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

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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