Nguyen Phu Trong, who stays party chief, pledged to maintain a pro-growth status quo that balances foreign ties and cements a consensus leadership that analysts say was strained by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s assertiveness in the latter years of his administration.

Trong, 71, said he was a reluctant leader of a party that would move Vietnam towards modernisation.

“My age is high, health is limited, knowledge is limited. I asked to step down, but because of the responsibility assigned by the party I have to perform my duty,” Trong told reporters.

“I’m also worried because the upcoming work is heavy.”

The 19-member politburo contains conservative and progressive elements, although uncertainty hangs over the outlook for economic reforms rolled out at an unusually fast rate under Dung, whose exit has caused some jitters.

Those might be assuaged by the inclusion of Nguyen Van Binh,the governor of a central bank praised for its stable monetary policy and tackling of bad debt that swamped a beleaguered banking sector.

Joining him is U.S.-educated foreign minister and Dung’s deputy, Pham Binh Minh, seen by some experts as a signal of the party’s pursuit of even ties between competing superpowers China and United States.

Fred Burke, a board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and managing partner at law firm Baker & McKenzie,said the lineup was reassuring for business and would pick up where Dung left off.

“It’s positive,” he said. “It’s continuity, but continuity with a 21st century bent, a professional bent, with people whoare pragmatists who want to roll up their sleeves and get on with it.”

Vietnam-U.S. relations have warmed dramatically as tensions between Communist neighbours Hanoi and Beijing have increased over South China Sea sovereignty.

While Trong has been less critical of China’s expansionism,Dung was the party’s strongest voice in denouncing Beijing andwas credited with Vietnam’s smooth accession to a U.S.-ledTrans-Pacific Partnership.

Trong was the politburo’s sole candidate for party chief,running unopposed despite rumours of a fierce showdown with Dung for the top post.

Adding some personality to a traditionally arcane politburois Dinh La Thang, a media-savvy transport minister who has wonpopularity for brash comments, rebukes of officials and Facebookaccounts carrying his name.

The politburo retains an authoritarian streak, however, withfour members hailing from a police force criticised by rightsgroups for crushing the party’s detractors.

Nominations for president, prime minister and legislativechair were included. They are Tran Dai Quang, Nguyen Xuan Phucand Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, respectively.//Reuters

High-ranking leaders and delegates at all levels have exchanged visits, while the two Asean member countries have also extended mutual support in the regional and international arenas.

The ministers briefed each other on their political and security situations, socio-economic development and foreign affairs matters in their respective countries.

Laos and Indonesia are both members of Asean, the 10-member regional bloc which Laos chairs this year.

The ministers discussed ways to deepen and broaden relations and cooperation between Laos and Indonesia, which has the largest economy in Asean.

Both sides agreed to hold the 5th Laos-Indonesia Joint Cooperation Commission meeting in the near future, to be hosted by Indonesia.

The Lao minister said it was essential for the two countries to provide further mutual assistance, and support and broaden their cooperation to contribute to efforts towards achieving the goals set under the three pillars of the Asean Community.

The Asean Community was officially established on December 31, 2015.

The three pillars are the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community.

The two ministers expressed their satisfaction over the long-standing friendly relations between their two nations and peoples.

Marsudi and her delegation are scheduled to call on Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong today.

An integrated social hub would provide a one-stop location for the elderly to meet others, take part in activities and receive opportunities for training, employment or volunteering, she said.

These hubs could be located in community clubs and house voluntary welfare organisations, while social service offices and constituency offices can coordinate resources accordingly, she added.

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) made a similar call for such centres, and asked for a community agency to oversee such efforts and ensure their sustainability.

She also said the Government should set up a website so that interested retired professionals have an avenue through which to volunteer their time and expertise.

“Having a central system that can tap on their services would help them occupy their time and keep in touch with society while saving money and manpower for the relevant party,” she said .

She also urged town councils to link alarms in rental flats occupied by the elderly to a 24-hour emergency medical service unit. This can ensure that help is available for vulnerable seniors at all times.

Such systems are now monitored by a Housing Board Senior Activity Centre in the daytime, and by neighbours in the evening.

Chee Hong Tat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said the issue of an ageing population is, in fact, an opportunity for different sectors to come together and think up new solutions.

Chee, who is Minister of State (Health), said his ministry was working with architects and community leaders to create a senior- friendly environment at Kampung Admiralty. If successful, these ideas can be implemented in other estates and also exported overseas to grow the economy.

While its surface is round, its bottom has an ellipse shape, making it different from other bronze drums that have been unearthed before. According to experts, this unusual shape of the drum requires a thorough study to determine if it is original or caused by natural reasons.

Under the approval of the local authorities, the ancient drum is being preserved in Dien Bien Museum while its cultural and historical values are clarified. A document about the drum will be compiled in a report to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports.

Article 27 (3) stipulates criminal punishment for anyone purposely and without authority distributing and/ or transmitting and/or making electronic information and/or electronic documents with libellous and/or defaming content accessible to the public.

It is further stated in Article 45 (2) that violations of the regulation are punishable with imprisonment of up to six-years and a fine of up to Rp 1 billion (US$72,000).

“It is almost certain that criminalization of internet users will continue in 2016,” said Firdaus.

Yayasan Satu Dunia is an NGO concerned with the openness of information, communication, knowledge and technology for civil societies in Indonesia.

Firdaus said the libel article in the 2008 law caused fear among internet users to criticize the government and Indonesian business power, adding that the internet was a powerful medium of social control.

He claimed it was likely that disciplining democracy in cyberspace was part of the main paradigm of the Jokowi administration to create political conditions that were conducive for investment. This could be seen from a recent statement of Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan, who had said that social media had to be disciplined for the sake of national interests.

Gadjah Mada University communication expert Wisnu Martha Adiputra said the libel article had to be removed as it contradicted the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech and expression.

Wisnu, who is also a researcher at the media regulator, said the ITE Law also failed to protect private data of consumers making transactions via the internet.

In its 2015 year-end report, the Alliance of Indonesian Journalists (AJI) named the ITE Law as one of the obstacles to press freedom in Indonesia, because under the law, online media accused of libellous articles could be brought to justice.

Since the ITE Law was passed in 2008, the number of victims of the libel article in the law has continued to rise. According to Safe Net data, the number of libel cases reached 62 in 2015, sharply increasing from only two cases in 2008.

“We further call on the government to establish a system for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former political prisoners into society. The European Union and its member states stand ready to assist in this endeavour,” it noted.

Kerry, who arrived in Phnom Penh from Laos late Monday, will also discuss deepening economic ties with Cambodia, which has emerged from the ashes of Khmer Rouge rule into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

But Cambodia’s fragile democracy appears under threat with Hun Sen, who has ruled for 31 years through a mix of hard power and political guile, tying up a resurgent opposition in legal charges.

The opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party made big gains in 2013 elections, but has since seen its chief Sam Rainsy go into self-exile to avoid arrest over charges he says are politically motivated.

In a show of support, Kerry will meet the opposition’s deputy leader.

“The relationship between the ruling party and the opposition party is fraught right now,” a State Department official told reporters.

“The leader of the opposition party is out of the country, so Secretary Kerry will meet with not only the government but also the opposition.”

He will also meet with civil society groups, the official added, to reinforce America’s backing “for human rights, for civil rights, and for political space.”

Campaigners have called on the US to exert greater pressure on Hun Sen to end repression, including of political opponents, dissenters and trade unionists representing low-paid workers.

But in a sign the prime minister is ramping up curbs on criticism, several people have been arrested in recent weeks over Facebook posts insulting or lampooning him and his family.

Kerry’s trip to Southeast Asia paves the way for a summit hosted next month by President Barack Obama in California with the 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Obama has made ties with Asia a diplomatic priority, in particular bolstering Asean as a counterweight to Chinese regional power.

Cambodia provides political support to China within Asean, an alliance that has at times caused strain within the regional bloc in the face of increasingly aggressive Chinese claims to disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Kerry is due to fly to Beijing on Tuesday afternoon.

– AFP

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has asked the city’s Transport Department to quickly approve the road junction linking the domestic terminal with Truong Son Road and to use Gia Dinh Park as a temporary parking lot.

The airport security forces and traffic policemen will co-ordinate efforts to check for violations and apply fines.

Tan Son Nhat Airport authorities reported these efforts would be stepped up before and after Tet.

During the first stage, lasting from the lunar calendar’s December 23 to 29 (falling on February 1 to 7 of the regular calendar), is expected to handle 600 departing and arriving flights per day, an increase of 130 flights against an ordinary day.

The peak day will be the lunar calendar’s December 28 (February 6), with an estimated 680 flights, serving 100,000 passengers.

The post-Tet stage, lasting from the lunar calendar’s January 5 to 10 (February 12 to 17), defines the peak day as the lunar January 6, with some 720 flights.

The airport’s receiving capacity and infrastructure will both be overloaded and face traffic congestion in front of the airport. This will pose a great challenge and affect service quality, especially during the peak days of Tet.

Taxis remain the primary vehicle of choice for picking up passengers.

To arrive at the domestic terminal, taxis must pass two traffic lights, so pick-up time can be delayed. Airport authorities have arranged a taxi parking lot at the international terminal, but traffic congestion remains a problem.

At the domestic terminal, taxi pick-up and drop zones will be separated, and by April this year, the five-storey parking lot designed to hold 1,000 taxis will be completed, according to the airport authorities.

Some upland areas of Huaphan province experienced frost. Many people commented on social networks on Sunday that it was snowing but the department confirmed that it was not.

However, every part of the country will have cold weather, wind and rain in the next few days, according to weather forecasters.

The department called on everyone to protect their health, keep warm and stay out of the cold, especially the elderly and children.

Meanwhile Lao VIVO Company is calling for contributions from the public to help the poorest people in the hardest hit areas of Phongsaly, Huaphan and Xieng Khuang provinces.

A few buffaloes in Nongkhang village, Xamneua district, Huaphan province died due to the cold, while the provincial livestock and fisheries section expected to report more livestock deaths.

One Huaphan resident, who works for the provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department, said the fine rain looked like snow but she couldn’t be sure because this was the first time she had seen such a phenomenon.

The lowest temperature recorded in Vientiane yesterday was 10.4C, while Oudomxay reported 5.0C, Huayxai district in Bokeo province 7.1C, Luang Namtha province 5.0C, Luang Prabang province 7.1C and Xayaboury province 8.8C . Xaysomboun province saw temperatures drop to 4.5C, Phonhong district in Vientiane province recorded 9.3C, Pakxan district, Borikhamxay province 9.7C, Km20 in Khammuan province 3.3C, Savannakhet province 10.2C, Pakxe district in Champassak province 14.5C, Saravan province 16.1C, Xekong province 12.2C, and Attapeu province 19.1C.

Many other countries have also been affected by unusually cold weather.

Temperatures have dropped in other parts of South East Asia as well, including Vietnam and Thailand. In Bangkok, which rarely sees temperatures below 20C, a minimum of 16C was recorded on Sunday, while Vietnam had its coldest weather in about two decades over the weekend with Hanoi recording a 6C minimum.

Taiwanese media reported a rash of deaths from hypothermia and cardiac disease following a sudden drop in temperatures over the weekend.

Meanwhile heavy snow forced the closure of the airport on the Korean holiday island of Jeju, with all flights cancelled.

The cold spell has also hit Hong Kong, southern China and Japan, BBC News reported yesterday.

Now storms have hit large parts of Japan as well, with more than 600 domestic flights cancelled across the country on Sunday and Monday. At least five people have died from the snow so far and more than 100 have been injured in Japan.