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Minggu, 01 November 2020

Campaigning at frenetic pace, Trump tries to rally two days before election - CNA

WASHINGTON, Michigan: Two days before Election Day, President Donald Trump on Sunday (Nov 1) launched a campaign sprint across US battleground states starting with a chilly outdoor rally in Michigan, a state crucial to his election chances as he seeks to defy the polls and fend off Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Trump, aiming to avoid becoming the first incumbent president to lose a re-election bid since fellow Republican George HW Bush in 1992, has a frenetic schedule for Sunday, with stops also planned in Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Biden is due to campaign in Pennsylvania.

Buffeted by snow flurries in Washington, a town north of Detroit, Trump wore his trademark red cap emblazoned with the words "Make America Great Again" as he addressed a boisterous crowd on a cold and blustery morning.

After the crowd loudly chanted, "We love you" Trump responded, "I love you, too. If I didn't, I wouldn't be standing here because it's freezing out here."

Trump predicted he would repeat his 2016 victory in Michigan and touted his efforts to create auto jobs, a key issue for the auto manufacturing state.

"We brought back your car industry. Your car industry was finished. You would have had nothing left," Trump said.

US Vice President Mike Pence walks with Reverend Billy Graham's son Reverend Franklin Graham as they attend Sunday Worship Service at Alliance Bible Fellowship in Boone, North Carolina, on Nov 1, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Hannah McKay)

Biden has held on to a steady lead in national opinion polls as a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 230,000 Americans and battered the economy has weighed on Trump's campaign. The former vice president was ahead 51 per cent to 43 per cent in the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, taken Oct 27-29.

Polls show Trump still close in enough battleground states that could give him the 270 votes needed to win in the state-by-state Electoral College that determines the overall victor.

The race remains a toss-up in Florida, North Carolina and Arizona, Reuters/Ipsos polls showed, while Trump trails by 5 percentage points in Pennsylvania and 9 percentage points in Michigan and Wisconsin.

In his 2016 victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, the real estate developer and reality TV personality-turned-politician took Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as well as Michigan, states that for decades had gone in the Democratic column.

"You better get out there and vote," Trump told the crowd.

Anita Dunn, a Biden campaign adviser, said on CNN's State of the Union program, "We feel confident about where we are." The Democratic governors of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin all said they were upbeat about Biden's chances in their states. Ohio's Republican governor predicted Trump would win the state by a couple of percentage points.

Biden is scheduled to campaign again on Sunday and Monday in Pennsylvania, the state where he was born, with events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Biden also added a stop in Ohio on Monday, indicating his campaign views that state as winnable.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden attends a drive-in campaign event at Dallas High School in Dallas, Pennsylvania, on Oct 24, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

Trump is due to stage 10 rallies - five a day - on Sunday and Monday, the campaign's busiest stretch, with Monday appearances planned in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and back in Michigan.

Hitting on familiar themes, Trump portrayed himself as running against "a corrupt politician" and "a dummy and a half" in Biden as well as a "left-wing mob" and Democratic "maniacs".

CLOSE RACE IN TEXAS

The contest has proven unexpectedly close in Texas, typically a reliable Republican state.

On Monday, responding to a lawsuit brought by plaintiffs including a conservative activist and a Republican state legislator, a federal judge in Houston will hold an emergency hearing on whether Harris County officials unlawfully allowed drive-through voting during the pandemic and should toss more than 100,000 votes in the Democratic-leaning area.

After a caravan of vehicles bearing Trump campaign flags surrounded a Biden campaign bus carrying campaign staff on a Texas highway on Friday, Trump on Saturday retweeted a video of the incident and wrote: "I LOVE TEXAS!" The Biden campaign said it cancelled two events following the incident.

Biden began his day at a church in his home state of Delaware. As he entered, anti-abortion and pro-Trump demonstrators told him to repent for the sake of the soul of his late son who is buried at the church.

An attendee wearing a "Biden Harris 2020" face mask watches Democratic US presidential nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden at a campaign drive-in, mobilisation event in Detroit, Michigan, on Oct 31, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

A record-setting 93 million early votes have cast either in-person or by mail, according to the US Elections Project, a phenomenon expected to boost Biden's chances.

Trump has made unsubstantiated claims that mail-in ballots - a regular feature in US elections - are rife with fraud and has refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power if the results show he has lost. Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller told ABC's This Week the president is banking on in-person voting on Tuesday to push the president over the top.

US Democratic vice presidential nominee Senator Kamala Harris waves supporters as she arrives for a campaign drive-in rally at Palm Beach State College in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Oct 31, 2020. REUTERS/Marco Bello)

Miller also questioned the integrity of the election, saying, "If you speak with many smart Democrats, they believe President Trump will be ahead on election night, probably getting 280 electoral (votes), somewhere in that range. And then they're going to try to steal it back after the election."

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2020-11-01 21:13:42Z
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Europe's COVID-19 cases double in 5 weeks, total infections surpass 10 million - CNA

LONDON: Europe's new COVID-19 cases have doubled in five weeks, propelling the region on Sunday (Nov 1) across the bleak milestone of 10 million total infections, according to a Reuters tally.

Just last month, both Latin America and Asia reported more than 10 million total cases in their regions. The United States alone has more than 9 million cases with a rapidly accelerating outbreak.

While Europe took almost nine months to record its first 5 million COVID-19 cases, the next 5 million cases were reported in slightly more than a month, according to a Reuters analysis.

READ: Government says new English COVID-19 lockdown could last longer than month

With 10 per cent of the world's population, Europe accounts for about 22 per cent of the global caseload of 46.3 million infections. With more than 269,000 deaths, the region accounts for about 23 per cent of the global COVID-19 death toll of nearly 1.2 million lives lost.

Amid the surging cases, France, Germany and the United Kingdom have announced nationwide lockdowns for at least the next month that are almost as strict as the restrictions in March and April. Portugal has imposed a partial lockdown and Spain and Italy are tightening restrictions.

According to Reuters analysis, Europe has reported more than 1.6 million new cases in the past seven days, nearly half the 3.3 million reported worldwide, with more than 16,100 deaths, a 44 per cent jump over the previous week.

For every 10,000 people in Europe, more than 127 coronavirus cases have been reported and about four people have died, according to a Reuters analysis. In the United States there have been 278 cases and seven deaths per 10,000 residents.

Within the region, Eastern Europe has nearly one-third of the total reported COVID-19 cases, the highest number of cases, while Southern Europe leads the death toll with about 32 per cent of the total coronavirus-related deaths in Europe, according to a Reuters analysis.

READ: Over 2.5 million Slovaks take part on first day of nationwide COVID-19 testing

Russia is the worst-affected Eastern European country with more than 1.6 million COVID-19 infections. The nation’s Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Wednesday that hospital beds were at 90 per cent of capacity in 16 regions of the country.

Governments across Europe have been under fire for a lack of coordination and for failing to use a lull in cases over the summer to bolster defences, leaving hospitals unprepared.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram

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2020-11-01 19:12:31Z
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Aide says Hong Kong media tycoon Lai unaware of Biden dossier - CNA

HONG KONG: A top aide to Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has stepped down after admitting he helped fund a contentious report alleging links between Joe Biden's son and China, but insisted on Sunday (Nov 1) his boss had no knowledge of it.

The 64-page document by a fictitious author, which was circulated online and seized on by President Donald Trump's supporters, alleges business connections between Biden's troubled son Hunter and China.

But investigations in recent days have raised questions about its veracity and how it was compiled.

In a series of tweets over the weekend Lai said senior aide Mark Simon, a vocal critic of Biden, had "worked with the project".

"Mark used my private company's money to reimburse for the research he requested. It's only US$10,000 so he didn't have to have my approval," Lai wrote.

"I know it is hard for anyone to believe that I didn't know about it and my integrity is damaged," he added.

READ: Hong Kong media boss distances himself from contentious Hunter Biden-China report

Simon resigned from Apple Daily over the weekend.

In emails to AFP on Sunday, Simon said he acted in his own capacity in paying for some of the research that ended up in the dossier.

"Apple Daily had nothing to do with the report and certainly Mr. Lai has nothing to do with it," he said.

"All were completely unaware of me helping out with expenses of research."

FABRICATED AUTHOR

On Friday, NBC published an investigation saying the 64-page dossier had "questionable authorship and anonymous sourcing".

The investigation found the listed author, a supposed Swiss security analyst called Martin Aspen, was a fabricated identity and that his picture had been created using software.

According to NBC, blogger and academic Christopher Balding, a former associate professor at Fulbright University Vietnam, said he had contributed to the report and admitted Aspen did not exist.

He said the report was was "commissioned by Apple Daily", Lai's staunchly pro-democracy and anti-Beijing newspaper in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The paper denied that characterisation, as did Simon.

"I nor anyone at Apple did anything in terms of research or writing, just no role whatsoever. All arms length," he said.

"US$10,000 is well within my discretion, but putting Apple people and Jimmy in the firing line was wrong. I was far too casual with using Apple Daily name, I abused the trust I have been given," he added, explaining his decision to resign.

Lai, 71, has long been a thorn in the side of Beijing and has spoken favourably of Trump's willingness to confront China - the only major Hong Kong tycoon willing to do so publicly.

His Apple Daily newspapers and Next Magazine are unashamedly pro-democracy and he is routinely villified by China's state media.

In Hong Kong, Apple Daily has the highest circulation.

Lai was one of the first people to be arrested under a new national security law that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in June following last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests.

Apple Daily's newsroom was raided by more than 200 police officers and authorities accuse Lai of "colluding with foreign forces" and money laundering.

The investigation is ongoing but Lai has said he fears authorities are trying to shut down a critical voice in the restless city.

Apple Daily's Taiwan edition published two articles recently on Hunter Biden and his ties to a Taiwanese businessman with links to mainland China.

"I think Chris made a mistake in going cloak and dagger," Simon said. "But our Taiwan stories that used the data remain solid."

"Our Taiwan stories that used the data remain solid," he added

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2020-11-01 08:54:52Z
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China starts once-a-decade census of world's largest population - CNA

SHANGHAI: Millions of census-takers began knocking on doors across China on Sunday for a once-a-decade head count of the world's largest population that for the first time will use mobile apps to help crunch the massive numbers.

Around seven million community workers and volunteers will drive the two-month data-collection effort, visiting homes ranging from residential skyscrapers in downtown Shanghai to remote Tibetan mountain villages.

China conducts the census every ten years to determine population growth, movement patterns and other trends, using the findings to apportion resources for education, health, transportation, labour, elderly care and other services.

The previous tally in 2010 counted 1,339,724,852 persons, an increase of 5.83 per cent, or 73,899,804 people - equal to adding more than the population of France over 10 years.

Much of the attention on this year's census - expected to take two years to fully compile - will focus on whether it indicates any population bump from China's relaxation of its former "one-child policy".

The policy was introduced in the late 1970s to slow rapid population growth amid concerns over too many mouths to feed, but was relaxed four years ago to allow two children due to fears over China's fast-ageing society and shrinking workforce.

But the change has not yet resulted in a baby boom.

The national birth rate last year was the slowest since the founding of Communist-ruled China in 1949, with many Chinese today choosing smaller families amid rising living costs.

The government estimates the 2020 census could update the population to 1.42 billion, a 5.99 per cent increase.

A research institute affiliated with real estate giant Evergrande Group last week issued a study saying the government figure was an overestimate, and recommended that three children be allowed.

"If adjustments are not made, it will seriously affect national rejuvenation and (China's) rise as a great power," the researchers said, citing two of the stated goals of powerful President Xi Jinping.

'BIG BROTHER' FEARS

The study sparked a passionate online discussion, with many saying the real curbs on childbirth are rising costs and insufficient policy support for families.

"Even a ten-child policy is useless until we create a society that is childbirth-friendly and childrearing-friendly," said one widely "liked" comment on the WeChat platform of Chinese internet giant Tencent.

Demographic experts have estimated it could take 15 years for the two-child policy to have any noticeable effect as other modern factors mitigate against rapid growth, including increasingly empowered Chinese women delaying or avoiding childbirth, and the slower population growth that comes with rising national affluence.

Despite the door-to-door visits, most citizens are expected to enter their information via a smartphone app, adding to rising concerns about privacy protection.

Vast amounts of Chinese economic activity and payments are handled through digital apps such as WeChat and its rival Alipay, offered by Alibaba-affiliated Ant Group.

Many consumers accept the resulting surrender of data on their buying habits, travel, and other personal information as a small price to pay for digital conveniences.

But others increasingly worry over privacy and data security, heightened further this year with China's introduction of a nationwide system of digital "health codes" that score citizens on whether they pose a potential coronavirus threat and which must be shown to enter many public venues.

The National Statistics Bureau, which oversees the census, vowed in May that all personal data gathered during the process will be kept strictly confidential and used for no other purpose than the census.

The government in mid-October also separately unveiled a draft personal data protection law, which outlines stiff punishments for violators.

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2020-11-01 08:20:05Z
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With Budget 2021 safe, longer-term survival now the focus for PM Muhyiddin - The Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR - Beleaguered Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was expected to have the fight of his life to secure the passage of Budget 2021 this week, amid persistent assaults on what is the slimmest parliamentary majority in Malaysian history.

But whether the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president still retains the support of the 113 MPs - out of the 222-strong Parliament - that form the ruling Perikatan Nasional (PN) pact appears moot for now, with federal lawmakers unlikely to defy the Palace's call to ensure government spending is approved to fight off the blight of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yet it is only a temporary lifeline for Tan Sri Muhyiddin, as disgruntlement in his largest ally Umno has even led the party to flirt with hated nemesis Anwar Ibrahim, the opposition leader who has repeatedly claimed in recent weeks that he has the numbers to take over the premiership.

Ironically, despite PN leaders being blamed for record Covid-19 infections linked to the Sept 26 polls in Sabah that resulted from a coup attempt in the eastern-most state, it is this very outbreak that has handed the premier a free pass for the budget vote on the back of the political imbroglio of the past month.

The Cabinet made the shock move to request emergency powers last week (Oct 23) - which would allow the suspension of Parliament - to fight the wave of Covid-19 cases and postpone a by-election in Batu Sapi, Sabah in December, as well as Sarawak state elections due in mid-2021. A national ballot also looms should the government collapse from being unable to approve spending.

While Malaysia's King refused to assent to an emergency, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah softened the blow by twice calling on MPs to back the budget to ensure the battle against the deadly virus remains well-funded. Malaysia's nine hereditary state rulers that take turns to be the federation's supreme ruler are revered, and despite being constitutional monarchs, their statements are widely interpreted as decrees.

"If the emergency was meant to avoid defeat in a supply Bill and possible snap polls, then the royal pressure has nearly the same effect, albeit with some embarrassment for the premier," risk consultants Eurasia Group's Asia director Peter Mumford told The Straits Times.

Parliament reconvenes on Monday for six weeks, with Budget 2021 to be tabled on Friday. Over two dozen confidence motions have also been submitted, but are unlikely to see the light of day as the Speaker will prioritise government business.

The greater threat to Mr Muhyiddin comes from outside the legislature, with Umno wanting to correct what it believes is an unfair distribution of the spoils of power. Failing which, it would rather go to the polls, believing the tides that led to its unprecedented 2018 defeat has not just ebbed, but is now flowing in its favour.

Political insiders say Umno's list of demands include a Cabinet reshuffle which hands them the deputy premiership and key portfolios, and the formation of a presidential council of PN chiefs to confer on major decisions before being adopted as government policy.

But official sources told ST that Bersatu leaders are resisting a Cabinet reshuffle - although they are amenable to a presidential council - as acceding would mean "we will keep having to bow to threats".

For now, the once-dominant Malay party has no choice but to work within the PN framework to avoid being blamed for triggering snap elections which could exacerbate the surge in Covid-19 cases, which have more than doubled in October alone.

Umno has insisted snap polls to end the political uncertainty must be held once Covid-19 infections are minimised, but ST has learnt that a bipartisan committee is looking into a possible confidence and supply agreement that would ensure Mr Muhyiddin remains in power.

Lawmakers involved in the talks said that terms are still being negotiated but it could mean propping up the premier until just before Parliament's term ends in 2023. Umno's stance could shorten or scupper the deal, or the party may end up excluding its 39 MPs from the deal.

Should discussions collapse, then all bets are off after the scheduled debate on Budget 2021 ends on Dec 10, especially if the virus outbreak is back under control. For this reason, Mr Muhyiddin will still have to wade with caution and ensure a budget that is politically watertight.

He will also need to weigh up his options on how to handle Umno.

The premier will have to bet on which option will increase his chances of another term in power: to anger Umno or to hand over some of Bersatu's grip on government resources - ostensibly to buy his three-year-old party time to prepare for polls and enhance the likelihood of a firm electoral pact with PN allies.

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2020-11-01 05:44:11Z
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US election: how Trump and Biden compare on China - South China Morning Post

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US election: how Trump and Biden compare on China South China Morning Post
Trump launches final battleground pitch; Biden focuses on PA Yahoo Singapore News
'Vote for your life': Why 2020 might be the Covid-19 election The Straits Times
On my travels, I saw a vision of two Americas – but which one will triumph? The Guardian
USA OK? My FAQs about Trump, Biden, the election and what happens next The Guardian
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2020-11-01 04:00:32Z
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Sabtu, 31 Oktober 2020

British PM Johnson locks down England as UK Covid-19 cases pass 1 million - TODAYonline

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British PM Johnson locks down England as UK Covid-19 cases pass 1 million TODAYonline
Johnson locks down England as UK COVID-19 cases pass 1 million CNA
Johnson set to impose month-long lockdown in England: Report The Straits Times
The Government is wrong to put England into lockdown Telegraph.co.uk
Boris Johnson MUST avoid a second lockdown for the sake of Britain's children Express
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2020-11-01 03:05:17Z
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