for jail sentences for NGO's "not objective," says lawyer

Indonesia calls for prison sentences for Indonesia Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, left and Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, Tuesday November 14, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 19: The public prosecutor (JPU) has called for prison sentences for the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar, charged with defaming Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, with co-founder of the Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) Nurkholis Hidayat, saying "the sentences demanded by the prosecution were not objective, reports the Jakarta Post.
Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Nurkholis Hidayat, who claims "to independently, fairly and objectively serve democracy, human rights and the rule of law by countering abuse of powers, corruption and human rights violations, said at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday "We believe that these sentences are far from being objective."
The public prosecutor (JPU) demand a maximum sentence of three years and six months in prison for Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and four years in prison for co-founder of the Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Haris Azhar.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Nurkholis Hidayat, said the prosecution did not address freedom of expression, conflicts of interest by public officials or the narrative of Anti Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (Anti-SLAPP, litigation intended to silence critics), saying "which are the essence of Azhar and Maulidiyanti's criticisms of Coordinaring Maritime and Investment Minster, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan."
"The prosecutors demand for prison sentences were part of "malicious Prosecution" or a form of criminalisation because the charges are not based on the arguments made in court," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) co-founder Nurkholis Hidayat said that demands for the prison sentences read by the prosecutor at the East Jakarta District Court on Thursday contain personal hostilities, bias, or other reasons outside of the interests of justice.
"This can be seen from the demand for maximum sentences, of four years in prison, and the prosecution stating that there are no mitigating factors," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Muhammad Isnur, said that he believes "the prosecution demand for prison sentences for Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar are a danger alarm for democracy, in particular civil liberties in Indonesia."
"The sentence demands further reinforce the view that the public prosecutor's office is a law enforcement institution that has made a huge contribution to the poor state of human rights in Indonesia, in particular freedom of opinion," he said.
Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer Muhammad Isnur, said that the prosecution has also acted unprofessionally because it has initiated demands that are manipulative, evil and political, saying "the Information and Electronic Transaction Law (ITE) confirms that this legal product is problematic, is catchall, and undermines the public's digital rights."
In September 2021 Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, brought defamation charges against the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) coordinator, Fatia Maulidayanta, and Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Lokataru Law and human Rights Working Group (HRWG) lawyer, Haris Azhar.
Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, complained to the police about a statement made by Fatia Maulidayanta, in a video on Haris Azhar's YouTube channel on August 20, 2021.
The Police report alleged that Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar had accused Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan of economic conflict of interest over mining in Papua.
The Metro Jaya Special Crimes Detective Directorate in Jakarta declared Fatia Maulidayanta and Haris Azhar suspects in the defamation of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan good name.
The Southeast Asian Times

Australia endorces Critical Minerals Dialogue at APEC

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Fransisco on Friday November 17, 2023
From News Reports:
San Fransicso, November 20: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders endorced a Critical Minerals Dialogue at the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in San Fransisco on Friday, with Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying "Australia's in a strong position when it comes to critical minerals," reports Reuters.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) leaders that include 15 of the 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members have endorsed a Critical Minerals Dialogue.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) members including Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam endorsed the Critical Minerals Dialogue saying " it was to strengthen collaboration in critical minerals supply chains and to boost regional competitiveness."
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Critical Minerals Dialogue will assist the region in transitioning to clean energy, saying
"Australia's vision is to become a renewable energy superpower for our region."
"Australia will play a crucial role in building the region's supply chains as it undertakes this energy transition." he said.
In September 2023 Australia Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, released the Invested: Australia Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta, saying "Australia's economic future lies with Southeast Asia, "he said.
He announcing a $95 million package for business to invest in the Southeast Asian region, saying "Southeast Asia’s fast-growing economies present a major opportunity for Australian business,"
In May 2022 United States President Joe Biden launched the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Washington to invest $150 million in the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for infrastructure development and security.
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.
The Southeast Asian Times

ASEAN Defense Ministers welcome new ASEAN Timor-Leste member

Timor-Leste Defence Minister, Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gome, left, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. right, at the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Jakarta on Thursday November 16, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 19: The 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus, attended by ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, welcomed the newly admitted 11th ASEAN member, Defense Minister, Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gome, of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to participate in the ADMM Plus meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, reports Antara.
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, chair of the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus meeting, said that the meeting with Defence Minister from new ASEAN member Timor-Leste and Defence Ministers from ASEAN member countries "was an opportunity for constructive discussions of mutual interest."
"I convey to all Defence Ministers today that Timor-Leste Defense Minister Gome is welcome to participate in the ADMM Plus meeting," he said.
The 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus was attendend by Defence Ministers from nine ASEAN member countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, excluding Myanmar.
ASEAN observer countries including Defence Ministers from Australia, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, and Russia also attended the 10th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Jakarta on Thursday.
In February, Indonesia as ASEAN chair for 2023 supported full partnersip of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste as the 11th member of the regional Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) with President of Indonesia, Jokowi Widodo saying in a joint statement with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the Bogor Presidential Palace, that " the acceptance of Timor- Leste as a member of ASEAN was in accordance with the results of the ASEAN Summit 2022 in Cambodia.
Cambodia as chair of Asean for 2022 admitted Timor Leste to the ASEAN membership as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 40th and 41st ASEAN summits held in Phnom Penh in November 2022 with a statement saying "ASEAN will grant Timor-Leste observer status and allow Timor-Leste participation at all ASEAN meetings."
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."
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysia's Democratic Action Party calls for ratification of UN Convention to end public whipping
Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair, Kasthuri Patto, calls on Malaysia to ratify the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat) in order to end public whipping as stipulted by the State Syariah Court
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 18: Malaysia's Democratic Action Party (DAP) has called on Malaysia to ratify the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat), with the Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair calling for an end to public whipping as stipulted by the State Syariah Court, reports Free Malaysia Today.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair Kasthuri Patto called on Malaysia to establish a council to produce sentencing guidelines for Malaysians convicted of crimes and to end public whipping.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) vice-chair Kasthuri Patto said that "the best way forward is to produce sentencing guidelines for the benefit of judges and the deputy public prosecutor, saying "the guidelines can be applied with transapency, accountability and integrity to uphold the rule of law and the sancitiy of the judicial system."
"The resentencing of seven death row inmates to life imprisonment of 30 years in the first batch of cases reviewed by the Federal Court following the reforms last week, recieved positive feedback, especially from the inmates of the families," she said.
She called on the Malaysian government to sign the United Nations Convention on Cruel and inhuman punishment (Uncat)
"to move away from cruel punishment, to embrace rehabilitation justice in line with international standards."
"This is our chance to do the right thing, to be a beacon of human rights, the rule of law and justice," she said.
In February 2022 the Malaysian Federal Court ruled that the State Syariah Court review of Islamic Religious Council decisions was unconstitutional in the Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) constitutional challenge of the State Shariah Court power to review a fatwa edict.
The Federal Court nine-judge panel headed by chief justice, Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, ruled unanimously in favour of the Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) constitutional challenge of the State Shariah Court power to review a fatwa edict issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) that had labelled the Sisters in Islam (SIS) as a deviant organisation in 2014.
The Sisters in Islam’s (SIS) filed an application to the Federal Court on January 21, 2022 to challenge the State Shariah Court power to review the fatwa edict issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) after the Kuala Lumpur High Court had dismissed the Sisters in Islam's (SIS) application.
The Federal Court nine-judge panel ruled that Section 66A of the Administration of the Religion of Islam in the State of Selangor Enactment 2003 as it stands is unconstitutional.
“I find Section 66A, as it stands, is unconstitutional and void, as it is a provision the legislative assembly has no power to make,” she said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Former Senator Leila de Lima to help ICC in investigation into former President Duterte's war on drugs
Former Philippines senator Leila de Lima released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in Camp Crame after seven years in detention on Monday November 13, 2023
From News Reports:
Manila, November 17: Former Philippine Senator, Leila de Lima, 64, a former Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair, was realeased on bail from the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in Camp Crame where she has been detained since her arrest in 2017 for alleged involvement in the drug trade that allegedly took place at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) while she was the Justice Secretary under the former President Rodrigo Duterte administration, with lawyer Dino de Leon, saying "the former Senator is interested in helping the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs."
Lawyer Dino de Leon said "the former senator would continue the work that she has started," saying "the former senator is willing to provide the International Criminal Court (ICC) with evidence that she has or that her committee was able to secure before she was detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial centre in 2017.
He said former Senator Leila De Lima believes in the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, and her quest was and always has been that human rights violations do not happen in the Philippines, saying "the former Senator has tried her best as a Senator which is why she was politically persecuted."
In May 2022 the prosecution star witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, who gave evidence against Senator Leila de Lima, that led to her arrest in 2017 for involvement in alleged drug trafficking at the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) during the Rodrigo Duterte administration, was withdrawn with the senator's lawyer Dino de Leon, saying "the greatest frame-up in Philippine history is unraveling."
"The withdrawal by the former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, of the accusations against Senator Leila de Lima in an affidavit should compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to drop all charges against Senator Leila de Lima," he said.
He said that former Bureau of Corrections officer, Rafael Ragos, said in the affidavit that was notarized on April 30, 2022 in Pasig City that the then Justice Secretary, Vitaliano Aguirre II, had coerced him into testifying against Senator Leile De Lima.
Lawyer, De Leon said then that the Rafael Ragos retraction followed the retraction of key witness Rolan Kerwin Espinosa, who said he had been misled by police into signing an affidavit against the senator in exchange for charges dropped against him.
In July 2021 the Philippines Supreme Court ruled that the International Criminal Court (ICC) can prosecute government officials for alledged crimes against humanity committed before the Philippines withdrew from the tribunal in 2019 and despite President Rodrigo Dutere claim that the International Criminal Court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew Philippine membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 17, 2019, a year after International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, announced the opening of a preliminary examination of the Philippines that would look into alleged crimes against humanity committed during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs campaign.
Chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said then that she has determined that there is reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed in the Philippines between 1 July 2016 and 16 March 2019 in the Government of Philippines war on drugs campaign.
"A preliminary examination suggests that vigilante-style killings were perpetrated by Philippine police officers themselves, or other private individuals hired by authorities, leading to a death toll of between 12,000 to 30,000 civilians," she said.
She said that extrajudicial killings perpetrated across the Philippines appear to have been committed pursuant to an official State policy of the Philippine government, saying " police and other government officials planned, ordered, and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings."
The Southeast Asian Times

Indonesia's anti-LGBT movement threatens to set fire to British band, Coldplay, concert in Jakarta

Indonesia's Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protest at British embassy in Jakarta calling for cancellation of British band, Coldplay, performance at Bung Karno Sports Stadium in Jakarta on Friday November 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Jakarta, November 15: Indonesia's Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protested opposition to the concert by Grammy Award-winning British band, Coldplay, at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Firday, threatening to set fire to the stage if the Coldplay performance goes ahead on Wedneday November 15, reports Rueters.
Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati coveyed opposition to the British band Coldplay concert at the British Embassy in Jakarta on Friday, saying "don't let the event go ahead."
"The Islamic community will be angry, the people will be angry, everyone will bring petrol and we'll set fire to Coldplay's stage", she said at the British Embassy on Friday.
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) protested against the planned Coldplay concert in Indonesia, saying "the band campaigns for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people."
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati said that "it was not just the issue of LGBT demanding "the Coldplay concert be cancelled because of the current situation in Palestine."
"It's not that we are against concerts. This isn't any old concert. It's because they'll be LGBT propaganda in it", said the spokesperson.
The Anti-LGBT National Movement (Geranati LGBT) spokeperson, Tina Susilawati said "there were lots of people being massacred in Palestine that we should be mourning," saying "why should they force us to have fun."
In May, 2023 the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), that incorporates all Indonesian Muslim organisations, called on the Indonesia President, Joko Widodo, to ban the planned tour of Indonesia by Thai musicians and actors, Putthipong Assaratanakul, 24, and Krit Amnuaydechkorn, 24, 'Billkin and PP Krit' on June 10, saying "the Thai musicians and actors represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights,
On May 22, 2023 the Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) secretary-general, Nasrudin Hassan, called on the British Coldplay band to cancel the concert to be held at Kuala Lumpur's National Stadium Buki Jalil on 22 November, asking the question "why does the government want to nurture a culture of hedonism and perversion in this country?
Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS) secretary-general, Nasrudin Hassan advised the Malaysian government to cancel the performance, saying "it brings nothing good to religion, race and country.
In December 2022 The United States special envoy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+persons (LGBTQI+ persons), Jessica Stern, planned visit to Indonesia was cancelled after the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman, Anwar Abbas said "the visit would harm Indonesia's religious and cultural values."
"The visit was intended to undermine Indonesia's cultural and religious rights," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

Hanoi Peoples Court sentences 22 to prison for loss on Da Nang Queang Ngai Expressway project

Expressway Corporation (VEC) former chairman Mai Tuan Anh, left, and former director, Tran Van Tam, at the People's Court of Hanoi on Friday November 10, 2023
From News Reports:
Hanoi, November 15: The People's Court of Hanoi sentenced 22 defendents including a former director and chairman of the Expressway Corporation (VEC) to prison for causing loss of VNÐ460 billion (US$18.7 million) to the state in the construction of the second phase of the Da Nang - Queang Ngai Expressway project, with the court ruling "there was a lack of rigorous guidance in the project's direction," reports the Vietnam News Service.
The People's Court of Hanoi sentenced Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) former director, Tran Van Tam, to five years and six months in prison for "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences" and for "negligence causing serious consequences."
Chairman of the Board and former Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) Director, Mai Tuan Anh, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for "negligence causing serious consequences."
Former Expressway Corporation (VEC) Deputy Directors, Nguyen Minh Hung and Le Quang Hao, were sentenced to 11 years and 8 years
respectively for "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences."
The remaining 18 defendants were also convicted of "serious violations of regulations on investment in construction projects causing serious consequences", and were sentenced from 5 to 10 years in prison.
The defendants include three former leaders of the Project Management Board of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project, Hoang Viet Hung, Nguyen Tien Thanh and Ðo Ngoc An.
The construction of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project managed by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) totalling 140 kilometres began in May 2013.
Phase 1 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project that spans 65 kilometres from Ða Nang to Tam Ky in Quang Nam Province was opened in 2017
Phase 2 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project that spans 75 kilometres from Tam Ky to Quang Ngai in Quang Ngai Province was opened in September 2018.
Numerous defects appeared after the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project went into operation affecting traffic safety and overall performance with the Peoples Court of Hanoi ruling "there was a lack of rigorous guidance in the project's direction."
"Construction management and inspection and control of construction quality was insufficiently conducted at various stages and steps according to construction regulations," said the Peoples Court of Hanoi.
The Peoples Court ruled that in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Da Nang- Quang Ngai Expressway Project managed by the Expressway Corporation (VEC) project, that construction materials did not meet technical standards and design requirements, resulting in damage and serious consequences for the operation of the expressway.
In January 2012 the World Bank loaned Vietnam $613.5-million for the construction of the Da Nang – Quang Ngai Expressway,
with World Bank country director in Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, saying "It is the first time that the World Bank is financing an expressway in
Vietnam,"
"This is in recognition of Vietnam’s need for modern infrastructure as it addresses emerging challenges of a lower middle income country.”
World Bank country director in Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, said then "the Da Nang – Quang Ngai highway is expected to reduce the incidence of accidents, and facilitate domestic and international trade."
The Southeast Asian Times

Malaysian fleeing death sentence released from immigration detention centre in Australia

Malaysia's former Special Action Squad member Corporal, Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, released from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Australia cannot be departed
From News Reports:
Australia, November 14: Malaysia's former Special Action Squad member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, who was arrested by the Australian Immigration officials in Brisbane in the Australian state of Queensland in January 2015, after fleeing Malaysia in October 2014 ahead of a death sentence by the Kuala Lumpur Federal court in absentia for the murder of Mongolian translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28. was released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Australia, with his lawyer saying "Sirul Azhar Umar cannot be deported back to Malaysia," reports Reuters.
Lawyer, William Levingston, said that Sirul Azhar Umar was released from the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Sydney together with more than a hundred other immigration detainees after a High Court decision on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, saying "but he could not be deported back to Malaysia".
"My client faces death by hanging in Malaysia for a murder conviction and until the death penalty is abolished by the Malaysian government, the Australian government would not be able to deport Sirul due to non-refoulement obligations under international law," he said.
The Australian High Court overturned a 20-year precendent that had allowed for the ongoing detention of non-citizens without visas provided the government stated an intent to remove the detainees as soon as "reasonably practicable".
Special Action Squad, member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 48, who fled Malaysia in October 2014, was one of two Malaysian special police sentenced to death in January 2015 in the Kuala Lumpur Federal court in absentia for the murder of Mongolian translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, 28.
Special Action Squad, member Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, claims that a superior had ordered him to assist Malaysian Strategic Research Centre executive director, Abdul Razak Baginda, 56, saying that he had done no more than to meet Altantuya Shaariibuu and advise her not to harass Abdul Razak Baginda or create a 'ruckus' outside Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda's residence.
Translater, Altantuya Shaariibuu, who was believed to have been pregnant, reportedly died of two bullet wounds to the head with C4 explosives reportedly used in an effort to destroy her body in a jungle clearing at Mukim Bukit Raja on October 18, 2006.
Malaysian Strategic Research Centre executive director, Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, who worked for the then deputy prime minister, Najib Razak, was aquitted of any charges with Judge Mohammad Zaki Mommad Yasin saying that there was insufficient evidence to convict him of conspiring to murder the Mongolian woman.
”He is therefore acquitted and discharged,” he said.
In 2009 the trial of the two Special Action Squad members Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar,
charged with killing the woman interpreter ended with a guilty verdict and a death sentence, with Judge, Mohammad Zaki Mohammad Yasin saying that he found the defence of the two elete guards, who pleaded not guilty, "unbelievable".
In 2013 the court of appeals acquitted the two Special Action Squad members Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, of the murder but in 2015 a Federal Court decision overturned the Court of Appeal decision that had revoked the 2009 High Court guilty verdict and death sentence handed down to the two men.
In 2018 following the election of Dr Mahatir Mohomad, as Prime Minister, Member of Parliament, Lim Lip Eng called on police to reopen the investigation into the murder of the Mongolian translator, lodging a report with the Jinjang police station on 26 May.
"Both the High Court and Federal Court had failed to discover the motive behind the murder or the identity of the person who ordered the murder," he said.
The Southeast Asian Times

New Cambodia PM endorses cooperation with China's People's Liberation Army

Commander of the China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Li Qiaoming, left, and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, right, in Phnom Penh Wednesday November 8, 2023
From News Reports:
Phnom Penh, November 13: Newly elected Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was endorsed by his father former Prime Minister Hun Sen as prime ministerial candidate, endorsed the cooperation of Cambodia's Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, reports the Phnom Penh Post.
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet endorsed cooperation of Commander of the China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Li Qiaoming, saying "I have expressed my support for the ongoing efforts to strengthen and broaden the military ties between our two nations."
"Our areas of focus include collaboration in combined training drills, the advancement of human resources development, inter-unit collaboration and mine clearance efforts in Cambodia," he said.
Commander of the China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA), General Li Qiaoming said that the enduring friendship between Cambodia and China has a deep historical foundation, saying "the enduring friendship is evident through numerous achievements including collaboration in defence, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Fish and Rice Corridor."
"I have confidence that under Hun Manet’s leadership, bilateral relations between China and Cambodia will flourish," he said.
In September 2023 newly elected Prime Minister Hun Manet disputed allegations that Cambodia's Ream Naval Base in Sihanouk province on the Gulf of Thailand would host a Chinese military presence, saying at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York, "Cambodia will not authorise any foreign military base on its territory as clearly stated in Cambodia's constitution."
Cambodian Institute for Democracy president Pa Chanroeun said that he "welcomed Prime Minister Hun Manet's clarification of the Ream Naval Base allegations at the United Nations General Assembly."
He said that he had called on Cambodia to adhere to the essence of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, "saying "the Paris Peace Agreement does not permit foreign military bases on Cambodia's soil."
Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet said in April 2023 after he was endorsed by his father Prime Minister, Hun Sen, as prime ministerial candidate, "in accordance with Article 53 that is newly included in the Constitution, "the policy of Cambodia is not to align with China, or to anyone else."
He said new Article 53 that was included in the Constitution makes it clear that Cambodia's foreign policy is one of non-alignment, saying "the new policy was one introduced by the Cambodian People's Party."
In June 2021 the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy R Sherman, led a delegation to Cambodia calling on Cambodia for an explanation for the demolition of the United States funded Cambodian Navy tactical headquarters facility at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, reminding the then Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, that the United States has provided $US3 billion in assistance to Cambodia since the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements.
Cambodia had reportedly signed an agreement with China that gave China exclusive rights to the Ream Naval Base in Sihanouk province on the Gulf of Thailand that includes an agreement for the construction of a large airport.
The agreement reportedly allows China to post military personnel, store weapons and berth warships at the Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand for 30 years with automatic renewal every ten years.
The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy R Sherman, said in Phnom Penh at a meeting with then Prime Minister Hun Sen, that the United States sought clarification on the demolition of the United States funded Cambodian Navy tactical headquarters facility at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base that was demolished without notification or explanation in October 2020.
The Southeast Asian Times
 

Australia included in Pacific family in "Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty"

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano at the Leaders' Retreat at the Pacific Islands Forum in Aitutaki, Cook Islands in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on Thursday November 9, 2023
From News Reports:
Sydney, November 12: Australia and the Island nation of Tuvalu in the Cook Islands included in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) signed the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty at the Leaders' Retreat at the Pacific Islands Forum in Aitutaki, Cook Islands on Thursday, with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying "the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili union Treaty will be regarded as significant because Australia is acknowledged as part of the Pacific family," reports Reuters.
"The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty is Australia's most significant agreement with a Pacific Island nation," he said.
The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty that was signed by Australia's prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, recognises that "as Pacific countries the Parties' interests are intertwined and decisions taken by one Party affect the interests of the other."
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that under the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty "both Australia and Tuvalu commit to mutually agree any partnership, arrangement or engagement with any other state or entity on security and defence related matters in Tuvalu."
Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano, said that the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union Treaty "safeguards and supports Tuvalu as we face the threat of climate change and geostrategic challenges."
Australia and Tuvalu have committed to the promotion and protection of their shared interests in each other's prosperity, stability and security, including by responding to current and emerging security challenges including climate change.
In May 2022 Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, warned 10 Pacific Island nations including the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands and Niue that make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) of dire consequences if any nation endorsed China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific.
"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," he said.
Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo said ahead of Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and 20 delegates tour of the Pacific Islands in an effort to gain endorsement for the Common Development Vision for the Pacific.
China's Common Development Vision for the Pacific includes training Pacific police officers, expanding law enforcement cooperation and traditional and non-traditional security.
"China 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.
The Southeast Asian Times

Singapore Human Rights Lawyer sentenced to prison for contempt of court

Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy, who was barred from practicing law for five years for accusing the Attorney-General of Singapore of "being overzealous in his prosecution of a death row client," was sentenced to prison for contempt of court on Wednesday November 8, 2023

From News Reports:
Singapore, November 11: The Singapore High Court sentenced Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy, to 21 days in prison for contempt of court in nine Singapore courts with lawyer Ravi Madasamy saying on Wednesday "I will not appeal the jail sentence," reports the Straits Times.
Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy, who was unrepresented argued that his bipolar disorder had a substantial impact on his behaviour and asked for fines instead, saying "jail should be imposed as a punishment only as a last resort."
Singapore High Court Justice Hoo Sheau Peng said on Wednesday that "the court agreed that Ravi Madasamy's bipolar disorder contributed to his conduct, but did not think it was so serious that it substantially impaired his capacity to exercise self-control."
"The mitigating effect of Ravi Madasamy's bipolar disorder, however, is far outweighed by the seriousness of his offending acts individually and collectively," she said
Justice Hoo Sheau Peng said that Ravi Madasamy's culpability "remains high" and that he was a senior lawyer carrying out his professional duties.
Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy, was sentenced to prison for contempt of court in nine Singapore courts with five counts of contempt of court committed in the Singapore High Court before Justice Audrey Lim and four in the State Courts before District Judge Chay Yuen Fatt.
Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy accused Justice Audrey Lim of bias in the Chua Qwong Meng versus Singapore Bus Services SBS Transit case, reportedly "intentionally interrupting Justice Audrey Lim and making allegations impugning the propriety of the court."
Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy also applied to have Jusice Audrey Lim disqualify herself from the case without taking instructions from his client, Chua Qwong Meng.
Human Rights lawyer Ravi Madasamy accused Judge Chay Yuen Fatt of bias reportedly "intentionally interrupting Judge Chay Yuen Fatt," and reportedly "insulting Judge Chay Yuen Fatt by saying that Judge Chay Yuen Fatt could be removed at will by the State".
On November 2, 2023 Human Rights Lawyer Ravi Madasamy recieved the 2023 International Bar Association (IBA) Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights for "his extraordinary dedication to defending human rights and advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the abolition of the death penalty in the Republic of Singapore.
Human Rights Lawyer Ravi Madasamy is the founding member of the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network and the Singapore Anti-Death Penalty Campaign (S.A.D.P.C.) community group.
The Southeast Asian Times


Election Commission petitioned to investigate shareholdings of ruling Pheu Thai Party Cabinet Ministers

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the shareholdings of two ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Cabinet Ministers on Monday November, 6 2023
From News Reports:
Bangkok, November 10: Former ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) and former member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP), Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the shareholdings of two ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Cabinet Ministers on Monday, reports the Bangkok Post.
Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chaiya Promma and Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang, claiming that both ministers have violated Sections 170 and 187 of the Constitution, saying "their spouses hold significant numbers of shares in the partnerships."
"The two Sections of the Constitution stipulate that politicians and their spouses may not own shares in a company while holding cabinet positions," he said.
He said the the two ruling Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Cabinet Ministers, assets and debts declaration, that was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) on taking office on September 1, showed that their spouses held more than 5 percent of shares in their companies.
"Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, Chaiya Promma's, wife, Anchalee Promma, a managing partner in the Sri Boonrueng Wattana Limited Partnership, notified the Department of Business Developent (DBD) on September 16 that the partnership had received a payment of 300,000 baht from Athisthan Promma, the ministers' daughter," he said.
Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, said that Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang's, spouse, Chaweewan Klungsang, was named by the Departments of Business Developent (DBD) as a managing partner of Klungsan Esan.
He said the shares had an estimated value of 1.2 million baht, saying "Chaweewan Klungsang held shares worth 1 million baht of that total as of November 3."
He said the number of shares held by Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang was more than 5 percent, saying "this is prohibited by the Constitution."
Former ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) member, Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, has also petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate assets and debts declaration of former Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat, submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the ownership of land in Pran Buri district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province in central Thailand in May ahead of the General Elections that resulted in Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat winning the majority of votes.
The Election Commission (EC) was petitioned to investigate if Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, had inheirited land in Prachuap Khiri Khan province from his late father who died in 2006.
Former ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) member Ruangkrai Leekitwattana and member of ruling, Pheu Thai Party (PTP), had also petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate the assets and debts declaration of Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigation allegations that Move Forward Party (MFP) leader, Pita Limjaroenrat held 42,000 shares in ITV Plc.
The Southeast Asian Times


Malaysia's to remove provisions granting stateless children right to citizenship from Constitution

Malaysia's non-government organisations (NGO's) call on the Conference of Rulers to review the government proposal for amendments to the Federal Constitution
From News Reports:
Kuala Lumpur, November 9: Malaysia's non-government organisations (NGO's) are calling on the Conference of Rulers to review the government's proposed alleged "regressive" amendments to the Federal Constitution that would remove provisions that grant stateless children the right to citizenship, saying "calls for the immediate review to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the proposed amendments have gone unheeded," reports
Malaysia's civil society organisations that include Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA), Yayasan Chow Kit, (YCK), a 24-hour crisis and drop-in centre, the Association of Family Support and Welfare Selangor and KL (Family Frontiers) and Lawyers for Liberty, a human rights and law reform Non-Government Organisation (NGO) are saying "there is no need to punish stateless children."
Lawyers for Liberty, a human rights and law reform Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Zaid Malik, said that the removal of the provisions that grant stateless children the right to citizenship is "crue,l" accusing the Home Ministry and National Registration Department of being unable to distinguish between an undocumented migrant and a stateless individual.
"There was no need to punish stateless children, who are citizens under the "by operation of law" in the Federal Constitution, for changes by the Home Ministry and National Registration Department for "by registration" in the Federal Constitution," he said.
He said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s attempt to suggest that the federal government is constrained by the final decisions made by the Conference of Rulers is unfounded.
“The Conference of Rulers are merely exercising their rights under the law but the decision to initiate, draft and proceed with these unjust amendments lies solely with the government,” he said.
The Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) object to the proposed amendements to the Constitution that change the words from "by operation of the law" to "by registration" that would make citizenship for those born in Malaysia subject to the broad discretion of the Home Ministry and National Registration Department."
"The existence of stateless individuals is a blight to the federal government and now they want to remove provisions which grants the stateless the right to citizenship", he said.
The Federal Constition provides "by operation of the law" that Malaysian citizens include every person born in the Federation who is not born a citizen of any country, including children born to stateless parents, children born in Malaysia to Malaysian fathers out of wedlock, adopting stateless children.
The Southeast Asian Times



Australia and China shake hands on stabilising strained bilateral ties

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 6, 2023
From News Reports:
Beijing, November 8: Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said ahead of the official visit to China that included the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, opened by China Premier Li Qiang and a meeting with China President Xi Jinping in Beijing, "the much-anticipated visit to meet with XI and Li marked a very positive step in stabilising strained bilateral ties," reports Rueters.
The official visit to China by Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, marked the 50th anniversary of Australia's Prime Minister of Australia Gough Whitlam's first visit to China, the opening of Australia's first embassy in Beijing, and the signing of the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and China in 1985.
Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said "the relationship between Australia and China was energised by the complementary nature of our economies" in a speech at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Sunday.
"Along with the other economies in our region, Australia and China have prospered thanks to the certainty and stability that is made possible by rules-based trade," he said.
China Premier Li Qiang said in a speech at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Sunday that "China will actively promote application to join the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) free trade agreement."
"Taiwan, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Ecuador have also applied to join," he said.
The eleven nation members of the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) free trade agreement include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Japan, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
The Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) free trade agreement maintains standards and rules of the original 12 nation member Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that included the United States.
In January 2017 the United States administration under the newly elected president Donald Trump withdrew from the 12 nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement.
The signing of the agreement by the remaining 11 member nations was cancelled following the non-attendance at the signing ceremony as scheduled by Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau with Canada's Office of Ministry of International Trade saying then "there were oustanding issues for more than one TPP-11 member country including Canada that had yet to be resolved."
"We are working hard to maintain Canadian jobs in important industries such as automotive, agriculture, culture, and intellectual property,” he said.
Consensus on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia was reportedly not reached over several outstanding "trade issues."
The Southeast Asian Times

Japan PM calls on Malaysia and Philippines for defence cooperation for security of South China Sea

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, right, reached consensus for security of sea lanes in South China Sea in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday November 5, 2023
From News Reports:
Tokyo, November 7: Japan Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, called on Malaysia and the Philippines to strengthen security and defence cooperation during an official three day visit that coincided with the commemoration of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation 50th Anniversary, saying "mutual consensus has been reached for security of sea lanes in the South China Sea," reports the Japan Times.
"Mutual consensus has been reached to strengthen security and defence cooperation for security of sea lanes in the East and South China Sea with plans for joint exercises involving coast guard agencies," he said.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on Malaysia and the Philippines to strengthen security and defence cooperation under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) cooperation framework established by Japan in April to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes in the East and South China Seas, saying "any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas is not tolerated."
"Acceleration of the coordination of the Official Security Assistance (OSA) cooperation framework underscores a mutual committment that marks a pivotal reference point in the partnership between Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines," he said.
Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) cooperation framework aims to raise the security capabilities of economically developing countries with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying "in the currect regional situation it is important to uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law."
"Any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas will not be tolerated," he said.
In June 2020 Indonesia became the fifth Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state after the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, to challenge China's claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea with Indonesia’s then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi rejected China’s historical claim to the Natuna waters on grounds that China's fishing fleet has been historically active in the Natuna Sea.
“We urge China to explain the legal basis and provide a clear definition for its claim over the Natuna Sea," she said.
She said that Indonesia's rights over the Natuna Sea region have been confirmed under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China's Foreign Ministery spokesman, Geng Shuang, rejected the Indonesian claim over the Natuna Sea saying that "China's position and propositions comply with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)."
He said that the Natuna Sea is not under Indonesian sovereignty, saying that the Natuna Sea is a high sea where coastal countries have sovereign rights over natural resources."
In July 2016 Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favour of the Philippines against China's claim of "historic rights" over the South China Sea.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague decision followed the Philippine complaint in 2013 that called on the court to intervene in the Philippine dispute with China over the right to exploit natural resources inluding fish in the West Philippine Sea.
The Judges of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China had violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by invoking "historic rights" in its claim over the West Phillipine Sea.
China rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruling with China Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang saying then that "the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has no jurisdiction on this matter."
"The dispute was not covered by U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) because it was ultimately a matter of sovereignty not exploitation rights." he said.
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



What they're saying open page here

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



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



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


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

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



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


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



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

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



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


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

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

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



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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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


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



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

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Oz $ buys
Updated daily.
Prices indicative only

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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