CNA Correspondent Podcast: Refugees and former gangsters find a new lease of life in Hong Kong and Japan - CNA

Here's an excerpt from the podcast: 

Teresa Tang:
You mentioned many have quit the Yakuza. They've tried to start a new life, but there are barriers, not least of which is the stigma of their past, right? 

Michiyo Ishida:
Yeah, let me explain to you what Tatsuya Shindo told me. He was in jail three times for illegal drugs, arrested multiple times. Even though he completed his term in jail, Japanese society, he said, was unforgiving. If he were to find a proper job, he had to hide any signs of his Yakuza past. So he had to, for instance, hide his tattoos. 20 years ago, when he was (in the) Yakuza, the law was not as tough as today towards crime syndicates. Still, there were major hurdles for him to (integrate) into society. And this is what Tatsuya Shindo explained to me. 

Tatsuya Shindo:
"For five years after you are released from prison, contracts cannot be signed. You cannot get a credit card, rent a place, apply for a mortgage for a car or open a bank account. Today, if you can't open an account, you can't work. If your income cannot be remitted, they know why."

Teresa Tang:
Many refugees, asylum seekers in Hong Kong, Deb, they're living in limbo really, as they wait to be processed. They're handcuffed, so to speak. What is the public discourse in Hong Kong like around them? Are they generally accepted? Are they shunned, or are they ignored? 

Deborah Wong: 
You know, it's interesting that you use the word handcuff, because that's exactly what happened to Aimé Girimana, the man that we heard at the start of this podcast, and he was talking about how no one plans to become a refugee. Now, Aimé's story was quite interesting. He was a human rights lawyer from Burundi, and he discovered that he was a target of assassination back then, and he only discovered this two hours before the deed was supposed to happen. So he fled to Hong Kong with just a single suitcase, and it was really the only place he could enter without a visa 20 years ago. But upon landing in Hong Kong, he was handcuffed. And Aimé told me that he was shocked, because he thought that Hong Kong was an international city, and so ... with that perception in mind, he was very surprised you know, that he was being handcuffed without (being) given the chance to explain his situation. So that was two decades ago. Aimé is still in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement to a host country, and he says that public discourse over the last 20 years, it has certainly improved ... Hong Kong does have NGOs like the Justice Centre as well as the Christian Action Centre for Refugees, and they both advocate for refugees, but by and large, the refugee community is still a relatively invisible one.

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2024-07-09 23:52:04Z
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HR Ministry plans third-party audit of HRD Corp - New Straits Times

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1. HR Ministry plans third-party audit of HRD Corp  New Straits Times
2. Minister denies misuse of RM51.7mil in training grants  Free Malaysia Today
3. PKR MP calls for HRD Corp CEO's suspension pending probe  Malaysiakini
4. Just privatise, say experts after HRDC joins list of problematic entities in latest audit  MalaysiaNow
5. Suspend HRD Corp CEO, says Hassan Karim  New Straits Times

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2024-07-10 04:17:56Z
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From 'Sipepek' to 'Sithole': Indonesian government apps, programmes with allegedly 'sexist' names stir outcry, calls for change - CNA

JAKARTA: Their names were designed to catch the public’s attention, but several applications and programmes rolled out by the Indonesian government have been accused of having sexist and sexually suggestive connotations, leading to strong public criticism and calls for changes to be made.

This comes even as the National Commission on Violence Against Women - an independent institution whose goal is to eliminate violence against women in Indonesia - warned against objectifying the body or gender through the use of such names. 

Among those that have garnered the most controversy is the “Sipepek” social platform application managed by the authorities in Cirebon Regency. An acronym for the Indonesian name of the regency’s Social Welfare Service Administration Information System, the app was designed to facilitate poverty alleviation programmes and health insurance for unprivileged residents there. 

However, the name has been criticised by some, including a Member of Parliament from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) for its supposed double entendre. 

According to local media, the term “Sipepek” was taken from the regional language of Cirebon - located in West Java province - to mean “complete” or “everything is there”. Meanwhile, according to the Indonesian common dictionary, the word “pepek” has another meaning and chiefly refers to the female genitals. 

PDIP’s Selly Andriany Gantina said the app’s name should be changed because it has caused negative reactions and misunderstandings among some members of the public.
 
"I understand that outside Cirebon, or according to (the Indonesian common dictionary) itself, the word 'pepek' has a different and even vulgar connotation. 

“This certainly causes negative reactions and misunderstanding among the public and netizens elsewhere. It is important for us to listen to this criticism and use the feedback for evaluation,” she was quoted as saying in detikNews on Monday (Jul 8).

Authorities in Cirebon Regency, however, defended the app’s name with its government spokesman doubling down on the regional significance of the name: That it is a “one-stop” shop for comprehensive service for the public. 

Despite this explanation, the app has been mocked on social media, with users posting sarcastic comments online. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: "They made the application, but I'm the one who is ashamed of it.” 

The controversy extends beyond Cirebon. Other apps and programmes with peculiar names include "Sithole" - an online consultation information system - that is managed by the Semarang District Court as well as “Siska Ku Intip”, a programme that integrates palm oil plantations with cattle farming. 

The latter - which translates colloquially to “I take a peek at Siska” - was deemed sexist by netizens, with “Siska” presumed to be a female name. 

Additionally, some also took issue with a programme called “Mas Dedi Memang Jantan” which seeks to offer protection for vulnerable workers. When translated, the programme literally means: “Dedi is the macho man.” 

According to local media, it is widely acknowledged that “Dedi” refers to former Tegal mayor Dedy Yon Supriyono, who left office in March 2024 after completing his term of service. He was a guest at the launch of the programme back in August 2022 and gave the opening remarks. 

Critics said that the names of these apps and programmes are typically derived from creative abbreviations or acronyms and are usually intended to be easily remembered by the users. However, they tend to draw criticisms for being easily misinterpreted as offensive or inappropriate.

Mr Mardana Ali Sera from the Islamist-leaning Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has criticised the use of eccentric acronyms with sexual or vulgar connotations that are prevalent in a number of government apps and programmes.

He said some of the names used tend to be ethically degrading and called for immediate changes to these app names. He also called on the public to report any programmes or digital platforms that have inappropriate names. 

Meanwhile, the National Commission on Violence Against Women has also spoken up about the issue. 

"It is understood that the use of acronyms is intended to make the public recognise and remember government programmes. However, terms with the right tone should be chosen, that do not objectify the body or connote the appearance of the body or gender,” said its commissioner Siti Aminah Tardi, as quoted by local media.

Earlier in May, President Joko Widodo ordered government officials to cease the development of new mobile applications, aiming to reduce bureaucratic complexity. 

The directive came as part of the INA Digital initiative, which seeks to integrate the systems and data of approximately 27,000 existing applications operated by various ministries and regional administrations. 

He noted that this integration could help the government economize, citing that the scrapped development of new online applications could save the government some 6.2 trillion rupiah (US$388.11 million).

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2024-07-09 09:42:00Z
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France in limbo after Macron gamble deepens political deadlock - CNA

DIVIDED PARLIAMENT

After they won the Jun 30 first round of the elections by a clear margin, Sunday's results were a major disappointment for Le Pen's RN, despite boasting its biggest-ever contingent in parliament.

Macron's centrist alliance will have dozens fewer members of parliament but held up better than expected and could even end up in second when seat numbers are confirmed.

The NFP - formed last month after Macron called snap elections - brought the previously deeply divided Socialists, Greens, Communists and LFI together.

Projections and provisional results show the NFP will be the largest bloc in the new National Assembly with around 190 seats, Macron's alliance on around 160 seats and the RN on about 140.

No group is close to the 289 seats needed for an absolute majority.

Only one week ago, some polls had indicated the RN could win just such an absolute majority, with Le Pen's 28-year-old lieutenant Jordan Bardella becoming prime minister.

Instead, he will remain a member of the European Parliament, taking the helm of a new far-right grouping in which the RN will be the largest member, alongside allies like Viktor Orban's nationalist Hungarian governing party Fidesz and Italy's League.

In the French campaign, "I take my share of responsibility, as much for victory in the European elections as for (Sunday's) defeat", Bardella told reporters Monday.

"But time is on our side, and we will keep working to convince the French people," he added, predicting a "wave that will bring (the RN) to power".

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2024-07-08 20:57:00Z
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Death of Malaysian influencer following alleged cyberbullying: Woman arrested as minister warns against negative 'culture' - CNA

HIDING BEHIND FAKE ACCOUNTS

Speaking to reporters after visiting Ms Rajeswary’s funeral on Sunday, Mr Fadzil said that he had spoken to the woman’s family, who claimed that the pressure of being bullied on TikTok had resulted in her death, The Star reported.

“I am angry and upset. We will leave it to the police to investigate. Cyberbullying should not become a culture …” he said, adding that one of the main problems when dealing with the issue is that many of the perpetrators are difficult to identify as they hide behind fake accounts. 

“One of the complaints which the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Ministry of Communications have received from the police, is that accounts involved in various abusive activities hide behind fake accounts, making it hard to identify the individuals who made the comments, or were involved in the scams,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Mr Fahmi noted that the upcoming Jul 12 Cabinet meeting will discuss the issue of cyberbullying on social media platforms.

“We don’t just report what happened, but take action, especially if we need to amend the law and what are the current weaknesses,” he said.

Separately, Mr Fahmi warned that the public – and especially civil servants – should avoid becoming cyberbullies themselves. He added that the Communications Ministry would consider amending the existing laws related to cyberbullying and insisted that those involved in Ms Rajeswary’s case will be brought to justice.

“This matter was relayed to the prime minister … and I have also spoken to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said. We have a similar stance on this issue and will meet in a few days,” said Mr Fahmi.

Meanwhile, Segamat Member of Parliament R Yuneswaran has called for stern legal action to be taken against those responsible for the cyberbullying that led to Ms Rajeswary’s death, the New Straits Times reported.

“The Communications and Digital Ministries, as well as relevant authorities, should set a firm precedent by punishing those responsible for bullying Esha.

“The perpetrators of this heinous act must be held accountable. By doing so, we send a clear message to all bullies on social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, that their actions will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences,” he said.

Malaysia’s The Sun newspaper reported earlier this year that the MCMC recorded 3,199 complaints related to cyberbullying in 2023. The commission identified Facebook as the primary platform for cyberbullying with 1,401 complaints received, followed by WhatsApp with 667, Instagram with 388, TikTok with 258 and X with 159.

Meanwhile, a United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) report released in 2022 found that Malaysia ranked second in Asia for cyberbullying among youths in 2020.

In 2022, a 44-year-old mother of three in Malaysia reportedly took her own life following bullying on TikTok, according to Sinar Daily,

In 2019, regional media reported that a 16-year-old girl in Sarawak jumped to her death hours after 69 per cent of respondents to her Instagram poll encouraging her to kill herself.

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2024-07-09 05:36:00Z
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MACC officers at HRD Corp, collect documents linked to AG's Report - New Straits Times

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1. MACC officers at HRD Corp, collect documents linked to AG's Report  New Straits Times
2. HRD Corp CEO, CFO give conflicting testimonies to PAC  Free Malaysia Today
3. HRD Corp should use PAC findings to beef up governance of funds, says MEF  The Star Online
4. MACC visits Human Resource Ministry to obtain documents related to HRD Corp  Malay Mail
5. KESUMA EMBARKS ON GOVERNANCE REFORMS BEFORE COMPLETION OF AUDIT  BERNAMA

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2024-07-09 05:07:14Z
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Euro slips, but off lows as France faces hung parliament - CNA

:The euro slipped on Monday, but came off of overnight lows against the dollar after France's election pointed to a hung parliament.

The U.S. dollar crept up from a more than three-week low after U.S. payrolls data on Friday boosted bets that the Federal Reserve will soon start cutting interest rates.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday asked his prime minister to stay in the role for now, pending what will be difficult negotiations to form a new government after a surprise left-wing surge in elections that delivered a hung parliament.

“We're still waiting to see if the coalition can get the 240 to 250 lawmakers together to have any semblance of a, what is it, I think in France, a working government. We're in wait-and-see mode there,” said Garth Appelt, Head of Foreign Exchange & Emerging Markets Derivatives, Mizuho Americas in New York.

Some concerns about a potential French exit from the eurozone were also eased after eurosceptic Marine Le Pen’s National Rally failed to win a majority, said Helen Given, FX trader at Monex USA in Washington DC.

"There was a small risk that France would actually start to move towards exiting the Eurozone" if the National Rally had won, Given said. "People are just happy to have it off the table."

The euro was last down 0.11 per cent at $1.0824. It briefly reached $1.0845, the highest since June 12, after dipping to a low of $1.07915 earlier in the day.

The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against the euro, sterling, yen and three other major rivals, gained 0.04 per cent to 104.99. It earlier fell to 104.80, the lowest since June 13.

The greenback fell on Friday after June's employment report showed solid jobs gains in the month, but softer details under the hood.

Government and healthcare services hiring made up about three-quarters of the payrolls gain and the unemployment rate hit a 2-1/2-year high of 4.1 per cent.

The economy also created 111,000 fewer jobs in April and May than previously estimated, while annual wages increased at the slowest pace in three years.

Traders will pay close attention to comments by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell when he testifies before Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday for signs that a rate cut is getting closer.

Traders see two cuts this year as likely and are pricing in a 76 per cent likelihood of this first rate cut at the Fed's September meeting, with a subsequent cut expected by December, according to the CME Group's FedWatch Tool.

This week's main U.S. economic release will be consumer price data for June on Thursday.

The dollar gained slightly against the Japanese yen, following data earlier on Monday showing that Japanese workers saw their average base pay climb 2.5 per cent in May, the fastest pace in 31 years.

The Bank of Japan said wage hikes were broadening across the economy due to tight labor market conditions, signaling its confidence the country was making progress toward durably achieving its 2 per cent inflation target.

The optimistic assessment may heighten the case for the central bank to raise interest rates as soon as its next meeting on July 30 to 31.

“You're starting to see more and more discussions about the BOJ lifting off a little bit in terms of hiking policy. They're thinking that the BOJ is getting much closer to the hiking window, whether it be this month or the next meeting," said Appelt.

The dollar was last up 0.02 per cent at 160.76 yen, after last week reaching a 38-year high of 161.96.

Sterling was steady, after earlier reaching a 3-1/2 week top versus the dollar and the euro. The British currency has gained since the Labour Party's landslide election victory last week, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule. It was last up 0.02 per cent at $1.281.

The Aussie dollar fell 0.18 per cent versus the greenback at $0.6737, having earlier reached $0.67615, the highest since Jan. 3.

In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin fell 0.08 per cent to $56,312.

(Reporting By Karen Brettell; Additional reporting by Kevin Buckland and Amanda Cooper; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Josie Kao)

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2024-07-08 20:24:08Z
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