Malaysia polls: 97-year-old Mahathir suffers shock defeat
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad lost his seat in Parliament after Langkawi on Saturday voted to put Perikatan Nasional (PN) in control of the island constituency.
It is the 97-year-old’s first defeat in Malaysia’s parliamentary elections since 1969.
The Langkawi seat was won by Suhaimi Abdullah from PN, with 25,463 votes, or 38.1% of the vote share, on Saturday.
Mahathir managed to garner only 4,566 votes, or 6.8% – less than the 12.5% vote threshold required to keep his deposit as a candidate.
Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Armishah Siraj came in second with 11,945 votes or 17.9%. Armishah is a member of the Kampung Kuah Umno branch in Langkawi and is familiar with issues on the ground.
In the 2018 election, Mahathir won 54.9 % of the votes, beating BN’s 29.1 %.
Mahathir won respect for bringing prosperity and development to the island by declaring it a tax-free haven in 1987 when he was Malaysia’s premier. The move drew a slew of tourism investments, including an international airport, ferry services and luxury hotels.
This loss deals a final blow to Mahathir’s Pejuang Party, which contested a total of 121 parliamentary seats, 13 of which were in Kedah.
Kedah, which includes Langkawi, is also Mahathir’s home state.
Voters were unconvinced by Mahathir’s promise of repairing the country’s economy and bringing back foreign investments and jobs by eradicating corruption within the government and cleaning up some RM42 billion (331 billion baht/US$9 billion) in national debt racked up by former prime minister Najib Razak.
Some voters had also grown disenchanted with Mahathir’s leadership after he resigned as prime minister in 2020 and failed to hand over the reins of government to Anwar Ibrahim as promised.
Anwar on Sunday claimed his Pakatan Harapan coalition had won enough votes to form the next government.
Malaysia polls: Anwar and Muhyiddin locked in battle to form next govt
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Malaysia’s two biggest political rivals both claimed they had enough support to form a government on Sunday morning, the day after an election that failed to deliver a simple majority.
Anwar Ibrahim said his Pakatan Harapan political coalition had won a simple majority to form a government despite only winning 75 of the 222 seats in Parliament (that figure had risen to 82 at press time). More than 112 seats are needed for a simple majority.
Anwar stopped short of revealing which party or parties Pakatan would be allying with.
Anwar’s rival, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, countered that his Perikatan Nasional coalition had secured enough support to form a government after winning 73 seats.
Anwar rejected that claim, saying, “We, Pakatan, have formed the biggest bloc in the parliament with Muda and also we have to recognise the fact that no party has obtained a simple majority.
“We, therefore, have conducted a series of meetings and negotiations and as a result, I wish to inform you that as the majority bloc, we have managed to get the support of MPs to form the government with a simple majority.”
“Subject to, of course, the normal process, which is to submit to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong [king].
“We have all the documents ready,” said Anwar in a press conference at a hotel in Subang early on Sunday.
Malaysian former Prime Minister and Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin
Anwar added that it was not proper to reveal if the party Pakatan could potentially form an alliance with is a national party. “I’m not absolutely certain if we have the numbers.”
Anwar also refused to comment on the possibility that Barisan had approached Perikatan to form the next government. The Barisan coalition won 30 seats.
“I’m not entertaining rumours, I’m discussing facts. Rumours, you can ask Muhyiddin,” added Anwar.
Anwar reiterated that Pakatan has a strong stance against corruption and a commitment to good governance.
“We went to the elections with a principle to ensure this country does not condone corruption, to strengthen good governance and focus on economic issues,” added Anwar.
Results from the Election Commission on Sunday showed Pakatan Harapan won 82 seats, followed by Perikatan on 73, Barisan (30), GPS (22), GRS (six), Warisan (three), and PBM (one). One seat was unannounced as of 5am. Elections were not held for two seats.
Thaksin’s daughter top choice for PM in eastern provinces, says survey
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Voters in eastern provinces favour the youngest daughter of fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra as their next prime minister, according to Nida Poll.
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat was a distant second with just over 16%.
The survey was conducted by phone interview from November 7 to 10 among eligible voters of various education and income levels in Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi and Sa Kaew.
Asked who they would support as the prime minister if an election was held now:
– 25.09% said Paetongtarn because they want the country to be run by a new-generation person and they approve Pheu Thai policies and the past performance of the Shinawatra family.
– 16.04% said Pita, citing his vision as a new-generation leader, as well as the policies and ideology of Move Forward.
– 13.64% said Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, saying he had integrity and should remain as prime minister for the sake of continuity.
– 13.09% were still undecided
– 8.50% said Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Seree Ruam Thai Party leader
– 7.25% said Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Thai Sang Thai leader
– 2.80% said Korn Chatikavanij, Chart Pattana Kla Party leader
– 2.35% said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader
– 1.6% said Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit, Democrat leader
– 1.6% said Pheu Thai leader Cholinan Srikaew
– 1.55% said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt
– 1.55% said no comment/not interested
– 1.40% said Somkid Jatusripitak, Sang Anakot Thai Party member
Smaller percentages were shared among others, including Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, Kanchana Silpa-archa, former Chart Thai Pattana Party leader, and Srettha Thavisin, a real estate developer who is joining Pheu Thai.
Eastern voters named Pheu Thai as their favourite party for both party-list and constituency elections.
Asked which party they would vote for in constituency elections:
– 33.68% said Pheu Thai
– 19.29% said Move Forward
– 15.79% were still undecided
– 10:14% said Palang Pracharath
Smaller percentages were shared among several parties.
Asked which parties they would vote for in the party-list election:
– 33.68% said Pheu Thai
– 19.09% said Move Forward
– 16.24% said still undecided
– 10% said Palang Pracharath.
Smaller percentages were shared among several parties.
Paetongtarn was also the favourite potential candidate for next PM in Central, North, Northeast and nationwide polls, though she was beaten to the top spot in Bangkok and the South.
Activist steps up call for better management to make Thai roads safe for motorcyclists
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
An activist renewed her call for the government to put in place more effective measures to prevent road deaths, especially of motorcyclists, who she believes are victims of poor management.
Dr Chamaiphan Santikan made this call on the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR), which is marked on November 20 yearly.
Chamaiphan, who is a former WHO advisor in Asia on injuries and the handicapped, is now working with the so-called Motorcycle Safety Thailand project that was established in 2020.
She said motorcyclists in Thailand had become victims of poor management and unequal access to safe roads for more than 53 years now. This inequality, she said, makes Thailand one of the most dangerous countries to drive in with the biggest death toll of motorcyclists.
Chamaiphan said information from three databases of the Public Health Ministry’s national injuries monitoring system found that more than 17,000 motorcyclists had died from road accidents in 2019, double the number killed in 1995.
She blamed the fatalities on unaddressed issues related to people, roads and vehicles. One of the worst examples of bad management, she said, was the Transport Ministry’s decision to let 15 to 17-year-olds drive 110cc motorcycles instead of 50cc ones. She said this decision dates as far back as 2005.
In comparison, Chamaiphan said, other countries like the United Kingdom, Japan and the US use a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system to control inexperienced drivers and prevent accidents.
She said the GDL scheme reduced the deaths of young motorcyclists in the UK by 25%.
The GDL system also restricts young and inexperienced motorcyclists from riding at night, stops them from providing pillion rides and has their blood alcohol level regularly monitored, she added. These steps, Chamaiphan said, have reduced injuries among 15 to 19-year-old motorcyclists by up to 23%.
The activist added that Thai roads were built a long time ago without proper traffic engineering in mind or the prioritising of road safety.
For instance, she said, motorcyclists can ride as fast as motorists and there are no special lanes for their safety.
Dr Somkiat Tangkitvanich, president of the Thailand Development Research Institute, said on Sunday that Thailand has been losing more than 20,000 lives in road accidents yearly and motorcyclists account for 75% of deaths.
He said most of the motorcyclists killed were young people who should have lived to become an important resource for the country.
Separately, Thailand is introducing a point deduction system for traffic-related offences. In the system, each licence holder will start off with 12 points, which will be deducted for every traffic offence. If the points come to an end, the offender’s licence will be suspended for up to 90 days. This regulation is scheduled to go into effect from January 9.
Can Thai police stop multibillion-baht World Cup gambling? Don’t bet on it
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Thai police have a tough few weeks ahead as they seek to stifle the country’s notorious appetite for gambling on the Fifa World Cup.
Gambling remains illegal in Thailand for all except the national lottery and horse racing. But that won’t stop Thais from betting about 57.2 billion baht (US$1.6 billion) on the World Cup, according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Seeking to stem the tide, national police chief Damrongsak Kittiprapas has instructed his officers to step up monitoring for gambling on the tournament, which kicks off on Sunday at 11pm Thai time.
Underground gambling via illegal lotteries, casinos, cockfighting and Muay Thai is thought to be worth billions of baht per year in Thailand.
The wave of World Cup gambling has sparked fears that Thais desperate for cash after the Covid crisis will turn to betting and sink deeper into debt. Gambling has also been made easier in the past few years by the proliferation of betting websites.
Gen Damrongsak told a press conference that he has instructed the Police Cyber Taskforce and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to take charge of monitoring for online gambling on all 64 matches of the World Cup in Qatar.
The two agencies will work under the supervision of Gen Torsak Sukwimol, deputy police commissioner-general in charge of crime suppression.
Meanwhile, police stations will monitor for World Cup gambling at entertainment venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, Internet cafés and other places under their jurisdiction.
Any websites found advertising betting services would be blocked and their backers arrested, Damrongsak warned.
Those found guilty of organising football gambling would face a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 and/or a jail term of one year to 10 years, he added.
In 2021 two-way trade between Saudi Arabia And Thailand rose to over $7 Billion. Thailand’s import value stood at 4 billion US dollars compared to 2 billion dollars of its export value to Saudi Arabia.
At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, and within the framework of the friendly relations between the two countries, and to promote mutual interests, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Saudi Arabia, paid an official visit to the Thailand during the period from November 17 to 18, 2022.
Recognizing the prominent roles of Saudi Arabia in the international arena, Thailand extended an invitation to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Forum as Chair’s guest with the firm belief that Saudi Arabia can play a constructive role in the Asia-Pacific region.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia was received by King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on November 18, 2022, which represented a historic event as it was the first meeting between the Royal Families of the two kingdoms after the full normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations in January 2022.
The Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Prayut officially welcomed Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, and both sides held an official meeting at Government House to affirm their keenness to enhance bilateral, regional and international cooperation in all fields.
In the spirit of cooperation and common determination to enhance friendly relations between the two kingdoms and their peoples, the two leaders welcomed the signing of the major bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, which are as follows:
Memorandum of Understanding regarding the establishment of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council.
Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation in the field of encouraging direct investment between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Thailand in the field of energy.
Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Control and Anti-Corruption Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission of the Kingdom of Thailand in the field of preventing and combating corruption.
In the fields of political, defence and security cooperation, both sides discussed opportunities for cooperation on mutual interest, including the defence industry, combating transnational crimes in all their forms, such as combating terrorism, radicalism, and extremism, enhancing cyber security, building capabilities and exchanging information between the two kingdoms. The two sides also expressed their readiness to enhance cooperation on consular affairs for the benefit of both nations.
In light of the current global economic challenges, the two sides discussed the role of the two governments in supporting international efforts to effectively address them. Both sides also highlighted the importance of encouraging market access of both countries, as well as the strong interaction between their private sectors to increase investment opportunities, diversify bilateral trade, and increase the exchange of visits of trade delegations. In addition, both sides discussed cooperation between the public and private sectors of the two kingdoms in key potential areas, including building materials, petrochemicals, foodstuff, consumer products, digital economy, transportation and logistics, industry, mining, electric vehicle manufacturing, agriculture, luxury, and hospitality, as well labour cooperation, environmental cooperation, and climate change among others.
Both sides discussed ways and means to materialize investment opportunities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Thailand and mega projects, such as the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia, based on the complementary nature and compatibility of Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Thailand expressed its readiness to support the “Saudi Green” and “Green Middle East” initiatives, in addition to cooperating with the Saudi Investment Fund to facilitate more economic cooperation in the future.
Both sides valued the importance of enhancing cooperation in energy fields such as supplying oil, petroleum derivatives, petrochemicals, clean technologies for hydrocarbon resources, biofuels, and renewable energy. In addition to exploring partnership opportunities and discussing joint projects in innovative uses of hydrocarbons in materials, transportation, and other potential forms of cooperation in the field of energy.
As for social and educational cooperation, both sides stressed the importance of strengthening communication between the two peoples. The Saudi side commended Thailand’s decision to exempt Saudi citizens from entering Thailand for tourism purposes for a period of 30 days. The two sides expressed their commitment to facilitate the exchange of visits at all levels. The Thai side praised the interest of the
Saudi side in facilitating the issuance of visas for businessmen and tourists from Thailand to enhance trade, investment, and tourism.
Both sides mutually recognized the importance of augmenting the level of scientific, research and educational cooperation between the two kingdoms. The two sides concurred on encouraging direct cooperation between universities, scientific and educational institutions, and the importance of education in times of crisis and to provide inclusive and comprehensive high-quality education.
In the field of health, both sides affirmed their keenness to support global initiatives to confront current epidemics and prepare for emerging diseases. The two sides also resolved to cooperate and work towards recovery after the emerging Corona Virus crisis (Covid-19).
Both sides agreed to discuss opportunities in the fields of radio and television, news agencies, and the press, exchanging experiences, and coordinating mutual media visits to serve the development of the joint media field.
Both sides also sought to encourage cooperation on enhance cultural exchange and to discuss ways and means to enhance cooperation in various fields of sports.
The two sides stressed the importance of joint efforts to combat extremism and promote understanding, tolerance, peace, and security.
Prayut, valued the efforts made by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and , the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, in serving the pilgrims, praising the high level of coordination between the two countries to achieve the comfort of Thai pilgrims.
On international affairs, both sides exchanged views on developments in their respective regions, such as the situation in Yemen, Iran and Afghanistan. Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with international organizations and multilateral fora. The two sides reiterated their willingness to support each other in areas of common interest. In addition, both sides renewed their determination to continue coordinating and intensifying efforts to maintain international peace and security. They stressed the importance of all countries adhering to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of international legitimacy, international law, the principles of good- neighbourliness, and respect for the unity and sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and pursue to resolve differences by peaceful means. The Thai side praised the active humanitarian efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote peace and prosperity in the Middle East region and expressed its appreciation for the assistance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Thailand within the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud appreciated the support of Thailand in hosting the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh. The Thai Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its interest in supporting Thailand’s candidacy to host the Phuket Expo 2028.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to His Royal Highness and his accompanying delegation. The Prime Minister of Thailand expressed his best wishes for the health and happiness of His Royal Highness, and for the continued progress and advancement of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Investigation into attack on reporters will be fair: Damrongsak
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
The National Police chief on Sunday promised a fair investigation into allegations of police officers injuring two reporters during a clash with protesters on Friday.
Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapas said if any police officers were found to have committed wrongdoing that led to the two reporters getting injured, they would be punished accordingly.
Protesters had gathered a few hundred metres from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, where the Apec Summit was being held and clashes soon broke out, with riot police shooting rubber bullets into the crowd.
Clips of a monk being pushed against a wall and a policeman reportedly attacking a reporter from the online news site, The Matter, went viral. The reporter was attacked even though he shouted out his credentials and showed his press armband.
A Reuters photographer also reportedly sustained minor injuries from hard objects being flung around.
Damrongsak said on Sunday that it would take investigators time to check photos posted on social media of riot police officers allegedly assaulting reporters.
He added that investigators will also check the photos and video clips recorded by police during the crackdown on protesters.
“I hereby affirm that the Royal Thai Police will be fair to all injured persons. If the probe concludes that police offers were excessively violent, they will be punished,” Damrongsak said.
He added that the injured reporters will also be compensated in line with regulations if investigators confirm they were injured by police officers.
The National Police chief added that it was difficult to protect media members during a crackdown because there were too many of them and they often get caught in the crossfire.
“But we will later set up a committee to review how reporters can work with police during such operations, so nobody gets injured,” Damrongsak said.
He added that a police officer will be assigned to coordinate with the media crew at all rally sites, but all reporters must clearly display their press badges.
The police chief also said that many so-called reporters were actually independent YouTubers or bloggers who had not registered with the police.
“We’ll raise this and other issues with the Thai Journalists Association later,” Damrongsak said, without elaborating when this discussion was to be held.
Thailand can expect swarm of tourists after Apec global spotlight: Prayut
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is confident the Apec 2022 summit in Bangkok boosted Thailand’s attractiveness to foreign tourists, a government spokeswoman said on Sunday.
Trisulee Trisaranakul said Prayut cited the slew of events held to promote tourist destinations, food and Muay Thai during the Apec Economic Leaders’ week, which ended yesterday.
Prayut said world leaders got into the swing by joining events that showcased Thai culture. Among them was French President Emmanuel Macron, who gave alms at Bangkok’s Wat Pho and watched Muay Thai at the city’s famed Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium.
“The prime minister is confident that the activities during Apec Economic Leaders’ Week will immediately create momentum to drive tourism,” Trisulee said.
“This is high season, so foreign tourists are expected to choose Thailand as their destination.”
Prayut also urged tourism operators to the keep quality of their services high to help attract more arrivals and boost the sector’s revival to pre-Covid levels soon.
Trisulee added that the Tourism Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand are preparing to present more tourism stimulus measures to the Cabinet. Once approved, the measures will take effect after the New Year holiday.
Don’t click on dodgy links sent via SMS, warns DES Ministry
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Mobile phone users should not fall for SMS messages that encourage them to transfer money or click on suspicious links, the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry warned on Sunday.
DES Ministry spokesperson Noppawan Huajaimun said scam artists have started using SMS messages to try and deceive people into transferring money.
The spokesperson said some of the messages also encourage people to click links that will lead them to false apps that will start adding charges to their mobile phone bill.
Hence, she said, mobile phone users should follow these three steps to protect themselves:
• Regularly check your mobile phone charges by comparing bills.
• Closely check bills to see if they include suspicious charges. Those who get their mobile phone bill automatically deducted from their credit cards should keep an eye on the deductions.
• Closely monitor mobile phone bills of young and elderly people to see if they have been hit with false charges.
Nok Air cancels Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son service, seeks switch to Udon Thani
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Nok Air cancelled its Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son service on Sunday due to low passenger numbers and insufficient aircraft. The budget airline has instead applied to operate flights on the more commercially viable Chiang Mai-Udon Thani route, according to the Department of Airports.
The department announced the move after talks with the airline and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Airports of Thailand (AOT), and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AeroThai).
Nok Air launched the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son route last month but failed to sell enough tickets to make it commercially viable.
The airline also claimed insufficient aircraft as its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which skidded off the runway at Chiang Rai Airport on July 30, was still undergoing repairs.
The department said CAAT will hold a meeting on business plans with Nok Air, AOT and AeroThai on Tuesday (November 22).
Malaysian former Prime Minister and Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin
He added that the injured reporters will also be compensated in line with regulations if investigators confirm they were injured by police officers.
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