Domestic Politics
Singapore’s government has invoked the new fake news law, enacted in October of last year. Terming the targeting of opposition websites and social media posts as mere coincidence, the Ministry of Manpower sent notices to correct content where white-collar jobs in the city-state were being discussed by the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP). Interestingly, out of the four instances where the law has been used, three involved opposition parties, and one involved an Australian dissident. The SDP has vowed to challenge the legislation in the courts. [SCMP]
Leaked files by a former business director of Cambridge Analytica (CA), show the party of Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razzak corresponding with the controversial firm during the 2013 elections. According to the report, the secretary-general of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), was pitched a proposal by CA to influence voters in 40 constituencies and had assigned an aide to overlook the operation. [SCMP]
International Relations
The Indonesian Navy has detained multiple Chinese vessels found fishing in its waters after the intrusion of at least 63 vessels and two coast guard ships into Indonesian territorial waters. This diplomatic tug of war over Beijing’s claim in Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea, which borders Vietnam and Malaysia and is located at the southern tip of the South China Sea, has recently escalated. Indonesia has increased sea patrols, stationed three warships, readied military aircraft, and deployed roughly 600 navy and army personnel to waters around the area. [SCMP]
Philippines has banned two US senators and threatens to tighten visa restrictions should Washington enforce sanctions on government officials for detaining critics. Senator De Lima was the justice minister in the former administration and led an investigation into mass killings during President Rodrigo Duterte's notorious anti-drugs campaign. She has been detained and charged with 'drug offenses' by the incumbent leadership. [Jakarta Post]
Society
An Indonesian man was jailed for life as the UK’s most dangerous rapist after raping 100 men in Britain. Jailed for life, Reynhard Sinaga, has been charged for abusing more than 195 men over the last two and a half years. In four separate trials, Sinaga was convicted of 159 offenses, including 136 rapes and eight attempted rapes. [CNA]
Environment
Nearly 175,000 people have been displaced in the Indonesian capital Jakarta and nearby towns after flash floods and landslides claimed 66 lives. Torrential downpours could get worse as more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are predicted in the coming days. Java, the most populated island in Indonesia, is expected to receive as much as 102 mm of rain in the next few days. [Jakarta Post]
Business
Uber has announced that it is selling its entire Southeast Asian business to regional rival Grab, which is based in Kuala Lumpur. Grab will overtake all of Uber’s operations in the region, and Uber will receive a 27.5% stake in Grab in return. [The Independent]
Image Source: AFP