Daily News on the Southeast Asian Region
3 May 2018
(pm) - 4 May
2018
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Greetings
This issue of Daily News Alert includes one commentary contributed by Dr Sanchita Basu Das, Lead Researcher, ASEAN Studies Centre and one interview with Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
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Country Studies
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Southeast Asia Countries
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Cambodia
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CNRP seeks political deal while Rainsy condemned: The dissolved CNRP has called for a political settlement to enable its participation in the national election while two newly formed political parties yesterday condemned former opposition leader Sam Rainsy for attempting to distribute leaflets calling for an election boycott.
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National Road 5 to become 'Asean highway': Minister: The extension of National Road 5, which links Phnom Penh to Banteay Meanchey Province in the border with Thailand, is part of a larger, Asean-wide project to connect the kingdom with Thailand, Myanmar, and, ultimately, China, the Minister of Transport said on Wednesday. Plans to improve the road are set to enter phase two, which aims to widen the highway from two to four lanes in the section running from Prek Kdam, in Kandal Province, to Pursat, with construction work beginning in May. The revamped section will be 23 meters wide and stretch for 400 kilometres.
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Japan envoy meets with GDP: Japanese Ambassador Hidehisa Horinouchi met with representatives of the fledgling Grassroots Democracy Party on Thursday morning, reiterating the need for opposition parties to partake in the upcoming elections to "reflect the will of Cambodian people".The meeting comes as the party deliberates its participation in the controversial July national elections, which follows the dissolution of the Cambodia National Rescue Party and jailing of its president, Kem Sokha, on "treason" charges last year. Party registration is currently underway and will end on May 14.
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Lack of female journalists in Kingdom has far-reaching effects, report says: The effects of such a gender imbalance are far-reaching, said Ed Legaspi, executive director at the Southeast Asia Press Alliance, who said that his organisation does connect more with male journalists than female, and the women with whom they do connect are never in "key positions" in the media or journalist groups.
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Cambodia PM Hun Sen's Nephew Jailed Following Whirlwind Shooting Trial: A court in Cambodia has sentenced Hun Chea, a nephew of Prime Minister Hun Sen, to 18 months in prison following a whirlwind trial that took place on the same day he was arrested for firing a gun during a domestic dispute. Hun Chea, who is also a three-star general, had been drinking on the evening of May 1, when he fired off at least 10 rounds near his home in the capital Phnom Penh's Daun Penh district, according to local authorities. He was arrested the following morning, sent to the Ministry of Interior for questioning, and was in trial by afternoon at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, where Judge Ros Piseth handed him the 18-month sentence for "making death threats" and "intentionally damaging property."
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Workers Reduced to 'Slaves' Amid Rampant Debt Bondage in Cambodia's Brick Sector: Brick workers in southeastern Cambodia's Kandal province are selling themselves and their families into slavery as "collateral" for debts they owe to factory owners, which can never be repaid due to the seasonal nature of their work, according to sources. More than 100 brick factories operate in Kandal's Muk Kampoul district, located around 30 kilometers (19 miles) outside of Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, employing thousands of workers who labor throughout the dry season. But while factory owners get rich off of the profits to be had feeding the thriving construction industry in the capital, workers labor under harsh conditions for measly pay that they say is barely enough to feed themselves and their families, let alone establish savings.
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Indonesia
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May Day: Reflection on job quality
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Ministry to bring back Indonesian language requirement for foreign workers: The requirement was previously removed from Manpower Ministerial Regulation No. 16/2015. Budiman said the requirement was previously removed because certain foreign workers, like technicians installing machinery in Indonesian factories, only traveled to the country for several days at a time. "Such workers do not need to be able to speak Indonesian because they are in fact employed by owners of the machinery," the official said, adding that if such workers were required to speak Indonesian, it could discourage investment.
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Laos
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Economic growth 'manageable' despite possible impact of China slowdown: analysts: The predicted economic slowdown in China, one of the top three foreign investors in Laos and an important trading partner, could affect the Lao economy, the government's economic analysts have warned. But trends in economic growth will be manageable, the analysts commented in a report issued by the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that China's economic growth will decrease from 6.8 percent in 2017 to 6.5 percent in 2018, dropping further to 6.4 percent in 2019, and to 6.2 percent in 2020.
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Malaysia
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Finding jobs for young Malaysians will be key for next leader: Young Malaysians are being left behind in the nation's economic recovery, a key challenge for an incoming leader needing to push the country out of its middle-income trap. Amid a heated election battle, Prime Minister Najib Razak can boast of having one of Asia's lowest unemployment rates at 3.3 per cent and an economy that's growing above 5 per cent. But that masks high joblessness among young people of more than three times the national rate, as well as depressed wages and low productivity.
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Ekonomi terbuka beri manfaat [Open economy give benefits]: Menteri Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong berkata, polisi mesra perniagaan Malaysia berjaya menarik FDI sejak berdekad lalu dari pusat ekonomi yang berkembang maju seperti Singapura, Hong Kong, China, Jepun, Arab Saudi, Amerika Syarikat dan United Kingdom.
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Hargai jasa Tun Abdul Razak [Appreciate the services of Tun Abdul Razak]: Sementara itu Hasan berkata, Malaysia pernah menerima sentuhan visi dan misi Abdul Razak yang dikenali sebagai Bapa Pembangunan Negara, namun dalam menuju era Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50), geneĀrasi hari ini harus membangkitkan kembali seorang lagi 'Razak' untuk mencipta pelbagai manfaat demi negara pada masa hadapan.
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Malaysian East Coast Rail Link Spurs Economic Growth: Debates about the project's feasibility often question the financial viability, citing its potential risks in generating sufficient revenue to service the loan. The argument is valid. However, such large scale infrastructure projects must be evaluated beyond profitability - not in the early years anyway. Development plans are being finalized for each major town throughout the ECRL line - from Kuala Lumpur and through Bentong, Mentakab, Kuantan, Kertih, Kuala Terengganu, to Kota Bharu, that will accelerate economic and social activity. These benefits can only be realized once the project is fully operational.
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Opinion: 1MDB - I will stick to the facts: I am truly intrigued by P Gunasegaram's continued personal attacks on me, his questioning of my "scrotal gumption" and his hollow "debate challenge". By not having the gumption to say "balls" as I did when questioning his lack thereof, it exposes him to be the deceitful person that he is with a major chip on his shoulder.
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Opinion: Here's what one can do with 1MDB's RM40b losses: Even as 1MDB CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy scurries around the country to assure voters that 1MDB is not missing money, everything is hunky-dory and boasting he has reduced debt from RM50 billion to about RM30 billion, it is still very clear that all is not well and 1MDB may have lost as much as RM40 billion already. While Arul may think that he is gaining major traction with would-be voters through what he thinks is his bold, ballsy electioneering, he may be lulled into thinking that by the audience he preaches to, who are mostly BN supporters, and therefore are already converted and deliberately quite blind.
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Opinion: The invisible work of women in politics: The way we are currently telling stories of women and their role in politics is that of they making sacrifices, providing support, being a backbone - instead of they being a leader, a nation-builder, a stateswoman. Imagine if all those hours she put in were billed, any country would see a significant increase in income tax revenue. Reward for women's work must go beyond recognition, and it is not just about 'billable' hours.
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Opinion: Kak Wan and the symbolic force of the first female DPM: When Malaysia is greeted with a woman helming the second-highest public office of the country, there will be an impact that is both symbolic and concrete. It is undeniable that women around the world still face an invisible barrier called the "glass ceiling" that inhibits them from rising to the top. This is especially so in Malaysian politics.
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Malaysia: General Elections 2018
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In Kuala Lumpur, a tale of two Malaysias: But there's a strong belief that despite these mini-battles being fought over and over again in urban centers and far-flung rural constituencies from east to west Malaysia, the majority of the country's 14.9 million registered voters may have already had their minds made up. And among the so-called fence-sitters are the politically apathetic, many among whom may well stay home come polling day on May 9. Still, the parties do their best to turn the tide in their favour. But with the exception of an increased social media presence and a much, much more tech-centered election machinery, not much else has changed, and leaders from both the ruling coalition and the opposition could well be preaching to the choir. So who will win this 'mother of all elections'? The answer, perhaps, may lie in Lembah Pantai and Titiwangsa.
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Why does Pakatan prefer BN to PSM's Dr Kumar in Sg Siput? From the tears after the disqualification of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates at the nominations last week, there were regrets that Pakatan had conceded some seats even before election day. But is Pakatan serious about ensuring the defeat of the BN and the installation of a better people-centred government with good peoples' representatives? I wonder... Dr Kumar (Dr Michael Jeyakumar) of PSM has been the Sg Siput Member of Parliament since 2008 and has won plaudits from many quarters as the model "peoples' representative" in the Malaysian parliament who consistently raises national issues of development, issues affecting the peoples' welfare as well as proposing solutions to these problems. One would think that if Pakatan was seriously interested in winning GE14 at the national level, Sg Siput would be a safe deposit for the opposition.
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Abdul Hadi: Nothing weird about PAS, BN working together: "It's not something strange if PAS works with BN but BN needs to follow our terms," he told reporters after a political talk with PAS candidate for the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat Mohamad Noor Mohamad, here today, "It is up to BN whether to agree or otherwise but we will put forward the terms later," he said.
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BN likely to prevail in battle for Malaysia, Kajidata survey finds: The telephone poll from March 12-27 with 1,021 respondents nationwide found that 39 per cent of the respondents agreed that BN would form the state government in their respective states compared with 32.8 per cent for PH. On which party the respondents would choose if the general election were held the next day, the study found that both BN and PH were favoured almost equally but with a significant number (40.8 per cent) remaining undecided which side to vote for. Kajidata's adviser, Professor Syed Arabi Idid who has been conducting studies on the country's elections noted that those undecided were actually the fence-sitters that BN, PH and PAS are trying to woo.
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Don't ignore fence-sitters, Ahmad Zahid tells BN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the machinery should approach the group without any prejudice, as these fence sitters have been watching the BN with cynical minds all this time. "Do not sidestep them, whether they do support us or not, each vote is important. Even though they made mistake by voting other parties, this time if we use the right approach I'm confident they will turn around and return to us," he said in his speech at the leader-meet-the people programme tonight.
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Fahmi: Motorcycle taxis to be legal if Pakatan wins: At a ceramah in Kerinchi yesterday, Fahmi said those living in the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats - especially youngsters working as despatch riders - can make extra income by providing the service to those in the area who wish to travel to short journey locations. "This small extra income will empower them," he said. He also spoke about improving the lift service at PPRs as they frequently broke down.
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For incoming leader, finding jobs for youth key: Amid a heated election battle, caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can boast of having one of Asia's lowest unemployment rates at 3.3 per cent and an economy that's growing above 5 per cent. But that masks high joblessness among young people of more than three times the national rate, as well as depressed wages and low productivity.
As Najib defends his grip on power in Wednesday's vote - which pits him against his former mentor and ex-prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad - the focus on the campaign trail has shifted to top voter concerns: creating jobs and boosting wages. Getting more young people working and reducing the economy's reliance on cheap, foreign labour will be key to achieving that.
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Kapar voters sore with absent PKR MP, but say will grin and bear it: While many told Malay Mail they were not impressed with the outgoing Manivannan, they were prepared to overlook their grouses in order to keep up PKR's representation in Parliament. In a straw poll of a dozen voters, most complained the issues that existed before PKR first won in 2008 still remained, particularly chronic problems such as crime and gangsterism among Indians. "Yes, the incumbent G. Manivannan has done nothing much and we have even not seen his face here often enough, but I will still continue to vote the party in," said a tailor in Pekan Kapar who asked to be named only as Wong.
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SAMM survey: 67pc of Langkawi voters reject Mahathir: SAMM founder, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegu Bard, said the figure was derived from a field research done over the past four days involving 2,000 respondents on the island. "We asked the respondents if they supported Dr Mahathir or not, that's all. Some outwardly said 'no' to Mahathir and they form the majority right now," he told reporters here. He said the survey was conducted to evaluate the current level of support for the former Prime Minister who is contesting as an Opposition candidate for the Langkawi parliamentary seat in the GE14.
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Who I endorse as Segambut MP: On Wednesday, we are not electing our prime minister. Nor are we responsible for electing the entire government. We are only voting for our Member of Parliament and, for everyone else except KL voters, our state assemblyman. If we want a strong Member of Parliament who best serves our interests in the constituency, then we should elect that person. I believe that BN's Loga Bala, with his pledge to restore local council elections that will benefit not only KL voters but improve democracy as a whole, fits the bill.
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Opinion: Battle royale in Johor: Determining the future of Umno leadership: Polls are pointing to swings, NGOs are joining the fray with racialised warnings and on the ground the political combat is fierce, with even the Election Commission taking sides in their childish (vote-losing for BN) cutouts of Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad from billboards. Of the 26 seats, 19 or 73 percent are competitive and can be won by either side, depending on the movement in the last few days of the campaign. The state government is also in the balance, although numbers generally favour BN among state seats.
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Answering a different call through politics: Bruno, 58, who was in the missionary service for 26-years, believes he has to move on to a "deeper call" to help people through politics with Parti Cinta Sabah. "There may be those who are disappointed with my departure from the diocese but there are also those who support my cause and want me to become their representative," he said. Bruno, who has served the church in many rural Kadazandusun areas such as Tambunan, Telupid, Tuaran, Papar and Kiulu in the last three decades, believes he has good support from the grassroots. "Although I may get my support from those who see me as a former priest, I want them to choose me for my struggles and the party I represent. My manifesto is to ensure a systematic distribution of development, to abolish red tape as well as supply basic necessities to rural areas," he said.
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Noh gives formula to recapture Selangor: "No retreat, no surrender, no 'talak tiga'(no irrevocable third pronouncement of divorce)." These three formulas were the injections of motivations from Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Tan Sri Noh Omar to leaders and party members that their struggle in the 14th General Election (GE14) was a 'last chance' to recapture Selangor. With five days to go in the GE14 campaign, Noh pointed out that enough was enough that the administration of the state was dominated by the 'caca merba' (mixed) opposition coalition for the past 10 years and likened to weird couples who were 'still sleeping at home despite being divorced'.
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PKR sought rakyat's money for party's gain - Khalid Ibrahim: Former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was sacked from PKR in 2014 after he refused to utilise funds from the state coffers for the party's need. Khalid said de facto PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approached him to use state funds for PKR to conduct programmes and campaigns. "I was sacked from PKR because Anwar wanted to use the state money to carry out the party's programmes. I did not allow this for a simple reason, because the state money is 'duit rakyat' (the people's money). But they (Anwar and PKR) were angered by this and questioned how would PKR win (in the Kajang by-election) without taking out money from state coffers. Still refusing to do so... I was sacked from the party. But I was relieved because I no longer had to shoulder the people's trust and also because I did not betray the people's trust in me throughout my stint as the Menteri Besar.
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Rahman: Why is Dr M not campaigning in Sabah? Rahman, who is Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Sepanggar parliamentary seat, said it was the first time someone touted as a prime ministerial candidate was not showing up in Sabah in a general election campaign. "It is an insult to the people of Sabah. How can it be that Dr Mahathir is not coming here to inform the people that he is the prime ministerial candidate? Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal needs to be a gentleman and inform this fact to the Kadazandusun Murut, Chinese and Bajau communities. Shafie must not hide Dr Mahathir's nomination as the opposition's prime ministerial candidate from the people of Sabah."
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Bawa manifesto terbaik [Bring the best manifesto]: Zulkifli berkata, dalam keghairahan parti-parti politik meraih undi rakyat, mereka lebih cenderung mengemukakan manifesto bersifat populis tanpa melihat keterbatasan sumber yang ada.
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All eyes on Pahang as Dr M sweeps into Najib's home state: As the general election campaign passes its halfway point, the battle is entering the heart of the "enemy's domain". Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak focused his attention squarely on his home state of Pahang, touring Labis and Raub as his main rival Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad swept into Kuantan and Najib's lair of Pekan. Today, Najib will mount a counter-attack of sorts, flying into Langkawi where the Pakatan Harapan chairman is standing for election. The targets in Pahang are the Felda settlements, which can be found in 12 of Pahang's 14 parliament seats and 27 of its 42 state seats, making the state a valuable Malay vote bank.
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Big tussle over Nik Aziz's legacy: NIK Omar Nik Aziz does not quite resemble his famous father in terms of looks, although he has a similar slim and small body frame. But his supporters claim that the eldest son of Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat has inherited his father's wisdom in ideas and reasoning.Nik Omar has been the general election newsmaker in the clashing political world of PAS and Amanah in the last few weeks and more so after he chose to stand on an Amanah ticket in Chempaka, his late father's seat. It caused PAS leaders to see red and he has been under attack.
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Dr M swings into Najib's fortress: The Pakatan Harapan chairman made a brief stop in Pekan to campaign for the Opposition coalition's candidates contesting in the constituency. Dr Mahathir told supporters that Pekan voters hold a special right which no other Malaysians had - the power to overthrow Najib on their own. "Pekan folks have been given more rights than any other Malaysians. They are the ones who can topple Najib by themselves. Pekan is the battleground where Najib can fall on his own," he said in his short speech. Dr Mahathir was also joined by former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin in his quick visit to Pekan.
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High Court dismisses Tian Chua's disqualification suit: Justice Nordin dismissed Chua's suit on grounds that the court has no jurisdiction on the validity of returning officer's decision to reject the nomination. He said Chua should file his suit by way of an election petition.
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Nurul Izzah: Reveal number of postal votes nationwide: She said party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had said it was 'dangerous' as up till today, the EC has not announced or officially gazetted the number of postal voters for each election constituency across the country. "In the last general election, a total of 30 parliamentary seats were won only through the early votes as well as the postal votes. In Gopeng parliamentary seat, I was told by the candidate that there were at least 40 postal voting centres which have been suddenly created," she said in a press conference at Yayasan Aman in Penanti yesterday.
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Top team needed to run nation, Hisham reminds Dr M: A stable, dependable team and not just one individual is needed to run the country, says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein. Although he did not doubt Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ability, Hishammuddin said the Pakatan Harapan chairman must convince voters that the team he has now is better than the team he had while he was prime minister. "To run a country, you need to have a team that has a proven track record. "It is not about one person," he told reporters after a ceremony to grant 500 land titles to Felcra Sungai Sepuluh settlers.
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25-year-old unfazed by challenges in BN stronghold: Fielding a young election candidate in a place known for its pensioner community may seem foolhardy but Mr Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman is not your average 25-year-old. The former varsity debating champion turned activist, and now youth chief of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), is backed by online fame. He has over 363,000 followers on Twitter, and half that number each on Facebook and Instagram, making him a much more recognisable face on social media than his key opponent for Muar's parliamentary seat, three-term incumbent MP Razali Ibrahim of ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).
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Malaysia election: Political rivals Najib, Mahathir venture into each other's turf: Najib, Mahathir ramp up campaign in enemy territory with both wooing crucial Malay vote
[contains 10-minute video clip]
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Malaysia election: Public anger will work against BN, says ex-finance minister Daim Zainuddin: "You can sense the mood. Malays are no longer scared and the non-Malays will definitely vote the opposition because the (BN) component parties have no credibility," he told The Straits Times in an interview in his office on the 60th floor of privately owned Ilham Tower in downtown Kuala Lumpur.
Mr Daim said the government's hasty push to pass the anti-fake news law had only made the electorate more incensed. "I wrote to the Prime Minister and told him there was a lot of anger... Why do you need to make people more angry with this kind of legislation? All of this shows that you are scared and you are going to lose the election," said the diminutive former politician, who turned 80 last week.
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Malaysia election: Watchdogs believe flaws to voter list 'tip of iceberg': A joint study of the voters' rolls by electoral reform groups Bersih and Engage found more than 500,000 cases of voters registered with the same address, while more than two million were found to have no address. The groups highlighted 10 major irregularities they said affected hundreds of thousands of voters nationwide. "A defective electoral roll will bring into question the legitimacy of the whole election," they said in a statement. "Despite the huge number of dubious voters discovered, we believe these preliminary findings are just the tip of the iceberg." The study found some cases in which dead voters were re-registered, and one voter whose birth year was listed as 1897.
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WATCH: Can the opposition hold on to Selangor in Malaysia Election 2018? Will the Pakatan Harapan coalition be able to retain its hold or will Barisan Nasional succeed in taking back the state? Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, a senior fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and The Straits Times Foreign Editor Zakir Hussain discuss how voters in Malaysia's richest state might vote on May 9.
[contains 10-minute video clip]
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Why villagers in Sarawak are faithful to Barisan: Few of Sawai's residents have heard of 1Malaysia Development Berhad, let alone the multibillion-dollar scandal surrounding the state fund that has dogged the country's Prime Minister since 2015 and fuelled opposition to his bid for re-election next Wednesday. But everyone here knows about the cash handouts, fishing and farming subsidies, crates of mineral water, and life jackets for children who take river boats to school - and they know all that comes from Datuk Seri Najib's long-ruling coalition, Barisan
"If we vote for the opposition, maybe it will let the longhouse suffer. So we just follow and vote BN," said Mr Francis Kiah Pengarah, village headman for the past 40 years. Villagers around him nodded and said they would take the headman's advice on who to vote for. They were unaware that Dr Mahathir was now leading the opposition, but dismissed the 92-year-old as too old.
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A Chinese Buddhist representing an Islamic party is an advantage, says PAS candidate: PAS' choice of Mr Kong to contest Rawang is a practical one: The voting population there is majority - 47.1 per cent - Chinese, while Malays make up 26.9 per cent, Indians 25 per cent, and other races form the remaining 1 per cent.
The seat is the subject of a four-cornered fight, and of the other three candidates, two are also Chinese: Mr Chua Wei Kiat from Parti Keadilaan Rakyat (PKR) and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition's Mr Chan Wun Hoong. The only Malay candidate is an independent, Mr Azman Mohd Noor. Mr Kong, a father of three, hopes to break PKR's 10-year stranglehold on the seat, and to do that, he is touting himself as a bridge between the Islamist party and non-Muslims, and wants to reassure voters that the image many have of PAS as a fundamentalist Islamic party is inaccurate.
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Opposition's decision against naming Johor chief minister candidate 'strategic move', says Muhyiddin: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) president Muhyiddin Yassin on Thursday (May 3) defended the opposition alliance's decision not to name a chief minister candidate for Johor, calling it a "strategic move" against the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN). His comments came hours after Johor's caretaker chief minister Khaled Nordin challenged the Pakatan Harapan (PH) pact to make public who it intends to appoint as his successor, if it sweeps the state in the May 9 polls. Mr Khaled had suggested that Mr Muhyiddin was keeping mum on the issue as he was hoping to get a federal appointment, which he will not likely snag if he had declared himself a chief minister candidate for Johor. Mr Muhyiddin dismissed such a notion.
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Najib defends GST ahead of Malaysia election, says it has helped distribute wealth: Speaking at Lipis, a remote area populated by poverty-stricken indigenous people, he said that his ruling coalition supports a free economy that allows the government to interfere with wealth distribution to speed up the process. "The higher income group pays more if they spend more. When they pay more tax, we can distribute (the money) to those who need aid from government," said the incumbent prime minister during his campaign in Pahang State.
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Charles Santiago releases 10-year 'report card' as Klang MP: DAP's Charles Santiago is confident of retaining his parliamentary seat on May 9, having served as Klang MP for the past 10 years. Santiago today released his 10-year "report card" as MP from 2008 to 2018 to further convince voters of his performance. In his "report card", Santiago listed 10 issues which he said he had championed in his two terms as MP.
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The real story about Malaysian Indians: I am an angry Indian, angry because MIC leaders have nothing credible to add to the collective benefit of the Indians. The statistics being thrown about need careful examining and reassessment. To begin with, the claim by MIC president Dr S Subramaniam that 65% of the Indians support MIC is a total fabrication. He claims, "We surveyed about 800,000 nationwide through our Jalinan Rakyat programme and found that support has increased, especially in states such as Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan." Has anyone checked this glorified figure and statement? MIC uses figures at its own whims for propaganda, knowing fully well there will not be any counterclaim.
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Malaysia opposition leader investigated under fake news laws: The complaint against Mahathir was filed by members of ruling party UMNO - which Mahathir used to lead - claiming that his allegations of sabotage fuelled an incorrect and damaging perception of the ruling coalition government, and therefore should be investigated under the Anti-fake News Act 2018.
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DAP: Pakatan would unshackle Malaysian media if victorious: The Penang PH chairman said the fourth estate in Malaysia has been prevented for decades from performing its function as a watchdog of the government. "A free media is crucial in providing a level playing field for all political actors and for the public (stake-holders) to hold the power-holders accountable," he said in a statement issued in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day today. He said this year's World Press Freedom Day theme - "Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law" - is very apt given the current climate in the country. Lim also recalled that PH promised in its election manifesto to ensure that the local press will be allowed to serve as a check-and-balance to the government.
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Dr Wan Azizah: PAS contesting non-Malay majority constituencies to split vote: Its president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail cited Teluk Intan, where PAS has a candidate even though Malay constituents comprised only 38 per cent of the 66,487 voters, while Chinese, 42 per cent and Indian, 19 per cent. "In Sungai Siput, PAS is also contesting even though Malay constituents made up 33 per cent of the 55,002 voters, Chinese, 39 per cent, and Indian, 21 per cent," she told a media conference at a gathering at Lasah Felda here today.
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For Langkawi, a dilemma between heart and mind: What makes the choice so difficult is that while they feel emotionally beholden to Dr Mahathir, few believe he will be able to cater to their needs as an Opposition lawmaker, Shuib explained. For the woman operating the drink stall, business has not gotten better, but also not worse. "My takings are reduced, but so much that I can't manage," she remarked. The exchange provided a glimpse of what will play out in voters' minds as they head towards the polls on May 9.
Dahlan pointedly said that Dr Mahathir must not take the crowds at his rallies as evidence of support, as while many islanders continue to appreciate what he has done here, most must weigh their choice at the ballot box against their immediate futures.
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Kit Siang insists Malays will be protected under Pakatan rule: In a speech in Alor Setar, Kedah, the Iskandar Puteri candidate demanded that Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders stop accusing him and DAP of being anti-Islam and anti-Malay, saying he never employed racial and religious allegations against them. Umno has zeroed in on DAP's Chinese-dominated image, employing excerpts of incendiary speeches by the party's leaders and members to support the claim that it was anti-Malay.
Lim insisted yesterday that there was no truth to the allegation. "How can the Malays perish in Malaysia when Tun Mahathir will be the seventh Malaysian prime minister and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the eighth Malaysian prime minister if Pakatan Harapan defeats Umno/BN in the 14GE on May 9, 2018?" he said.
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Malaysian youth politics: Is there even such a thing? Observers generally believe that young voters will cast their ballots in overwhelming support of the Opposition. This is again an over-simplification. While a number of them are vocally critical of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it is crucial to note that many still remain politically uninformed. A Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) member mentioned that many tend not to have an opinion apart from being anti-Najib. To be sure, their uninformed anti-Najib position may indeed play well for opposition candidates, but this should not be misread as support for PH. The fact that there will be a surge in multi-cornered contests this election renders it difficult to clearly deduce whom these voters will ultimately side with. An anti-Najib position is not in and of itself a pro-PH one.
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The 'Apa Lagi Cina Mahu'* politics of endless division: This was a watershed episode in Malaysian Chinese politics. The Chinese community learnt that life goes on without any MCA representatives in the cabinet. The MCA, or for that matter, any Chinese representation in the federal cabinet, did not alter their daily lives. The Malaysian Chinese business class could not care less as they have been directly doing business with UMNO proxies for decades. The stark truth is that the Malaysian Chinese community does not count politically at the highest level of BN government.
While the MCA "in and out" saga was going on, the Malaysian Chinese community could see that Penang's DAP-led state government, and DAP representatives in the PKR-led Selangor state government (elected in 2008), were doing a good job in ensuring that anti-Chinese policies at the state level were kept to a minimum. While affirmative action policies were still being pursued, the Chinese community could see that more resources were being channelled into Malaysian Chinese-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), and the Chinese schools sector. In other words, it was possible to pursue both Malay interests and Chinese interests in most areas. The general perception among Malaysian Chinese was of an UMNO-led government pursuing Malay interests at the expense of Malaysian Chinese interests.
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Mahathir's letter to armed forces sign of desperation' : Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said it was strange for the former prime minister to do so as it seemed to dispute the position and duties of the armed forces. "I want to ask Tun Dr Mahathir, when he was in power for 22 years, did he ever force them (to vote)? There is no difference between the military and police forces we have today compared to his time, similar in terms of personnel, institutions and agencies... nothing has changed. If he can stay for 22 years as prime minister under this system, why does he wants to dispute it now?" Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters after presenting agricultural land titles to 500 settlers of Felcra Sungai Sepuluh in Mukim Paloh, Chamek.
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Support Opposition, all mistakes forgiven': Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin said the Opposition's move in accepting these leaders such as former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin will make the rakyat lose trust in what they have been fighting for. "I find this odd... Anwar (PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) once said Tun Daim is the most corrupt person in Malaysia. But now, (the Opposition) appears to be without principles... as long as you support (the Opposition), all past mistakes are forgiven and forgotten. It is very weird in Malaysia, if you make a mistake, if there has been negative perception, all you have to do is support the Opposition and all is forgiven," the Rembau incumbent parliamentarian told reporters after a 'walkabout' session in Senawang, here, today.
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The Chinese community still hurt over Tun Mahathir's actions: MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the decision made by DAP to collaborate with the former premier has disheartened the Chinese community. "Previously, DAP had worked with Hadi (PAS party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang) and they were supposed to deliver a welfare state. Unfortunately Hadi, tried to turn Malaysia into an Islamic theocratic state and this has disappointed the Chinese community. Now, DAP is working with Dr Mahathir and they (the Chinese community) will not come forward as he had caused them a lot of pain," Liow said at a press conference today at Moy Kong Kampar Association here.
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61
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Water crisis will continue in Selangor if PKR wins: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd predicts a continuous water crisis for the people of Selangor if the state remains governed by PKR. Puncak Niaga Strategic Source and Human Relations executive director, Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Zainul Fithri Datuk Othman said no discussions have been made between Puncak Niaga and the state government to resolve the water crisis. "Instead, in a video made viral last week, PKR deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, claimed Puncak Niaga had deceived people by profiting from an increase in water tariffs.
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In darkest Borneo, answers to why Najib will survive: One answer to why Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is heading for another victory in next week's general election can be found in the remote village of Sawai, tucked between vast palm oil plantations and a river in northern Borneo. Few of Sawai's residents have heard of 1MDB, let alone the multi-billion-dollar scandal surrounding the state fund that has dogged the country's prime minister since 2015 and fueled opposition to his bid for re-election on May 9. But everyone here knows about the cash handouts, fishing and farming subsidies, crates of mineral water and life jackets for children who take river boats to school - and they know all that comes from Najib's long-ruling coalition, Barisan Nasional (BN).
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64
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Politik kita bergerak macam tsunami [Our politics moved like the tsunami]: Di Malaysia, kempen pilihan raya seolah-olah pesta dan lebih meriah daripada mana-mana perayaan. Kenapa jadi begitu?
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65
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MALAYSIAN ELECTION: WITH NAJIB AND MAHATHIR BOTH CONFIDENT OF VICTORY, WILL RETURN OF FINANCE WHIZ DAIM TIP THE SCALES? Polls suggest battle for supremacy in the key provinces of Johor and Kedah - where the emergence of Barisan Nasional grandee Daim Zainuddin as an opposition campaigner has added a twist to proceedings.
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66
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Go out and vote, Navy chief tells his men: "We are all free to make our own choices when we vote. Don't be influenced by any incitement that can affect our decision. Use your wisdom based on facts, observations, achievements and our own experiences. "As responsible Malaysians, vote wisely. Remember, our vote is secret," he said in a statement issued on the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia Facebook page on Thursday. Kamarulzaman also advised all Navy personnel to refrain from participating in any form of political activity.
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67
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Ku Li: Internal sabotage can wreck BN's chances of seizing Kelantan: He said Kelantan Umno, led by Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, had been increasing in strength and increasingly well-received by Kelantanese who want change. "Umno has gained strength and its spirit is at all-time high. The only thing is cah keting (internal sabotage culture). If that can be reduced and does not happen, I think we can wrest Kelantan from PAS easily. In fact, the people yearn for the change. It seems that Kelantanese in Kuala Lumpur are willing to go back to help," the Gua Musang Umno division chief told Bernama.
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Mustapa: Trade with China brings mutual benefit: The International Trade and Industry Minister dismissed allegations from his predecessor Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz who said that trading with the second largest economy in the world will jeopardise the country's sovereignty. "It is not fair for Malaysia to be denied trade with a fast-growing country. If our relationship with them is tense, it will negatively impact our economy," he said during a meeting with the Tumpat Umno election machinery on Wednesday (May 3). He was asked to respond to Rafidah's allegations, posted on her Facebook page, that foreign investors' confidence towards Malaysia continues to dip, except for companies from China which has other agenda in mind.
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Pakatan vs BN debate in Muar could be held this Sunday. It was learned that an official invitation was extended by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's candidate Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman to Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Razali Ibrahim at 3.30pm on Thursday. "We sent an official invitation to the candidate's electoral representative who accepted it. "We are hoping to work out the finer details for the debate which is likely to be held this Sunday night," a spokesman of Syed Saddiq said when contacted here. The spokesman added that they would also sent an invitation letter to the PAS candidate Abdul Aziz Talib to participate in the proposed debate. On Monday night, Syed Saddiq said he was willing to debate both Razali and Abdul Aziz. The topic of the debate will be: "Which party should the people of Muar vote for on May 9?" On Wednesday, third-term incumbent Razali said he was willing to debate with Syed Saddiq - if it would benefit the people of Muar.
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70
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Malaysia GE: Mahathir stirs 1MDB debate among rural voters ahead of election: Speaking about 1MDB to a group of voters on Wednesday (May 2) in a Felda settlement in Bukit Goh, Pahang, Najib's home state, Mahathir said the Prime Minister believed "cash is king". "When elections come, he offers cash and promises... promises to give more if he wins," Mahathir said at the settlement of state-owned palm oil agency Felda. "I think, let's make him lose," he said to the cheers of a small but enthusiastic crowd.... Mahathir told the group at the Felda settlement that the scandal affects all Malaysians. "1MDB had a starting capital of RM1 million, and then he went and borrowed RM42 billion. Imagine that, you only have a starting capital of RM1 million and you can borrow RM42 billion," Mahathir told the planters at the event.
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71
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Opinion: GST's impact on GE14: HARAPAN Hapuskan GST (Harapan will abolish GST). These words in large capitals printed on large billboards with a red background encapsulate what the Pakatan Harapan (Pakatan) coalition believes is its best strategy to win a parliamentary majority in the 14th general election (GE14). Particularly in Bahasa Malaysia, Harapan's slogan is both punchy and memorable. As voters cast their ballots next Wednesday, a key question is whether GST will be political TNT for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).
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72
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MCA, UMNO mantapkan Wangsa Maju [MCA, UMNO stabilize Wangsa Maju]: Teong Look yang bakal berĀdepan saingan tiga penjuru calon PKR dan Pas benar-benar mempersiapkan semua 'bala tentera' mereka. Sudah tentu juga dengan gabuĀngan antara Teong Look dan Mohd. Shafei akan menjadikan keĀkuatan BN bertambah pada PRU-14 ini.
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73
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NAJIB MAMPU BAWA MALAYSIA LEBIH BAIK - KU LI [Najib is able to steer Malaysia to be better - Ku Li]: "Saya rasa beliau seorang yang cukup teliti dan berfikiran jelas, cukup berkesan dari segi kepimpinan sepanjang yang melibatkan partinya atau kerajaan yang diterajuinya," kata Ku Li.
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74
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79
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Opinion: Unpredictability in an uncertain election: While public sentiment is cautiously optimistic that the GE14 will tip towards the Opposition, social media narratives, party sites and partisan online news coverage underscore the uncertainty of an effective alternative to caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in an unpredictable election outcome. The Dr Mahathir Mohamad-Najib contest is as uncertain as voter behaviour is unpredictable, especially among millennial voters in a gerrymandered system, where voting is not compulsory.
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80
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Opinion: Heavy, hidden hands in GE14: BN's electoral advantage: It is a given that elections in Malaysia are unfair, but GE14 takes this unfairness to new lows. Malapportionment, gerrymandering, back-door movements of voters, alleged phantom voters, manipulation of regulations, and apparent bias of government officials are seriously discrediting this election like no other. This article looks at the potential impact of these manoeuvres and argues that given the competitiveness of the contests, these factors have the potential to seriously influence the result.
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Myanmar
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81
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Chief Minister highlights efforts to make Yangon the centre of investment in Asia: "Yangon is a strategic place in Southeast Asia. Investors who want to reap profits from Myanmar, Southeast Asia, China and India need to know investment and economic opportunities of Myanmar. Yangon City is the most suitable place for investment," a statement quoted Yangon Region Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein. He said his government would try to make Yangon a commercial hub by making best use of its advantages such as strong infrastructure and links with other cities.
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82
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Govt works in partnership with UN to deal with many serious challenges: Aung San Suu Kyi: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor in the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, met members of the United Nations Security Council on their visit. She welcomed the opportunity to discuss the situation in Rakhine State with them. "The Government of Myanmar is pleased to working in partnership with the United Nations to deal with many serious challenges that our country faces" said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. "In particular, the engagement of UN agencies in Rakhine will strengthen the government's ability to ensure that refugees can return safety, without fear".
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83
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Commentary: Getting the News Out by Bicycle, under Cover of Darkness: This was just before the country's pro-democracy uprising in 1988. Our underground printing house eventually progressed into publishing a political journal, named O-Way. It consisted of critical, political and democracy-related articles. By then, we had also upgraded our printing tool to a duplicating machine. After three years of churning out our journal I was caught. One of the main charges was my involvement in publishing it. A special military court of the ruling regime sentenced me to 10 years' imprisonment in the notorious Insein Prison. My colleagues soon became my fellow inmates. Two decades later, tools and methods have certainly changed: Today information is spread immediately inside and outside Burma by digital means. However, little has changed regarding freedom of the press in my country.
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84
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More than 3,000 People Now Trapped by Fighting in Kachin State: The total number of displaced persons in Tanai, Kamaing, Namti, Waingmaw, Chipwe and Injangyang towns has increased by over 6,100 since April 1, Khali said. Of this group, around 2,800 people are taking shelter at churches in Myitkyina and Namti townships, and nearly 3,400 remain trapped in unsafe places. Some are trapped in conflict zones as the Tatmadaw has barred them from leaving, Khali said. "We want to flee, but the military won't let us. We are short of food, and want to move to a safe place," a displaced person trapped in Lai Nawng Hku in Hpakant said on condition of anonymity.
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85
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Myanmar's New First Lady: She had to organize the funeral on her own and U Win Myint was only allowed to attend the Buddhist ritual at their home seven days after the death of his son. "Daw Cho Cho was the perfect wife for a politician. She supported her husband's political aspirations all the way with courage," said Lower House lawmaker Daw Khin San Hlaing of Pale Township. Without a job or income after the release of U Win Myint, Daw Cho Cho had to sell her jewelry to support the family and provide schooling for their daughter Phyu Phyu Thin. Phyu Phyu Thin graduated and got a job at a company. But troubles never end.
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86
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SSPP Likely to Sign Nationwide Ceasefire, Peace Broker Says: Shan Nationalities Development Party chairman Sai Aik Pao, who was present at the negotiations as a peace broker, told The Irrawaddy, "They [the SSPP] do not oppose the NCA, and they accept it. They said they would take the NCA path. So it is expected that they will sign the NCA. They will meet again, and plan to discuss the date." He said the level of trust between the two sides improved during the meeting, adding that the SSPP would consider joining the upcoming third session of the 21st-Century Panglong Peace Conference if the government invited it.
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87
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Opinion: An open letter to U2's Bono and others: First and foremost, the issue of western Myanmar is not as simple as you publicly stated. The Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, chaired by Kofi Annan, explicitly suggested, "The international community should strive to fully understand the sensitivities that prevail in Rakhine State and work with the Government to achieve a positive vision for the future." Hence, it is not as simple as impeaching a popular and respected leader - State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi - as you declared. It is illogical and just nonsense.
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88
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What Future Do We Have?' Caught in the Crossfire of Myanmar's Northern Conflict, Civilians See Little Hope: While sporadic fighting over resources and territory is common in the mountainous state, aid groups are concerned that this current escalation is more widespread than before, with conflict reaching five townships near the border with China including Tanai, Hpakant, Injingyang, Sumprabum and Waingmaw. Villagers and aid workers say that since April 11, the Myanmar military has conducted aerial bombing and mortar campaigns, causing civilian casualties and mass displacement. Many people displaced in previous bouts of fighting have been forced to flee yet again.
[news contains 2-minute video clip]
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89
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In Burma, the jailing of journalists sheds light on a deeper crisis: Needless to say, a country cannot claim to be making progress towards democracy when it is systematically victimizing one of its own minority groups. The protection of minorities is a fundamental principle of any democratic state. This is exactly the sort of problem a free press should be exposing to public view. That Burmese officialdom feels compelled to punish those who have done so reveals a fundamental disconnect between the country's democratic aspirations and its grim reality.
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Philippines
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90
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Commentary: Duterte's tastes: Past articles on President Duterte by MalacaƱang officials allowed rare glimpses into the persona of our leader. They humanized the stern and acid-tongued President who, despite being a lawyer, is more prone to short-circuiting legal protocols which, he deems, diminish presidential prerogatives and stymie his promise of change. Let me invade the "territory" of the President's propagandists and volunteer my own observation and initial impression of the man whose management style is unorthodox, to say the least.
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91
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Editorial: Deadly day: April 30, a Monday, was the deadliest day for journalists and media workers in the world since the massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, on Nov. 23, 2009. All told, 11 died in three attacks in two countries. Many journalists around the world remembered them and honored their work and their sacrifice yesterday; at one and the same time, it was a poignant and a defiant way to mark World Press Freedom Day.
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92
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The Philippines has a way to protect itself against a rise in US-China tensions: "Strategically speaking, the Philippines will concentrate on what we're doing right now, which is investing in infrastructure and look for growth internally rather than through external trade," Carlos Dominguez, the country's secretary of finance, told CNBC's Oriel Morrison. Dominguez, speaking at the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Manila, said that's one reason why the Philippine government passed a tax bill to raise money to fund the country's $170 billion "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program.
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93
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Editorial: Speak truth to power, keep power in check: Mr. Duterte's presidency has altered and controlled the public discourse so radically in its favor in ways rude and bold. One tragic result: It has restricted and narrowed the celebrated freedom of the Philippine press and the people's cherished right to know. In his first 22 months in power, Mr. Duterte has earned the dubious honor of logging 85 various cases of attacks and threats on these dual values that the Constitution upholds as inalienable rights of the citizens.
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94
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The missing statue: On Saturday morning, joggers and promenaders along Roxas Boulevard in Manila noticed something conspicuously missing: the 7-foot bronze statue of a blindfolded, mourning woman in traditional Filipiniana gown that served as a memorial to comfort women. In its usual place was a backhoe and an unsightly trench.
The DPWH's explanation - that the removal was to give way to an improved drainage system in the baywalk area - has drawn criticisms not least because Japan earlier expressed its displeasure over the statue since it was erected in December 2017 by a private foundation, with support and approval...
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Singapore
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95
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Talent gap for 20 major economies to hit 85m workers: SINGAPORE is short of more than 1 million skilled workers - a gap that could translate into revenue losses of USD106.8 billion annually by 2030, according to a new study. The study by human resources firm Korn Ferry sought to uncover the extent of the talent shortfall in 20 major economies at three milestones: 2020, 2025 and 2030.
"Our study reveals that there already isn't enough skilled talent to go around and by 2030, organisations and economies could find themselves in the grip of a talent crisis," said Dilal Ranasinghe, head of search and client development in Asean at Korn Ferry Futurestep. In Singapore, this shortage is apparent in all three sectors covered by the study.
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96
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Singapore PMI rises to 55.6 in April
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97
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Singapore firms need X-factor to thrive globally: Heng Swee Keat: Mr Heng made it clear that Singapore and Asean companies should regionalise to tap the advantage of access to big markets.With Singapore's economy maturing, firms need to seek growth beyond the home market by building a niche. "I've always believed that you cannot internationalise without some real capabilities," said Mr Heng, who was speaking at the Asean Conference, jointly organised by the Singapore Business Federation, United Overseas Bank, Rajah & Tann Singapore and RSM Singapore. "Over time, you must expect that unless you bring something special to the table, you will not be welcomed at the table."
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98
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NS in S'pore having #MeToo moment with #WhoIsTheRealEnemy about NS mistreatment: While previous incidents have sparked public outrage and calls for better safety standards to ensure training deaths do not occur again, the aftermath of this most recent event has taken another turn: More NSmen are coming forward with their own negative experiences during NS and allegations of mistreatment.... This current social-media-enabled recounting of past experiences has also encouraged others to speak up about the type of unjustified maltreatment by their superiors in NS, some as long as 30 years ago. Social media-enabled retelling of personal narratives is but just one reason for Singaporeans to come forward now. The overall climate has made such a phenomenon ripe for the picking.
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Thailand
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99
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Opinion: Thailand's global standing at a low point: When the fourth anniversary of Thailand's coup comes to pass later this month, Thailand's foreign relations will be one of the many costs to be counted from the military government. While the Thai administration of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha insists otherwise, Thailand's international standing has sunk to its lowest point. One of the immediate tasks facing the elected government after the poll will be to rectify and restore Thailand's international reputation.
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100
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CIA director Gina Haspel's Thailand torture ties: When Gina Haspel was nominated as the next head of the CIA in March, it re-opened debate on a murky period of recent US history - the use of secretive overseas prisons to torture terror suspects. As the BBC's South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head reports, the spotlight has fallen on Thailand, and one such "black site" which Haspel once ran.
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101
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Junta urged to revoke orders that curb press freedom: Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen, a lawyer from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, said that such use of absolute power strangles the rule of law not only during the NCPO reign but would also tend to create long-term effects, including those against press freedom. "Controls may loosen when the next elected government takes the reins, but many mechanisms designed by the current ruling government would have a long-term impact, such as the so-called national strategy that will last for at least another 20 years," Poonsuk said. He was referring to the law that obligates future governments to follow the strategy failing which they would be punished
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102
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Opinion: Could Thailand become a global people smuggling destination? Even without its new-found connectivity, securing Thailand's long land and sea borders from illegal crossing has always been a difficult proposition. Little wonder then that transnational organised crime groups have been quick to exploit this for their benefit in terms of smuggling: whether contraband or people. There are more than enough signs here that the country could face an increase in people smuggling in the near future.
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103
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Survey shows Thais are the most mobile-savvy travellers in Asia: "Thai travellers are no doubt frequent travellers who love to stay connected to their friends and families back home. It thus comes at no surprise that Wi-Fi emerged as the most important hotel amenity among Thais, ahead of even price and location", said Lavinia Rajaram, Regional Head of Communications for Brand Expedia in Asia.
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104
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Thailand needs its own Korean moment: Rival political groups in Thailand seem to have been inspired by the impressive show of amity between the leaders of North and South Korea last week. Following the historic summit between Pyongyang's supreme leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the truce village of Panmunjom, former senator Rosana Tositrakul called on the rival yellow shirts and red shirts to join hands and put their long-lasting conflict behind them.
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Vietnam
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105
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Charts: Vietnam's exports-imports figures in first four months of 2018 released: Total import-export revenue in the first four months of 2018 is estimated at US$144.13 billion, up 14.4% year on year, according to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs. Of the figure, Viet Nam's export value is likely to reach US$73.76 billion, a rise of 19% over the same period last year, while import value is calculated at US$70.37 billion, an increase of 10.1%.
[News contains 4 charts]
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106
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Vietnam's fintech market to reach $7.8 billion by 2020: Vietnam's burgeoning e-commerce sector with its growing order value has further promoted intermediary payment platforms and digital payment services. Currently, there are around 35.4 million online shopping users and it is expected to quickly rise to about 42 million, accounting for 42.5% of the projected population by 2021. The average spend of $62 online will grow to $96 by 2021 and cash on delivery, the major means of payment, is expected to be replaced by digital payments and other modern payment methods bringing ample opportunities for fintech firms to tap into.
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107
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Vietnam's central bank tops admin reform index: The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has surpassed other government agencies to take first place for the third consecutive year in terms of administrative reform, according to a report released on Wednesday. The central bank scored 92.36 out of 100 among the 19 ministries and agencies surveyed in the Public Administration Reform (PAR) Index 2017 conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Information and Communications was ranked second with 86.13 and the Ministry of Finance third with 84.42. The ranking was based on feedback from 18,300 civil servants and 34,000 citizens in the categories of management, one-stop policy implementation and organizational reform.
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ASEAN / Southeast Asia
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108
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Asean businesses will do better without barriers to cross-border data flow: The issue of data protection has of late come under the spotlight in the wake of the controversy involving Cambridge Analytica and Facebook. Concern over lax privacy laws and the potential abuse of consumer data has spilled over even into discussions on Grab's acquisition of Uber's ride-hailing services in South-east Asia and whether Grab has the necessary safeguards to ensure that the data it now possesses won't be misused.
This worry over data protection has added to the difficulties of harmonising e-commerce rules across Asean because of the patchy nature of existing regulations across the grouping. While most of the older members have developed national data protection policies, others like Cambodia and Laos are yet to embrace such regulations. Some Asean members - such as Singapore and the Philippines - have crafted more comprehensive regulations than others. Indonesia and Vietnam have data privacy requirements only as part of electronic transactions.
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109
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Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam eyeing to enhance economic cooperation: Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir revealed during a press briefing here on Thursday that the trade value between Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam had plummeted in the past five years. In 2013, the two countries` trade value had reached some US$700 million, but in 2017, statistics indicated that their trade only reached $107 million, Nasir stated. Indonesia`s main export commodities to Brunei included palm oil, tin, cocoa, paper, and copper. Meanwhile, Indonesia imported several commodities from Brunei, such as machine appliances, flour, polymer, monitors, and projectors.
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110
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ASEAN and the Commonwealth continue to prosper: Over the last 10 years, intra-Commonwealth trade has risen from US$2 trillion to US$3 trillion. This accounts for 22% of global trade, while investment flows expanded from US$80 billion to US$180 billion.
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111
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ASEAN, Canada reaffirm commitment to strengthen partnership: In his remarks, Undersecretary Manalo was pleased to note that ASEAN-Canada cooperation has now expanded to cover a broad spectrum of areas. He highlighted that under the Philippines' coordinatorship of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations, the current Plan of Action (2016-2020) to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership was adopted. In addition, the Philippines also spearheaded the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations in 2017.
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112
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ASEAN looks to tackle organised crime: ASEAN member states met at the United Nations to set up a framework for border control cooperation as latest statistics showed that illicit trade and organised crime amounts to $100 billion in the region. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted ASEAN representatives at the conference, headlined "ASEAN 2025: Synchronising Economic and Security Agendas," to address security challenges posed by the region's rapid economic expansion.
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113
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Asean and EU: determined to bolster connectivity: For the European Union, a close and deep partnership with Asean member-countries is of high importance. Our relationship is well defined already by the fact that the European Union is the first investor and second largest trading partner of Asean. It is therefore no surprise that both sides are also working hard to increase transport links and overall "connectivity". Indeed effective transport networks represent the vital arteries through which our people and businesses may flourish. Connectivity is a key element in further deepening our relationship and creating a lot of new opportunities for both parties.
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114
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Asean growth to remain robust but higher interest rates, trade tensions pose risks: The report was released by the Singapore-based Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro), a unit set up in 2011 following an agreement among regional finance ministries to create an independent body for economic monitoring. Growth in the region is expected to be sustained "at mid-5 per cent level", Amro said in its report, which assesses the economic outlook and financial stability in the 10 Asean member states and Hong Kong, China, Japan, and Korea.
The region is set to grow 5.4 per cent this year and 5.2 per cent next year, according to Amro forecasts. This comes on the back of favourable global conditions, underpinned by resilient domestic demand and export growth, with stable inflation. The report also flagged two key risks to growth. First, if the United States Federal Reserve raises interest rates more quickly than expected, this could lead to a tightening in global financial conditions and cause sharp market reactions if policy actions are not well-communicated.
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Asia Pacific
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115
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My say: Global economy still looks good for Asia: Tensions have also cooled in other parts of Asia. Take the territorial disputes in the South China Sea: China and Vietnam have made some progress in recent talks, while the various claimant states have succeeded in avoiding aggravating actions in the area for several months now. In another encouraging development, China and India have agreed to a summit meeting soon, helping to ease tensions between the two Asian giants.
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116
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China-India wayang kulit may not last: For now, despite lofty talk of jointly leading the Asian Century, these are some very practical reasons why the two are seeking to bury their differences. It may not last because this is by no means an embrace of equals - China's economic and military power is overwhelming - and both know it. Neither is India likely to stop looking for strategic partners to help it counter China - Beijing's steady encroachment into its neighbourhood will either have to be accepted without demur, or pushed back.
Since the second option is more likely, and India cannot do it alone, it will not stop looking for partners to assist in the process. For now, though, both seem happy to put aside these differences. And no one will deny that a bit of wayang kulit is any day more entertaining than shows of open hostility.
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117
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Debate: Is Trump Right to Confront China?Amid a simmering trade dispute, top officials from President Donald Trump's administration are visiting Beijing this week, hoping to induce China to make key concessions on matters such as market access and the U.S. trade deficit. Bloomberg Opinion columnists Christopher Balding and David Fickling recently debated the topic.
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118
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Asia: jobs policy vs the machines: The main issue is that middle-skills jobs, directly linked to the middle class, are disappearing. Employees in these jobs are moving either to high-skilled jobs that only very few qualify for (those with long experience and degrees), or to low-skilled jobs that face increasing competition and declining wages.
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119
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Opinion: Clever city clusters may solve a global challenge: China has included in its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) a total of 19 city clusters, many of which are as large as some European countries. In 2015, China's 11 largest city clusters accounted for one-third of the country's population, and two-thirds of its economic output. For decades, large and smaller cities in the same vicinity have grown together into vast territories marked by urban development and in many cases urban sprawl.
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120
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ADB chief warns of Belt and Road debt trap: Nakao urges countries to carefully weigh viability of China-backed projects.
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121
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Media in Some Asian Nations Worse Off Than a Year Ago on World Press Freedom Day: Not much changed over the past year in Vietnam, Laos and North Korea, which continued to fall close to or at the very bottom of RSF's annual press freedom ranking on account of severe restricted or nonexistent press freedom. In Vietnam, authorities routinely use catch-all articles of the criminal code punishable by long prison terms against bloggers and citizen-journalists critical of the one-party regime to stifle dissent.
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122
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Editorial: Breakthrough: We should remember what brought the two Koreas, and the two superpowers China and the United States, to this point: Kim spent all of 2017 rattling his nuclear saber, showing off impressive advances in missile technology, and engaging Trump and others in a bellicose exchange of words. (He had many people scrambling for the dictionaries when he called the American tweeter-in-chief a "dotard.") Even China, North Korea's only ally and principal economic partner, voiced frustration over Pyongyang's belligerence.
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East/South China Sea
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123
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China upped the ante by installing missiles at key South China Sea outposts. Warplanes are likely next: "This should be seen as China crossing an important threshold. Missile platforms present a clear offensive threat," Gregory Poling, Center for Strategic and International Studies fellow and director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, told CNBC. "[The missile deployment] is a pretty clear threat to the other claimants and furthers China's goal of establishing complete control over the water and airspace of the South China Sea."
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124
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White House threatens Beijing with 'consequences' for 'militarising South China Sea' after missiles were reportedly installed on islands: Beijing has evaded questions about whether it has installed the missiles on islands over the last 30 days, but the White House is adamant about 'near-term and long-term consequences'
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125
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White House warns China: There will be 'consequences' for militarization of South China Sea: Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued the warning while she was responding to a question regarding CNBC's report that China had installed missile systems on outposts in the Spratly Islands, which are two-thirds of the way east from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines. "We're well-aware of China's militarization of the South China Sea," Sanders told reporters. "There will be near-term and long-term consequences."
The Pentagon also weighed in on the development. "We have been very vocal about our concerns about them militarizing these artificial islands," Defense Department spokeswoman Dana White said. "China has to realize that they have benefited from the free navigation of the sea and the U.S. Navy has been the guarantor of that."
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126
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Opinion: South China Sea at centre of regional conflict, diplomacy: Welcome to the South China Sea, the geographic commons of Southeast Asia's navigable rimland. Its 3.5 million square kilometres of underlying bedrock contain oil and natural gas deposits that, by official US estimates, are at least equal to Mexico's and, by some contested Chinese estimates, might be second only to Saudi Arabia's. Also home to lucrative fisheries and supply routes that carry 80 percent of China's crude imports, the territorially disputed region may be the most strategically important waterway of the 21st century.
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Climate Change
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127
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EDITORIALS: Japan should play a proactive role on climate change: The Foreign Ministry panel says Japan's emissions reduction target is internationally considered as "highly insufficient." The nation's target has to be upgraded anyway, along with those of other countries in the Paris climate change accord, for the pact to achieve its goal. Japan has yet to build a consensus on introducing the carbon pricing policy - such as emissions trading and carbon taxation - while the policy gains ground in many other countries from Europe to North America and Asia as an effective tool for the transition to a post-carbon society.
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Globalisation
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128
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Why we need globalization: There is no doubt that globalization can leave specific groups within trading economies worse off. Those who work in industries that are susceptible to rising competition from foreign labor are especially vulnerable. Immigration increases the availability of workers who are willing to accept lower wages, effectively dragging down wages for local workers, particularly in lower-skill jobs. And offshoring enables companies to move, say, manufacturing operations to countries with larger pools of low-cost labor. Overall, however, the case for globalization, including free trade and at least some openness to migration, is strong, because it increases the total wealth of participating countries.
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