These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
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Parliament: Phase 3 could last over a year, restrictions may be reimposed if cases spike again
Phase three of the nation's reopening in the wake of Covid-19 could last a year or more, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong told Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 4). Ms Cheng Li Hui (Tampines GRC) had asked about phase three, including what factors are taken into account when deciding on the maximum number of people allowed for various events, what safeguards will be put in place when activities resume on a larger scale, and what might happen if cases were to surge again. In response, Mr Gan reiterated that phase three - which Singapore could move into by year-end if the virus remains under control here - would not be a return to pre-Covid days. It would last until the rest of the world has the virus under tight control or when effective treatments or vaccines are widely available, he added. This means that measures must be put in place to enable everyone to stay safe while continuing to live, work and mark major life events. Mr Gan said group size limits depend on factors such as how frequently an activity takes place, what potential risks it has, and whether additional safety measures can be implemented to mitigate such risks. Pointing to the large clusters of Covid-19 cases that had formed during events like the Safra Jurong dinner and the Mei Hwan Drive Chinese New Year gathering, Mr Gan said: "The probability of transmission tends to be higher in social settings... (as) it is natural to lower our guard when we are among family and friends." The authorities are currently considering increasing group size limits from five to eight in phase 3. – The Straits Times
Public masses for Catholic churches on Penang island temporarily suspended
Public masses at Roman Catholic churches on Penang island have been temporarily suspended from Nov 7 till Nov 20. This is to contain the rise in Covid-19 positive cases in the state. Penang Diocese vicar-general Monsignor Aloysius Tan announced today the move had been decided by The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, Right Reverend Datuk Sebastian Francis, in consultation with the parish priests of the 9 churches on Penang island. "In recent days, we have witnessed a great increase in the daily number of new Covid-19 positive cases in Penang Island, with the emergence of several new clusters which has led to the North-east and South-west districts of the island classified as red zones," he said. "With the announcement from the Senior Minister of Security, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob placing Mukim 12 in the south-west district under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), we are taking additional public health measures to break the chain of transmission." Monsignour Tan, who also heads the deanery of parishes on Penang Island, said the suspension would be reviewed before Nov 20 and the parishes to be notified accordingly of any changes. "Besides the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) Sungai Ara in Mukim 12 which will be closed following the strict CMCO guidelines, we are taking these necessary precautions to minimise the risk of infection given the proximity of parishes and movement of persons within Penang island." He said those wishing to receive any of the holy sacraments should contact their respective parish priests. "The priests will follow the necessary standard operating procedures (SOP) in administering the Sacraments," he added, saying that live-streaming of masses will continue for the spiritual benefit of the faithful. "We urge all the faithful to practice charity and love for neighbour by continuing to adhere to all preventive measures imposed by the authorities in curbing the spread of the virus," said Monsignour Tan. "Let us continue to pray and seek divine intervention for an end to this third wave of the outbreak and protection of all medical front-liners." – New Straits Times
Protesters reject reconciliation panel
Anti-government protesters have refused to take part in the parliament's political reconciliation committee, rejecting it as a ploy to keep Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in power. The People's Movement announced its decision in a statement issued at Sanam Luang on Wednesday. "We declare that we will not accept and not join a committee to be formed by the government," the statement said. The reconciliation panel was agreed on by the special joint parliamentary session last month as a means to solve political problems highlighted by continuing student-led protests against the government. The statement renewed its call for the departure of the prime minister. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's remaining in power was a major obstacle to resolving the country's political, economic and social problems, the statement said. It also reiterated other demands, including writing a new constitution and reform of the monarchy. Former prime ministers Anand Panyarachun, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh have hinted they may be willing to join the proposed reconciliation committee, Parliament President ChuanLeekpai said on Tuesday. – Bangkok Post
Govt to develop 787 villages in NTB ahead of Mandalika MotoGP
Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Minister Abdul Halim Iskandar will oversee the development of tourist destinations in four regencies of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) in anticipation of the MotoGP motorcycle race in Mandalika, Lombok, next year. The project, for which Rp 9.4 billion (US$642,239) has been allocated, will also entail the development of 787 villages in the four regencies, Abdul said. “The regencies due for development are situated within the Mandalika Priority Tourism Zone,” Abdul said during an online meeting on MotoGP preparations on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com. He said his office was focusing on how local communities, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), could benefit from the racing event. Possible strategies, he said, could include promoting tourist homestays or bolstering digital marketing that exhibited the beauty of the local culture. “The ministry is also pushing for the marketing of outstanding local products through BUMDs [village-owned businesses] at MotoGP, hotels and other tourist destinations,” Abdul said. In February, the organizers of the 2021 Indonesia MotoGP estimated that the event could earn the country US$15 million from ticket sales and tourism revenue. Despite the general enthusiasm for MotoGP’s projected boost to local tourism, however, the event has raised concerns over a land dispute involving several West Nusa Tenggara residents who have objected to the construction of a racing circuit. Last month, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) asked the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to temporarily halt the construction of the circuit after the commission’s representatives visited the site and met with locals. Komnas HAM commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara said the commission had received reports of land disputes from 15 landowners. – The Jakarta Post
Galvez says COVID-19 vaccination may start by May 2021
The government is eyeing to start the inoculation of vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by May next year, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a television interview on Thursday. “Ang prediction po ng DOST [Department of Science and Technology] if everything will go well, ang mangyayari po earliest is May,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel when asked about the government’s timeline for the inoculation of vaccines against the respiratory disease. (The prediction of DOST if everything will go well, the earliest for the inoculation is May.) However, Galvez, who is also the chief of the National Task Force against COVID-19, pointed out that the inoculation may be moved to the end of next year if the vaccines will have supply and demand issues. “Kung magkakaroon ng hindrances, in terms of sa supply and demand, ang pinaka-earliest po [for inoculation] is maybe end of 2021,” Galvez said. (If there will be hindrances in terms of supply and demand, the earliest would be the end of 2021.) As of Wednesday, the Philippines logged 388,137 coronavirus disease cases, including 349,091 recoveries and 7,367 deaths. – INQUIRER.net
Việt Nam stresses need to observe law of the sea at UNSC’s open debate
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung has stressed the need to foster friendly relations among countries and observe the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The international community has been confronting major threats and challenges stemming from the disrespect for and violations of the core principles of the UN Charter and the UN General Assembly Resolution 2625 on “The Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States,” Trung told the UNSC’s virtual debate on “Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace: Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity.” He underscored the importance of the principles concerning sovereign equality, no use of force or threat to use force, and the settlement of international disputes via peaceful means. Such disrespect and violations are behind tensions, confrontations and conflicts all over the world, he said, citing the interference in domestic affairs of states; the complex developments of arms races, notably in nuclear energy; and violations of the UNCLOS 1982 as examples. Describing the COVID-19 pandemic as a non-traditional security challenge, Trung urged all actors to heed the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, and member states to exercise restraint to stop escalation of tensions and hold dialogues to seek long-term solutions. Trung also highlighted the need to lift unilateral sanctions that hamper socio-economic development and livelihoods of people living in war-torn regions. The Vietnamese diplomat went on to say that multilateralism must be further enhanced and the UN should play a central role in strengthening international partnerships to harmonise interests of member states and beefing up cooperation with regional organisations. The UNSC must make the best use of available tools, such as preventive diplomacy, and improve the effectiveness of its peacekeeping operations, he said. Additionally, the UNSC must address the root causes of conflicts and insecurity by engaging in all stages, from prevention, early warnings to proposing solutions for post-conflict recovery and sustainable development, the Deputy Minister added. – Viet Nam News
PM, Ministers in self-quarantine
Prime Minister Hun Sen announced yesterday that he has gone into self-quarantine after reports that Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó who visited Cambodia on Tuesday reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Szijjarto was reported to have tested positive for the virus yesterday while he was in Thailand for a two-day visit. He had opened his country’s embassy in Phnom Penh and met several VIPs, including government officials and Mr Hun Sen. Mr Hun Sen posted on his Facebook page that after receiving information that Szijjarto was tested positive for COVID-19 in Thailand after he left Cambodia, a Cambodian medical team yesterday rushed to trace all those in contact with the Hungarian Minister to take samples for testing at the Pasteur Institute. “Separately, at my house, I, my wife, a bodyguard, drivers, and those in his household, totalling 18 people tested for the virus and the results came out negative,” he said. “Even though I do not have COVID-19, for the safety of all, the doctors required me to live separately for 14 days. Not even my wife, children and grandchildren could stay near me,” he added. Mr Hun Sen said. “Even though I had to take time off from work as required by the doctor for a 14-day period of quarantine, I am still able to complete the work by reviewing and signing government documents.” “I can still exercise, including playing golf in the yard. I just must not let other people get close. This is the best way to keep everyone safe and healthy,” he added. Mr Hun Sen apologised that during his quarantine period he will be unable to receive King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk who are due to return soon after a routine medical check-up in China. He said he was also sorry that he could not join the King to celebrate Independence Day on November 9, or visit compatriots in Pursat, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces for events to distribute paddy seed relief for flood-hit villagers and would send a representative instead. – Khmer Times