|
ISEAS Library Selects
Daily News on the Southeast Asian Region
11 September 2020 (pm) - 14 September 2020 (am)
|
|
|
|
Greetings
This issue of Daily News Alert includes one commentary attributed to Mr Kevin Zhang, Research Officer, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. You can click his name to go to the article directly.
This is a daily information alert service containing articles and commentaries from international and regional news sources. The alert is released every Monday to Friday, focussing on Southeast Asia and special topics relevant to ISEAS' research interests. You can click on any of the links below to directly access the subject of your immediate interest. If you think your friends and colleagues would find this alert useful, please invite them to subscribe.
|
Country Studies
| |
|
|
|
|
Vietnam
| |
Southeast Asia Countries
| |
Brunei Darussalam
|
|
| |
|
Singapore
|
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
| |
Region
| |
|
|
| |
|
To view the full articles, please click on the hyperlinks. For those that require passwords (usually assigned to a particular PC in the Library) due to subscription restrictions imposed, please visit the Library during its operating hours. If you have not been receiving our Daily News Alert in your inbox, your email system could be treating this alert as spam. You may add "@iseas-edu.ccsend.com" and "@constantcontact.com" to Safe Senders List (white list) through your email platform. More information is available at the Library FAQ webpage.
|
|
Cambodia
|
1.
|
Hun Manet Warns Troops of Opposition Attempts to Sow Dissension: Army Commander Hun Manet asked troops to be wary of opposition groups attempting to sow dissent among the ranks in an attempt to destroy peace, which is a thinly-veiled reference to Sam Rainsy's past calls for the military to disobey orders if asked to kill Cambodian citizens. The deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Hun Sen's eldest son, was speaking at an anniversary celebration for the Bodyguard Unit in Kandal province, which is tasked with protecting the prime minister.
|
Indonesia
|
2.
|
Government under pressure to delay polls: Of the total 309 regencies and cities holding elections, including 39 regencies and cities in nine provinces where voters will elect governors, 45 are in red zones at high risk of COVID-19 infection. The remaining 152 are in orange zones, or moderate-risk areas, and 72 regions are in yellow zones, or low-risk areas.
Jakarta Post, 14 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/paper/2020/09/13/government-under-pressure-to-delay-polls.html
|
|
4.
|
Postponing elections? Non-incumbent candidates and their nominating parties have complained about the restrictions, which they say will lower their chances of winning. They believe the rules - although they seek to promote health and safety - do not provide a level playing field for contenders. Given that incumbents, with all their privileges, will take advantage of the rules of the game, many have asked the KPU to postpone the regional elections.
Jakarta Post, 14 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/09/14/postponing-elections.html
|
|
7.
|
Indonesia's food estate in Humbang Hasundutan started this year: Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo unveiled on Saturday the ministry's plan on developing horticultural crops in Humbang Hasundutan Village, North Sumatra Province, under the government's Food Estate Program to be commenced this year. The first phase of this Food Estate Program will be started on one thousand hectares of farmland, Limpo noted in a statement made available to ANTARA here in connection with his working visit to Ria-Ria Village in Humbang Hasundutan (Humbahas) on Saturday.
Antara, 12 September 2020
https://en.antaranews.com/news/156458/indonesias-food-estate-in-humbang-hasundutan-started-this-year
|
|
8.
|
Daihatsu Shows How Restrictions Hit National Auto Sales Badly: Japanese automaker Daihatsu described in a simple chart how the two-month social restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak have sent national car sales into a free fall, as Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced a plan to re-impose restrictions starting on Monday. Daihatsu, who controls around 18 percent of the Indonesian automotive market share, demanded that the governor immediately put into details the upcoming restrictions -- whether it will be at the level of the April-May period or, as the governor has indicated, even stricter.
Jakarta Globe, 12 September 2020
https://jakartaglobe.id/business/daihatsu-shows-how-restrictions-hit-national-auto-sales-badly
|
|
9.
|
Anies Baswedan yang Salah Membaca Pesan Jokowi [Anies Baswedan misunderstands Jokowi]: Anies sepertinya yakin keputusannya kali ini didukung oleh pemerintah pusat. Tentu saja keyakinan itu bersumber dari kode yang disampaikan Jokowi, yang tiba-tiba tidak lagi memaksakan untuk memulihkan ekonomi selama penanganan kesehatan belum terkendali. Namun apa lacur. Anies sepertinya salah langkah. Keputusannya yang ingin membatasi mobilitas masyarakat yang berisiko menahan geliat ekonomi tidak disetujui pemerintah pusat.
Republika, 12 September 2020
https://republika.co.id/berita/qgixuh484/anies-baswedan-yang-salah-membaca-pesan-jokowi
|
|
10.
|
RI, UNDP, South Korean aid agency launch solar power plant project in four provinces: The government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia launched on Thursday an US$18 million project to provide solar power systems to rural communities in four provinces across the country. The project, called ACCESS Project, will install 23 communal solar power systems with a total power of 1.2 megawatts (MW) in 23 villages in West Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara and Central Kalimantan by 2023.
Jakarta Post, 11 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/09/11/ri-undp-south-korean-aid-agency-launch-solar-power-plant-project-in-four-provinces.html
|
|
11.
|
Indonesia Eyes Peatland for Food Sovereignty : The Indonesian government is making a bold bid for food security by opening hundreds of thousands of hectares in Kalimantan and Sumatra to industrial farming, outraging environmentalists who say the plan will destroy peatlands critical to combating global warming, and alarming rights activists who say former General Prabowo Subianto's role in the project smacks of a political deal to resuscitate his electoral chances.
Asia Sentinel, 10 September 2020
https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/indonesia-eyes-peatland-for-food
|
Laos
|
12.
|
Lao Army Launches TV Station Paid For by China: The Lao People's Army has launched a television station funded entirely by the country's powerful northern neighbor China, Lao media sources say. The station, Lao Army Television Channel 7, began broadcasting content on Sept. 9 from its building in the capital Vientiane. The station will operate under the authority of the Defense Ministry, which will be responsible for all broadcasts and programs distributed online, a Ministry official told RFA's Lao Service on Sept. 10.
Radio Free Asia, 11 September 2020
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/laos/station-09112020174442.html
|
Malaysia
|
14.
|
Coalition partners butt heads over Sabah CM post: Muhyiddin's announcement sent shock waves through the leadership of Umno, which is fielding 31 candidates in the polls compared with PPBM's 19. Umno leaders, including president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, immediately responded and indicated that any talk of who was to be the next chief minister was premature. Any decision on the post should be made once Barisan Nasional and its partners won the polls, said Zahid.
Free Malaysia Today, 14 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/14/coalition-partners-butt-heads-over-sabah-cm-post/
|
|
15.
|
多元主义vs单元政治[Multiracial vs monoracial politics]: G25这个组织一向倡导多元主义、中庸路线，其宗旨是团结、和谐、民主和繁荣的马来西亚之梦。以道菲伊斯迈个人而言，他其实比G25其他成员更热诚、更激进、更勇敢。他曾经挑战伊党主席哈迪阿旺在国会所提呈的1965年伊斯兰法庭（刑事权限）修正法案（俗称"355法案"）违宪，也违反议会常规；他把哈迪阿旺和国会议长都告上法庭。
|
|
16.
|
Three things we learned from: PAS Muktamar 2020: This year's PAS Muktamar, or annual congress, is the first to take place after the Islamist party became part of the federal government in March. It, however, still chose to hold the event in its traditional homebase of Kelantan even though the Muslimat wing had opted for Kuala Lumpur. The focus of last year's Muktamar was PAS' cooperation with Umno under the umbrella of Malay unity.
Malay Mail Online, 14 September 2020
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/14/three-things-we-learned-from-pas-muktamar-2020/1902910
|
|
17.
|
COMMENT - Creeping up of a new norm: Gender segregation - When it was reported on July 14 this year that PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabbar proposed that Pahang follows Terengganu in implementing gender segregation in cinemas, I wasn't surprised, but I felt a little bit alarmed. We should not kid ourselves; we should know PAS well enough by now - their call to implement gender segregation in public spaces is one that they will continuously pursue. And how very convenient that the social distancing SOPs that are critical to Covid-19 prevention can be used to further the cause of moral policing!
Malaysiakini, 14 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542541
|
|
18.
|
More Malay youths picking up Mandarin as third language: The popularity of Mandarin classes is rising among Malaysians, including those without Chinese heritage, who are starting to recognise its significance, especially living in a multicultural country. This trend is apparent especially through the mushrooming of such classes, which use Bahasa Malaysia as a medium of instruction, catering mostly to the adult Malay students who are eager to pick up the language for a variety of reasons.
Malaysiakini, 14 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542493
|
|
19.
|
PN excluded PAS to appease Bersatu grassroots - analyst: One of the biggest surprises in the Sabah polls so far has been the exclusion of PAS from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah lineup, despite the Islamic party having publicly appealed for the right to field 10 candidates. For Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) geostrategist Azmi Hassan, the decision has a lot less to do with the party's reputation or brand, but it was a tactical manoeuvre by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to shore up support for himself and Perikatan Nasional. "It only shows how PN is looking at the critical need for Muhyiddin to garner support, especially from Sabah Bersatu.
Malaysiakini, 14 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542491
|
|
20.
|
Husam quits after fallout with Mat Sabu, say sources: It is learnt that he was not satisfied with Mohamad Sabu - who is also known as Mat Sabu - on several matters. The source said Husam felt Mat Sabu is not providing a clear political direction in terms of supporting Anwar Ibrahim or Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Malaysian Insight, 14 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272422
|
|
21.
|
Is Perikatan registered, PKR asks RoS: THE Registrar of Societies must confirm if Perikatan Nasional is officially registered for the coalition to contest under its banner in the Sabah polls, said a PKR leader today. PKR deputy youth chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman said his checks at the RoS website did not show PN as a registered entity.
Malaysian Insight, 14 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272480
|
|
22.
|
PAS loses nothing, shows 'maturity' by sitting out Sabah polls, say analysts: PAS decided to drop out of the Sabah elections as it was aware of its slim chances of winning, said analysts. They told The Malaysian Insight the Islamist party could also be wary of coming under fire in the state over its recent stand on religious issues, including its MP's inflammatory remarks about Christianity.
Malaysian Insight, 14 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272505
|
|
23.
|
Syed Saddiq's party fails to interest rural youth: Youth and analysts polled by The Malaysian Insight showed that the young people preferred the established parties with well-known political figures. At the same time, the analysts surveyed expressed fears that the new party will be seen as an urban-based, elite party, thus spooking rural youth.
Malaysian Insight, 14 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272436
|
|
24.
|
It's a battle between 2 powers': Despite the apparent chaos involving the large number of candidates contesting the 16th Sabah Election, political experts believe the main battle will still boil down to the two major powers - the newly-formed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Warisan Plus.G abungan Rakyat Sabah, unveiled by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the morning of nomination day on Saturday, is a political cooperation between Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS). Warisan Plus, led by Parti Warisan Sabah, is a coalition comprising mostly parties that were part of the previous state government.
New Straits Times, 14 September 2020
https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2020/09/624326/its-battle-between-2-powers
|
|
25.
|
Many are hoping to be kingmakers, says analyst: It is a crowded and chaotic 16th Sabah elections which saw 447 candidates filing nomination papers on Saturday. Rahezzal Shah, who lectures political science at UITM Sabah, said it was not easy to explain why so many candidates from 16 known and unknown parties as well as Independents joined the contest to win one of the 73 state seats. "One way of explaining why there are so many candidates is that most people are tired of the existing dominant parties. "But that alone is insufficient to explain why it is so crowded. Which brings us to the STAR effect," observed Rahezzal. The STAR effect meant that many were hoping to be "kingmakers" like Sabah STAR, the party which won two state seats, making it the key player in the formation of the state government after Barisan Nasional and Warisan Plus won 29 seats each in the 60-seat state assembly in GE14, he said.
Star, 14 September 2020
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/09/14/many-are-hoping-to-be-kingmakers-says-analyst
|
|
26.
|
Musa 'dibuang', PAS 'tenggelam' di Sabah [Musa 'thrown out', PAS 'sinks' in Sabah]: Cukup ironi apabila Musa yang mendakwa mempunyai cukup sokongan untuk menubuhkan kerajaan, tidak kelihatan di mana-mana pusat penamaan calon semalam, termasuk di Sungai Manila yang disebut-sebut beliau. Ibarat satu kesudahan tragis apabila figura besar dalam landskap politik Sabah sekian lama itu 'dibuang' terus oleh UMNO pasca kegagalan mengambil alih kerajaan tempoh hari.
|
|
27.
|
Allies to fight one another in 17 contests in Sabah polls: yebrows were raised at the close of nominations for the Sabah polls yesterday when it turned out that allied parties will fight one another in 17 contests. PBS is involved in most of these contests. In some fights it will face STAR, its Perikatan Nasional ally. In others, it will fight the Barisan Nasional parties of Umno, PBRS or MCA. All of these parties are supposed to be allies under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, a coalition recently announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
Free Malaysia Today, 13 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/13/allies-to-fight-one-another-in-17-contests-in-sabah-polls/
|
|
28.
|
Friendly fights in Sabah a brilliant tactic, says analyst: It is still anybody's game in the 17 seats where Perikatan Nasional (PN) and its allies Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will cross swords at the Sabah state elections, said a political analyst. Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Lee Kuok Tiung said these seats involve multi-cornered fights which could have been staged with the mutual understanding of BN and its allies. "If they were one-on-one fights and suddenly your alliance (member) tried to sabotage you, then that would be a problem. But this time, these are multi-cornered fights. You never know, it could be their strategy," Lee said.
Free Malaysia Today, 13 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/13/friendly-fights-in-sabah-a-brilliant-tactic-says-analyst/
|
|
30.
|
Hero or fool's errand? LDP takes on two titans in Sabah: LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) will be contesting 46 out of 73 seats in the upcoming Sabah election under its "orange torch" logo for the first time in 30 years. LDP's plan is ambitious, considering its relatively small role when it was part of BN. In the 2018 general election, Sabah BN assigned LDP to contest four Chinese-majority constituencies namely Likas, Tanjong Kapor, Merotai and Karamunting. It was defeated in all four seats. Now aiming to be an independent third force, the predominantly Chinese party is also expanding into non-Chinese areas.
Malaysiakini, 13 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542458
|
|
31.
|
PAS wants gambling banned, objects to Israeli ties: The 66th PAS national delegates assembly resolved to ban the gambling industry and object to the normalisation of ties between some Middle Eastern countries and Israel. These were among eight motions passed by the muktamar in Pengkalan Chepa, Kelantan today. Only the above mentioned two motions were debated. The motion to ban the gambling industry was tabled by PAS' women's wing. Its representative Asmak Husin (above) said the industry affected women and children the most.
Malaysiakini, 13 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542473
|
|
32.
|
Zero seats in Sabah - 'Similar fate awaits PAS in GE15 if it doesn't get tough': PAS is prone to seeing seats for contest taken by its coalition members if it continues to have an "incompetent team", as evident in its failure to negotiate an allocation for the Sabah snap polls, says an analyst. Ilham Centre head of research Mohd Yusri Ibrahim reminded PAS that it could find itself victimised in the coming general election if it is not firm in regard to seat distribution.
Malaysiakini, 13 September 2020
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/542425
|
|
33.
|
Be sensitive to East Malaysians, Sabah PAS tells leadership: A SABAH PAS delegate told the Islamist party's central leaders to be careful with their words and respect the sensitivities of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah PAS secretary Dr Aliakbar Gulasan's appeal came after Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh's inflammatory speech in Parliament two weeks ago where he claimed the Bible had been distorted.
Malaysian Insight, 13 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272343
|
|
34.
|
The snub PAS got in Sabah: It is incumbent upon people of faith to be mindful that religion, especially in a diverse society, should serve as a uniting, not dividing, force. Nor should it be politicised for worldly gains at the expense of national harmony. In this context, it is conceivable that PAS is seen by its political allies as a liability they can do without in their sole aim to win the election and consequently rule Sabah.
|
|
35.
|
Untangling racism, monolingualism, racial segregation: Let's begin with the popular idea of unitary nation-building. Within this idea, racism sits on top of a pyramid, with racial segregation and the lack of monolingualism actively contributing to it. At first glance, the idea seems intuitive enough. The lack of inter-racial co-mingling and a common tongue will lead to reduced communication and increased prejudice, which, in turn, leads to racism. But we all know that's not the full story, especially when racism in Malaysia has deep historical roots and varied manifestation in economic, social, political and cultural spheres.
|
|
36.
|
Sabah 2020: STAR wounded by PBS betrayal over seat arrangement - Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) is disappointed that Parti Besatu Sabah (PBS) has reneged on its promise to abide by a seat arrangement aimed at preventing clashes between the two parties in the Sept 26 election. Its president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is defending the Tambunan constituency, said both parties had agreed to an allocation of 15 seats for PBS, and eight for STAR. "As a Perikatan Nasional (PN) partner, STAR had discussed with PBS, and we agreed that of the 24 seats allocated for both parties, each should get 12 seats. "However, they (PBS) wanted to monopolise and got 15 seats, while STAR only received eight seats.
New Straits Times, 13 September 2020
https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2020/09/624173/sabah-2020-star-wounded-pbs-betrayal-over-seat-arrangement
|
|
37.
|
Tersirat di balik kuasa budi bicara [Implied behind the power of discretion]: Sudah tentu pergolakan siasah Sabah bukan sahaja menarik perhatian pengamat dan aktor politik. Pengamat undang-undang perlembagaan turut berasa teruja.
|
|
39.
|
Exciting polls in the making: Blurred political battle lines have been drawn for the 16th Sabah state election as friends and foes face each other in polls that are definitely going to be thrilling and intricate. Hopes for an eleventh hour compromise between the main Opposition Perikatan Nasional and its allies fell apart while incumbent Warisan Plus, led by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, is facing its biggest challenge to steer back to power after its 27-month hold on the state was interrupted.
Star, 13 September 2020
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/09/13/exciting-polls-in-the-making
|
|
40.
|
INTERACTIVE: Candidate list and key facts on the Sabah election - Sabah voters are heading to the ballot box on Sept 26 to elect a new state government. The election was called following the dissolution of the state assembly on July 30 amid a political crisis in the state. A total of 73 state seats will be up for grabs, after the Dewan Rakyat approved a bill in July last year to increase the number of seats in the Sabah state assembly from 60 to 73.
Star, 13 September 2020
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/09/12/interactive-key-facts-on-the-sabah-election
|
|
41.
|
Bid to unite Muhyiddin's pact for Sabah state polls fails: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's 11th-hour intervention has failed to untangle overlapping claims for seats among his allies in the Sabah state polls, raising questions about the unity within his Perikatan Nasional (PN) government. Yesterday, which was Nomination Day for the Sept 26 polls, the Premier announced a so-called alliance, dubbed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, of the three factions in the state aligned to him. Yet, after nominations closed, they clashed in 17 of the 73 seats up for grabs, hurting their chances of toppling the Parti Warisan Sabah-led administration. This could portend future disagreements - between the parties who have formally signed up to PN, the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) and smaller parties which support the Premier - when a general election, which is expected within months, is held.
Straits Times, 13 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/bid-to-unite-muhyiddins-pact-for-sabah-state-polls-fails
|
|
42.
|
Pemerintahan dominan peribumi resipi pertahan Perlembagaan [Dominant peribumi rule is recipe for the defense of the Constitution]: Tiga perkara utama termaktub dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan iaitu kedudukan istimewa orang Melayu dan kaum Bumiputera; kedudukan Islam sebagai agama Persekutuan serta kedudukan institusi Raja-Raja Melayu dan sistem Raja Berperlembagaan. Ketiga-tiga perkara ini hanya akan terjamin dan dihormati sekiranya negara kekal di bawah pemerintahan dominan peribumi (PDP). Tanpa PDP, perkara terbabit akan terus dipersoal, dicaci dan cuba dihapuskan oleh pihak tertentu yang tidak bertanggungjawab.
|
|
43.
|
9 bridges along coastal road network in Sarawak to be ready in 2024: "All the bridge projects can be carried out in three years, but what is important is that they are all toll-free," he said in his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Igan Bridge project in Kampung Igan near here today. The construction of the 1.38km Igan Bridge, costing RM285 million, across Sungai Batang Igan would complement the network of coastal roads connecting Sarawak's coastal and rural areas.
Free Malaysia Today, 12 September 2020
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/09/12/9-bridges-along-coastal-road-network-in-sarawak-to-be-ready-in-2024/
|
|
46.
|
Nik Zawawi wants shariah adviser in every govt agency: He said the shariah advisers would be able to ensure Islam's position as the national religion was upheld when carrying policies. ... He said the proposal shouldn't be problematic as it is not anything unusual as even financial institutions have shariah advisers on their boards.
Malaysian Insight, 12 September 2020
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/272142
|
|
47.
|
PRN Sabah bentuk hala tuju politik Malaysia [Sabah state elections will shape Malaysia's political direction]: Jelas sekali, mesej PRN Sabah kali ini adalah supaya seluruh rakyat Malaysia untuk memberi pengajaran kepada ahli politik khianat dan mereka yang mengkhianati perjuangan rakyat.
|
|
48.
|
PH dan kelangsungan politik [PH and political continuity]: Apa pun, PH terbukti berjaya membentuk satu pakatan pembangkang yang benar-benar kuat dan mampu menyaingi BN berbanding pakatan-pakatan pembangkang sebelumnya. Kelibat Tun Dr Mahathirlah yang memungkinkan segalanya.
|
|
49.
|
Sabah polls a 'dry run' for premiership hopefuls: Candidates for Sabah's 73 state seats will file their nominations today in what is a contest not just for Malaysia's easternmost state, but also for the legitimacy of two leading candidates to govern the country in the future. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is secure as head of the seven-month-old Perikatan Nasional (PN) government at least until he calls for expected snap polls, where the opposition could be led by incumbent Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal. But whoever is on the losing side of the battle for Sabah will find his credibility in seeking a full term as prime minister severely dented.
Straits Times, 12 September 2020
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/sabah-polls-a-dry-run-for-premiership-hopefuls
|
|
50.
|
Malaysia a kinder and stronger society six months into COVID-19 fight: As Malaysia moves into a new phase of its coronavirus, with the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) set to continue until the end of 2020, fatigue in the country is setting in. Malaysians generally understand and support these stringent measures to curb the risks of a spread, after witnessing second waves of infections across the world.
|
|
51.
|
国阵国盟相争，民兴党得利[Warisan gains from BN-PN struggle]:先说国盟与国阵之争。原本慕尤丁是想在沙巴来一场类似西马"兵不血刃"的政变，以收割沙巴议员、舒解政治压力，因此他在幕后谋划，由前首长慕沙阿曼出面拉拢13名州议员，想不到夺权行动最终却变成解散州议会，举行闪电州选，让他面对上任以来最大的政治考验。
|
Myanmar
|
52.
|
Menial workers paid daily wages to play NLD election campaigning songs: The instruction says the NLD candidates have been conducting election campaigns in their respective constituencies beginning September 8. Facing Covid-19 restrictions, they are no position to have any procession or gathering in their campaigns. Yet, they will be able to save election spending. The instruction however points out other ways of election campaigning. It calls for making lists of trishaw, horse-drawn cart, boat and motorboat stands in their constituencies.
Eleven Myanmar, 11 September 2020
https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/menial-workers-paid-daily-wages-to-play-nld-election-campaigning-songs
|
|
53.
|
Ygn government bans travel outside of region barring urgent reasons: The Yangon Government yesterday night announced that Yangon dwellers aren't allowed to go outside of their region except health and urgent reasons until October 1st... The above orders were posted on the social page of Naing Ngan Lin who is also the Social Welfare Minister from Yangon Region. He also confirmed the Daily Eleven Newspaper in his post.
Eleven Myanmar, 11 September 2020
https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/ygn-government-bans-travel-outside-of-region-barring-urgent-reasons
|
|
54.
|
COVID-19 Surge Stresses Health Care in Myanmar's Biggest City: Myanmar health workers are scrambling with a skyrocketing number of coronavirus cases in Yangon region, setting up additional quarantine facilities there in stadiums, universities, and government buildings, health officials said Friday... Myanmar registered 2,422 confirmed COVID-19 cases, half of which were in Yangon region, its major population center with 7.4 million people.
Radio Free Asia, 11 September 2020
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/covid-surge-09112020184339.html
|
|
55.
|
Myanmar: Military Ltd: The Company Financing Human Rights Abuses In Myanmar - In this report, Amnesty International provides new information exposing the link between Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Ltd (MEHL) and military units that are implicated in crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations. This information has implications for MEHL's many foreign and local business partners. By doing business with the conglomerate, they too are linked to these crimes and violations. Because MEHL has shown no willingness to engage transparently with its business partners or reform its structure, Amnesty International is calling on these companies to disengage, responsibly, from MEHL.
|
Philippines
|
56.
|
As low prices beset local farmers, PH expected to import more rice: Based on a report by the United States Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Services (USDA-FAS), the Philippines would likely increase its rice imports this year to 3 million metric tons (MT) from 2.9 million MT in 2019. Milled rice production, on the other hand, was expected to decrease to 11 million MT from 11.9 million MT last year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 September 2020
https://business.inquirer.net/307260/as-low-prices-beset-local-farmers-ph-expected-to-import-more-rice
|
|
57.
|
PH seen luring some firms relocating from China: Southeast Asia stands to benefit from the relocation of firms from China as the mainland loses competitiveness, but investors may be deterred by a lag in ease of doing business in the Philippines, according to global insurance and reinsurance provider Swiss Re.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 September 2020
https://business.inquirer.net/307266/ph-seen-luring-some-firms-relocating-from-china
|
|
58.
|
PH to be in better shape next year: In a statement, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Benjamin Diokno expressed disbelief at last week's Social Weather Station (SWS) survey results that showed 40 percent of Filipinos having a more pessimistic view of local economic prospects over the next 12 months. "We're in better shape now than we were three months ago," he told reporters in a mobile phone message at the weekend. "Based on available information, I truly believe that the worst is behind us." "Repeat: the SWS survey is based on perception by a limited number of adults with limited information," Diokno added, explaining that the poll results were based on expectations of 2,000 adults.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 September 2020
https://business.inquirer.net/307262/ph-to-be-in-better-shape-next-year
|
|
61.
|
US controls PH politics: Let us count the ways: THERE are many demonstrations of the amazing United States domination of Philippine politics and how our "nationalist experts" echo in lockstep the US agenda of escalating issues against China and provoking division and conflict when the world needs more understanding and cooperation. To name a few examples: The use of Chinese contractors linked to our disputes is the latest issue that former Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio has raised as "looking bad" for the Philippines.
Manila Times, 13 September 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/13/opinion/columnists/us-controls-ph-politics-let-us-count-the-ways/767599/
|
|
63.
|
Jolo attack: Future trend of suicide bombings in Philippines: Recent suicide bombings conducted by female Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-Sawadjaan operatives have confirmed a new trend in terrorist attacks in the southern Philippines. Several elements show that this modus operandi chosen by the ASG will definitely continue in the months to come. The Philippines authorities announced recently that both perpetrators who blew themselves up and killed 14 people and injured 75 civilians and soldiers were Philippine nationals. There had been speculation before the official announcement that one of the perpetrators was an Indonesian, and more particularly the daughter of the couple Rullie and Ulfa, the 2019 Jolo church suicide bombers, first results of the ongoing investigation tend to show the contrary.
Jakarta Post, 11 September 2020
https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/09/11/jolo-attack-future-trend-of-suicide-bombings-in-philippines.html
|
Thailand
|
64.
|
Graft fight gathers steam: Vicha Mahakun, the head of a committee probing the alleged mishandling in the 2012 hit-and-run case involving the Red Bull scion, Vorayuth "Boss" Yoovidhya, says his panel will do everything in its power to restore public confidence in Thailand's justice system.
Bangkok Post, 14 September 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1984663/graft-fight-gathers-steam
|
|
66.
|
Hot in the city: Rising night temperatures a potentially major health issue in Asian metropolises: Dr Sigit Dwiananto Arifwidodo from Kasetsart University has extensively studied UHI in the Thai capital. In 2012, one of his studies found that the maximum temperature difference between urban and rural areas was 7 degrees Celsius. And up to 2018, he noted that temperatures amplified by UHI continued to increase year on year. "Higher temperatures because of the urban heat island effect are rising every year. At first, we were surprised," Dr Arifwidodo told CNA.
Channel News Asia, 14 September 2020
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/urban-heat-island-asia-bangkok-singapore-climate-change-health-13098858
|
|
67.
|
New stimulus package to boost spending power of low-income groups: The government will support half of the daily consumption spending by low-income groups. The measure is expected to be implemented from October to December.
Nation, 14 September 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30394478
|
|
68.
|
Majority do not believe coup rumour: Poll: Asked whether they thought a coup would take place, a majority -- 58.08% -- said they did not believe it would happen, reasoning that it was not yet necessary as the country is already dominated by the military. The rest, 41.92%, believed it would happen, saying there had been some military movements and the country had accumulated so many problems that a coup might be seen as a way out of them.
Bangkok Post, 13 September 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1984531/majority-do-not-believe-coup-rumour-poll
|
|
69.
|
Protesters watching govt closely: Students will converge on parliament on Sept 23 and 24 to closely monitor whether MPs will accept in principle a motion to set up a constitution drafting committee. They also insisted their planned protest on Saturday will not be violent. Thatthep Ruangprapaikitseree, a leader of the Free People group, on Saturday addressed concerns that the group's rally planned for Saturday may turn violent, saying the public should rather ask the government if it would use force against the protesters.
Bangkok Post, 13 September 2020
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1984283/protesters-watching-govt-closely
|
|
70.
|
Thailand tells universities to stop students' calls for monarchy reform: Thai authorities have summoned the heads of universities to tell them to stop students demanding reform of the monarchy, warning that such calls could lead to violence, a member of the military-appointed Senate said on Sunday (Sep 13). Thailand has faced near daily protests since mid-July calling for the departure of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former military leader, and for a new constitution and elections.
Channel News Asia, 13 September 2020
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/thailand-university-students-monarchy-reform-govt-resign-13106916
|
|
71.
|
Cabinet reshuffle on the cards after sudden exit of newly appointed finance minister: A Palang Pracharat source said that Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, who is also deputy prime minister, is a candidate for finance minister.
Nation, 13 September 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394473
|
|
72.
|
First ever dialogue on Thai monarchy arrives in Parliament's 'safe zone': The dialogue framework was designed by the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University.Around 40 young activists from anti-establishment groups like the Free Youth movement and United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, and pro-establishment groups like Vocational Students Protecting the Nation, will be invited to participate in the talks.
Nation, 13 September 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394474
|
|
73.
|
Majority of Thais oppose senators having role in electing PM: Nida Poll: More than 61 per cent strongly agreed with rewriting of Section 272 of Thai Constitution to revoke senators' power to elect a prime minister, 16.48 per cent agreed, 8.96 per cent disagreed, 13.21 per cent strongly disagreed and 0.08 per cent did not follow the topic or were not interested in it.
Nation, 13 September 2020
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30394475
|
|
75.
|
In Vain Hope: Thailand's Anti-Government Protests: This uprising is different from the uprisings of 2010 and 2014. The protestors are young and, as the noted Bangkok Post commentator Thitinan Pongsudhirak has argued eloquently, they are their own people. All the same, the student protesters face the formidable opposition of a government that is under the control of the military, of established political parties unwilling to acknowledge the Movement with which the students identify, of a king whose avarice has robbed the people of the vast assets of the Crown Property Bureau and whose position and appropriations are made increasingly secure by a compliant military, and of a ruling class which has found its interests to have been well served and for long has been complacent.
|
ASEAN/Southeast Asia
|
76.
|
Cross-border data flows for SMEs within ASEAN: From the outset, imposing requirements or restrictions in data flows should be understood to ensure that there are safeguard to accord the necessary protection for the data being transferred to effectuate a positive impact on data innovation and fostering a vibrant data ecosystem. This would mean building trust by ensuring an adequate level of protection is implemented to the transferred data amid ASEAN members states (AMS) and global stake.
|
|
77.
|
Cambodia-Singapore 55 years after establishment of diplomatic ties: Cambodia and Singapore have close cooperation at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. Over the last decade, the ties and economic relations between two nations have grown steadily, sustained by a regular momentum of state visits between Heads of State and government, leaders of the two countries.
|
|
78.
|
The promise & perils of Asia's journey at 60: The rise of Asia for the rest of the century is neither destiny nor pre-ordained. The West will not sit by to see its leadership erode. But as McKinsey's useful analyses on Future Of Asia opined: "The question is no longer how quickly Asia will rise; it is how Asia will lead." Leading in a culturally diverse and complex world is not about fighting, but about how to work together, meaning competing and cooperating at the same time. The greatest Asian divide is not technology, but social polarisation riven by race, gender, religion, ideology and health/wealth inequalities, all exposed brutally by the coronavirus pandemic. How a new generation of Asian leaders goes about healing these social wounds and moving forward without fragmentation and fighting will be the true test of Asia's maturity in the next 60-year cycle.
|
|
79.
|
ASEAN to establish partnerships with four more countries: The Southeast Asian bloc has established development partnerships with France and Italy while including Columbia and Cuba in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh told a press conference on AMM 53 and related meetings that wrapped up in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon.
Viet Nam News, 13 September 2020
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/asean-to-establish-partnerships-with-four-more-countries-4161043.html
|
|
80.
|
Chairman's Statement of The 27th ASEAN Regional Forum
[11-page PDF document]
|
|
81.
|
Vietnam proposes tourism travel bubbles within ASEAN: "The Vietnamese delegation wants the ASEAN community to agree on executing a series of breakthroughs and possible solutions, first to enhance information exchange regarding tourism, health and other necessary methods to control the spread of Covid-19," he (Nguyen Manh Tien, deputy head of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee) added. Also at the meeting, Vietnam suggested hastening the ratification of trade agreements within the region, including completing negotiations and signings of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) within 2020...
Khmer Times, 12 September 2020
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50763245/vietnam-proposes-tourism-travel-bubbles-within-asean/
|
|
82.
|
Hyping Mekong water resources issue a political farce: Certain U.S. politicians have been hyping the issue of the Mekong water resources through groundless comments and unreliable reports in an attempt to sow discord between countries and sabotage the atmosphere for the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC).
Xinhua News, 12 September 2020
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-09/13/c_139365242.htm
|
|
83.
|
Eight ways Asean consumer habits will change by 2030 - shaped by pandemic, tech and more: While Covid-19 will cause a significant economic impact with potential GDP contractions in 2020 that will likely spill over to 2021, the long-term fundamentals of the 10 Asean member states are on the cusp of a tremendous leap forward in socio-economic progress. Over the next decade, the region will be the world's fourth-largest economy, with a US$4 trillion (RM16.6 trillion) consumer market. While each of the 10 member states will evolve differently, all of them will offer abundant opportunities for growth.
|
|
84.
|
Illegal Plastic Waste Takes Many Routes to Southeast Asia: According to an Interpol report published on August 28, illegal waste shipments sent to the region have been increasing significantly for the past two years. The waste, much of it plastic, passes through "multiple transit countries" to camouflage the origins of the waste shipments, the report says. The criminal organizations engage in a "significant use of counterfeit documents and fraudulent waste registrations," said Interpol...
Radio Free Asia, 11 September 2020
https://www.rfa.org/english/commentaries/asia-plastic-09112020142248.html
|
|
85.
|
Chairman's Press Statement of The ASEAN Coordinating Council's Special Session on Sub-Regional Development
[3-page PDF document]
|
|
86.
|
Journal of Greater Mekong Studies Volume 3 Issue 2: Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan explores the impact of the pandemic on intra-regional dynamics and the sharpening US-China strategic differences, Professor Sorpong Peou opens up the question of the security implications for the region and Dr. Jean-Pierre Verbiest examines the implications for the future of the subregion's infrastructure development. Our Chinese contributor, Dr. Zhang Weiwei, looks at how the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism will develop in a postCovidworld, whilst Dr. Vipat Kuruchittham, makes a clarion call for governments to prioritize their limited resources not simply for the improvement of public health systems, but also to strengthen capacity to coordinate domestic and international responses in future.
[114-page PDF document]
|
ASEAN-China
|
87.
|
中国东盟贸易增长基础很扎实[Solid foundations for China-ASEAN trade growth]:据中国海关数据，2020年1-8月，中国-东盟双边贸易额达4165.5亿美元，超过中国-欧盟双边贸易额近160亿美元，东盟稳居我国第一大贸易伙伴地位。在新冠疫情仍在全球肆虐之际，中国东盟贸易逆势增长，不仅推动中国与东盟经济的进一步融合，也助推"双循环"新格局发展。
|
Asia Pacific
|
90.
|
Opinion - Why China is becoming a target of jihadist hatred, like the US: As US influence fades and China rises, jihadists are seizing on Beijing's suppression of Uygurs in Xinjiang, 'imperialist' belt and road ambitions, and plans to build more military bases in an effort to find a new villain to help justify their existence.
|
|
93.
|
Opinion - China-US relations are in tatters. Can both sides cool their hostile strategies to avoid disaster?: The framework that has kept US-China relations stable for almost 50 years is in pieces and dangerous trends point to a new cold war or even a hot one. Both sides lack a long-term strategic vision. Donald Trump is desperate to be re-elected, while China's overconfidence could lead to miscalculation and disaster.
|
East/South China Sea
|
94.
|
South China Sea: both a real or distorted 'mirror' of how the world sees China? China is capable of such self-restraint too, when some of its detained illegal fishing vessels were detonated by President Joko Widodo. China did not show any angst or collective national anger; especially when China's vessels together with that of other countries who had encroached into Indonesian waters were detonated, and sank, in front of the international press community. But such self restraint alone, is now becoming increasingly tenuous and indefensible. Chinese military modernization, resurgence as a maritime power, is almost complete.
|
|
96.
|
Who is the Rogue State in the South China Sea?now US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has revived the term and applied it to China. Among its alleged international sins are its policy and actions in the South China Sea. Pompeo alleged that China is 'militarizing' the Sea, illegally claiming maritime space and resources, bullying rival claimants and threatening freedom of navigation. There is some truth to some of these allegations - at least from the U.S. government's perspective. But if China is a "rogue" state actor in the South China Sea, it is not the only one. Indeed, the U.S. has also engaged in rampant violations of the international order -including that in the South China Sea.
|
|
97.
|
Washington's futile attempt on South China Sea: Washington has never stopped making waves in the South China Sea. In its latest malicious move, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when meeting with his counterparts of Southeast Asian countries, accused Beijing of "aggressive campaigns" in the region and asked ASEAN countries to ban Chinese companies "helping build islands."
Xinhua News, 12 September 2020
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-09/12/c_139363446.htm
|
|
98.
|
Controversial China Projects Reveal Philippine Rifts: On September 8, the Philippines' Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that he had signed a deal with a company called the Dito Telecommunity Corp., allowing it to build cellphone towers inside Philippine military bases. So far, so pedestrian - except for the fact that a 40 percent stake in Dito is owned by the Chinese state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation. Coming at a time when the activities of Chinese technology firms are under increased global scrutiny over security fears, and given the Philippines' ongoing disputes with China in the South China Sea, it was hardly a surprise that the announcement set off a small public relations blaze.
Diplomat, 11 September 2020
https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/controversial-china-projects-reveal-philippine-rifts/
|
Superpower relations and the region
|
100.
|
Asean treads fine line as US-China rivalry, South China Sea loom over annual forum: The bloc made clear during the four-day summit that it did not want to be 'stuck in the tussle between the major powers as that would affect stability in the region'. Disagreements over language surrounding the South China Sea dispute have also delayed the release of a joint communique.
|
|
|
Disclaimer: Best effort has been made to ensure the external links provided are valid as of the date of collation. We welcome your suggestions to help us improve the quality of this service. Please take a moment to give us your feedback via the online feedback form. If you do not wish to receive our Daily News Alert, please click here to unsubscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|