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.
Stay informed with The ASEAN Post.
Holy Week services in S'pore churches, with Covid-19 safety precautions
Some worshippers have returned to churches across Singapore for Holy Week, although services remain more muted than pre-Covid days. Easter services last year were held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Representatives from three church organisations told The Straits Times that safety precautions were in place for services on Maundy Thursday (April 1), Good Friday and Easter Sunday, in keeping with government regulations. While worshippers will be able to congregate for church services - with safe distancing in place – some elements such as the feet-washing ceremony traditionally performed on Maundy Thursday will not take place this year to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Restrictions on religious activities were eased in December last year under phase three of Singapore's reopening. The maximum number of congregants allowed increased from 100 to 250 and live performance elements for congregational and other worship services, as well as religious rites, were permitted. A spokesman for the Archbishop's communications office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said that most of the Catholic churches would be able to accommodate 250 attendees for mass, with congregants sitting in zones of 50 people each, with no mingling between the groups. "Safety measures include conducting temperature checks, verifying individuals' identities, use of the TraceTogether token or app, ensuring safe distancing and proper sanitation of public areas," she said. She added that attendees would have to be masked throughout the service except for a short time when they receive Holy Communion. Despite the restrictions in place, the Catholic Archdiocese said the on-site Holy Week services were a positive step for the community after a difficult year. – The Straits Times
Over 2,000 stalls to operate this Ramadan
The nation's capital looks set to play host to 65 Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaars throughout the city during the fasting month, with more than 2,000 stalls already given the green light to operate. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (City Hall) Corporate Planning Department director Khairul Azmir Ahmad told the New Straits Times that it had issued temporary licences for 2,233 stalls. He said only two bazaars would be handled by City Hall, while the rest were managed by various traders' associations. While lots for the bazaars are issued by City Hall, traders associations manage the disbursement of the lots. As such, traders who wish to secure lots have been urged to liaise with the associations in charge. Khairul said a significant number of approvals for trading lots were carried forward from last year, when no bazaars were set up due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) and surge in Covid-19 cases. "All bazaars are subject to standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council (NSC) and City Hall." He said the SOP required traders to maintain a distance of at least one metre from one another and fit the sides of their canopies with dividers. Bazaar organisers are also required to implement strict measures to control the entry and exit of visitors. "Visitors have to check in with the MySejahtera app at the entrance of the bazaars. All stalls are required to prepare MySejahtera scan codes, temperature checks and set up queue markers to ensure social distancing. He said should any SOP breaches occur; City Hall would not hesitate to close down bazaar operations. "City Hall is fully within its rights to close down a bazaar if there are breaches of the NSC or City Hall's SOP." Khairul also confirmed that the city's largest Ramadan and Aidilfitri bazaar will be moved from Jalan Raja to Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The bazaar, he said, would feature 208 trading lots. Confirmation letters to the traders, he said, had been issued. It is also learnt that due to physical distancing guidelines, City Hall would not be issuing temporary trading licences for other stalls in the area for the Ramadan period. As such, those breaking fast would have to rely on the bazaar, permanent stalls as well as shops in the area. Checks with sources revealed that the authorities were finalising details related to the weekly night market on Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman. This is believed to include the operations and location of the night market, which operates every Saturday, throughout the fasting month. Sources had earlier told the NST that the night market would be relocated to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Night market traders, who objected to the move, had said they would protest in a letter to City Hall. A one-kilometre stretch from the artery's intersection between Jalan Esfahan and Jalan Melayu is also expected to be closed on Saturdays to facilitate the move. This is similar to City Hall's 2019 trial closure of the road on weekends that was lifted after two months. – New Straits Times
New app lets people book Covid shots
The Ministry of Public Health will next month be launching "Mor Prom," a phone app that lets people book their Covid-19 vaccines. "I would like all Thai people to download the application to reserve their Covid-19 vaccination," Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the ministry’s permanent secretary, said on Thursday. "We need to create herd immunity to prevent another outbreak and revive our economy. To do so, we do need to get the vaccine to at least half of our population." The app, expected to launch on May 1, allows users to book their free jabs at designated state hospitals and public health stations, from June. It also includes a feature that enables post-vaccination monitoring to check for side effects. Those registered with Mor Prom in June will be allocated up to five million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced locally by Siam Bioscience, its authorised local manufacturer. The company plans to produce more in the months to come. Each hospital in the government's scheme is expected to administer 500 doses per day, or 10 million doses per month, according to Dr Kiattiphum. The Public Health Ministry will also be setting up mobile vaccine units to reach people in remote areas. By the end of this year, Dr Kiattiphum said the ministry planned to administer 61 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and two million doses of Sinovac's. As most vaccines require two doses for immunisation, the 61 million doses the government procured earlier this year covers roughly 30 million people and prioritises those considered most vulnerable. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, senior advisor to the Ministry of Public Health, said the ministry was developing alternative channels for those without access to advanced mobile phone technology so they could also register for the state vaccination programme. A recent survey found that 80% of people living in Bangkok use phone apps as their main means of communication, a number that falls to 50% for people outside the capital. Mr Pongsadhorn said people could get their jabs at any hospital they already have a record of having been treated, or any hospital with social security contract. People given their two shots will automatically be issued a digital vaccine certificate by the Mor Prom app and this can later be used to apply for an International Travel Health Certificate in any hospital. – Bangkok Post
‘Someone screamed to distract my mom’s attacker,’ says daughter of Fil-Am hate crime victim
The daughter of the 65-year-old Filipino-American recently attacked in New York bared that someone had actually stepped in to distract her mother’s attacker. In a recent post on a fundraising site, victim Vilma Kari’s daughter, Elizabeth, expressed gratitude to a bystander who she said “yelled and screamed to get the assailant’s attention.” This, however, was not caught on the security camera footage that has gone viral, according to Elizabeth. “The security video that has gone viral has been the most difficult thing to watch, apart from the crime itself. There were many times that I wish someone would have stepped in. However, what this video did not capture was that there was someone who was standing across the street that witnessed my mom getting attacked who yelled and screamed to get the assailant’s attention,” she said. “That is where the video cuts off as the attacker crossed the street to him. To this person, I understand your decision in remaining anonymous during this time. I want to THANK YOU for stepping in and doing the right thing. This gesture of action is what we need in our world right now. I hope one day, my mom and I can thank you personally,” she added. Vilma was a recent victim of rising hate crimes directed at Asians in the United States. She was on her way to church when the assault happened, according to the Philippine Consulate General in New York. The video footage showed that the attacker repeatedly kicked her in the head and reportedly yelled “you don’t belong here” at her. Elizabeth said she put up the fundraiser not only to use the donations for the recovery of her mother, but to also extend support to other victims and groups advocating against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) hate crimes. “This does not take back the pain and trauma my mom has experienced nor will it replace the time to heal as she gets back on her two feet. Apart from using the fund towards recovery for Vilma, my mother would like to support other victims and organizations to further raise awareness to our fellow AAPI community (so that we can continue to a path that educate everyone around us and put an end to these attacks),” Elizabeth further wrote. According to her, she was in disbelief when she received a call last Mar. 29, informing her that her mother was the most recent target of anti-Asian violence. “It goes without saying we have all been watching the news and seeing the attacks on Asian Americans since last year, especially on the elderly all around the country and thought to ourselves,” Elizabeth said. She added that her mother is “humbled by the outpouring of messages and support from not only our friends and family, but from the kind souls all over the world.” Elizabeth also said Vilma is “safe and in good spirits.” “Although the healing process will not be easy, she has always been a resilient role model for me. We are hopeful that in time she will make a full recovery,” the younger Kari added. Elizabeth ended her post with the hashtags: #VilmaBelongsHere, #AAPIBelongsHere and #StopAsianHate. The Philippine Consulate General in New York has encouraged Filipinos there who have fallen victim or have witnessed any incidents of Anti-Asian violence to get in touch so that immediate assistance can be rendered to victims. – INQUIRER.net
National Assembly dismisses PM Phuc at end of term
The National Assembly on Friday morning adopted a resolution on the official dismissal of Nguyen Xuan Phuc from his post at the end of his five-year term. A total of 446 legislators, or 94.17 per cent of all 452 legislators present at the NA building in Ha Noi to attend the ongoing final session of the 14th-tenure, voted in favour of the resolution, while six (1.25 percent) voted against. Phuc will continue to discharge the duties expected of a Prime Minister until the office is transferred to his successor, scheduled for April 5. Earlier, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong presented a report on the explanation and collection of NA deputies’ opinions on relieving the Prime Minister, followed by legislators' casting of secret ballots to relieve the Prime Minister. The dismissal paves the way for the next Government leader to take charge, but also for Phuc's nomination to be the new State President, according to NA leaders. At a recent press conference, NA Secretary-General and Chairman of the NA Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc said PM Phuc had been proposed to be elected the President of Viet Nam, the first time an incumbent PM was nominated for the Presidency. On behalf of the parliament, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue thanked Phuc for his performance over the years. Phuc’s 2016-21 term saw constant high GDP growth and an elevated profile for Viet Nam on the international stage – and notably, a highly regarded response against the COVID-19 pandemic. Phuc, 67, was born in the central province of Quang Nam and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics. He held various positions related to economic management and investment in the administration of Quang Nam-Da Nang Province (before this administration was split into Quang Nam Province and Da Nang City in 1996). In 2006, he assumed the position of the Deputy Government General Inspector, vice-chair of the Government Office and moved up to become the Minister-Chairman of the Government Office. In 2011, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and five years later, he was elected Prime Minister by the parliament. At the 13th National Party Congress held earlier this year, PM Phuc along with Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, 76 years old, were the two ‘special cases’ given exceptions and voted in Politburo of the 13th-tenure Party Central Committee despite being over the age limit of 65 as per Party regulations. – Viet Nam News
14-day curfew imposed across Phnom Penh: Strict action against curfew violators
The Phnom Penh City Hall yesterday ordered an 8pm to 5am curfew across the capital for two weeks with immediate effect. The City Hall said the two-week curfew from April 1 to 14 was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community in accordance with the new sub decree on the new law on Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Other Deadly Infectious Diseases which was signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday. Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng yesterday told Khmer Times that he had issued strict orders to the armed forces, police and relevant authorities to immediately confiscate any vehicles of transportation of those who violated the curfew. He said the owners will be sent to quarantine for 14 days in their respective homes. Sreng added that while they are being quarantined, the local authorities must monitor them properly and in case of non-compliance with the instructions, they shall be fined in accordance with the law. “I would like to order the 14 district authorities, police and Phnom Penh Municipal Military Police that in case people do not follow the curfew, the authorities must confiscate their vehicles if they ride a motorbike or drive a car. They must be sent to quarantine at home,” he said. “In case they don’t comply with quarantine rules, I will order they be fined immediately.” Sreng said that public transport, including tuk tuks, ride-sharing vehicles and taxi motorcycles are also banned from travel during the curfew hours. He said the curfew also applies to media personnel who are required to travel at night. Sreng said that in cases the press wants to move freely without action from the authorities, they should apply for an approval card from the Phnom Penh Municipal City Hall. – Khmer Times
Suu Kyi charged under Official Secrets Act, says lawyer
The junta has charged Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi with violating the colonial-era Official Secrets Act, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, one of her lawyers said. She was charged at the western district court in Yangon under Section 3 (1) (c) of the 1923 law. The section criminalises the possession, collection, recording, publishing, or sharing of state information that is “directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.” Min Min Soe, from the National League for Democracy’s (NLD) legal team, revealed details of the charge after a video link hearing for Suu Kyi on Thursday at the Zabuthiri township court in Naypyitaw. She said she did not have further details. Court officials only allowed her to attend the hearing, barring other defence lawyers. Another lawyer named San Marlar Nyunt has been trying to secure power of attorney to represent Suu Kyi, Min Min Soe said. “There was a hearing on March 25. Lawyer San Marlar Nyunt is still not allowed to represent her. That’s all I
know.” Myanmar Now was unable to contact San Marlar Nyunt for more information about the latest charge. Combined with the four charges that Suu Kyi has already been hit with, she now faces a prison sentence of up to 23 years. The NLD chair stands accused of importing walkie-talkies in violation of the Export and Import Law, and of breaching the Natural Disaster Management Law by defying regulations aimed at curbing Covid-19 while campaigning in last year’s election – a charge also filed against detained President Win Myint. Suu Kyi spoke with her lawyer via video call on Wednesday, the first such meeting she has been allowed since she was detained along with other senior government officials in late night raids on February 1. After the hearing on Thursday, the cases of detained Naypyitaw mayor Myo Aung and President Win Myint were also heard. Naypyitaw mayor Myo Aung, who is also a member of the NLD’s central executive committee, was charged under 505b of the Penal Code, which criminalises “any statement, rumor or report” that may induce the public to “commit an offence against the state.” All three defendants said they were happy for eight members of the NLD’s legal team to represent their cases, Min Min Soe said. “I have asked the court at the hearing to allow us to be able to represent them and meet with them in person, not via video call,” Min Min Soe said. “The judge has instructed the police to give comments at the next hearing.” The next hearing is scheduled for April 12. Last week a Naypyitaw court postponed a video hearing scheduled for Suu Kyi and detained President Win Myint, citing a lack of internet access. The junta has cut off access to mobile internet and blocked public Wi-Fi networks nationwide in a bid to disrupt communications within the anti-coup movement. From Friday all wireless broadband services will also be cut, meaning only people with fibre connections will be able to get online. – Myanmar NOW
TNI steps up security around vital national assets
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has stepped up security in public places and around vital national assets, including worship houses, following the attacks on a church in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and the Indonesian Police Headquarters in Jakarta. "I have ordered all TNI personnel to intensify security, including in churches and other national vital objects. The security increase would be conducted through joint patrols and the establishment of tactical command posts," TNI Commander, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, said at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta on Thursday. The TNI and the Indonesian Police have established joint patrol and tactical command posts in some locations, he added. The move, he said, is in response to President Joko Widodo's orders to not give a place to terrorism in Indonesia. "President Joko Widodo has ordered me, Indonesian Police chief, Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Budi Gunawan, to increase alertness and give the public the confidence and safety to carry out their activities," he informed. Earlier in the day, Widodo had appealed to people to remain calm following the attack on the National Police Headquarters on Wednesday (March 31, 2021). On Wednesday afternoon, a woman, identified as Z, reportedly entered the National Police HQ complex and started shooting at security personnel. The gunfight between the armed attacker and officers ended after she was shot. She later succumbed to her injuries. Police have described it as a lone wolf attack, saying Z was a sympathizer of the terrorist group ISIS. Earlier this week, two suicide bombers, believed to be a married couple, blew themselves up outside the church located on Kajaolalido Road in the Baru neighbourhood area of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi province, about 10:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. The two bombers had tried to enter the church compound around the time the Palm Sunday Mass service ended, but security guards had stopped them at the gate. At least 20 people, including churchgoers and the church's security guards, were injured in the blast. The suicide bombers, who reportedly belong to a JAD network, carried out the attack using a pressure cooker bomb. – AntaraNews.Com