Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: May 5, 2025
The Indonesian Military (TNI) faces bubbling tensions after calls for the impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka led to an attempt to reshuffle the roster of high-ranking officers, potentially exposing a political rift previously not seen in an otherwise disciplined institution.
President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that the Indonesian government plans to establish an 'Indonesian village' in Saudi Arabia to accommodate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The proposal has reportedly received a positive response from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the RM1.5 billion (US$360 million) Nam Neun 1 Hydropower Project was held in Xieng Khuang on April 29. The plant will have an installed capacity of 124 megawatts and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028.
2. NATIONAL GOAL TO BANISH MALARIA BY 2030 -- VIENTIANE TIMES
Laos targets eliminating malaria by 2030. Due to improved testing, treatment, and surveillance, cases declined from about 462,000 in 1997 to over 2,300 in 2022. Health officials acknowledged that funding, regional cooperation, and innovation are vital to achieving the goal.
MYANMAR
1. HOME-MADE ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE TESTED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
A locally produced Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine was tested in Kachin State yesterday. Voters had a chance to experience the machine, the first of its kind to be used in Myanmar's electoral history.
2. LONG-TERM PLANS FOR GAS PRODUCTION TO MEET SUPPLY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government is assessing gas production capacity to prevent sudden spikes in domestic demand and ensure adequate market supply. Effective planning is crucial since oil and gas exploration and production involve significant capital and risks.
SINGAPORE
1.PAP LEADERS PLEDGE TO DRAW LESSONS FROM GE2025, FOCUS ON UNITY AND GLOBAL RISKS -- THE STRAITS TIMES
A day after the PAP was returned to power with 65.57 per cent of the vote, its elected leaders said the country must draw lessons from the general election, remain united, and stay alert to the risks and uncertainties in the external environment.
2.GE2025: 'HUMBLING' TO HAVE RECEIVED STRONG SUPPORT, SAYS DESMOND LEE AS PAP TEAMS THANK SUPPORTERS -- CNA
Although the last results of the General Election came in well after midnight, MPs-elect had already hit the ground running on Sunday (May 4) morning, eagerly thanking residents for their support.
VIETNAM
1. PARTY LEADER CALLS FOR INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES - - VIETNAMPLUS
Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's General Secretary To Lam said improvements in institutions and laws must continue to achieve high economic growth. Institutional changes are vital to unleashing productive forces, unlocking all available resources, and harnessing the country's potential.
2. VIETNAMESE EV MAKER SECURES MILLION DOLLAR LOAN - - VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has secured a long-term syndicated loan agreement worth about RM800 million (US$190 million) from two Indonesian banks to finance the construction of its EV plant in Indonesia.
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