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Asia Snapshot: 11-17 September 2009
A weekly news summary. TOCI
Southeast Asia
01) Singapore Law Society revives issue of its role in Legal Reform
Law Society of Singapore president Michael Hwang said it is difficult to convince the international legal fraternity that “Singapore really has an independent Bar”.
02) Confrontation in ASEAN
Singapore’s military buildup suggests it could be an outpost in the security chain in the US is building around China.
03) Mahatir’s Big Comeback
The man who went after websites that attacked his administration suddenly discovered that the cyberspace worked both ways and attacked his successor.
04) KL to help in Iran arms probe
The Malaysian government has pledged to cooperate fully with the US to deal with growing concern that Malaysia is emerging as a popular transshipment centre for military equipment to Iran.
05) Junta Gas Profits Stashed in Singapore Banks
Earthrights International (ERI) alleges OCBC and DBS are acting as “offshore repositories” for junta revenues accruing from the Yadana gas project.
06) Kokang Crisis: Food Shortages Reported in Laogai
Tens of thousands of Kokang civilians are experiencing food shortages, partly because UN and NGO agencies have suspended aid projects after the clash between government troops and Kokang militias,
07) Junta selects 300 Proxy Candidate for Myanmar Election
Many of the candidates were selected from military personnel who are now attending the National Defense University in Naypyidaw, according to sources in Rangoon and Naypyidaw
08) Thai-Chinese Free Trade Agreement faces Ongoing Problems
Problems have occurred in areas ranging from logistics and transport to the imposition of non-tariff barriers by China, resulting in a growing imbalance in the volume of trade between the two countries.
09) Southern Thais want Government to prioritise Economic Problems
The R&D Office at Hat Yai University surveyed 14 provinces in the South. 67.5 per cent of the respondents wanted economic problem to be tackled first.
10) Cambodian Labour Activist urges US to cut tariff
A Cambodian labour activist called on the US Congress to provide Cambodian textile and footwear makers duty-free access to its markets on condition they met certain minimum labour laws and standards.
11) Report cites Cambodian Govt bias in Land Dispute cases
Mechanisms to resolve land disputes have been at best ineffective and at worst used as tools against those most vulnerable to rights abuses.
12) ILO Asked: Probe Rights at Export Zones
The high-level mission of the International Labour Organisation should investigate violations of the right to unionise at the export zones and industrial estates in Philippines
East Asia
01) The Trials of Ah-Bian
A drama that has transfixed Taiwan when former President Chen Shui-bian was sentenced to life in jail for embezzlement, money-laundering and bribe-taking.
02) World assured of China’s stimulus efforts
Premier Wen Jiabao said China will “enrich its stimulus package” to better link it to the creation of new engines of growth.
03) NDRC: Adjustment to Reduce Export Reliance
“With the highest export dependence among all big countries, China has yet to find a solid foundation for economic recovery,” said Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-minister of the National Development and Reform Commission.
04) China in huge Venezuela Oil Deal
Venezuela has announced a $16bn investment deal with China for oil exploration in the Orinoco river.
05) HK Economy contracts by 2.2%
The GDP of Hong Kong decreased 2.2% year-by-year in the Q2, says Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department. The Chinese Mainland continues to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s external factor income inflow at 40.3%.
06) Japan Concerned over Weakening of US Nuclear Umbrella
Japan expressed its reluctance to accept a proposal that urges the United States to limit the role of nuclear weapons to deterring only nuclear attacks and that seeks a no first-strike commitment.
07) New Prime Minister cements Japan power shift
Yukio Hatoyama promises economic revival and strong US ties, after being sworn in as Japan’s new prime minister.
South Asia
01) Rajnath questions Govt’s-silence on Chinese incursions
BJP chief Rajnath Singh has expressed concern over recent reports of Chinese intrusion into Indian territory and accused Congress leadership of keeping mum on the issue.
02) Why do we fear the Chinese Dragon?
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yiu “advised” India not to “allow (Indian) media reports affect the bilateral relationship”. It’s an open secret that China’s communist bosses have always regarded India’s democracy with contempt.
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Indonesia
Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations
The Miss Universe Organization severs ties with Indonesia franchise due to harassment claims. Malaysia edition canceled.
Women allege body checks before pageant. Investigation launched. Safety prioritized.
Indonesia winner to compete in November finale. Height requirement controversy.
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.
In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant’s crowning ceremony in Jakarta.
Their lawyer said Tuesday that five of the women had their pictures taken.
“In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations,” the US-based Miss Universe Organization posted Saturday night on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.
It said that it had “decided to terminate the relationship with its current franchise in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and its National Director, Poppy Capella.”
It thanked the contestants for their bravery in coming forward and added that “providing a safe place for women” was the organization’s priority.
Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that an investigation into the women’s complaint has been launched.
The Indonesia franchise also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia, where there will no longer be a competition this year, according to the New York-based parent organizer.
In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Indonesia franchise director Capella denied involvement in any body checks.
“I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking,” she wrote.
She added that she is against “any form of violence or sexual harassment.”
The Jakarta competition was held from 29 July to 3 August to choose Indonesia’s representative to the 2023 Miss Universe contest, and was won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.
Miss Universe said it would make arrangements for her to compete in the finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador.
This year’s Indonesia pageant also came under fire for announcing a “significant change in this (year’s) competition guidelines” with the elimination of its minimum height requirement after it had crowned a winner.
In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization said it wanted to “make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.”
— AFP
Malaysia
A Perodua service centre in Kuantan, Malaysia went viral for its strict dress code, Perodua responds
A dress code for vehicle servicing? A Malaysian car brand’s service centre dress code signage has puzzled netizens, raising queries about the need for attire rules during a routine service.
The manufacturer responded with an official statement after a flurry of comments, seeking to clarify and apologize.
MALAYSIA: A dress code signage positioned at a service centre belonging to a prominent Malaysian car brand has sparked bewilderment among Malaysian netizens, who question the necessity of adhering to attire guidelines for a simple vehicle servicing.
The signage explicitly delineates clothing items that are deemed unsuitable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, abbreviated pants, and distressed jeans.
The car manufacturer swiftly found itself flooded with comments from both inquisitive and irked Malaysian netizens. This surge in online activity prompted the company to issue an official statement aimed at clarifying the situation and extending an apology.
In a post that gained significant traction on the social media platform, politician Quek Tai Seong of Pahang State, Malaysia, shared an image to Facebook on Monday (7 Aug).
The image showcased a dress code sign prominently displayed at a Perodua Service Centre in Kuantan. Within the post, Quek posed the question: “Is this dress code applicable nationwide, or is it specific to this branch?”
The signage reads, “All customers dealing with Perodua Service Kuantan 1, Semambu, are requested to dress modestly and appropriately.”
Adding visual clarity to these guidelines, the sign features illustrative graphics that explicitly outline clothing items deemed unacceptable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, short pants, and ripped jeans.
Delineating the specifics of the dress code, the signage stipulates that male visitors are expected to don shirts accompanied by neckties, opt for long pants, and wear closed shoes.
Conversely, female visitors are advised to don long-sleeved shirts, full-length skirts, and closed-toe footwear.
Perodua’s dress code sparks online uproar
Following the rapid spread of the post, Perodua’s official Facebook page found itself inundated with comments from both intrigued and frustrated Malaysian netizens, all seeking clarifications about the newly surfaced dress code policy.
Amidst the flurry of comments, numerous incensed netizens posed pointed questions such as, “What is the rationale behind the introduction of such regulations by the management? We demand an explanation.”
Another netizen expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing against the necessity of the rule and urging Perodua to take inspiration from the practices of other 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Survey) automotive dealerships.
A concerned Facebook user chimed in, advocating for a more lenient stance, asserting that attempting to dictate customers’ clothing choices might not be in the company’s best interest.
Someone also commented in an angry tone, “Oi what is this? Going there for car service, not interview or working, right.”
As the discourse unfolded, it became evident that while some inquiries carried genuine weight, others chose to inject humor into the situation, playfully remarking, “If I wanted to buy a Myvi, I should buy or rent a formal attire first.”
“I sell economy rice at a hawker centre, I have never worn a long sleeve shirt and a tie… I guess I will not buy a Perodua car then.”
“I guess they will not serve those who wear short pants.”
Perodua addresses dress code controversy
As reported by Chinese media outlet Sin Chew Daily News, the manager of Kuantan’s Perodua Service Centre had acknowledged that the images on the dress code signage were misleading.
In response, the manager divulged that discussions had transpired with the head office, leading to the prompt removal of the signage to prevent any further misconceptions.
The manager clarifies, “We do encourage visitors to adhere to the dress etiquette, but we won’t go to the extent of restricting their choice of attire.”
He also revealed that currently, no complaints have been directly received from the public.
However, feedback from certain customers was relayed through Perodua’s agents.
Perodua also released an official statement by chief operating officer JK Rozman Jaffar on Wednesday (9 Aug) regarding the dress code on their official Facebook page.
The statement stated the dress code etiquette is not aligned with their official guidelines and they are currently conducting an official investigation on the matter followed by corrective measures to avoid the same incident from happening.
Perodua also extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused.
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