These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
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Singapore rolls out Covid-19 vaccination exercise; senior staff nurse at NCID receives first jab
Singapore kick-started its national Covid-19 vaccination programme on Wednesday (Dec 30) morning, with a senior staff nurse at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) the first to roll up her sleeve for the Pfizer-BioNTech jab. Ms Sarah Lim, 46, is part of the team that screens suspect Covid-19 cases. "I feel grateful and thankful for being the first to be vaccinated, I would encourage them (others) to go for it," she told reporters after receiving the shot. "It's not very painful." She added in Mandarin: "I wanted to take the injection to protect myself, my loved ones, patients and the public. "It gives me greater peace of mind." The vaccine was removed from the fridge at 8.30am - according to a note on the wall - and delivered about an hour later after it reached room temperature. It took several minutes for the nurse who administered the jabs to prepare the injection each time. Once done, the healthcare workers were told to rest for 30 minutes in an observation room. The national vaccine effort is a critical part of the push for the Republic to return to normalcy and reopen the economy, with most people expected to have the chance to receive it by next year. Like her colleagues, Ms Lim believes that the vaccine, on top of other stringent measures such as hygiene and mask-wearing, is an added layer of protection. Second in line was Dr Kalisvar Marimuthu, a 43-year-old senior consultant who manages suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases. "I'm feeling lucky... feeling a bit emotional because the vaccine is potentially a game-changer," he said. "It has been a long journey for us to reach here, it has been tough for all of us. "Vaccines have brought pandemics to their knees in the past," he added, and he hopes that history will be repeated this time. "I'm hoping there is light at the end of a very long tunnel." On receiving the shot, he noted: "I'm already feeling better and more protected. This vaccine is probably the last layer of protection for us." – The Straits Times
Malaysia to intensify Covid-19 vaccine development with UAE, says Agong
To overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is looking forward to intensifying efforts on vaccine development with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sultan Abdullah said UAE has demonstrated itself as a friend of Malaysia during this difficult period. "Both countries could explore and intensify relations in the field of Covid-19 vaccine development and strengthen post-pandemic collaboration in the fields of health, education, food security, agriculture, future technology, renewable and clean energy, halal industry and tourism, just to name a few," he was quoted as saying in WAM's report yesterday. Sultan Abdullah was on a five-day special visit to Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he also met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and other senior officials. Meanwhile, Sultan Abdullah also commented on the common values between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, saying that Malaysia, as a trading nation, has placed a strong emphasis on the relation with GCC countries, especially the UAE. He said, Malaysia's Islamic identity for decades has been factored into the ties with GCC countries where issues of importance to the Muslim Ummah have been closely engaged. "Malaysia also shares many similar and common values with GCC countries. With its strategic geographical location, UAE in particular, has been the main trading hub not only in this region but also in the world for decades," said Sultan Abdullah. – New Straits Times
Stay home, urges Prayut
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday urged people to stay at home over the New Year holidays in light of the recent Covid-19 upsurge. With the number of new cases continuing to rise in several provinces, including Bangkok, the PM said people should only travel if absolutely necessary. "We may have to celebrate New Year at home this year and with a limited number of people," he said on his official Facebook page "Prayut Chan-o-cha". After Tuesday's cabinet meeting, Gen Prayut did not directly respond to media questions as he usually does but instead posted a video clip he had recorded at Government House. It's now available on its website. The PM urged people to neither panic nor be too complacent but said unnecessary travel and visiting crowded places should be avoided. He also stressed that people should heed the health authorities' advice on Covid-19 preventative measures and monitor updates posted by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). While acknowledging that interprovincial travel has not been prohibited the PM pointed out that each province has its own specific Covid-19 control protocols, which may include strict screening measures which could be frustrating for visitors. He also urged everyone to scan the Thai Chana QR Code to check in every time they visit a public place, a measure developed by the government to track those suspected of having come into contact with confirmed Covid-19 cases. On the topic uppermost in people's minds, Gen Prayut would neither confirm nor dismiss the possibility of the entire country needing a new nationwide Covid-19 lockdown after the upcoming holidays. He said that decision would depend largely on how the situation develops but said he personally thought it unlikely that it would become so severe that a national lockdown would be needed again. – Bangkok Post
Police name two new suspects in leaked celebrity sex tape case
The Jakarta Police have named a woman and a man suspects in a leaked celebrity sex tape case for allegedly violating the 2008 Pornography Law amid calls from activists over privacy protection. The woman, identified only as GA and the man, identified as MYD, were named suspects on Tuesday, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Cmr. Yusri Yunus said. “Based on the case exposé we conducted yesterday [Monday] we escalated her status from witness to suspect,” he said on Tuesday as reported by tribunnews.com. GA was previously questioned twice as a witness in the case as the police suspected her to be the person in the video that went viral on social media last month. MYD was alleged to be the man in the video. Yusri said that in their separate questionings, GA and MYD admitted to the police that they were the people in the video. “They admitted that they were indeed the people in the video that was circulating in social media,” he added. Both GA and MYD were charged under articles 4, 29 and 8 of the controversial 2008 Pornography Law, which prohibits people from producing, trading, spreading and showcasing pornographic materials. They face a maximum of 12 years' imprisonment, Yusri added. Last month, the police also named two suspects in the case, identified only as PP and MN, for allegedly spreading the video on social media platforms. Yusri said the investigators had completed the dossiers requested by the prosecutors to bring the case to court. Legal experts have called on authorities to handle leaked celebrity sex tape cases carefully as similar incidents showed that the people in the videos are actually the victims, not the perpetrators, especially if the videos were made as personal files. Maidina Rahmawati of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) said anybody in a leaked sex video was a victim if they did not intend the video for public consumption. She said leaked sex tape cases often missed context in the Indonesian legal framework, such as the perspective of the right to privacy that often led to criminalisation of victims. She further argued that if the content was meant for personal interest, the makers of the video could not be legally charged. “Investigators should understand that if GA and MYD did not mean for the video to spread to the public for commercial purposes, then they are victims that must be protected,” Maidina said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the investigation should focus on the parties behind the distribution of the video. – The Jakarta Post
Duterte hails COVID-19 front liners on Rizal Day
As the country marks national hero Dr Jose P. Rizal’s 124th death anniversary, President Rodrigo Duterte hailed the front liners who emerged as heroes amid challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Today, we see many Rizals fighting for our people, this time against an unseen adversary – a pandemic. We have our brave front liners who continue to serve the nation in their unique capacities notwithstanding the risks to life and limb. In them, we see a new expression of heroism that is truly inspiring,” Duterte said in his Rizal Day message. “May we continue to celebrate Jose Rizal and our modern-day heroes, to learn from their example, and to express the love and respect of a grateful nation,” he added. Duterte also hailed Rizal’s bravery in fighting oppression which ignited nationalism among Filipinos. “Rizal had great aspirations for his motherland and he used the power of the pen to convey sentiments against oppression and yearnings for emancipation,” he said. “To the extent that it ignited a stronger sense of nationalism and a revolution, he was successful. He was our hero,” Duterte added. Rizal was 35 years old when he was executed by firing squad in Bagumbayan, Manila for the crime of rebellion under the Spanish colonial rule. – INQUIRER.net
Garment and textile industry targets US$39 million export turnover in 2021
The garment and textile sector is targeting an export turnover of US$38-39 billion in 2021, said Lê Tiến Trường, general director of the Việt Nam Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). Trường told an online meeting held yesterday that forecasts showed that the global garment and textile market would not return to the levels of demand seen in 2019 until the second quarter of 2022 or even the fourth quarter of 2023, so next year would still be tough for the sector, depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic develops. Despite the challenges of 2021, Vinatex aims to reach export turnover equivalent to 2019. To achieve this target, the group proposes reducing long-term interest rates. Trường said 2021 would begin an investment cycle to meet new requirements post-COVID-19 pandemic as well as to invest in the production of raw materials to meet the rules of origin from new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs). Meanwhile, after a year of hardship and low efficiency, investment projects in the garment and textile sector would no longer hold high priority. This would make it difficult for businesses to access capital so the commercial banking system would need to be flexible in credit ratings in proportion to the speed of market recovery. Enterprises also expect the Government to offer policies to develop supporting technologies for the sector, according to Trường. Firms hope the Government continues to direct to reduce non-production costs, especially logistics costs through the planning of the national logistics network, and other non-tariff costs. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has helped businesses make use of new FTAs through early issuance of guidelines on meeting rules of origin and having a portal to look up benefits from this agreement. This year was the first time in 25 years that Viet Nam's textile exports posted a negative growth rate at 10.5 per cent, only reaching US$35 billion compared to $39 billion in 2019. However, amid the global aggregate reduction of more than 22 per cent, the results of Việt Nam's textile and apparel industry were relatively positive. Global textile and apparel industry profits fell by 93 per cent and many major fashion brands went bankrupt, making workers lose their jobs. Meanwhile, thanks to good pandemic prevention and no production interruption, the market share of Việt Nam's garment and textile continued to grow, reaching export growth of 20 per cent for the first time in the US market. – Viet Nam News
Prime Minister to retire in 10 years
While the government celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the end of the Cambodian Civil War yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Sen reaffirmed his intention to retire from his premiership at the age 78. Minister of Defence General Tea Banh yesterday represented Mr Hun Sen during the celebration of the anniversary at the Win-Win Monument in front of the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh’s Chroy Changva district. While addressing the nation through the state-run TVK live broadcast from his residence in Kandal province yesterday, Mr Hun Sen said he would retire in the next 10 years. He is 68-years-old now. “I think I will be in power until the age of 78, or for the next 10 years,” Mr Hun Sen said. “If anyone wants to change Hun Sen, please win the election first.” Mr Hun Sen took office as Prime Minister on January 14, 1985, after he was unanimously elected by the National Assembly to succeed Chan Sy, who had died in office in December 1984. “There are still a few days left to mark the 36th anniversary of my tenure as Prime Minister. In the United States and France, the term of office of the president is limited to two terms […] In Cambodia, there is no limit, and it must be continued,” he added. Mr Hun Sen became the world’s youngest Prime Minister at the time, at age 32. He also held the position of Foreign Minister until 1991. Today, he is the world’s longest-serving prime minister and one of the longest-serving leaders in the world. In mid-December, he made a rare revelation that one of the preferred successors could be Deputy Prime Minister Aun Pornmoniroth, who is also Minister of Economy and Finance. He urged critics to stop fuelling speculation of his son, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Royal Cambodian Army Commander Lieutenant General Hun Manet, 43, as his successor. Yesterday, Mr Hun Sen also highlighted his achievement after his Win-Win Policy successfully integrated the last Khmer Rouge stronghold in 1998. The CPP’s government at the end of 2018 also officially inaugurated the $12 million Win-Win Monument as it is a symbol of peace and a tourist site. The 54-metre-tall monument, which began construction in 2016, serves as a reminder of Mr Hun Sen’s achievements in securing peace for Cambodia decades ago. – Khmer Times