Malaysia - Minister wants to know why 72 Malaysians jailed in China
April 19, 2011
Currently there are 72 Malaysians detained in China for drug trafficking and smuggling
offenses. Foreign Minister Datuk Deri Anifah Aman asks why: "We need to find out where we should tighten our rules and the reasons behind the crime. We need to find out why."
Original article.
Vietnam - Vietnam’s Inflation Accelerates to Fastest Pace in 28 Months
April 23, 2011
Vietnam's inflation rate accelerated to the fastest pace its had since 2008. Consumer prices increased 17% since one year ago. “Inflation shows little signs of responding to monetary and fiscal austerity just yet,” said Bill Stoops.
Original Article
Thailand - Thai army denies using toxic gas in Cambodian border battle
April 23, 2011
Battles that began April 22 have killed five Thais and six Cambodians, ending two months of peace since the United Nations Security council urged a permanent cease-fire on Feb. 14. Cambodia's Defense Ministry said Thai soldiers used "heavy guns loaded with poisonous gas" in yesterday's fighting.
Thailand denies any accusations of doing so.
Original article.
Indonesia - Indonesian police find explosives at suspect's home
April 24, 2011
Indonesian police say they found explosive material after a search of an alleged bomber's home in the city of Bekasi. The suspect, who is identified by his initial P, has been connected to the failed attempt to detonate a bomb in a cathedral.
Original article.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Updates for the week of April 11th
Thailand - Thailand wants to close Myanmar refugee camps
April 11, 2011
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that "They[Myanmar refugee camps] have been in Thailand for more than 20 years and it became our burden to take care of them", after Thailand showed desires to close its Myanmar refugee camps following Myanmar's first election in 20 years. They want to send back the more than 100,000 residents in these camps.No definite date has been announced but the Thai government is currently in discussion with the Myanmar government.
Original article
Malaysia - M'sia unveils 10-year capital market growth blueprint
April 12, 2011
Malaysia announced a 10-year plan to strengthen its capital markets with goals to triple the size of its capital market to $1.9 trillion (S$2.$ trillion) by 2020. The plan promised to "speed up approval for business, improve fund-raising rules and allocate more funds to venture capital and private equity firms." Essentially, the plan provides for a more business and investment friendly market in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister Najib Razak states that "we are paving the way not only for a more equitable society but for a Malaysia that is more stable, more transparent and more market-friendly."
Original article
Philippines - Philippine army arrests bomb suspect with JI links
April 13, 2011
Abi Pamanay, a suspected militant believed to be a liaison between Muslim rebels and a southeast terrorist network, was arrested in the central part of Mindanao Island on Tuesday based on an arrest warrant for murder in connection with bombing attacks. Philippine army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz accused Pamanay of being a member of the largest Muslim separatist group and a "senior associate" of notorious bomb-maker Adul Basit Usman who is a Filipino on the US State Department's list of most-wanted terrorists. Pamanay did not resist arrest and denied the charges against him.
For more information on JI visit this site.
Original article
Cholera outbreak kills 19 in Philippine tribe
April 14, 2011
An outbreak of cholera killed 19 remote cave-dwelling Philippine tribe members and affected more than 400 others. Treatment of the Palawanon tribe proves difficult with the tribe's poor hygiene and isolation. Manuel Mapue, the head of a government dispatched medical team, concluded that cholera was to blame; initially, doctors made a wrong diagnosis of the diarrhea.
The area had no portable water system and samples from the rivers used by the tribes showed positive for feces contamination.
Original article
Indonesia - Suicide bomber wounds 26 at Indonesian mosque
April 15, 2011
A suicide bomber wounded 26 people at an Indonesian mosque during Friday prayers in the West Java town of Cirebon. Many of the injured were police officers.
April 11, 2011
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that "They[Myanmar refugee camps] have been in Thailand for more than 20 years and it became our burden to take care of them", after Thailand showed desires to close its Myanmar refugee camps following Myanmar's first election in 20 years. They want to send back the more than 100,000 residents in these camps.No definite date has been announced but the Thai government is currently in discussion with the Myanmar government.
Original article
Malaysia - M'sia unveils 10-year capital market growth blueprint
April 12, 2011
Malaysia announced a 10-year plan to strengthen its capital markets with goals to triple the size of its capital market to $1.9 trillion (S$2.$ trillion) by 2020. The plan promised to "speed up approval for business, improve fund-raising rules and allocate more funds to venture capital and private equity firms." Essentially, the plan provides for a more business and investment friendly market in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister Najib Razak states that "we are paving the way not only for a more equitable society but for a Malaysia that is more stable, more transparent and more market-friendly."
Original article
Philippines - Philippine army arrests bomb suspect with JI links
April 13, 2011
Abi Pamanay, a suspected militant believed to be a liaison between Muslim rebels and a southeast terrorist network, was arrested in the central part of Mindanao Island on Tuesday based on an arrest warrant for murder in connection with bombing attacks. Philippine army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz accused Pamanay of being a member of the largest Muslim separatist group and a "senior associate" of notorious bomb-maker Adul Basit Usman who is a Filipino on the US State Department's list of most-wanted terrorists. Pamanay did not resist arrest and denied the charges against him.
For more information on JI visit this site.
Original article
Cholera outbreak kills 19 in Philippine tribe
April 14, 2011
An outbreak of cholera killed 19 remote cave-dwelling Philippine tribe members and affected more than 400 others. Treatment of the Palawanon tribe proves difficult with the tribe's poor hygiene and isolation. Manuel Mapue, the head of a government dispatched medical team, concluded that cholera was to blame; initially, doctors made a wrong diagnosis of the diarrhea.
The area had no portable water system and samples from the rivers used by the tribes showed positive for feces contamination.
Original article
Indonesia - Suicide bomber wounds 26 at Indonesian mosque
April 15, 2011
A suicide bomber wounded 26 people at an Indonesian mosque during Friday prayers in the West Java town of Cirebon. Many of the injured were police officers.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Updates for the week of April 4th
Thailand - Why Thai Rice Production May Decline
As world supply of rice increases, the price goes down, making it harder on Thai's farmers who are currently struggling with less than reasonable prices and less than expected production.
Ever since 1965 Thailand has prospered from its rice exports. Thai farmers say production costs are higher than income, they can't afford to continue planting.
The government has proposed to reduce annual exports by 20% and focus on higher grade rice, in addition to installing a southeast Asian standard for rice quality.
This means Thailand is ready its role of being the leading rice exporter.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_16/b4224009283905.htm
Singapore - Lim Boon Heng stepping down
Lim Boon Heng, a minister in Prime Minister's Lee Hsein loong's office, announced that he will not be seeking re=election.
He plans to continue serving in the People's association and the National Trades Union Congress.
But he did not specify whether he would continue with the People's Action party.
http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_655155.html
Indonesia - Indonesia may extend interest-rate pause as inflation slows
Indonesia's central bank will probably extend the pause in raising interest rates after inflation slowed for the second month in march.
The official decision comes out tomorrow.
They raised the key rate,determines bank lending rates and the cost of credit for borrowers, for the first time in February, stating that the strengthening currency is helping reduce price gains. An economist comments that "They have to raise rates sooner rather than later as just tightening via the exchange-rate channel will not be enough.”
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-10/indonesia-may-extend-interest-rate-pause-as-inflation-slows.html
Malaysia - Malaysian MP says men have affairs as wives 'neglect' duty
"MALAYSIAN men have extramarital sex because of 'wives who neglect their responsibilities' to their husbands, a Malaysian lawmaker told Parliament on Thursday, outraging women's groups."
Men say that when the arrive home, their wives ignore their marital duties and put of the sexual advances of their husbands.
But "In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husband's demands." said Ibrahim Ali who heads a right-wing
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_654381.html
As world supply of rice increases, the price goes down, making it harder on Thai's farmers who are currently struggling with less than reasonable prices and less than expected production.
Ever since 1965 Thailand has prospered from its rice exports. Thai farmers say production costs are higher than income, they can't afford to continue planting.
The government has proposed to reduce annual exports by 20% and focus on higher grade rice, in addition to installing a southeast Asian standard for rice quality.
This means Thailand is ready its role of being the leading rice exporter.
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_16/b4224009283905.htm
Singapore - Lim Boon Heng stepping down
Lim Boon Heng, a minister in Prime Minister's Lee Hsein loong's office, announced that he will not be seeking re=election.
He plans to continue serving in the People's association and the National Trades Union Congress.
But he did not specify whether he would continue with the People's Action party.
http://www.straitstimes.com/GeneralElection/News/Story/STIStory_655155.html
Indonesia - Indonesia may extend interest-rate pause as inflation slows
Indonesia's central bank will probably extend the pause in raising interest rates after inflation slowed for the second month in march.
The official decision comes out tomorrow.
They raised the key rate,determines bank lending rates and the cost of credit for borrowers, for the first time in February, stating that the strengthening currency is helping reduce price gains. An economist comments that "They have to raise rates sooner rather than later as just tightening via the exchange-rate channel will not be enough.”
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-04-10/indonesia-may-extend-interest-rate-pause-as-inflation-slows.html
Malaysia - Malaysian MP says men have affairs as wives 'neglect' duty
"MALAYSIAN men have extramarital sex because of 'wives who neglect their responsibilities' to their husbands, a Malaysian lawmaker told Parliament on Thursday, outraging women's groups."
Men say that when the arrive home, their wives ignore their marital duties and put of the sexual advances of their husbands.
But "In Islam, wives are supposed to stop everything to fulfill their husband's demands." said Ibrahim Ali who heads a right-wing
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_654381.html
Sunday, April 3, 2011
News Updates for Week of March 28th
Philippines - Rebels Kill 8 of Politician’s Staff
Muslim rebels killed eight armed employees of a local politician in a clash in the southern Philippines on Sunday, the military said. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels opened fire at the armed security staff of a Muslim political clan at its property on Mindanao island. 'The clash left at least eight people dead, at least four injured and there are two missing on the Mangudadatu side,' Colonel Asto said, referring to the property owners who are related to Esmael Mangudadatu, governor of Maguindanao province. The clash came amid peace talks between President Benigno Aquino's government and the 12,000-member MILF, which has been waging a decades-old armed campaign that has left 150,000 people dead according to some estimates.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652582.html
Vietnam - Thousands Cheered Capture of Revered Turtle
Thousands of onlookers cheered in central Hanoi on Sunday when rescuers captured for treatment an endangered and ailing giant turtle revered as a symbol of Vietnam's centuries-old independence struggle. This is one of the most endangered animals in the world and there's very little known about it.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652576.html
Philippines - Two of Fifteen Hostages Freed
Two of a group of 15 teachers and students hostages taken by armed tribesmen in the Philippines were freed on Sunday, hours after the kidnappers failed to show for talks with the government, police said.
The abduction of the group on Saturday was part of a bid by members of the forest-dwelling Manobo tribe to secure the release of a relative held in prison while on trial over a similar mass kidnapping in 2009, officials said.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652531.html
Malaysia - Gold Bags of Cash Seized from “Dirty” Customs Officers
Gold bars and bags of cash containing up to RM600,000 (USD 200K) have been discovered in the homes of several Customs officers during raids by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Other ill-gotten stash included luxury watches and posh cars.
The MACC seized millions of ringgit from at least five of the 62 Customs officers arrested to date in a series of raids over under-declaration of duties and tax evasion. MACC investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali said a Customs director arrested last Tuesday had millions of ringgit spread over several bank accounts. Another officer had almost RM1 million (USD 330K) in his bank acount. Two others had between RM500,000 and RM850,000, he told a press conference on Saturday.
It is learnt that investigations by a task force estimated that about RM10bil (USD 3.3B) had been smuggled out or remitted overseas.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652523.html
Myanmar Warns against Decadent Dress for New Years
Revellers who wear 'decadent' clothing during Myanmar's upcoming New Year's celebrations can face up to a month in prison, a news report said on Sunday.
The four-day festival begins April 13 and marks the traditional New Year on the lunisolar calendar that is also used in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It's one of the few times when Myanmar's citizens can cut loose under the watchful eye of the repressive regime. Revellers in the impoverished country splash one another with water and dance in the streets, despite annual warnings of proper etiquette from the government.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652500.html
Singapore – Yale-NUS to Open in 2013
Yale-National University of Singapore liberal arts college is finally a done deal.
On Thursday, the two universities announced that the 'Yale-NUS College', as it will be called, will open in 2013 and at a steady state admit 250 students a year. They will take up general education courses that will synthesise Western and Asian perspectives in the first two years, before going on to concentrate on a major. At the end of the four years, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Science (Honours) awarded by NUS, but their degree scrolls will include the Yale-NUS College name.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_651510.html
Thanks for checking in!
SEASA <3s
Muslim rebels killed eight armed employees of a local politician in a clash in the southern Philippines on Sunday, the military said. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels opened fire at the armed security staff of a Muslim political clan at its property on Mindanao island. 'The clash left at least eight people dead, at least four injured and there are two missing on the Mangudadatu side,' Colonel Asto said, referring to the property owners who are related to Esmael Mangudadatu, governor of Maguindanao province. The clash came amid peace talks between President Benigno Aquino's government and the 12,000-member MILF, which has been waging a decades-old armed campaign that has left 150,000 people dead according to some estimates.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652582.html
Vietnam - Thousands Cheered Capture of Revered Turtle
Thousands of onlookers cheered in central Hanoi on Sunday when rescuers captured for treatment an endangered and ailing giant turtle revered as a symbol of Vietnam's centuries-old independence struggle. This is one of the most endangered animals in the world and there's very little known about it.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652576.html
Philippines - Two of Fifteen Hostages Freed
Two of a group of 15 teachers and students hostages taken by armed tribesmen in the Philippines were freed on Sunday, hours after the kidnappers failed to show for talks with the government, police said.
The abduction of the group on Saturday was part of a bid by members of the forest-dwelling Manobo tribe to secure the release of a relative held in prison while on trial over a similar mass kidnapping in 2009, officials said.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652531.html
Malaysia - Gold Bags of Cash Seized from “Dirty” Customs Officers
Gold bars and bags of cash containing up to RM600,000 (USD 200K) have been discovered in the homes of several Customs officers during raids by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Other ill-gotten stash included luxury watches and posh cars.
The MACC seized millions of ringgit from at least five of the 62 Customs officers arrested to date in a series of raids over under-declaration of duties and tax evasion. MACC investigation director Datuk Mustafar Ali said a Customs director arrested last Tuesday had millions of ringgit spread over several bank accounts. Another officer had almost RM1 million (USD 330K) in his bank acount. Two others had between RM500,000 and RM850,000, he told a press conference on Saturday.
It is learnt that investigations by a task force estimated that about RM10bil (USD 3.3B) had been smuggled out or remitted overseas.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652523.html
Myanmar Warns against Decadent Dress for New Years
Revellers who wear 'decadent' clothing during Myanmar's upcoming New Year's celebrations can face up to a month in prison, a news report said on Sunday.
The four-day festival begins April 13 and marks the traditional New Year on the lunisolar calendar that is also used in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It's one of the few times when Myanmar's citizens can cut loose under the watchful eye of the repressive regime. Revellers in the impoverished country splash one another with water and dance in the streets, despite annual warnings of proper etiquette from the government.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_652500.html
Singapore – Yale-NUS to Open in 2013
Yale-National University of Singapore liberal arts college is finally a done deal.
On Thursday, the two universities announced that the 'Yale-NUS College', as it will be called, will open in 2013 and at a steady state admit 250 students a year. They will take up general education courses that will synthesise Western and Asian perspectives in the first two years, before going on to concentrate on a major. At the end of the four years, students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Science (Honours) awarded by NUS, but their degree scrolls will include the Yale-NUS College name.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_651510.html
Thanks for checking in!
SEASA <3s
Sunday, March 27, 2011
News Updates for Week of March 21st
Indonesia – Muslims Protest Gaddafi
MORE than 10,000 Muslims marched on Sunday in Indonesia to support pro-democracy and reform movements in Libya, Yemen and Bahrain, calling for the immediate resignation of Libya's leader and protection of civilians. Men, women and children attending the rally in the capital of the world's most populous Muslim nation waved Indonesian flags and shouted 'Allah akbar,' Arabic for 'God is great.' Banners and placards carried by marchers read: 'Revolution for freedom,' 'No to Dictator Gaddafi' or criticised the international air strikes that have checked Libya's military and helped rebels gain control of key towns.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_649994.html
Two 7.0 Earthquakes hit Myanmar
Two strong earthquakes struck north-eastern Myanmar less than a minute apart on Thursday night. They could be felt as far away as Bangkok, but a tsunami was not generated. The first 7.0-magnitude quake was just 10km deep, according to the US Geological Survey. It was followed by another of the same strength but far deeper: 230km. The quakes struck along Myanmar's borders with Thailand and Laos, about 110km from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. Buildings swayed in Bangkok, 800km south of the epicenter. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says it was located too far inland to create a destructive wave.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_648925.html
Thailand Rejects Foreign Election Monitors
Thailand on Thursday dismissed suggestions that foreign observers were needed to monitor its upcoming election, with the deputy prime minister saying he does 'not respect' Westerners. It would be 'inappropriate' to allow outside involvement in the poll, which is due in June or July and comes after deadly street protests last year, said Suthep Thaugsuban. 'I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them,' he said, using the Thai word for 'Westerners'.
Thailand has never officially allowed election monitors to operate during its polls, but anti-government 'Red Shirts' have recently called for international observers to be present. 'I am surprised that Red Shirts do not respect our country's sovereignty... I don't understand why they constantly call for foreign involvement, it is inappropriate,' Mr Suthep told reporters.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_648749.html
Malaysia - Police Arrested 2 in Connection with Sex Video
Police arrested two men in connection with the sex video of a man who is said to resemble a prominent opposition politician having sex with a foreign prostitute. It is learnt that the two - former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik and businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah - are now out on police bail.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_649229.html
Thanks for checking in!
SEASA <3's
MORE than 10,000 Muslims marched on Sunday in Indonesia to support pro-democracy and reform movements in Libya, Yemen and Bahrain, calling for the immediate resignation of Libya's leader and protection of civilians. Men, women and children attending the rally in the capital of the world's most populous Muslim nation waved Indonesian flags and shouted 'Allah akbar,' Arabic for 'God is great.' Banners and placards carried by marchers read: 'Revolution for freedom,' 'No to Dictator Gaddafi' or criticised the international air strikes that have checked Libya's military and helped rebels gain control of key towns.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_649994.html
Two 7.0 Earthquakes hit Myanmar
Two strong earthquakes struck north-eastern Myanmar less than a minute apart on Thursday night. They could be felt as far away as Bangkok, but a tsunami was not generated. The first 7.0-magnitude quake was just 10km deep, according to the US Geological Survey. It was followed by another of the same strength but far deeper: 230km. The quakes struck along Myanmar's borders with Thailand and Laos, about 110km from the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. Buildings swayed in Bangkok, 800km south of the epicenter. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says it was located too far inland to create a destructive wave.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_648925.html
Thailand Rejects Foreign Election Monitors
Thailand on Thursday dismissed suggestions that foreign observers were needed to monitor its upcoming election, with the deputy prime minister saying he does 'not respect' Westerners. It would be 'inappropriate' to allow outside involvement in the poll, which is due in June or July and comes after deadly street protests last year, said Suthep Thaugsuban. 'I don't respect 'farangs'. We do not have to surrender to them,' he said, using the Thai word for 'Westerners'.
Thailand has never officially allowed election monitors to operate during its polls, but anti-government 'Red Shirts' have recently called for international observers to be present. 'I am surprised that Red Shirts do not respect our country's sovereignty... I don't understand why they constantly call for foreign involvement, it is inappropriate,' Mr Suthep told reporters.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_648749.html
Malaysia - Police Arrested 2 in Connection with Sex Video
Police arrested two men in connection with the sex video of a man who is said to resemble a prominent opposition politician having sex with a foreign prostitute. It is learnt that the two - former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik and businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah - are now out on police bail.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_649229.html
Thanks for checking in!
SEASA <3's
Sunday, March 13, 2011
News Article for Week of March 14th
SEASA extends our deepest condolences to those harmed by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan that occurred over the past week. We hope your family and friends are safe and sound, and we wish Japan a swift recovery.
Here’s a special news article.
Japanese PM on Disaster
Japan is facing its worst crisis in the 65 years since the end of World War II, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on Sunday, calling on the nation to unite after it was devastated by a huge earthquake. The situation at a quake-stricken atomic power plant also remains grave, Mr Kan said as engineers battled a nuclear emergency sparked by the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the devastating tsunami it triggered.
'The current situation of the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear plants is in a way the most severe crisis in the past 65 years since World War II,' Mr Kan said at a press conference. 'Whether we Japanese can overcome this crisis depends on each of us,' Mr Kan said, calling for the nation to unite. 'I strongly believe that we can get over this great earthquake and tsunami by joining together.'
Japan battled a feared meltdown of two reactors at a quake-hit nuclear plant Sunday, as the full horror of the disaster emerged on the ravaged north-east coast where more than 10,000 people were feared dead.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_644763.html
And for some Southeast Asian news,
Bibles issue being resolved amicably
The issue of the impounding of 30,000 Bibles at Port Klang and Kuching Port is being resolved amicably with the parties concerned, based on advice from the Attorney-General. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the situation was not due to the books or the material but the pending appeal by the Catholic Herald over the use of the word 'Allah' in its publication. Mr Hishammuddin was commenting on the controversy over the impounding of the Bibles following calls by the Sarawak government for the books to be released immediately.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_644698.html
Thailand – Red Shirts Mark 1 Year Protest Anniversary
Thousands of anti-government 'Red Shirt' demonstrators took to Bangkok's streets on Saturday amid a heavy police presence, marking a year since the start of protests in the capital that turned deadly. Thai society remains deeply divided following political violence that left about 90 people dead - mostly civilians - in a series of bloody street clashes between armed troops and protesters in April and May last year. Police estimated that about 25,000 people had joined Saturday's gathering by early evening with the numbers expected to increase later for a video-link address by the Reds' hero, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. 'In the past year we have suffered excruciating pain and been suppressed by the elite,' said Nattawut Saikuar, one of seven main leaders of the movement recently released on bail after nine months in prison.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_644652.html
To end on a high note, SEASA’s Culture Show is this Saturday at Lyons Rat! Be there for some terrific performances!!
Cheers,
SEASA
Here’s a special news article.
Japanese PM on Disaster
Japan is facing its worst crisis in the 65 years since the end of World War II, Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on Sunday, calling on the nation to unite after it was devastated by a huge earthquake. The situation at a quake-stricken atomic power plant also remains grave, Mr Kan said as engineers battled a nuclear emergency sparked by the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the devastating tsunami it triggered.
'The current situation of the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear plants is in a way the most severe crisis in the past 65 years since World War II,' Mr Kan said at a press conference. 'Whether we Japanese can overcome this crisis depends on each of us,' Mr Kan said, calling for the nation to unite. 'I strongly believe that we can get over this great earthquake and tsunami by joining together.'
Japan battled a feared meltdown of two reactors at a quake-hit nuclear plant Sunday, as the full horror of the disaster emerged on the ravaged north-east coast where more than 10,000 people were feared dead.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_644763.html
And for some Southeast Asian news,
Bibles issue being resolved amicably
The issue of the impounding of 30,000 Bibles at Port Klang and Kuching Port is being resolved amicably with the parties concerned, based on advice from the Attorney-General. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the situation was not due to the books or the material but the pending appeal by the Catholic Herald over the use of the word 'Allah' in its publication. Mr Hishammuddin was commenting on the controversy over the impounding of the Bibles following calls by the Sarawak government for the books to be released immediately.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_644698.html
Thailand – Red Shirts Mark 1 Year Protest Anniversary
Thousands of anti-government 'Red Shirt' demonstrators took to Bangkok's streets on Saturday amid a heavy police presence, marking a year since the start of protests in the capital that turned deadly. Thai society remains deeply divided following political violence that left about 90 people dead - mostly civilians - in a series of bloody street clashes between armed troops and protesters in April and May last year. Police estimated that about 25,000 people had joined Saturday's gathering by early evening with the numbers expected to increase later for a video-link address by the Reds' hero, ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. 'In the past year we have suffered excruciating pain and been suppressed by the elite,' said Nattawut Saikuar, one of seven main leaders of the movement recently released on bail after nine months in prison.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_644652.html
To end on a high note, SEASA’s Culture Show is this Saturday at Lyons Rat! Be there for some terrific performances!!
Cheers,
SEASA
Sunday, February 27, 2011
News Updates for Week of February 21st
Thailand – Army Did Not Kill Reuters Cameraman
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has concluded that Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto, who was killed during political protests last year, was not shot by security forces, the head of the DSI said on Sunday.
That conclusion contradicts a preliminary finding in a DSI report leaked to Reuters in December, which indicated the bullet that killed the Japanese journalist on April 10 came from the direction of troops.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639469.html
Thailand – Future Uncertain for Children in Baby Scam
The fate of around nine unborn children hangs in the balance as Thai authorities weigh what to do with the offspring of Vietnamese women freed from an illegal baby breeding ring in Bangkok.
A total of 14 women, half of them pregnant, were freed on Wednesday from an operation using them as surrogates for wealthy childless couples overseas who placed orders for newborns online. A few were offered up to US$5,000 (S$6,364) per baby.
'There is a risk that those children might end up as stateless, that they won't get citizenship anywhere,' said Benedict Phillips, Asia strategy director at Save The Children. Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has described the gang, which operated under the name Baby 101, as 'illegal and inhuman' and suggested some of the women had been raped.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639452.html
Malaysia – Businessman Pays SGD 9 Million Ransom
A businessman from Singapore was forced to pay a staggering SGD $9 million to secure the release of his family in what has been described as Malaysia's largest ransom payment in recent years.
The nightmare began when the businessman's wife, their maid and daughter were driving home. They were forced off the road by another vehicle in Permas Jaya recently. Subsequently, the kidnappers took over the wheel and drove off with the three of them to an undisclosed location.
Bukit Aman sources said that the kidnappers sent an MMS of the three victims being held at gunpoint to the businessman before demanding a ransom of $50 million. The kidnappers warned the millionaire, who has businesses in real-estate and gaming, not to alert the police and to pay up if he wanted his family back. It is learnt that after negotiations, the kidnappers agreed to a ransom of $9 million and demanded that the money be prepared in large denominations of Singapore dollars.
Apparently, the businessman was then instructed to drive to a plantation in Kulaijaya to drop off the money. Sources said that the victims were only released at least two days after the ransom was paid. It is learnt that they were blindfolded and gagged during the ordeal which lasted several days. The three victims, who were all unharmed, were eventually dropped off around Danga Bay.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639384.html
Thailand – Former Tennis Star and Miss Universe to Breakup
Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan and 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova will tell the public about their breakup for the first time in a prerecorded television program.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639178.html
Indonesia - Increase in Arms a Cause for Concern
From petty crime to armed robbery to major terrorism operations, the increasing use of illicit firearms in Indonesia has reached a level that security experts warn must be addressed.
“Armed robbery has been around for years, but the cases seem to have intensified recently,” said Suryo Guritno, an independent weapons expert. Police say there were almost 1,000 crimes involving guns or explosives last year. In a special report, the Jakarta Globe looks at the various ways civilians, for whom legally owning a gun is almost impossible, can get their hands on weapons. In Cipacing, West Java, dubbed Indonesia’s air rifle manufacturing capital, homemade pistols can be bought for as little as Rp 2.5 million(USD 300), but they are often of such poor quality that they either misfire or break after a few shots. Real handguns are for sale at black-market prices of about Rp 15 million (USD 1700).
More worrying are those smuggled out of police or military armories, which one army deserter says is relatively easy to do. This appears to have been the source for a group of militants accused of running a terrorist training camp in Aceh. Two police officers are being tried for selling 28 weapons and 20,000 rounds of ammunition from a police warehouse to the terrorist group.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/alarm-as-illicit-weapons-fuel-rise-in-gun-crimes/425540
Malaysia and Turkey Joined in Police Training
Malaysia and Turkey have agreed to cooperate in police training which will also see Turkish police personnel attending the Malaysian Academy on Trans-national Organised Crime (Matoc) in Langkawi, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. Datuk Hishammuddin said the exchanges would help build stronger relations between the police forces of both countries.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639144.html
Philippines - Marcos victims in Philippines to get compensation
About 7,500 victims of human rights abuses during late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos' regime will receive compensation for their suffering starting next week, 25 years after a peaceful revolt forced Marcos into exile in Hawaii, their lawyers said on Thursday.
It is the first time the victims will receive any compensation since they filed a class suit in 1986.'The distribution is historic and a triumph after 25 years of struggle to achieve justice,' said American lead lawyer Robert Swift. Mr Swift said victims will receive the equivalent of US$1,000 each starting in a ceremony on Monday. Mr Swift and his Filipino co-counsels, assisted by the Commission on Human Rights, will distribute checks personally to claimants or their heirs in Manila and 15 other locations in the country.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_638458.html
Thanks again for checking in!
Stay classy,
SEASA
Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has concluded that Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto, who was killed during political protests last year, was not shot by security forces, the head of the DSI said on Sunday.
That conclusion contradicts a preliminary finding in a DSI report leaked to Reuters in December, which indicated the bullet that killed the Japanese journalist on April 10 came from the direction of troops.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639469.html
Thailand – Future Uncertain for Children in Baby Scam
The fate of around nine unborn children hangs in the balance as Thai authorities weigh what to do with the offspring of Vietnamese women freed from an illegal baby breeding ring in Bangkok.
A total of 14 women, half of them pregnant, were freed on Wednesday from an operation using them as surrogates for wealthy childless couples overseas who placed orders for newborns online. A few were offered up to US$5,000 (S$6,364) per baby.
'There is a risk that those children might end up as stateless, that they won't get citizenship anywhere,' said Benedict Phillips, Asia strategy director at Save The Children. Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has described the gang, which operated under the name Baby 101, as 'illegal and inhuman' and suggested some of the women had been raped.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639452.html
Malaysia – Businessman Pays SGD 9 Million Ransom
A businessman from Singapore was forced to pay a staggering SGD $9 million to secure the release of his family in what has been described as Malaysia's largest ransom payment in recent years.
The nightmare began when the businessman's wife, their maid and daughter were driving home. They were forced off the road by another vehicle in Permas Jaya recently. Subsequently, the kidnappers took over the wheel and drove off with the three of them to an undisclosed location.
Bukit Aman sources said that the kidnappers sent an MMS of the three victims being held at gunpoint to the businessman before demanding a ransom of $50 million. The kidnappers warned the millionaire, who has businesses in real-estate and gaming, not to alert the police and to pay up if he wanted his family back. It is learnt that after negotiations, the kidnappers agreed to a ransom of $9 million and demanded that the money be prepared in large denominations of Singapore dollars.
Apparently, the businessman was then instructed to drive to a plantation in Kulaijaya to drop off the money. Sources said that the victims were only released at least two days after the ransom was paid. It is learnt that they were blindfolded and gagged during the ordeal which lasted several days. The three victims, who were all unharmed, were eventually dropped off around Danga Bay.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639384.html
Thailand – Former Tennis Star and Miss Universe to Breakup
Former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan and 2005 Miss Universe Natalie Glebova will tell the public about their breakup for the first time in a prerecorded television program.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639178.html
Indonesia - Increase in Arms a Cause for Concern
From petty crime to armed robbery to major terrorism operations, the increasing use of illicit firearms in Indonesia has reached a level that security experts warn must be addressed.
“Armed robbery has been around for years, but the cases seem to have intensified recently,” said Suryo Guritno, an independent weapons expert. Police say there were almost 1,000 crimes involving guns or explosives last year. In a special report, the Jakarta Globe looks at the various ways civilians, for whom legally owning a gun is almost impossible, can get their hands on weapons. In Cipacing, West Java, dubbed Indonesia’s air rifle manufacturing capital, homemade pistols can be bought for as little as Rp 2.5 million(USD 300), but they are often of such poor quality that they either misfire or break after a few shots. Real handguns are for sale at black-market prices of about Rp 15 million (USD 1700).
More worrying are those smuggled out of police or military armories, which one army deserter says is relatively easy to do. This appears to have been the source for a group of militants accused of running a terrorist training camp in Aceh. Two police officers are being tried for selling 28 weapons and 20,000 rounds of ammunition from a police warehouse to the terrorist group.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/alarm-as-illicit-weapons-fuel-rise-in-gun-crimes/425540
Malaysia and Turkey Joined in Police Training
Malaysia and Turkey have agreed to cooperate in police training which will also see Turkish police personnel attending the Malaysian Academy on Trans-national Organised Crime (Matoc) in Langkawi, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. Datuk Hishammuddin said the exchanges would help build stronger relations between the police forces of both countries.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_639144.html
Philippines - Marcos victims in Philippines to get compensation
About 7,500 victims of human rights abuses during late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos' regime will receive compensation for their suffering starting next week, 25 years after a peaceful revolt forced Marcos into exile in Hawaii, their lawyers said on Thursday.
It is the first time the victims will receive any compensation since they filed a class suit in 1986.'The distribution is historic and a triumph after 25 years of struggle to achieve justice,' said American lead lawyer Robert Swift. Mr Swift said victims will receive the equivalent of US$1,000 each starting in a ceremony on Monday. Mr Swift and his Filipino co-counsels, assisted by the Commission on Human Rights, will distribute checks personally to claimants or their heirs in Manila and 15 other locations in the country.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_638458.html
Thanks again for checking in!
Stay classy,
SEASA
Sunday, February 20, 2011
News Updates for Week of February 14th
Happy Valentine's! Hope you had a good one with many exchanges of chocolates and letters lol!
Malaysia - Young Suicides Cause for Concern
A rash of suicides in Malaysia has raised concerns over the problems that ail its youngsters, who appear to make up the bulk of the victims. In the past two weeks, seven cases have been reported in the media. In the whole of 2008, there were 290 cases of suicide, according to the National Suicide Registry, which began collecting figures in mid-2007. Last year saw 445 cases in the first eight months alone.
The registry estimates there are now about 60 suicides every month. More than half those in 2008 involved Chinese. Experts have linked it to stress, increasing mental health problems and Internet escapism.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636673.html
Thailand – Thousands of Red Shirts Rally in Bangkok
8,000 Thai 'Red Shirts' gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to mark nine months since a bloody crackdown on their anti-government rally and to press for the release of detained leaders. ‘We came today to ask for justice for our people who died exactly nine months ago at this place,' said Thida Thavornseth, leader of Red Shirt movement. More than 90 died and nearly 1,900 were injured in clashes between protesters and the army during the two-month rallies in 2010 calling for immediate elections
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636773.html
Myanmar – Suu Kyi Must Apologize for Sanctions
Myanmar’s military rulers called on Saturday for the party of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to apologize to the public for backing Western sanctions it said were restricting the country's development. Analysts believe she is using her influence on the West as leverage to coax the reclusive generals towards reforms, but their latest rebuke suggests they are still unwilling to cooperate.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636737.html
Singapore – All Singaporeans Will Get up to SGD800 (USD630)
A total of SGD3.2 billion (USD2.5 billion) will go into the 'Grow And Share' package that will benefit more of the middle and lower-income groups, said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. A sum of SGD3.4 billion will also be spent on longer-term investments to enhance the well-being of Singaporeans.
Growth dividends stand at SGD1.549 billion and will benefit about 2.5 million Singaporeans. Each Singaporean will receive between SGD100 and SGD800 in cash, based on assessable income.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_636654.html
Thailand – Attacks Would 17
Seventeen people were wounded in Thailand's insurgency-ridden far south when insurgents launched a grenade attack on a karaoke bar and then detonated a bomb nearby, police said on Sunday.
Two women were injured in the M-79 attack on the bar in Narathiwat town on Saturday night, which was followed 25 minutes later by a bomb blast in front of a massage parlour just 100m away, wounding 15 people. Shadowy Islamic insurgents have waged a bloody campaign in Thailand's southernmost region since early 2004, leaving more than 4,400 people dead, including both Muslims and Buddhists, in near-daily attacks.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_637034.html
Singapore – Low Birth Rate
The Singaporean Government will look at ways to help single men and women find partners, in a bid to tackle the problem of falling birth rates.
More people are staying single and those who are married are putting off having babies, said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, on Sunday.
It was announced last month that Singapore's total fertility rate hit a historic low of 1.16 last year.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_637106.html
Indonesia – Controversial Film Tax
Under fire for a potential new tax on foreign films that has led distributors to halt their importation, the government on Sunday promised to review the move. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, said the government wanted to support the development of the domestic film industry with the proposed new tax. “We will review the Directorate General of Taxation’s circular issued in January on the new levy on imported films,” he said. “This is because we are not going to pursue regulations that have a bad effect on the public and threatened to kill the cinema industry here with their implementation.” The minister said the government, if necessary, would also invite distributors to discuss how much they were prepared to pay. Imported films already pay a 23.75 percent excise duty and another 10 percent income tax. Local governments also levy up to a 15 percent tax on ticket sales.
There has been a barrage of criticism, both here and abroad, over the proposed tax. The Motion Picture Association, which represents some of the biggest studios in Hollywood, on Thursday told journalists in Jakarta that it would stop movie exports to the country because of the possible new levy, which was rumored to cost as much as 43 cents per meter of film imported.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/govt-pledges-review-of-controversial-new-indonesianfilm-tax/423848
Have a good week ahead!
SEASA <3's
Malaysia - Young Suicides Cause for Concern
A rash of suicides in Malaysia has raised concerns over the problems that ail its youngsters, who appear to make up the bulk of the victims. In the past two weeks, seven cases have been reported in the media. In the whole of 2008, there were 290 cases of suicide, according to the National Suicide Registry, which began collecting figures in mid-2007. Last year saw 445 cases in the first eight months alone.
The registry estimates there are now about 60 suicides every month. More than half those in 2008 involved Chinese. Experts have linked it to stress, increasing mental health problems and Internet escapism.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636673.html
Thailand – Thousands of Red Shirts Rally in Bangkok
8,000 Thai 'Red Shirts' gathered in Bangkok on Saturday to mark nine months since a bloody crackdown on their anti-government rally and to press for the release of detained leaders. ‘We came today to ask for justice for our people who died exactly nine months ago at this place,' said Thida Thavornseth, leader of Red Shirt movement. More than 90 died and nearly 1,900 were injured in clashes between protesters and the army during the two-month rallies in 2010 calling for immediate elections
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636773.html
Myanmar – Suu Kyi Must Apologize for Sanctions
Myanmar’s military rulers called on Saturday for the party of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi to apologize to the public for backing Western sanctions it said were restricting the country's development. Analysts believe she is using her influence on the West as leverage to coax the reclusive generals towards reforms, but their latest rebuke suggests they are still unwilling to cooperate.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_636737.html
Singapore – All Singaporeans Will Get up to SGD800 (USD630)
A total of SGD3.2 billion (USD2.5 billion) will go into the 'Grow And Share' package that will benefit more of the middle and lower-income groups, said Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. A sum of SGD3.4 billion will also be spent on longer-term investments to enhance the well-being of Singaporeans.
Growth dividends stand at SGD1.549 billion and will benefit about 2.5 million Singaporeans. Each Singaporean will receive between SGD100 and SGD800 in cash, based on assessable income.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_636654.html
Thailand – Attacks Would 17
Seventeen people were wounded in Thailand's insurgency-ridden far south when insurgents launched a grenade attack on a karaoke bar and then detonated a bomb nearby, police said on Sunday.
Two women were injured in the M-79 attack on the bar in Narathiwat town on Saturday night, which was followed 25 minutes later by a bomb blast in front of a massage parlour just 100m away, wounding 15 people. Shadowy Islamic insurgents have waged a bloody campaign in Thailand's southernmost region since early 2004, leaving more than 4,400 people dead, including both Muslims and Buddhists, in near-daily attacks.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_637034.html
Singapore – Low Birth Rate
The Singaporean Government will look at ways to help single men and women find partners, in a bid to tackle the problem of falling birth rates.
More people are staying single and those who are married are putting off having babies, said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, on Sunday.
It was announced last month that Singapore's total fertility rate hit a historic low of 1.16 last year.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_637106.html
Indonesia – Controversial Film Tax
Under fire for a potential new tax on foreign films that has led distributors to halt their importation, the government on Sunday promised to review the move. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, said the government wanted to support the development of the domestic film industry with the proposed new tax. “We will review the Directorate General of Taxation’s circular issued in January on the new levy on imported films,” he said. “This is because we are not going to pursue regulations that have a bad effect on the public and threatened to kill the cinema industry here with their implementation.” The minister said the government, if necessary, would also invite distributors to discuss how much they were prepared to pay. Imported films already pay a 23.75 percent excise duty and another 10 percent income tax. Local governments also levy up to a 15 percent tax on ticket sales.
There has been a barrage of criticism, both here and abroad, over the proposed tax. The Motion Picture Association, which represents some of the biggest studios in Hollywood, on Thursday told journalists in Jakarta that it would stop movie exports to the country because of the possible new levy, which was rumored to cost as much as 43 cents per meter of film imported.
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/govt-pledges-review-of-controversial-new-indonesianfilm-tax/423848
Have a good week ahead!
SEASA <3's
Sunday, February 13, 2011
East Timor Pleads to UN for Accountability
"We are still not yet free of the shadow of serious crimes committed during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation. We have suffered a lot during that period; physically and psychologically", these were the words given by the Timor-Leste National Alliance for an International Tribunal(ANTI) in a letter to UN as a plea for action.
ANTI looks to take action to end impunity given to those who partook in the criminal actions that occurring during this time. General Ban ki-Moon, a UN Secretary, was given heat by ANTI for his failure to bring this issue into the light during his most recent report to the Council.
The organization's main concerns are that the continued lack of action against this issue will diminish country stability and will encourage similar crimes elsewhere in the world. The concerns, and the future of the UN mission in Timor, will be discussed further on the next council meeting on February 22.
Last Security Council Report:
http://www.laohamutuk.org/reports/UN/UNDocs/2011/SGRept11_32.pdf
Link to the Article:
http://www.etan.org/news/2011/02anti.htm
ANTI looks to take action to end impunity given to those who partook in the criminal actions that occurring during this time. General Ban ki-Moon, a UN Secretary, was given heat by ANTI for his failure to bring this issue into the light during his most recent report to the Council.
The organization's main concerns are that the continued lack of action against this issue will diminish country stability and will encourage similar crimes elsewhere in the world. The concerns, and the future of the UN mission in Timor, will be discussed further on the next council meeting on February 22.
Last Security Council Report:
http://www.laohamutuk.org/reports/UN/UNDocs/2011/SGRept11_32.pdf
Link to the Article:
http://www.etan.org/news/2011/02anti.htm
Malaysia Reports an Alarming Suicide Rate
Recent reports suggest that the suicide rate in Malaysia adds up to an an average of two suicides per day as the growing pressures and stresses of family dilemmas, school, and work prove too much for many Malaysians today.
The National Suicide Registry in Malaysia has reported 425 deaths caused by suicide over a course of eight months last year(January through August) coming to an average of nearly 61 people per month. They say "reported" but that excluding the multiple unreported deaths that would skew the statistic upward.
Hopefully, measures are being aught to try and reduce these figures, in particular for those within the age range of 16 to 25 who are, according to the Health Ministry, the highest suicide instances.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_633334.html
The National Suicide Registry in Malaysia has reported 425 deaths caused by suicide over a course of eight months last year(January through August) coming to an average of nearly 61 people per month. They say "reported" but that excluding the multiple unreported deaths that would skew the statistic upward.
Hopefully, measures are being aught to try and reduce these figures, in particular for those within the age range of 16 to 25 who are, according to the Health Ministry, the highest suicide instances.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_633334.html
A Vice-free Valentine's Day
Islamic officials in Malaysia are pushing to reduce the number of vice activities that occur on Valentines day, a day that has been known for such frivolities, both in Malaysia and elsewhere around the globe. Their goal is with these crack-downs is to continue to encourage a sin-free life.
Jakim officials will carry out a campaign with the theme 'Mind the Valentine's Day Trap' to prevent celebration of that day. They are able to further legitimize their actions because of the specifics of Islamic religious beliefs, which reject anything that is not consistent with the beliefs of the Islamic teachings, and according to a ruling six years ago, the day had connotations of Christian faith.
Link to the article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_634485.html
Jakim officials will carry out a campaign with the theme 'Mind the Valentine's Day Trap' to prevent celebration of that day. They are able to further legitimize their actions because of the specifics of Islamic religious beliefs, which reject anything that is not consistent with the beliefs of the Islamic teachings, and according to a ruling six years ago, the day had connotations of Christian faith.
Link to the article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_634485.html
Thailand to Keep the UN out of Border Disputes
Recent reports indicate the growing tension that surround the Thai-Cambodian border dispute centered around the temple of Preah Vihear. A closed-door meeting will be held to explain the situation and Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand Prime minister seems assured that they can explain how the standoff was the cause of Cambodia and that all of Cambodia's claims are "wrong".
These disputes over borders are responsible for four days of violence around the area earlier in this month and while Cambodia is appealing for an intervention via a third country, Thailand is leaning more towards placing Cambodia in an unfavorable light through it's case evidence(media reports, pictures).
Link to the article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_634524.html
These disputes over borders are responsible for four days of violence around the area earlier in this month and while Cambodia is appealing for an intervention via a third country, Thailand is leaning more towards placing Cambodia in an unfavorable light through it's case evidence(media reports, pictures).
Link to the article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_634524.html
Peace Talks to Commence with Communist Party in the Philippines
The Communist party of the Philippines(CPP), has caused a number of problems for the Philippine government since it's founding in 1968. Peace talks between the party and the Philippine government and set to take place in Norway proceeding years and years of disagreements and confrontations.
Alexander Padilla, a chief government negotiator, says that 'Our most optimistic projection is that... substantive agreements can be reached in 18 months' time and peace achievable in three years,'. These talks seem to look promising, but the CCP, just a few days after these talks were scheduled, an attack was mounted on a town in Northern Philippines with communist rebels responsible.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_634513.html
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Deforestation at Large in Malaysia
Recent reports by a research group called Wetlands International have confirmed a substantial deforestation rate in Malaysian forests, reportedly at a rate almost three times faster than the rest of Asia.
The actual numbers indicate that in Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state on the island of Borneo, about ten percent of the forested are uprooted annually over a five year period. A parallel range of years for the rest of Asia shows a 2.8 percent deforestation rate. Taken all together, approximately 353,000 hectares of rain forest land was deforested within these last five years alone.
These recent studies may very well indicate and correlate with a higher demand for palm oil, a product produced largely in Malaysia and neighboring Indonesia and made largely from the stripped forests.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630609.html
The actual numbers indicate that in Sarawak, the largest Malaysian state on the island of Borneo, about ten percent of the forested are uprooted annually over a five year period. A parallel range of years for the rest of Asia shows a 2.8 percent deforestation rate. Taken all together, approximately 353,000 hectares of rain forest land was deforested within these last five years alone.
These recent studies may very well indicate and correlate with a higher demand for palm oil, a product produced largely in Malaysia and neighboring Indonesia and made largely from the stripped forests.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630609.html
Aung San Suu Kyi in Support of Egyptian Protesters
"We're all with you": These were the words of Aung San Suu Kyi, a recently freed, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and an icon for Democracy in Burma. These words were in response to the growing situation in Egypt involving one of the largest displays of protest in the nation's history.
Issues involved in the protests include but are not limited to police brutality, low minimum wages, inflation, and the lack of free speech and elections. Suu Kyi supports the efforts of these protesters seeking a better Egypt and comments that people "have much better means of getting in touch with each other and arranging mass public demonstrations such as they have done in Egypt".
World views on the situation have been mixed but hopefully a peaceful solution can be found.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630684.html
Issues involved in the protests include but are not limited to police brutality, low minimum wages, inflation, and the lack of free speech and elections. Suu Kyi supports the efforts of these protesters seeking a better Egypt and comments that people "have much better means of getting in touch with each other and arranging mass public demonstrations such as they have done in Egypt".
World views on the situation have been mixed but hopefully a peaceful solution can be found.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630684.html
Poh Chen Shui CAUGHT in Fiji Bank Fraud
Recently, a Singaporean businessman by the name of Poh Chen Shui was caught for engaging in a bank fraud that's worth was 50 million Euros(Equivalent to over 80 million U.S. dollars)
What happened is that Shui went to Fiji and started up a business back in January of 2009 with two Fji natives: Rajnesh Singh and Atunaisa Veitata. The trio called this company Full Creations Investments Ltd. A forged bank draft with the worth of 50 million Euros was then deposited by Veitata in an attempt at easy money but was discovered by the bank to be fake.
Reports indicate that Rajnesh Singh was using this forgery in an attempt to buy several acres of land belonging to an Anglican Church.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_631859.html
What happened is that Shui went to Fiji and started up a business back in January of 2009 with two Fji natives: Rajnesh Singh and Atunaisa Veitata. The trio called this company Full Creations Investments Ltd. A forged bank draft with the worth of 50 million Euros was then deposited by Veitata in an attempt at easy money but was discovered by the bank to be fake.
Reports indicate that Rajnesh Singh was using this forgery in an attempt to buy several acres of land belonging to an Anglican Church.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_631859.html
Vang Pao's Appeals for Arlington Burial Denied
Vang Pao, a general in Laos, was recently denied burial at the famous Arlington Cemetery where many heroes had been buried in the past, including the Kennedy's, other former presidents and military leaders.
Vang Pao has recently passed away at the age of 81 after having served for the Royal Lao Army from the 1940's up to 1975. Based on the pre-established conditions of burial at Arlington Cemetery as described by the Federal Code of Regulations, there is no rule specifically preventing Pao's burial there.
The committee organizing the funeral wanted to do it in a traditional Hmong style alongside burial with honors at Arlington but were unfortunately denied. Pao's dedicated supporters and followers are currently appealing to U.S. President Barack Obama to potentially overturn this decision.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_631917.html
Picture of Vang Pao:
http://riverdaughter.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/vangpao.png
Vang Pao has recently passed away at the age of 81 after having served for the Royal Lao Army from the 1940's up to 1975. Based on the pre-established conditions of burial at Arlington Cemetery as described by the Federal Code of Regulations, there is no rule specifically preventing Pao's burial there.
The committee organizing the funeral wanted to do it in a traditional Hmong style alongside burial with honors at Arlington but were unfortunately denied. Pao's dedicated supporters and followers are currently appealing to U.S. President Barack Obama to potentially overturn this decision.
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_631917.html
Picture of Vang Pao:
http://riverdaughter.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/vangpao.png
Continued Border Disputes Between Cambodia and Thailand
Recently, a third day of fighting has broken out between the two neighboring Southeast Asian nations Cambodia and Thailand. Despite a cease fire, deployed troops continue to ravish the disputed border situated around the Preah Vihear Temple.
The temple itself was began in the 9th century as a tribute to Shiva. It is situated in the Phnom Troap mountain ranges in Northern Cambodia.
A world court ruling back in 1962 confirmed that the site belongs to Cambodia but this claim has been disputed by many Thai people. This was not the first act of violence in this border dispute, perhaps the first and most famous of these modern day confrontations began in 2008 labeled as the "Cambodian-Thai Stand-Off".
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_631864.html
Map of Cambodia-Thailand:
http://www.search-internetmarketing.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/fe36d_CambodiaThailandBorder.jpg
The temple itself was began in the 9th century as a tribute to Shiva. It is situated in the Phnom Troap mountain ranges in Northern Cambodia.
A world court ruling back in 1962 confirmed that the site belongs to Cambodia but this claim has been disputed by many Thai people. This was not the first act of violence in this border dispute, perhaps the first and most famous of these modern day confrontations began in 2008 labeled as the "Cambodian-Thai Stand-Off".
Link to article:
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_631864.html
Map of Cambodia-Thailand:
http://www.search-internetmarketing.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/fe36d_CambodiaThailandBorder.jpg
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wharton Publications names CIVETS: the New BRICs
CIVETS is formed by Colombia Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa. Insert this address on your browser for the full insight: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2679
SEASA <3's
News Updates for Week of January 24th
Singapore – Drew USD 10.1B in Fixed Asset Investments
Singapore’s powerful economic rebound and Asia's roaring growth lured companies from around the world to invest here last year. The strong investment momentum broke a few records and is expected to continue into this year, the Economic Development Board (EDB) said on Monday. In its annual recap, the EDB said companies last year committed to pour USD 10.1 billion into fixed assets such as factories and machinery here, handily beating the board's forecast of USD 8 billion to USD 9.5 billion. All this bodes well for job seekers. When completed, the projects committed to last year will result in 21,300 new skilled jobs, the most ever.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_628001.html
image from www.livetradingnews.com
Thailand – Yellow Shirts Return to Street Politics
More than a thousand people have camped out around the government's compound since Tuesday, demonstrating against its handling of a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia. Despite relatively small numbers compared to their arch enemies - the anti-government 'Red Shirts' whose most recent rally attracted nearly 30,000 people - the group has managed to choke off streets around Government House. Tensions centre on 4.6 sq km of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which the World Court ruled in 1962 belonged to Cambodia, although the main entrance lies in Thailand. 'I came here to help my country. We have to fight to protect our land,' said a protester.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630014.html
image from www.bbc.co.uk
Philippines – Fire Killed 12
Twelve people were killed in a huge fire that razed some 100 houses in a poor residential area in the Philippine capital on Sunday, authorities said. The fire at suburban Navotas city, north of Manila, began before midnight Saturday and lasted for about five hours. Among the twelve killed, five were children.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630028.html
Philippines - Terror Alert after Bus Bomb Kills 4
A bomb on a packed bus in the Philippines' financial hub killed four people on Tuesday, sparking a warning from President Benigno Aquino that the country faced a raised terror threat. Authorities said it was too early to say who was behind the explosion as the bus travelled along one of Manila's busiest roads, but Mr Aquino ordered security forces on alert.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_628362.html
Malaysian Student Gang-Raped in London
An 18-year old Malaysian student in London was allegedly gang-raped by several Russian men, including an intelligence officer who has been charged with the offence. The Sun tabloid of London, which broke the story on Thursday, reported that the girl had attended a party at the prestigious Bellerbys College in Greenwich, South London, where she is studying. The report, quoting sources, claimed that the girl was allegedly drugged and then filmed while being assaulted by seven Russian men, including the intelligence officer identified as Oleg Vladimirvich Ivanov, 23. The seven men had claimed to be students, but it quoted well-informed sources as saying that Ivanov worked in the Intelligence Section of the Moscow Police.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630012.html
Indonesia – Anti-graft Body Detains 19 Politicians
A sign that one of Indonesia's long-awaited corruption trials will begin soon, its anti-graft commission has detained 19 current and former Members of Parliament over alleged bribery related to the appointment of a central banker.
The suspects are accused of receiving traveller's cheques worth 150 million rupiah (S$21,400) to 1.45 billion rupiah each to elect Ms Miranda Goeltom as senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia in 2004. Current legislators said KPK, the anti-graft body, could have overstepped its legal mandate. Nevertheless, Indonesia Corruption Watch coordinator Adnan Topan Husodo said it was a 'big step by KPK, a good move to start 2011'.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630010.html
Myanmar – First Parliament in Decades
Myanmar is preparing to open its first session of parliament in more than two decades, a major step in the ruling military's self-styled transition to democracy but one being carried out with little fanfare or public enthusiasm. Delegates are gathering for Monday morning's simultaneous opening of the 440-seat lower house and 224-seat upper house in a massive new building in Naypyitaw, the remote city to which the capital was moved from Yangon in 2005. One-quarter of the seats in each chamber are given under the 2008 constitution to the military, supporting criticism that the so-called roadmap to democracy is a fig leaf for continued rule by the army.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630024.html
Thailand – Coral Crisis Part of Thai National Agenda
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is planning to make 'efforts against coralbleaching' a national agenda.
Many diving sites at famous marine national parks in the Andaman Sea have been closed to tourists since Jan 21 after coral bleaching killed a large portion of reefs. The head of the DNP, Mr. Songtham, says they are considering the use of zoning, admission fee hike and a ceiling on number of divers each day.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_629739.html
Malaysia - Politician's "No Handshake" Stirs Row
A Malaysian politician has caused a stir by declining to shake hands with men as she campaigned in a tight by-election, triggering debate across Malaysia's racial and religious divide.
Normala Sudirman, a rising star within the conservative Islamic party (PAS) which belongs to the opposition alliance, said her faith prohibits close contact between unrelated men and women. 'We (Muslim women) do not even shake hands with Muslim men,' she said this week, defending her stance against allegations that it was a sign of the rising 'Islamisation' of the multicultural state.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, is ruled by a coalition of race-based parties including the Malaysian Chinese Association. Malaysia's ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who follow Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism among other religions, complain their rights are being trampled by the imposition of Muslim values on their way of life.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_628123.html
image from marvelousarchive.blogspot.com
Thanks for checking in this week guys!
SEASA <3's
Singapore’s powerful economic rebound and Asia's roaring growth lured companies from around the world to invest here last year. The strong investment momentum broke a few records and is expected to continue into this year, the Economic Development Board (EDB) said on Monday. In its annual recap, the EDB said companies last year committed to pour USD 10.1 billion into fixed assets such as factories and machinery here, handily beating the board's forecast of USD 8 billion to USD 9.5 billion. All this bodes well for job seekers. When completed, the projects committed to last year will result in 21,300 new skilled jobs, the most ever.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_628001.html
image from www.livetradingnews.com
Thailand – Yellow Shirts Return to Street Politics
More than a thousand people have camped out around the government's compound since Tuesday, demonstrating against its handling of a border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia. Despite relatively small numbers compared to their arch enemies - the anti-government 'Red Shirts' whose most recent rally attracted nearly 30,000 people - the group has managed to choke off streets around Government House. Tensions centre on 4.6 sq km of land around the ancient Preah Vihear temple, which the World Court ruled in 1962 belonged to Cambodia, although the main entrance lies in Thailand. 'I came here to help my country. We have to fight to protect our land,' said a protester.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630014.html
image from www.bbc.co.uk
Philippines – Fire Killed 12
Twelve people were killed in a huge fire that razed some 100 houses in a poor residential area in the Philippine capital on Sunday, authorities said. The fire at suburban Navotas city, north of Manila, began before midnight Saturday and lasted for about five hours. Among the twelve killed, five were children.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630028.html
Philippines - Terror Alert after Bus Bomb Kills 4
A bomb on a packed bus in the Philippines' financial hub killed four people on Tuesday, sparking a warning from President Benigno Aquino that the country faced a raised terror threat. Authorities said it was too early to say who was behind the explosion as the bus travelled along one of Manila's busiest roads, but Mr Aquino ordered security forces on alert.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_628362.html
Malaysian Student Gang-Raped in London
An 18-year old Malaysian student in London was allegedly gang-raped by several Russian men, including an intelligence officer who has been charged with the offence. The Sun tabloid of London, which broke the story on Thursday, reported that the girl had attended a party at the prestigious Bellerbys College in Greenwich, South London, where she is studying. The report, quoting sources, claimed that the girl was allegedly drugged and then filmed while being assaulted by seven Russian men, including the intelligence officer identified as Oleg Vladimirvich Ivanov, 23. The seven men had claimed to be students, but it quoted well-informed sources as saying that Ivanov worked in the Intelligence Section of the Moscow Police.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630012.html
Indonesia – Anti-graft Body Detains 19 Politicians
A sign that one of Indonesia's long-awaited corruption trials will begin soon, its anti-graft commission has detained 19 current and former Members of Parliament over alleged bribery related to the appointment of a central banker.
The suspects are accused of receiving traveller's cheques worth 150 million rupiah (S$21,400) to 1.45 billion rupiah each to elect Ms Miranda Goeltom as senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia in 2004. Current legislators said KPK, the anti-graft body, could have overstepped its legal mandate. Nevertheless, Indonesia Corruption Watch coordinator Adnan Topan Husodo said it was a 'big step by KPK, a good move to start 2011'.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630010.html
Myanmar – First Parliament in Decades
Myanmar is preparing to open its first session of parliament in more than two decades, a major step in the ruling military's self-styled transition to democracy but one being carried out with little fanfare or public enthusiasm. Delegates are gathering for Monday morning's simultaneous opening of the 440-seat lower house and 224-seat upper house in a massive new building in Naypyitaw, the remote city to which the capital was moved from Yangon in 2005. One-quarter of the seats in each chamber are given under the 2008 constitution to the military, supporting criticism that the so-called roadmap to democracy is a fig leaf for continued rule by the army.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_630024.html
Thailand – Coral Crisis Part of Thai National Agenda
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is planning to make 'efforts against coralbleaching' a national agenda.
Many diving sites at famous marine national parks in the Andaman Sea have been closed to tourists since Jan 21 after coral bleaching killed a large portion of reefs. The head of the DNP, Mr. Songtham, says they are considering the use of zoning, admission fee hike and a ceiling on number of divers each day.
http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_629739.html
Malaysia - Politician's "No Handshake" Stirs Row
A Malaysian politician has caused a stir by declining to shake hands with men as she campaigned in a tight by-election, triggering debate across Malaysia's racial and religious divide.
Normala Sudirman, a rising star within the conservative Islamic party (PAS) which belongs to the opposition alliance, said her faith prohibits close contact between unrelated men and women. 'We (Muslim women) do not even shake hands with Muslim men,' she said this week, defending her stance against allegations that it was a sign of the rising 'Islamisation' of the multicultural state.
Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country, is ruled by a coalition of race-based parties including the Malaysian Chinese Association. Malaysia's ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities, who follow Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism among other religions, complain their rights are being trampled by the imposition of Muslim values on their way of life.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_628123.html
image from marvelousarchive.blogspot.com
Thanks for checking in this week guys!
SEASA <3's
Sunday, January 23, 2011
News Updates for Week of January 16th
First of all, Happy New Year to all SEASAlites! Hope you will all have a terrific year ahead!
Starting off, our first news piece of the year, Suu Kyi Gets Access to Internet
Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has finally had Internet access installed at home after her years of isolation were brought to an end two months ago, an aide said on Friday.
Her security chief Win Htein said, 'but she cannot use the Internet now as she is not feeling well and is coughing.’ It is believed that the Nobel laureate has never before surfed the web. Suu Kyi, who was locked up for seven straight years with no telephone or Internet until November, has expressed an interest in using the micro-blogging site Twitter or the social network Facebook to reach young people.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626742.html
New Vietnam General Secretary
picture from vietnamembassy-usa.org
Vietnam’s Communist elite picked Nguyen Phu Trong, 66, current chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly, to be the next general secretary of the Communist Party. In addition, three high ranking party members were re-elected.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625720.html
Malaysia - Increase in Alcohol Permits
The number of permits to sell liquor in Malaysian has increased since 2008 owing to the influx of foreign tourists. He added that the Malaysian Government would not prevent non-Muslims from consuming alcoholic beverages because it was their right to do so. Tourism and Culture committee chairman Mr. Takiyuddin said the money collected from such permits was not included in the municipal council accounts. 'Such monies will either be donated to temples or used to finance minor projects within the municipality,' he said.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625866.html
Malaysia - Police Crackdown on Baby-selling Syndicate
Police rescued the babies - one aged five days and two who were seven days old - during an operation conducted by the Bukit Aman vice, gambling and secret societies unit. They expect to make more arrests soon. Initial investigations revealed that the babies were sold for between RM15,000 and RM20,000 (USD4,900and USD 6,500) each, depending on their appearance and health.
Commissioner Bakri said police had monitored the syndicate's movement since July when two raids in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur saw the rescue of 22 babies and arrest of 30 people. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625758.html
Singapore - Gary Ng Arrested for Sex Offences
Gary Ng sentenced to 50 months in prison and a USD15,600 fine. Chen Guilin alias Gary Ng, 28, had admitted to having 507 obscene films, mostly of himself having sex with other women. Some of the women were willing parties for the filming while others were not. He had hidden a video camera in a plastic bag with a slit to film his acts and uploaded some on the Internet.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_626141.html
Vietnam - Cold Spell Disrupts Country
A cold spell over the past three weeks has killed at least seven people as well as more 20,000 cows and buffalos. Temperatures have plunged as low as -3.6 degrees C, whereas the norm for this period is typically around 15 degrees C. Children and the elderly also have swamped hospitals, mostly with respiratory illness. The cold spell was forecast to last at least two more weeks.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626745.html
Thailand - Closing Dive Site due to Bleaching
Thailand is closing dozens of dive sites to tourists after unusually warm seas caused severe damage to coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, one of the world's top diving and beach resort regions, authorities said on Thursday. The coral bleaching is caused by an increase in the ocean temperatures.
Other parts of South-east Asia have also suffered. An international team of scientists studying bleaching off Indonesia's Aceh province found that 80 per cent of some species have died between May and August.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626618.html
Indonesia - Blackberry to Stop Access to Porn
Indonesia’s Information Minister says he's happy so far with BlackBerry's efforts to filter pornography from its smartphones in the world's most populous Muslim nation. Among the websites no longer visible are Playboy and many other porn websites.
BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion Ltd agreed earlier this week to filter out porn in the nation of 237 million by Friday after the government threatened to revoke its operating license here.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626246.html
OPINION
Indonesia - Tax Collector who Has Rp 25 Billion
For the past year, Indonesia has been shocked by the case of Gayus Tambunan, a low-ranking tax collector, who has a fortune of Rp 25 billion, or approximately USD 3 million, in his bank account. Day after day, many newspapers put the case developments on the front page. They follow the controversies related to his ability to attain such large amount of cash, for instance the possibility of existence of an international money laundering syndicate that had been backing him, possible political games that attempt to curb the large political party Golkar from power, etc. Many ask if these are not just attempts by higher powers to keep the news from uncovering the real and more significant corruption issues in Indonesia. As of January 19th, Gayus is sentenced to seven years in prison.
Thanks for checking in! See you soon!
SEASA <3's
Starting off, our first news piece of the year, Suu Kyi Gets Access to Internet
Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has finally had Internet access installed at home after her years of isolation were brought to an end two months ago, an aide said on Friday.
Her security chief Win Htein said, 'but she cannot use the Internet now as she is not feeling well and is coughing.’ It is believed that the Nobel laureate has never before surfed the web. Suu Kyi, who was locked up for seven straight years with no telephone or Internet until November, has expressed an interest in using the micro-blogging site Twitter or the social network Facebook to reach young people.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626742.html
New Vietnam General Secretary
picture from vietnamembassy-usa.org
Vietnam’s Communist elite picked Nguyen Phu Trong, 66, current chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly, to be the next general secretary of the Communist Party. In addition, three high ranking party members were re-elected.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625720.html
Malaysia - Increase in Alcohol Permits
The number of permits to sell liquor in Malaysian has increased since 2008 owing to the influx of foreign tourists. He added that the Malaysian Government would not prevent non-Muslims from consuming alcoholic beverages because it was their right to do so. Tourism and Culture committee chairman Mr. Takiyuddin said the money collected from such permits was not included in the municipal council accounts. 'Such monies will either be donated to temples or used to finance minor projects within the municipality,' he said.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625866.html
Malaysia - Police Crackdown on Baby-selling Syndicate
Police rescued the babies - one aged five days and two who were seven days old - during an operation conducted by the Bukit Aman vice, gambling and secret societies unit. They expect to make more arrests soon. Initial investigations revealed that the babies were sold for between RM15,000 and RM20,000 (USD4,900and USD 6,500) each, depending on their appearance and health.
Commissioner Bakri said police had monitored the syndicate's movement since July when two raids in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur saw the rescue of 22 babies and arrest of 30 people. http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_625758.html
Singapore - Gary Ng Arrested for Sex Offences
Gary Ng sentenced to 50 months in prison and a USD15,600 fine. Chen Guilin alias Gary Ng, 28, had admitted to having 507 obscene films, mostly of himself having sex with other women. Some of the women were willing parties for the filming while others were not. He had hidden a video camera in a plastic bag with a slit to film his acts and uploaded some on the Internet.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_626141.html
Vietnam - Cold Spell Disrupts Country
A cold spell over the past three weeks has killed at least seven people as well as more 20,000 cows and buffalos. Temperatures have plunged as low as -3.6 degrees C, whereas the norm for this period is typically around 15 degrees C. Children and the elderly also have swamped hospitals, mostly with respiratory illness. The cold spell was forecast to last at least two more weeks.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626745.html
Thailand - Closing Dive Site due to Bleaching
Thailand is closing dozens of dive sites to tourists after unusually warm seas caused severe damage to coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, one of the world's top diving and beach resort regions, authorities said on Thursday. The coral bleaching is caused by an increase in the ocean temperatures.
Other parts of South-east Asia have also suffered. An international team of scientists studying bleaching off Indonesia's Aceh province found that 80 per cent of some species have died between May and August.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626618.html
Indonesia - Blackberry to Stop Access to Porn
Indonesia’s Information Minister says he's happy so far with BlackBerry's efforts to filter pornography from its smartphones in the world's most populous Muslim nation. Among the websites no longer visible are Playboy and many other porn websites.
BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion Ltd agreed earlier this week to filter out porn in the nation of 237 million by Friday after the government threatened to revoke its operating license here.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_626246.html
OPINION
Indonesia - Tax Collector who Has Rp 25 Billion
For the past year, Indonesia has been shocked by the case of Gayus Tambunan, a low-ranking tax collector, who has a fortune of Rp 25 billion, or approximately USD 3 million, in his bank account. Day after day, many newspapers put the case developments on the front page. They follow the controversies related to his ability to attain such large amount of cash, for instance the possibility of existence of an international money laundering syndicate that had been backing him, possible political games that attempt to curb the large political party Golkar from power, etc. Many ask if these are not just attempts by higher powers to keep the news from uncovering the real and more significant corruption issues in Indonesia. As of January 19th, Gayus is sentenced to seven years in prison.
Thanks for checking in! See you soon!
SEASA <3's
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