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Daily News on the Southeast Asian Region
18 September 2020 (pm) - 21 September 2020 (am)
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This issue of Daily News Alert includes one commentary attributed to Dr Francis Hutchison, Senior Fellow, and one article citing The State of Southeast Asia: 2020 Survey Report.  You can click on the links to go to the articles directly.

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Cambodia
Cambodia

1.
How Cambodia can revive agriculture with big data: Will there be a drought in the coming weeks? Will rice fetch higher prices next month? Farmers will soon be able to leverage Big Data for its predictive insights to facilitate real-time decisions and drive agricultural sector growth in Cambodia.
ASEAN Today, 22 September 2020
https://www.aseantoday.com/2020/09/how-cambodia-can-revive-agriculture-with-big-data/




2.
Cambodia's Microfinance Industry in Troubled Waters: Cambodia's Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, amid claims that that overlending to poor borrowers, who can ill-afford to repay, has resulted in land seizures and the further immiseration of the poor. Ron Bevacqua is an accomplished economist and the author of "Building an Inclusive Financial Sector," a new book about the microfinance industry in Cambodia, which is available through the National Bank of Cambodia. Contrary to widespread opinion, Bevacqua argues that Cambodia's MFIs are not necessarily in crisis, but nor should microfinance be seen as a panacea for poverty.
 
[35-minute podcast]



3.
Adult education in Cambodia: Challenges and the way forward: There is no doubt in the selfless efforts taken by the Royal Government of Cambodia to rehabilitate education to be more robust and prosperous given that it is one of the most vital sectors to leverage economic growth through human resource development. In the same vein, adult education will play a crucial role in developing human resources and driving the Kingdom's economy across the threshold to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.


4.
CNRP activist freed; Sam Rainsy pledges return to Kingdom: Political analyst Lao Mong Hay said Rainsy's return was an encouragement to his supporters and a boost to his popularity. Such a result could lead to a reaction from the government. He said a crackdown on Rainsy's supporters will lead to more criticism and condemnation, undermining the legitimacy of the government and the authorities.
Phnom Penh Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/cnrp-activist-freed-sam-rainsy-pledges-return-kingdom




5.
PM: Kingdom still a good investment: Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday told US companies and investors that although Covid-19 has slowed the growth of Cambodia's economy, the government has proactively taken measures to keep business activities afloat and the country remains a good investment destination for US firms.
Phnom Penh Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/pm-kingdom-still-good-investment


IndonesiaIndonesia

6.
Discourse: Indonesia strives to be bridge builder in a divided world: Ahead of [President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's] maiden speech at the UNGA, The Jakarta Post's Dian Septiari speaks with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to touch on the key messages that the President is to raise, as well as Indonesia's views on the UN as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Jakarta Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/22/discourse-indonesia-strives-to-be-bridge-builder-in-a-divided-world.html




7.
Maintaining progress on gender equality is key to Indonesia's pandemic recovery: ...we looked at the impact on economic growth of taking action on gender equality now, later, and not at all, with a focus on six countries including Indonesia and India. We found that if no action is taken to counter the gender-regressive effects of COVID-19, global gross domestic product (GDP) growth could be US$1 trillion lower in 2030. That would represent a significant hit to economies already struggling to recover from the pandemic.
Oliver Tonby is McKinsey's Asia chairman and Phillia Wibowo is managing partner in McKinsey's Indonesia office.
Jakarta Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/21/maintaining-progress-on-gender-equality-is-key-to-indonesias-pandemic-recovery.html




8.
The cost of Indonesia's vote: For President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, or any future Indonesian leader for that matter, the issue of Palestine has always been about accommodating Muslim interests - an issue that unites the entire Muslim ummah as a single voting bloc is a luxury that any leader would be lucky to have.



9.
The outlook of Indonesia-Japan relations under PM Suga: Japan needs to recalibrate its efforts in balancing the power competition of the US and China in the region, Indonesia included. The political and economic implications of rising tension between these two major powers pose a risk for the Indonesia-Japan bilateral relationship. Fortunately, Japan has always been deemed a trustworthy partner by President Jokowi's government.
Noto Suoneto is a foreign policy researcher affiliated with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) Jakarta with research interest on East Asian affairs and the international political economy. Birgitta Riani, a graduate of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacif
Jakarta Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/21/the-outlook-of-indonesia-japan-relations-under-pm-suga.html




10.
Coronavirus Indonesia: Can Jakarta get its raging Covid-19 outbreak under control?: The stakes are high for the capital city of 10 million people, which indirectly contributes to about 60 per cent of the country's economy. Experts say Indonesia, which has the highest death toll in Southeast Asia, is still in its first wave of infections despite earlier social-distancing restrictions.
South China Morning Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3102437/coronavirus-indonesia-can-jakarta-get-its-raging-covid




11.
Indonesia's Parliament continues deliberation of controversial family resilience Bill: Indonesia's lawmakers have started to deliberate the controversial family resilience Bill as lawmakers behind the planned legislation, deemed by critics to interfere with citizens' privacy, submitted it to the House's legislation body (Baleg) on Monday (Sept 21). Lawmaker Netty Prasetiyani of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) highlighted in the meeting with Baleg that the government must protect families, the basis for making public policies, from "vulnerability". "If each family is able to build 'immunity' and 'antibodies' against (life challenges), then family resilience will become a pillar of national resilience," Ms Netty said as livestreamed on YouTube on Monday.
Straits Times, 22 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesias-parliament-continues-deliberation-of-controversial-family-resilience-bill




12.
Indonesian capital reinstates full-scale restrictions: The first round of the full-scale PSBB in Jakarta lasted for 56 days between April and June, and the lockdown became transitional thereafter. However, The Economist Intelligence Unit expects the newly introduced restrictions to be shorter in duration, largely because of concerns over economic growth and public revenue. In addition, the local government will view an extended lockdown period as largely futile in a 3-6-month perspective, as surrounding cities are not mandating similar measures on this occasion, as they did last time. This will make it more likely that transmission rises rapidly again once travel in and out of Jakarta normalises.
Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), 21 September 2020
https://www.eiu.com/viewswire/article/520184635/indonesian-capital-reinstates-full-scale-restrictions




13.
Extremist Women Behind Bars in Indonesia: While ad hoc arrangements for managing detained women extremists have worked reasonably well thus far, the burden has fallen disproportionately on prison case officers (wali or pamong) to experiment with different approaches to moderating the behaviour of their charges. Indonesian authorities need to recognise the vital role these women play...
 
[29-page PDF document]

Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, 21 September 2020
http://file.understandingconflict.org/file/2020/09/EXTREMIST_



14.
Palace Insists on Holding Elections on Schedule Despite Soaring Covid-19 Cases: President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has reiterated the government's insistence on holding regional elections in December, a move that many feared would worsen the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The most populous nation in Southeast Asia will hold elections for 270 cities, districts, and provinces on Dec 9. The occasions preceded with public gatherings, which epidemiologists said was the primary avenue for the Covid-19 to spread in the country.
Jakarta Globe, 21 September 2020
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/palace-insists-on-holding-elections-on-schedule-despite-soaring-covid19-cases




15.
Female workers in Indonesia earn 23% less than their male peers: The inequality has slightly narrowed as the gender pay gap, the difference between the average wages of men and those of women as a percentage of men's wages, was slightly higher at 23.44 percent in the same month last year. However, the wage gap has not improved very much from the level seen in February 2010 at 23.64 percent.
Jakarta Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/20/female-workers-in-indonesia-earn-23-less-than-their-male-peers.html




16.
Financial sector overhaul: The fragmentary statements made by the government over the past three weeks on plans to reform the financial sector could cause confusion in an industry already mired in high uncertainty.



17.
Palm oil sector relies on domestic demand as exports drop: Indonesia, the world's top palm oil producer, is expected to raise domestic consumption by a slight 1.2 percent year-on-year (yoy) to 15.8 million tons in 2020, Gapki data unveiled on Sept. 1 show.
Jakarta Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/20/palm-oil-sector-relies-on-domestic-demand-as-exports-drop.html




18.
Poor awareness, infrastructure limit rural business digitalization: A lack of awareness and limited telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas have prevented many of the country's small businesses from taking advantage of online platforms to boost their sales amid the COVID-19 outbreak. A recent Statistics Indonesia (BPS) survey of around 34,500 businesses nationwide on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic found that only 43.73 percent of businesses in regencies marketed their products online, compared to 57.46 percent in cities.
Jakarta Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/21/poor-awareness-infrastructure-limit-rural-business-digitalization.html


LaosLaos

19.
Lao Christians, Government Work to Educate Rural Authorities on Law Protecting the Church: Members of Lao Christian communities are now working with central government officials to inform rural authorities of a law protecting the evangelical church in areas where harassment of Christians continues, Lao sources say... Only Christians living in the capital Vientiane and in other large cities were formerly acknowledged and respected by the general public, RFA's source said, speaking on condition of anonymity for reasons of personal safety.
Radio Free Asia, 21 September 2020
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/law-09212020171649.html


MalaysiaMalaysia

20.
Language 'ultras' holding back reforms on English, says group: An education group says the downward spiral of English-language skills among teachers is now at a crisis level. It urged the government to stop pandering to politicians and Malay-language ultra-nationalists.
Free Malaysia Today, 22 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/22/language-ultras-holding-back-reforms-on-english-says-group/




21.
A tale of two Bung Moktars: Mention the name Bung Moktar, and very likely, the Kinabatangan MP in all his feisty, finger-pointing, profanity-spewing glory comes to mind. His colourful and sometimes offensive antics in Parliament have caused a lot of controversy over the years - the apparent notoriety cemented after an angry outburst was preserved for posterity as a meme.
Malay Mail Online, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/22/a-tale-of-two-bung-moktars/1905386




22.
Early voting kicks off in Sabah: The early voting process for the Sabah state election begins at 8am today to enable a total of 16,877 police and army personnel, as well as their spouses, to cast their votes at 55 voting centres statewide. The process will last until 5pm.
Malay Mail Online, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/22/early-voting-kicks-off-in-sabah/1905428




23.
Muda and political disruption: The recent launch of a new political party, Muda, is an interesting new move in Malaysian politics. Of course, the idea of a multi-racial, multi-religious political party in Malaysia is not, in itself, a new thing.
Malay Mail Online, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2020/09/22/muda-and-political-disruption-ziad-hafiz-razak/1905476




24.
Perak Sultan calls for wider acceptance of fatwas among Muslim community: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, said today all fatwa must be accepted positively as they can strengthen the ummah's faith, and they should not be regarded as restrictive and oppressive. He said the institution of the mufti should provide ample time for consultation, including holding discussions with the various stakeholders when addressing new issues without precedence to ensure that facts can be analysed in depth and comprehensively before the fatwa are issued.
Malay Mail Online, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/22/perak-sultan-calls-for-wider-acceptance-of-fatwas-among-muslim-community/1905479




25.
Army voters angered by Mohammadin's faux pax on Lahad Datu: Army personnel are outraged over Warisan's candidate for Segama Mohamaddin Ketapi's controversial remark on the Lahad Datu intrusion. A straw poll conducted by Malaysiakini at a naval base showed that many of them knew about the incident via social media.
Malaysiakini, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/543555




26.
Individuals with dual citizenship might be planning trouble - IGP: Police are not ruling out the possibility that several individuals from a neighbouring country holding dual citizenship might enter Sabah to vote and create trouble during polling on Saturday. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador said there were rumours that this group has an agenda to support certain parties in the 16th Sabah state election.
Malaysiakini, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/543553




27.
Sabah voters face a stark choice: The situation may look complicated given that there are so many contestants in the arena. But the choice for the people of Sabah is clear-cut: either you vote for Warisan Plus or Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Malaysiakini, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/543542




28.
Warisan suffers self-inflicted blow at critical moment in Sabah campaign: Warisan, the party leading the incumbent coalition in the Sabah polls, suffered a self-inflicted injury at a critical period in its re-election campaign as early voting for police and military personnel begins today.
Malaysiakini, 22 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/543528




29.
'Abah' campaign won't alter Sabah polls: "Personalities, family ties and track records are more important here," said Universiti Malaya's Prof Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. Hamidin, who is also a research fellow with Ilham Centre, said although Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has high ratings in the state, it will not directly translate to votes.
Malaysian Insight, 22 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273931




30.
'Warisan Plus enjoys slight edge: WARISAN Plus has a slight edge in the Sabah elections on Saturday, said a political analyst and a former director of a state-owned foundation. They said the incumbent party projected a clear candidate for chief minister and a consistent message on what it stood for in Sabah.
Malaysian Insight, 22 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273977




31.
Anti-frog campaign gains little traction in Sabah: A survey by Sabah-based think-tank SEED showed that overall, 49% of Sabah voters cast their ballots based on the candidate's stature rather than the party. About 52.6% of voters below 40 said they voted based on the candidates contesting, while a slight majority of older voters tended to choose along party lines.
Malaysian Insight, 22 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273940




32.
Sarawak reeling from foreign workers' ban: TWO of Sarawak's economic sectors heavily dependent on foreign labour - oil palm plantations and construction - are reportedly reeling from the September 7 entry ban Putrajaya imposed on nationals from 23 countries. The ban applies to countries recording more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases and among them is Indonesia - the state's sole approved source of foreign labour.
Malaysian Insight, 22 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273776




33.
'Agihan kerusi boleh jadi isu' [Seat distribution may be an issue]: Pensyarah Kanan Sains Politik, Fakulti Sains Pentadbiran dan Pengajian Polisi Universiti Teknologi Mara, Mujibu Abd Muis bagaimanapun berkata, agihan kerusi di Semenanjung Malaysia dilihat akan lebih menjadi rebutan parti dalam Perikatan Nasional (PN) termasuk Pas.



34.
Beza ketuanan Yahudi dan Melayu [The difference between the Jews and the Malays' supremacy]: Bandingkan dengan mindset ketuanan Melayu. Ke manakah arah tujuan dengan takbir dan laungan slogan 'hidup Melayu'? Ke manakah arah tuju dengan laungan kepimpinan ulama, tradisi membela rakyat, Malaysia baharu?



35.
赛沙迪的机会与考验[Syed Saddiq's opportunities and trials]: 巫统的过气老政客纳兹里就赛沙迪成立民阵一事,揶揄他乳臭未干,而且愚蠢。是的,如果将来民阵的核心成员都是年轻人,那么这个政党可能只是昙花一现。但是老人也有新思维,也有大批支持多元种族政治且睿智的老一代政治人物,民阵如果能宽宏包容不同族群,礼贤下士,广纳贤才,是会有希望的。
Sinchew
星洲网, 22 September 2020
https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2346330.html




36.
Sabah STAR no longer supporting independent candidates, says Kitingan: Independent candidates will no longer be supported by Sabah STAR, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. This is in contrast to an initial statement he made on Sept 16, when he said that Sabah STAR endorsed incumbent Inanam assemblyman Kenny Chua and several other independent candidates.
Star, 22 September 2020
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/09/22/sabah-star-no-longer-supporting-independent-candidates-says-kitingan




37.
Growing strains in debt-laden companies stir concerns about corporate Malaysia: The financial woes of two large and prominent local companies are stirring concerns about the overall health of corporate Malaysia - particularly debt-laden publicly listed entities - amid the Covid-19 pandemic.The problems facing casino tycoon Lim Kok Tay of the Genting Group, Malaysia's richest businessman, and record losses at national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd, or Petronas, the country's richest entity and its sole Fortune 500 listing, suggest that companies in corporate Malaysia that are heavy on debt and light on cash could be in for some challenging months if the international economic outlook does not pick up.
Straits Times, 22 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/growing-strains-in-debt-laden-companies-stir-concerns-about-corporate-malaysia




38.
Snap elections in Malaysia: Later rather than sooner?: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has had a surprising and welcome boost. A nationwide poll conducted in July and last month found that 69 per cent of Malaysians, including 93 per cent of Malays, think he is doing a good job. This will reinforce the prevailing narrative that Tan Sri Muhyiddin would be well served by calling snap elections to bolster his legitimacy and secure a larger parliamentary majority. This scenario is supported by the Prime Minister's coalition partner Umno, which is all too eager to head to the polls.
Francis E. Hutchinson is a senior fellow and coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.
Straits Times, 22 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/snap-elections-in-malaysia-later-rather-than-sooner




39.
Promises, promises: or manifestos that deliver little: Api-Api candidate Pang Yuk Ming was overcome with embarrassment while at a gathering with a small group of islanders from Pulau Gaya near here on Monday. He had asked them what his fellow candidates had pledged they would do for Gaya islanders if elected: most of the responses were about upgrading the walkways at the water villages, or promising to improve water and electricity supplies.
Free Malaysia Today, 21 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/21/promises-promises-or-manifestos-that-deliver-little/




40.
Questions over 'dumping' of PAS in Sabah polls: PAS has long been established as an Islamist party with the idea of promoting Islam as an ideal platform for governance. PAS has faith in political Islam. Before this, PAS was against secularism or any other political means to govern the country, let alone work with non-Muslim political parties. To PAS, political Islam is its pristine goal, even when the world has now seen many Muslim countries fail in their mission by opting for this religio-political stance. Some of these countries have audaciously reverted to secularism and have now separated politics from religion.
Free Malaysia Today, 21 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2020/09/21/questions-over-dumping-of-pas-in-sabah-polls/




41.
Sabah state election: Hajiji reveals his secret for staying relevant in Sulaman: Datuk Hajiji Noor, 65, is a household name especially in the Sulaman constituency for being a humble leader who keeps his cool and is always ready with a smile. Despite being among the top leaders in Sabah, Hajiji never let the positions he held throughout his involvement in the state's political arena stop him from being close to the people especially in the Sulaman constituency, a seat he has held since 1990.
Malay Mail Online, 21 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/21/sabah-state-election-hajiji-reveals-his-secret-for-staying-relevant-in-sula/1905317




42.
What Malaysia needs urgently: Unity of all Malaysians for a New Sabah and a New Malaysia: First of all, let me congratulate Syed Saddiq for showing the way that Malaysia needs new thinking, that we must be colour-blind and cannot be bound by narrow views about nation-building, that we cannot and should not imprison ourselves by racial or religious exclusivity. Syed Saddiq is forming a political party of youths.
Malay Mail Online, 21 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2020/09/21/what-malaysia-needs-urgently-unity-of-all-malaysians-for-a-new-sabah-and-a/1905129




43.
Shafie hit by anti-migrant sentiment, Muhyiddin struggles to foster unity: As the Sabah election campaign enters its final lap, both key contenders Warisan Plus and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are still grappling with perennial problems. Warisan Plus, led by incumbent chief minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, continued to be dogged by anti-migrant sentiments, particularly along the west coast and interiors of Sabah.
Malaysiakini, 21 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/543469




44.
No sign Chinese votes returning to BN: [Ilham Centre head of research Dr Mohd Yusri Ibrahim] said based on sentiments on the ground in the ongoing Sabah election campaign, the Chinese community appeared to be leaning towards Warisan Plus. ... In the peninsula, however, he conceded there are some signs that Chinese votes are returning to BN but said these could be unique to particular developments.
Malaysian Insight, 21 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273915




45.
Rot in Malaysian education and other essays: Dr Mahathir may have convinced himself as well as others in blaming currency speculators as well as Abdullah and Najib for his failure to lead Malaysia into that elusive and exclusive "developed nation" status, but he does not convince me. Vision 2020 failed because of a much more simple and fundamental reason - the inadequacies of the nation's education system.
M. Bakri Musa
Malaysian Insight, 21 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273810




46.
Sabah's dark horse raring to go in polls: SOME 90% of its candidates are in their 40s, it champions the rights of Sabahans, and none of its candidates are among the much-maligned "political frogs". On this score, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) has earned the tag of dark horse in the 16th Sabah state election with its message of change.
Malaysian Insight, 21 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273846




47.
University as a populist tool: Politicians and vested interests in Asian countries, particularly Malaysia, often hijack university as a niche-value added factor for regional socio-economic development, but in reality only for the purpose of achieving political and financial gains.
Chong Kok Boon
Malaysian Insight, 21 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/273777


MyanmarMyanmar

48.
Number of eligible voters may increase in upcoming election: UEC: There are over 50 million people in Myanmar. Among them, there are over 38 million of eligible voters for General Election-2020. There were over 34 million of eligible voters for General Election- 2015 but only over 23 million voted in the 2015 election. Myint Naing said that the entire people are facing the COVID-19 outbreak. At that time, they gained courage to overcome the coronavirus outbreak. The UEC wanted to mark a milestone on successfully holding the general election-2020 like other countries during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Eleven Myanmar, 21 September 2020
https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/number-of-eligible-voters-may-increase-in-upcoming-election-uec




49.
Ousted and outspoken: The lady taking on Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar's election - Booted from Ms Aung San Suu Kyi's "chaotic and autocratic" party, one female MP is now taking on Myanmar's national heroine in the upcoming election, claiming the country needs to work with, not against, a military accused of genocide. Voters are expected to return Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party to power at the Nov 8 polls - only the second since the country emerged from decades of outright military rule - but Ms Thet Thet Khine is still hoping to make her mark.
Straits Times, 21 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/ousted-and-outspoken-the-lady-taking-on-aung-san-suu-kyi-in-myanmars-election




50.
How will ethnic parties fair in the Myanmar elections? According to the Union Election Commission (UEC), there are 94 political parties registered, of which about more than 30 are Bamar parties and some 60 belonging to the ethnic political parties (EPPs). And thus, the major three groupings can be identified as contenders, namely: the Bamar civilian parties; the military bloc parties; and the EPPs.

PhilippinesPhilippines

51.
'Strong' peso, weak economy: Reports describe the Philippine peso as the "best performing" currency in Asia this year so far, having appreciated against the US dollar by 4.3 percent since the year started, thereby "outperforming its regional peers." I have a basic discomfort with statements like this, because the economist in me knows that a currency rising in value yields both winners and losers.
Cielito F. Habito
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 22 September 2020
https://opinion.inquirer.net/133805/strong-peso-weak-economy




52.
Critics compare Marcos, Duterte: President Rodrigo Duterte has become a "globally infamous dictator" akin to the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, an international coalition of human rights groups said on Monday, following a European Union (EU) Parliament's resolution condemning the human rights situation in the Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 22 September 2020
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1338174/critics-compare-marcos-duterte




53.
EU Threatens Philippine Trade Perks Over Rights Abuses: The European Union has threatened to revoke its trade preferences to the Philippines in response to "the seriousness of the human rights violations" committed by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. ...The Philippines currently enjoys privileged access to the European market under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme, which grants duty-free entry to more than 6,200 products. In a September 17 resolution, the European Parliament stated that "in the absence of any substantial improvement and willingness to cooperate on the part of the Philippine authorities," the resolution called on the European Commission "to immediately initiate the procedure which could lead to the temporary withdrawal of GSP+ preferences."
Diplomat, 21 September 2020
https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/eu-threatens-philippine-trade-perks-over-rights-abuses/




54.
Rodrigo Duterte: The Weak Strongman of the Philippines - After Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announced his resignation due to poor health last month, many Filipinos wondered aloud if Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would soon arrive at the same decision, considering his recent revelation that his medical condition was "nearing stage one cancer." Duterte earlier disclosed that he suffers from a litany of ailments including Buerger's disease and Barrett's esophagus. ...The president's health and advanced age were not used against him during the 2016 presidential election. They only became a concern after the public began noticing his frequent absences from official events.
Diplomat, 21 September 2020
https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/rodrigo-duterte-the-weak-strongman-of-the-philippines/




55.
3 ex-communists link party-lists to CPP-NPA: Self-proclaimed former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), accused the opposition Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives of alleged ties to the five-decades-old communist rebellion in the country.
Manila Bulletin, 21 September 2020
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/21/3-ex-communists-link-party-lists-to-cpp-npa/




56.
DOT to invest P325 M in local geotourism: The Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to invest a total of P325 million for the geotourism-based branding of tourist destinations, provinces, and key cities included in the regional tourism circuits.
Manila Bulletin, 21 September 2020
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/21/dot-to-invest-p325-m-in-local-geotourism/




57.
Islamic banks eye PH halal ecozones: "Islamic banks and Muslim investors of the world not just in the Middle East are waiting as soon as our halal hubs and production zones are made available," PEZA Director-General Charito B. Plaza announced at the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).
Manila Bulletin, 21 September 2020
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/21/islamic-banks-eye-ph-halal-ecozones/



58.
PH external debt lowest among ASEAN 5: The Philippines has the lowest gross external debt position among the major Southeast Asian economies, placing the country in a much stronger position to cushion the blow of the coronavirus-induced crisis, the Department of Finance (DOF) assured.
Manila Bulletin, 21 September 2020
https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/21/ph-external-debt-lowest-among-asean-5/


ThailandThailand

59.
MPs urged to opt for direct CDA election: Legislators are being urged by a civil group to vote for a charter draft that embraces the direct election of Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) members to prevent political influence in the drafting process. The call comes ahead of a two-day parliament debate on six charter amendment drafts set to begin on Wednesday. Two of the drafts are sponsored individually by the main opposition Pheu Thai Party and government coalition parties. All six seek to revise Section 256 of the constitution to clear the way for the formation of a charter drafting body.
Bangkok Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1989299/mps-urged-to-opt-for-direct-cda-election




60.
PM advises rehabilitation focus for 20-year strategy: Speaking at the annual meeting of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday the country's 20-year national strategy plan needs to be amended to focus more on rehabilitating society and economy, which have been wrecked by the pandemic.
Bangkok Post, 22 September 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1989363/pm-advises-rehabilitation-focus-for-20-year-strategy




61.
Ominous Overtones in Growing Thailand Protest: Student protests that have rocked cities across Thailand for weeks have grown into a larger phenomenon. Massive protests this weekend at Thammasat University and on the Sanam Luang royal field near the ornate Grand Palace show the strength of the movement against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government, and against King Maha Vajiralongkorn, an unpopular, unaccountable monarch who has completely failed to show any interest in the well-being of his people both before and during the Covid-19 induced economic meltdown.
Asia Sentinel, 21 September 2020
https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/ominous-overtones-in-growing-thailand




62.
Royalists demand protest leaders be prosecuted for lese majeste: The groups' leader, Tul Sittisomwong, called on police to prosecute the three protest leaders, namely students Panusaya "Rung"Sitthijirawattanakul and Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak and human-rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, for violating the lese-majeste law.
Nation, 21 September 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394884




63.
Thailand: Govt pushing ahead with mega transport projects as health ministry announces no Covid-19 cases - The government's subcommittee tasked with examining medium and long-term economic measures has reportedly suggested expediting mega-projects to the Centre for Economic Situation Administration. The total value of the projects is estimated at around Bt1.2 trillion. Investment in these projects should be accerelated, the panel has recommended. Among them are the Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Taling Chan Red Line mass-transit system worth Bt1.07 billion. The project is slated to be trialled on July 1, 2021.Another project is the Phase-1 Thailand-China high-speed train project.
Star, 21 September 2020
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/09/21/thailand-govt-pushing-ahead-with-mega-transport-projects-as-health-ministry-announces-no-covid-19-cases


VietnamVietnam

64.
Without coal-fired thermal power, can Vietnam afford expensive 'clean power'? The Ministry of Industry and Trade has not yet confirmed the complete withdrawal from use of coal-fired thermal power, but is designing a roadmap to reduce the proportion of this kind of power for the nation's electricity output.
VietNamNet, 21 September 2020
https://vietnamnet.vn/en/feature/without-coal-fired-thermal-power-can-vietnam-afford-expensive-clean-power-674779.html


ASEANASEAN/Southeast Asia

65.
Finalizing FTAs will be a boost for Southeast Asian economy: When a recession hits, economies tend to become more protective by putting up trade barriers. But that isn't an advisable option for trade-dependent Southeast Asia. If anything, now is the time for ASEAN members to open up further by joining multilateral trade deals such as CPTPP and RCEP.
Stuart Tait is head of commercial banking, Asia Pacific, HSBC and board member of EU-ASEAN Business Council.
Jakarta Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/21/finalizing-ftas-will-be-a-boost-for-southeast-asian-economy.html




66.
ASEAN-EU: Strengthening our partnership is a necessity: If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the EU and ASEAN must come together as like-minded 'partners in integration', even if they are geographically distant. While others choose to undercut multilateralism, our organizations should ensure that our trading systems, prosperity and security are governed by rules and based on international agreements, not on the idea that "might makes right".
Josep Borrell is European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.
Jakarta Post, 18 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/09/18/asean-eu-strengthening-our-partnership-is-a-necessity.html


SCSEast/South China Sea

67.
The South China Sea map that wasn't: A mistake? Maybe. But a US map of Vietnam including the Paracel and Spratly islands raises big questions.



68.
Global Impact newsletter: escalating conflict in the South China Sea - If you want to start a world war, a good way to do it is to mix the escalating conflict between two of the world's greatest military powers with the grievances of a half-dozen smaller countries over territorial claims. That's the current situation in the South China Sea, the massive body of water that stretches more than 4,000km (2,485 miles) from mainland China in the north to Indonesia in the south...

SpecialComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) / Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

69.
RCEP will redraw the economic and strategic map of the Indo-Pacific: On arrival, RCEP will be the world's second most important trade agreement, behind only the World Trade Organization itself. If RCEP is completed during the November summit season-as now seems likely-it will remake the economic and strategic map of the region.
Jeffrey Wilson
Australian Strategic Policy Institute, 21 September 2020
https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/rcep-will-redraw-the-economic-and-strategic-map-of-the-indo-pacific/


Superpower relations and the region

70.
Opinion - Brave words not enough to affirm ASEAN centrality: The US-China contest for hard and soft power domination of the region was front and center at the recent round of ASEAN-hosted senior officials' talks. In the run-up to - and at - the meetings, China and the US sharply criticized each other and appealed to the Southeast Asian countries to support their position. In response, the statement of the ASEAN Regional Forum chairman bravely reaffirmed ASEAN's centrality in regional security affairs. But to some, this was whistling by the graveyard of high aspirations. Without unity, ASEAN will likely lose its cherished centrality. As the US-China confrontation in the South China Sea heats up, it is not clear that ASEAN can maintain either in the face of great-power involvement in the region.



71.
Why the Future Will Be Multipolar (And Why this is Good News): Labelling US-China relations a 'New Cold War' is an intellectually lazy, historically sloppy, and potentially dangerous trope. There is nothing particularly unusual about strategic rivalry between major powers. Competition is inherent in the dynamics of any system of sovereign states. The question to be asked in the case of US-China relations is not why they compete, but why many observers apparently find such competition so baffling as to reach unthinkingly for a historical analogy based on a situation that ended more than a quarter century ago - as if the mere addition of the adjective 'new' is sufficient to make sense of the current circumstances. The 'New Cold War' metaphor superficially seems appropriate. In reality, however, it downplays and distorts the complexity of the Sino-American relationship, thus narrowing the strategic imagination and artificially constraining policy choices.



72.
Donald Trump or Joe Biden? What will change for Asean after the US election?: There is growing consensus in Southeast Asia that US-China and South China. Sea tensions and the impact of the trade war will not go away after November. Trump's failure to appoint an Asean envoy is seen as an insult, as analysts hope the US stops dealing with the region through the lens of its China rivalry. A survey of Southeast Asian government, business and media elites by Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in January found that 60 per cent of respondents believed the US would be a better strategic partner if there were a change of leadership in November's vote.
South China Morning Post, 21 September 2020
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3102411/trump-or-biden-what-will-change-asean-after-us-election


 


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