Analysis: Malaysia cosies up to Russia and invites Putin to ASEAN summit, but ‘bold’ move could ruffle feathers

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Russia is willing to improve its match in Southeast Asia, according to Dr. Ian Storey, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, because it wants to show the West that its attempts to remove Russia after its conquest of Ukraine have failed, especially in the Global South.

Russia wants to increase oil and natural gas sales to local states in order to evade Western sanctions, he added. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, he stressed that there will be a combined welcome for Russia’s role in the region. &nbsp,

” The Kremlin has some ancient companions in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Since the defense seized power in February 2021, it has also grown closer to Myanmar. However, Dr. Storey claimed that Singapore and the Philippines are still opposed to Soviet anger against Ukraine. &nbsp,

Some nations that have hosted Mr. Putin since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have even received criticism from the US.

Washington, for instance, said that no country may grant Mr. Putin” a platform to promote his war of aggression against Ukraine,” a comparable position it took earlier in 2024 when hosting the Russian president. &nbsp,

During his working visit, PM Anwar even invited Mr Putin to go next month’s ASEAN Summit, which will be chaired by Malaysia. Another conferences, such as the ASEAN-China Summit, the ASEAN-US Summit, and the East Asia Summit, are usually included in the ASEAN Summit.

Russia, US and China are users of the East Asia Summit. &nbsp,

Anwar made a strong move by inviting Putin to the East Asia Summit, as some of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners does harm to boycott the event if the Russian president visits, according to Dr. Storey.

He did point out that Mr. Putin simply ever personally attended the East Asia Summit in Singapore during the 2018 summit, and that Russia is likely to take Sergey Lavrov instead for the summit in 2019. &nbsp,

Given that Russia and the US are tasked with operating in two opposing camps, Mr. Anwar’s proposal to Mr. Putin may raise questions in some local nations, according to Dr. Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research. &nbsp,

Malaysia does hold the ASEAN Chair next year, which will complicate matters for the US, especially since it will be difficult for the country to work alongside Putin and Xi, despite Anwar’s claims that he wants to display neutrality,” said the political analyst.

ANWAR’S BRICS AMBITIONS STAYING CONSISTENT TO NEUTRALITY?

Researchers told CNA that Mr Anwar’s attend to Russia is primarily to highlight Malaysia’s foreign legislation which embraces the rule of “neutrality” and being “everybody’s friend”. They added that the prime minister was eager to repeat Malaysia’s desire to join the BRICS cluster of emerging economies at the same time. &nbsp,

BRICS, established in 2009, first included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, while South Africa joined a year later. It has since expanded to encompass Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

The worldwide organization now accounts for one-fifth of the country’s economy, accounts for one-fifth of world trade, and represents about 40 % of the nation’s population. It contributes to a third of the country’s business.

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Students able to convert concessions cards to SimplyGo from Sep 7

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Beginning on September 7th, students will have the option to switch their undergraduate agreement cards to a SimplyGo class smart card. &nbsp,

The Land Transport Authority ( LTA ) announced on Friday that this rule will apply to all students attending Ministry of Education primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, and Millennia Institute. &nbsp,

According to LTA,” This comes after input from parents and students that they would like to have the option of switching their current SSC to a SimplyGo SSC so that parents can top up their son’s accounts electronically via the SimplyGo app.”

The change is free and can be completed at specific ticketing booths in all MRT stations and bus intersections. &nbsp,

However, those who want to switch back to a SimplyGo concession card must return their school smart card and purchase a new non-SimplyGo concession card for S$ 8.10 ( US$ 6). &nbsp,

” With this, all travellers now have the opportunity to transform their travel tickets to SimplyGo”, said LTA. &nbsp,

The move was made public in May by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

” I am happy to share that this will take effect from tomorrow, Sep 7″, he said in a Facebook post on Friday.

” We are continually looking for ways to enhance our public transportation system.”

LTA claims that SimplyGo smart cards can be combined with the SimplyGo apps and used simultaneously. &nbsp,

On the game, individuals can top up their accounts or purchase regular agreement moves. &nbsp,

Additionally, they can negotiate for the remaining worth to be refunded to a card or bank account and immediately stop lost accounts.

Kids can continue to use the cards for payments at Smart Buddy Stations in schools and retail purchases, according to LTA, and they will continue to receive the same sponsored suffer for public transportation. &nbsp,

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Gen Prawit re-elected as Palang Pracharath leader

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Paiboon Nititawan becomes PPRP secretary-general

PUBLISHED: 6 Sep 2024 at 13: 19

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), waves to supporters as he arrives at the party's headquarters in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), waves to supporters as he arrives at the party’s headquarters in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on Friday. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Just hours after stepping down to allow for the election of a new executive board on Friday morning, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon has made a comeback as the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ).

Following Capt. Thamanat Prompow’s resignation and five other members of this party, the PPRP held a public assembly to appoint the senior board, deepening their party’s separation.

In the ballot, Gen Prawit was re-elected as group president, while Mr Paiboon replaces Thamanat as secretary-general. Gen Krityothin Sasipattanawong may serve as manager, and Sompot Saengkaew has been named secretary.

The eight assistant party officials are Santi Prompat, Chaiwut Thaanakamanusorn, Uttama Savanayana, Ms Treenuch Thiengthong, Sonthirat Sonthijirawong, Apichai Techa-ubon, Chakart Pattanakitwitboon, and Chaimongkol Chairob. Executive members include Anan Phon-amnuay ( Kamphaeng Phet MP), Charnkrit Detwithank, ML Kornkasiwat Kasemsri, Yongyut Suwannabut, Akkhawat Assavahem, Sutham Charit-ngam ( Nakhon Si Thammarat MP), Krasae Trakulpornpong ( Nong Khai MP), Kanchana Changwa ( Chaiyaphum MP), Khosee Mamu ( Pattani MP), Thawee Suraban ( Tang MP), Wan Ubumrung and Pol Lt Col Piya Tawichai.

On Friday, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon receives rose bouquets from followers. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

On Friday, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon receives rose bouquets from followers. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

After the conference, Gen Prawit said the group’s devotion to cohesion and a no-bullying plan. He stated that management tactics may be changed, with the secretary-general supporting the candidates and deputy leaders in charge of electorates.

Gen. Prawit’s earlier departure was a necessary administrative step because the party table was required to move down in accordance with celebration rules.

He arrived at the council at 8.10am, where about 800 group members offered him warm greetings and aid, with many singing,” Uncle Pom, battle”! Pom is Gen Prawit’s title.

The remaining PPRP MPs are in the criticism, while the Thamanat team is serving in the case under the Paetongtarn Shinawatra management.

Palang Pracharath Party leader Prawit Wongsuwon, party executives and MPs arrive at the party's headquarters in Bangkok on Friday as the party holds a general assembly to elect a new party executive board. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Palang Pracharath head Prawit Wongsuwon, PPRP managers and MPs arrive at the group’s office in Bangkok on Friday. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

While most PPRP MPs are in criticism, three from Capt Thamanat’s party function in Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s case:

  • Narumon Pinyosinwat serves as minister of agriculture and cooperative.
  • Itthi Sirilathayakorn serves as the minister of agriculture in the absence of a lieutenant.
  • Akara Prompao as deputy agriculture secretary. He is Capt Thamanat’s younger sibling.

Capt Thamanat claims that he no longer believes in the PPRP, adding that the group’s governmental votes were secretly sent to the Pheu Thai Party.

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Rejecting China’s bullying at Second Thomas Shoal – Asia Times

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This post originally appeared on Pacific Forum, and it has since been republished with authority. Read the original around.

A “provisional agreement” was signed by the Philippines and China on July 21 to end a conflict over a submerged reef in the South China Sea and within the Philippines ‘ Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ).

The Philippines would be able to replenish the BRP Sierra Madre that was grounded on Minute Thomas Shoal with the help of the deal. Evidently, China sought to perceive the agreement to support its improper states within the Philippines ‘ EEZ. On July 27, the Philippines was able to replenish the Sierra Madre.

While nine Chinese ships ( including three&nbsp, People’s Liberation Army Navy warships ) shadowed the mission, the Philippines claim there was no interference. China, on the other hand, claims to have undertaken “on-the-scene” audits of the sale.

Whether or not China harmed this specific recharge goal, it is likely to harmed these missions once more by asserting a right to inspection.

The Philippines does reject the interim agreement for this reason, and it should supplies the BRP Sierra Madre with whatever materials and methods it deems appropriate. If China continues to interfere, the Philippines may take up the United States’&nbsp, present to help in the resupply&nbsp, operations.

In its interpretation of the interim agreement, China wants to compel the Philippines to take ipso post the claim that China has constitutional authority over the South China Sea.

China claims it must be informed in advance of any supplies operations, that Manila you simply take “living needs”, and that China is entitled to “on-site validation” of the materials sent.

This basically confirms China’s legitimate ownership of the Next Thomas Shoal as well as indirectly gives legitimacy to China’s possession of a variety of additional characteristics in the Philippines ‘ EEZ.

Manila would acknowledge that China is legally owned and that all decisions made by the Philippines are made by China’s great practices. This is&nbsp, improper in global law&nbsp, and undesirable for the Philippines ‘ national interests.

Another issue with Beijing’s view is that it renounces both the Philippines ‘ apparent need for natural resources as well as legal authority.

The Philippines is a fresh and growing state (unlike China ) that needs to supply its people. It will also significantly need the&nbsp, power tools available&nbsp, from the South China Sea.

To give up these tools not only sets a law that discredits the rule-based world order, but it also discredits the Philippines ‘ financial future.

What’s really going on below?

China’s actions in the South China Sea has received a lot of controversy since 2014, but its actions has constantly been revisionist over the past 50 years. For instance, in January 1974, China attacked and seized certain&nbsp, Vietnamese-occupied functions in the Parcel Islands.

In the late 1980s, China&nbsp, skirmished with the Vietnamese&nbsp, at Johnson Reef in the Spratly Islands. And of course, in violation of international law, it started building territories inside of the Philippines EEZ in 2014. Different states like as&nbsp, Indonesia have faced Chinese abuse.

China wants to expand its safety perimeter and manage the South China Sea because it wants to manage the assets there.

China’s actions not just violates the&nbsp, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, per the&nbsp, Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 decision, but it is also possibly a contravention of the UN Charter, &nbsp, Article 2, Part 4. China is attempting to undermine the now stressed rule-based global order by violating international laws on a number of levels.

The issue with the temporary agreement is that it provides legal justification for China’s often improper deeds. It is another case of China’s extended use of “lawfare“. It grants power to China where it lacks all legitimate standing. This is the first move in a slog to acknowledge China’s ownership of the Philippines ‘ EEZ.

Otherwise, the Philippines may continue to reject all of Beijing’s says inside the Philippine EEZ. It may continue to assert its right and&nbsp, demand with the United States&nbsp, on aid in resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre. In fact, the Philippines and the US may use force rather than force white zone maneuvers.

Manila’s legal say should be backed by lasting and effective job. Therefore, the Philippines may create a more permanent existence at the Second Thomas Shoal in addition to continuing the resupply operations.

There are a number of possibilities that the Philippines and the US may choose in terms of law enforcement. Second, the Philippines may resolve some of its pending sea disputes with its neighbors. The Philippines has previously&nbsp, settled specific disputes through negotiation.

This strategy is useful inasmuch as it is peaceful. However, using internationally recognized dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve various unresolved issues would be a great step in demonstrating the value of the democratic order as opposed to China’s dismissal of the rule of law.

Next, the Philippines can continue to apply the rule of law to proclaim its freedom, such as it did in June when it&nbsp, filed a claim&nbsp, with the UN to expand its continental shelf. This once demonstrates the option to China’s method.

Third, the Philippines might file a new lawsuit with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in relation to China’s death of wildlife. &nbsp, The Philippines considered this in later 2023. &nbsp, The US, for its part, has the tools and legal knowledge to provide the Philippines help. Also, it has the ability to impact world view in a way that asserts continuing consciousness of China’s sophistry.

The rule of law is no respected in Beijing. However, it cannot because of the autocratic nature of its program. The PRC’s attempt to secure legal support for its then unsupported and illegal South China Sea claims is the subject of the interim agreement.

By negotiating privileges that China has no legal state to, the Philippines and other like-minded countries may not support or otherwise justify China’s actions. Doing so would destroy the world rules-based purchase.

Michael Tkacik ( [email protected] ) holds a JD from Duke University School of Law and a PhD from the University of Maryland. He is Stephen F. Austin State University’s doctor of state, and he also serves as the head of the School of Honors.

His study interests focus on the Indo-Pacific. He has published widely in publications such as Analytical Strategy, Defense &amp, Security Analysis and International Relations.

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Alice Guo: Fury as Filipino officials pose with ‘China spy mayor’

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BBC Alice Guo is seen flashing a wide smile and the peace sign with the smiling interior minister and chief of the Philippine National PoliceBBC

Seniot Filipino leaders have reacted outrage after taking her home from Indonesia while posing for photos with a previous smalltown president who is accused of spying for China.

The smiling interior minister and head of the Philippine National Police are seen together with Alice Guo, who is seen flashing a broad grin and the peace mark. The incident occurred late on Thursday when they boarded a private plane carrying people to Manila in Jakarta.

The Philippines has been gripped by Ms. Guo’s account for months, which includes inquiries into her citizenship, improper scams, and a questionable account of her childhood.

She was arrested just outside Jakarta on Wednesday, after a weeks-long chase.

Authorities accuse Ms. Guo of protecting human trafficking syndicates and con artists who had fabricated information while she was the mayor of Bamban by using online casinos or Pogos ( Philippine Online Gaming Operations ) as a cover.

Her situation demonstrates how organized crime has traditionally been portrayed in online casinos with customers in the United States.

Despite being a political novice, Ms. Guo has also been accused of forging her Filipino citizen and being a Taiwanese nationwide, which allowed her to run for office on her first attempt.

Her case has gripped the public imagination at a time when Manila continues to spar with Beijing over reefs and outcrops in the South China Sea.

Philippines National Bureau of Investigation Alice Guo with NBI agentsPhilippines National Bureau of Investigation

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who fetched Ms Guo from Jakarta, said he had the pictures taken with her for “documentation”.

Mr. Abalos claimed he had not noticed that Ms. Guo flashed the peace sign while posing.

” She requested to speak with me and the]national police ] chief because she had been receiving death threats. I told her that she had little to worry about because the police would follow her, he said at a press event in Manila.

” We wanted to record it so that it is all documented.” I could n’t see what she was doing because I was looking at the camera”, he said.

Ms Guo, who was in the same press event, was asked about the picture. She said she had truly told Mr Abalos and the PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil, about the hazards to her career.

” I asked for their support. I was pleased to see them as well. I feel safe”, Ms Guo said.

EPA Benhur Abalos Rommel Marbil and Alice GuoEPA

By that point, Ms. Guo was transitioning into an orange authorities defendant shirt. She was lightly dressed in a light patterned t-shirt and jeans at Jakarta International Airport. She was also not in cuffs.

Another handout image from the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation featured Ms. Guo and the government in the seat of a car.

The criticism on social media was sharp.

” We want solutions, NOT a photoshoot. Alice Guo, the false Filipino, has a lot of explaining to perform”, said Sen Risa Hontioveros, who is leading an investigation in parliament on Ms Guo’s situation.

” The Philippine justice system is a circus”, one X person said.

” Probably one of the most depressing videos in the information right now. How does Alice Guo manage to” grin and wink like a film sun” all the time? another X person said.

According to another X user, the police chief and the interior minister had posed for a picture with a person who is” symbolic of their own loss.”

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Thousands of papal souvenirs sold as Singapore prepares to welcome Pope Francis

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PROCEDURES May SUPPORT PAPAL VISIT

With the priest’s visit looming, hundreds of souvenirs– including T-shirts, umbrellas, tumblers, hats and wrap bags– have already been sold at a pop-up shop at the Catholic Centre in fundraising efforts for the Catholic area.

School bags and other products for younger children are other items for sale, all of which are in the colors of the Vatican symbol.

To further increase fundraising endeavors, limited-edition things – featuring the upcoming papal size at the National Stadium on Sep 12 –&nbsp, will soon be available for purchase.

According to Ms. Lilian Kong, the Catholic Foundation’s executive director and head of the Pope Francis Singapore Fund’s charity and souvenirs committee, the team behind the work has spent months on these styles.

She claimed that the committee created the logo to elicit a unity and hope theme that derives from biblical text.

The five stars of ( the Singapore flag ) are also incorporated in a very meaningful cross emblem, Ms. Kong continued.

Some products are currently sold out, she said.

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Teenage rapist to be jailed and caned after prosecution wins appeal against reformative training sentence

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After the trial successfully appealed on Friday ( Sep 6), a 16-year-old boy who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old child will have to go through an eight-year prison term and three wood strokes instead of reformative training.

The young man, now 20, had filed an appeal against the sentence, arguing that rape was the most serious of sexual crimes, and that his youth should n’t be at the forefront of matters.

The Court of Appeal, comprising Justices Tay Yong Kwang, Steven Chong and Debbie Ong, agreed with the trial.

Justice Tay delivered the ruling following a day of arguments, stating that the judge is typically ready to take into account a 16-year-old rape or even probation.

” But, the accused was no common 16-year-old”, said the judge. &nbsp,

He said the young gentleman had a series of fraud crimes from time 13, stealing bike, electric scooters and batteries.

He had retaliated by stealing while awaiting bail for fraud charges. While he was receiving a higher loan sum, he raped his classmate in a disabled toilet while her boyfriend held her down, and he did it on June 27, 2020.

” He was warned that if he committed new crimes, there will be no more bail”, said Justice Tay. Because he continued to undertake the current murder infraction and two more thefts, the re-arrest and caution had no impact at all on him.

The criminal received his first stint of corrective training (RT ) in October 2020 because the assault offence only became public in February 2021.

” It is correct that when the accused committed the murder on Jun 27, 2020, he had not yet undergone the second RT,” said Justice Tay.

Although it cannot be said that RT had no impact on his criminal tendencies, treatment is not the best course of action in this situation given his history of crimes and his total disrespect or disobedience of the law.

Justice Tay said the young gentleman had raped a 14-year-old colleague who was obviously intoxicated and afraid, and that he did but” with drop” without protection.

” Specific punishment is obviously needed to instill some fear and respect for the law into this young man,” said Justice Tay.

Context OF THE CASE

After pleading guilty to one count of murder, the offender was given a maximum detention phase of a time in January and was sentenced to reformative teaching.

Justice Pang Khang Chau once said to him,” This is your last chance.”

All parties may become named to guard the murderer’s identity.

After learning on cultural advertising that they were having a drinking program it, the offender had traveled to Admiralty Park to go with the victim and her partner.

Her partner and the perpetrator went to the girl’s location to find her while she was urking in the public restroom.

The criminal raped the child while her partner held her down before holding her jacket over her face and keeping it there until she was done.

Eventually, the boyfriend placed the blame on the woman for having intercourse with the criminal, and she ended her relationship with him. Eventually, her family reported to the police.

The partner was accused of assisting murder.

Quarrels BY Prosecutors AND Army

On Friday, deputy public prosecutor Yvonne Poon and Sheldon Lim argued that the corrective training should be replaced with a sentence of eight to ten years in prison and six to eight cane strikes.

Ms Poon said youth only is” no guarantee” that remedial rules should be at the forefront of a prosecutor’s punishment factors.

We contend that this is the situation because there are cases where punishment and retribution are required to take precedent, she said.

She said murder was the gravest of all physical offences, and cited three worsening factors in this case: The murderer’s risk in terms of her age and alcohol, the party element of the attack, and the fact that no condom was used.

She claimed that the criminal “certainly exploited that risk afterward,” even though the victim had not yet rendered the victim resilient through alcohol.

The prey was clearly incapable of sustaining herself physically and was inebriated, according to Ms. Poon.

Military doctors Mato Kotwani and Wong Min Hui from PDLegal argued against the prosecution’s proposals, but said if a prison term had to be imposed, not more than seven-and-a-half years ‘ prisons should be given, along with four strokes of the wood.

Mr Kotwani said he did not deny that rape is the most serious sexual offence, and that inherently, rape is a serious offence.

However, he said the severity of rape offences can “vary across a wide spectrum”.

He claimed that his client only sexually assaulted the victim because her boyfriend had repeatedly invited him to do so.

According to Justice Chong, the offender may have initially been receptive.

” But I find it challenging to accept that he was coerced, or that he did it out of fear.” He was definitely encouraged, but he accepted the encouragement. He responded to it. Otherwise, we wo n’t be here”, said the judge.

THE VICTIM-BLAMING

He requested that the defense address the court regarding the young man’s alleged victim-blaming.

According to Justice Chong,” That is important because you are not a suitable candidate for rehabilitation if you do n’t take responsibility for your own actions and try to assign some responsibility to the victim,” she said.

The report that evaluated the young man’s suitability for reformative training contained the prosecution’s allegations that the young man had engaged in victim-blaming.

Mr. Kotwani claimed that the statements his client had made were made from a “historical perspective,” meaning he was presenting his past views to the interviewer.

The offender had provided the interviewer with a historical perspective on various factors, including his poor academic performance, his alcohol and drug use, and how he stole because” saving money takes very long”

” When we come to the attitude and orientation for the current offence, we see that the author writes that he presented attitudes that minimize responsibility for his actions,” said Mr. Kotwani.

The author’s specific questions and responses are what we do n’t have, the author asserts. It’s very likely that he could have been giving the perspective that this is why I did these things in the past, according to the attorney, given the interview process and the need to explain why he did them in the past.

Justice Chong cited a section of the report where the author claimed that the young man had “minimized the impact of the crime on the victim and shifted the blame to the victim”

The offender had said the victim appeared to be “enjoying” herself.

” If you say this is historical, it would mean that what he agreed to in the statement of facts is false, because in the statement of facts, he says she did not consent”, said Justice Chong. ” To say she was enjoying the sexual act… you ca n’t have it both ways”.

He continued, noting that the offender never used that phrase to express his disapproval.

Mr. Kotwani pointed to a different section of his client’s statement in which he acknowledged that it was inappropriate for him to have had sex with the victim. It would be strange if he initially acknowledged this but later admitted guilt to the victim, he said.

” No, it’s trying to minimise his blameworthiness, obviously”, replied Justice Chong.

The defense attorney then urged the court to take into account his client’s behavior throughout the entire process because he had cooperated, been honest, and admitted guilt right away.

” I think all of this counts for something, and it shows that he is in fact remorseful and he accepts what he did was wrong”, said Mr Kotwani.

We have a situation where we have to weigh his entire behavior against some statements he made during the interview process, and we want to make it sound that there is some doubt about how true the statements were interpreted and what was said.

Justice Chong told Mr. Kotwani that “we’ve got to take the report as it is and draw the appropriate inferences” and that it was” not fair” to cast doubt on the report’s accuracy at this point.

Had the defense asserted that there were doubts about the report’s accuracy, they could have requested a Newton hearing, a hearing to decide on disputed issues, and the report’s author could have been brought before the court.

In continuing, Mr. Kotwani stated that age is” a very important factor” and that the lack of maturity that young offenders exhibits is demonstrated in their thinking and behavior,” and that’s the very reason reformation is so important.”

The prosecutor, Ms Poon, responded on the victim-blaming arguments and said there was one clear paragraph in the RT report to show it was not historical.

The offender had mentioned in the report that the victim had continued to hang out with him and that she had presented her with a negative view of how she had slept and sat on the same bed as him and his girlfriend.

These things have nothing to do with the offense being committed. They relate to the way he handled himself following the offense, according to Ms Poon.

” For him to continue to hold these beliefs and bring them up after he had pleaded guilty and unreservedly apologised… shows that he is indeed hardened and did not internalize any remorse or accountability of his actions at all.”

The offender appeared depressed as the verdict was read out. He observed his family members, who had supported him in court.

He was given the opportunity to begin his jail term three weeks later, on September 27, because he has to support his family after a fire broke out at their apartment on August 27.

Justice Tay initially inquired as to why his five siblings were unable to assist, but the judges decided against it after Mr. Kotwani explained that his client’s older sister was married, his brother was in the military, and his younger sisters were still attending school.

Until then, the offender remains out on bail of S$ 10, 000. &nbsp,

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Parliament approves B3.75tn budget as Paetongtarn takes power

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PUBLISHED: 6 Sep 2024 at 10: 50

A man applies for the digital wallet scheme on the first day of registration on Aug 1, 2024. The 2025 buget budget outlay includes a provision to partly fund the programme. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
On the first day of membership, on August 1, 2024, a person applies for the electronic pocket scheme. A clause is included in the finances for the year 2025 that would allow for the program to be partially funded. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

A 3.75 trillion baht funds for the fiscal year beginning in October has been approved by the House of Representatives, which will help newly-elected prime secretary Paetongtarn Shinawatra to lower state spending and ratchet up a booming economy.

309 legislators voted in favor of the budget bill in its third and final studying late on Thursday in the 500-member House of Representatives. It proposes a 4.2 % increase in federal spending from the revised outlay for the current fiscal year. At the conclusion of a three-day conversation, 155 lawmakers cast a vote against the budget bill. &nbsp,

The Senate will now be given the opportunity to approve the bill, which may take effect once it has been made public in the Royal Gazette. &nbsp,

A clause in the budget includes a provision to partially finance the coalition government’s questionable money handout to rekindle consumption and manufacturing. Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which is suppressed by slow exports, weak exports, and a manufacturing sector that is weakened by affordable imports, generally from China, is up for grabs from Ms. Paetongtarn.

The new president has pledged to take measures to raise the nation’s economy from a” issue” and she’s owing to unveil the particulars of her administration’s plans in Parliament next year. The so-called “digital bag” program, which offers 10,000 baht to nearly all adult Thais, will be revised under her state. The program aims to increase economic growth to 5 %, more than twice the average sub-2 % growth rate for nearly a decade under military-backed rule.

Since Ms. Paetongtarn was nominated as the new president on August 15, Thailand’s economic areas have seen the end of months of political unrest. The standard SET Index has soared by about 9 %, signaling the end of the month-long upheaval. The ringgit has increased by approximately 3.7 % over the same time, reaching its highest levels in more than a year as a result of a wider rally in anticipation of US Federal Reserve rate reduces later this month.

The budget proposals include a deficit financing of 866 billion baht, or 4.5 % of gross domestic product, based on projected growth of 2.8%-3.8 % next year. The government projects a range of 1.1 to 2.1 % for headline inflation, with a GDP surplus of 1 % for current accounts.

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