COVID-19 Country Updates

 COVID-19 in Singapore: Some Circuit Breaker Measures Relaxed (4 May – Ongoing)

 Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong announced on Saturday, 2 May, that Singapore would begin gradually easing its Circuit Breaker measures. The loosened measures included the opening or allowing of:

• From 5 May: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture services and product sales by authorised TCM practitioners | Exercising in common areas for residents of private residential developments.
• From 12 May: Standalone retail outlets of snacks, cakes and confectionaries (not drinks) | Home-based food businesses | Retail laundry services | Barbers and hairdressers offering basic haircut services | Retail of pet supplies | All TCM halls.

The eased measures came two weeks after the government implemented tighter Circuit Breaker measures, including the closure of standalone food outlets selling drinks, snacks and desserts. However, while Singapore’s Circuit Breaker measures are due to end on 1 June, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong warned that life will not go back to normal immediately after this date. Certain precautions will still remain in place to facilitate social distancing and contact tracing.

Sources: MOH, Channel NewsAsia, Channel NewsAsia, The Straits Times

COVID-19 in Indonesia: Reopening Plans and Economic Concerns (1 May – Ongoing)

The Indonesian government is considering a five-phase plan to resume business operations from 1 June, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. The document suggested that shopping malls could reopen on 8 June, followed by schools, beauty salons, cinemas and sports centres a week later, leading up to a full reopening by early August. Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan said that any loosening of measures would need to be preceded by massive testing, tracing and quarantines where necessary, and would not be “based on a predetermined set date”. However, other members of the government have attracted criticism for their comments about the pandemic. Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy, for example, said that Indonesia’s total number of confirmed cases was “unexceptional” compared to Singapore, and that there is a decreasing trend of cases despite questions about Indonesia’s low testing rate.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, The Jakarta Post

In terms of the economy, Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.97% year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, its lowest in almost two decades and down from 4.97% growth in the previous quarter. Key reasons for this fall included a drop in household consumption and tourism receipts. However, economists fear the worst as Indonesia only implemented movement restrictions in March, and many of the economic repercussions of these measures could occur in the second quarter rather than the first. The government has so far moved to provide liquidity support for banks, while urging them to loosen terms for debtors and restructure loans. It was reported that at least two million Indonesians have lost their jobs since Indonesia confirmed its first case in March. Business groups also warned that many of their members have only enough cash to continue operating until June.

Sources: Nikkei Asian Review, Jakarta Globe, Jakarta Globe

COVID-19 in Malaysia: Relaxed and Extended Measures Under CMCO (1 May – Ongoing)

The past two weeks saw Malaysia ease some of its movement restrictions, then extend their effective period for another month a week later. Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced on 1 May that Malaysia would be under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) from 4 to 12 May. The 10 km travel limit that was imposed under the original MCO was removed, and outdoor sports activities involving less than 10 people and dining-in at restaurants were allowed under the new regulations. Mass events and religious activities were still banned, while schools, entertainment venues such as cinemas and Ramadan bazaars remained closed. Crucially, the government said that Malaysians would be barred from returning to their hometowns and hosting open houses for Hari Raya, but “small” parties of not more than 20 people would be allowed. Measures are still being clarified at this stage, with Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri Yaakob announcing that the government will consider acting against parents who bring their children out shopping, even though there is no prohibition against such actions under the CMCO.

Sources: Today Online, Free Malaysia Today, Malay Mail

After the initial announcement of the eased measures under the CMCO, at least eight state governments (Kedah, Penang, Selangor, Pahang, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Sabah and Sarawak) expressed reservations about adopting the full set of measures due to concerns about public health. Senior Minister for the Economy Azmin Ali warned that non-compliant state governments could be sued for damages by businesses, prompting rebuffs from the Penang and Sabah Chief Ministers. Senior Minister for Security Ismail Sabri also warned that states had no choice in implementing the CMCO as it had been gazetted. Nonetheless, these holdout states have since begun adopting the CMCO, or have adopted it fully following pressure from sources such as the royal houses.

Sources: New Straits Times, Free Malaysia Today, The Straits Times, New Straits Times, The Edge Markets MY

Less than a week after the announcement of the CMCO, Muhyiddin announced that the deadline for the restrictions would be extended for another four weeks until 9 June. He explained that his decision was based on advice from the Health Ministry and National Security Council, and that the eased measures under the CMCO would remain in place for the extended duration. He also reiterated that small gatherings of up to 20 people for festive celebrations would be allowed.

Sources: The Straits Times

Malaysia Politics: A Vote of No Confidence and Turbulence Within PN and PPBM (30 Apr – Ongoing)

Less than a week before the first sitting of parliament under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government on 18 May, dramatic developments occurred in Malaysian politics. First, Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s motion to launch a no-confidence vote against the current Prime Minister was accepted by the Speaker of the House. It remains to be seen whether the motion would be heard during the one-day sitting, or if it would be carried forward to the next sitting in July. However, it is notable that the Speaker rejected a similar motion seeking a confidence vote in Dr Mahathir. Second, Dr Mahathir and his ally-turned-enemy twice over, Parti Keadlian Rakyat (PKR) President Anwar Ibrahim released a joint statement on 9 May (the anniversary of their 2018 electoral victory) pledging to cooperate to return Pakatan Harapan (PH) to power. With Muhyiddin’s PN reportedly holding a small majority over PH in terms of parliamentary seats, what occurs on 18 May will be a point of key interest for observers.

Sources: SCMP, Channel NewsAsia, The Star, The Straits Times

Reports have swirled since the rise of the PN government that its constituent parties, particularly Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) and the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), have been engaged in infighting. UMNO members have complained that their party was not being treated fairly in terms of positions within the government, as UMNO is the biggest party in terms of seats in the PN government but has only 17 Ministers and Deputy Ministers. In contrast, PPBM has 26 of its members in such positions. In late April, UMNO Deputy President Mohamad Hasan said that his party was only working with PPBM for the moment, and had no qualms competing against its “so-called ally” in the next general election. However, UMNO President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told his party that “the reality is we are not the dominant party” in PN, and that they should not impose demands on the government.

Sources: Malay Mail, The Star

Reports have also emerged that Dr Mahathir and his son Mukhriz Mahathir will soon be expelled from PPBM, the party that the Former Prime Minister founded in 2016. Previously, Dr Mahathir had been re-elected as Chairman of PPBM without contest, while Mukhriz was due to compete against Muhyiddin for the party presidency. Nonetheless, recent actions taken by Dr Mahathir and son, including disputing the validity of PPBM’s decision to leave PH and submitting the motion for a no-confidence vote against Muhyiddin, appear to have been the last straw for party leaders.

News outlets were informed of a PPBM supreme council meeting to discuss the possible sacking of the two leaders on 11 May. While the meeting was postponed at the last minute, doubts remain about their future in the party. In a related development, Mukhriz’s tenuous hold on the Chief Ministership of Kedah was lost after two PKR assemblymen, who are known as allies of Senior Minister Azmin, defected to PN.

Sources: Malay Mail, Malay Mail, The Straits Times, The Straits Times

COVID-19 in Myanmar: Yangon Implements Additional Measures, Businesses Weigh Economic Cost (8 May – Ongoing)

New movement restrictions have been announced in Yangon, which bears the most number of COVID-19 cases in Myanmar. Residents of Yangon have to wear fear masks when leaving the house and gatherings exceeding four people are banned. The measures come into effect on 13 May. Authorities have also implemented contact tracing and conduct door-to-door medical checks. A 10pm to 4am curfew has been imposed by the regional government since 18 April.

Source: The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar Industries Association has expressed worries over a prolonged shutdown of the country’s factories. Fears are that the factories would completely close down if the lockdown measures last for three months. State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said she was concerned about the potential outbreak among labourers, given what happened in Singapore. The State Counsellor has also said she would like to see schools reopen with appropriate measures.

Sources: Bloomberg, Myanmar Times

Myanmar Politics: UN Security Council to Hold Video Conference on Conflict in Rakhine

Concerns over violence in Rakhine State remain. The UN Security Council has scheduled a closed-door video conference for Thursday, May 14. The closed-door meeting was requested by the UK and will discuss the effect of the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in Rakhine. The last Security Council meeting on Myanmar was held in February, where China blocked a joint statement. Meantime, a probe has begun to investigate the fatal shooting of a World Health Organization (WHO) driver. He was caught in a crossfire in Rakhine State’s Minbya Township last month. The Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw continue to place the blame on the other party.

Sources: AFP, The Irrawaddy

COVID-19 in Thailand: Opposition Pushes for Debates on COVID Spending (30 Apr – Ongoing)

Thai opposition parties called for an extraordinary house session to debate the planned spending of US$73.7 billion in stimulus measures in late April, motivated by reports of inconsistent cash handouts and concerns about Thailand’s fiscal health. At present, parliament is only scheduled to reconvene on 22 May, having stopped during Thailand’s state of emergency. The Chief Government Whip said that the government “disagreed” with the call. The opposition more recently submitted a petition to the Office of the Auditor-General to look into government spending.

Sources: Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post, Khaosod English, Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post

Thailand Politics: Internal Strife Roils Phalang Pracharat (30 Apr – Ongoing)

The Phalang Pracharat party also made headlines for internal turmoil. The ruling party was a hodgepodge of miscellaneous groups since its founding. These included technocrats and academics led by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former Pheu Thai members, Yellow Shirts and the Sam Mitr (Three allies) group of former ministers, with each forming a separate faction. At the end of April, reports emerged of brewing tensions between groups led by Finance Minister and party leader Uttama Savanayana and Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong on one side and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Deputy Finance Minister Santi Prompat due to disgruntlement over role allocation for COVID-19 policies, as well as longer term grievances over the distribution of cabinet seats. Prawit, for example, reportedly wanted to force Uttama’s resignation and taking over as party chair, and use this leverage to demand a more powerful portfolio in a subsequent cabinet reshuffle. However, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha threw his support behind Uttama and Sontirat on 6 May, and dismissed the prospect of a cabinet reshuffle.

Sources: Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post, Bangkok Post

COVID-19 in Vietnam: Lockdown Measures Eased, Central Bank Cuts Rates (30 Apr – Ongoing)

Vietnam has gone nearly a month with no record of COVID-19 community transmission (note: the 17 new cases recorded since the start of May were repatriated from foreign countries). The country still has no reported deaths related to the virus, and was the first country in Southeast Asia to begin rolling back lockdown measures on 23 April. Schools have re-opened in a staggered fashion and domestic flights are back in operation. International commercial flights remain banned although Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) is proposing a partial lifting in June.

Sources: Reuters, VN Express

Vietnam’s central bank cut interest rates for the second time in less than two months. The State Bank of Vietnam announced the refinancing rate will be reduced to 4.5% from 5% while the discount rate trimmed to 3% from 3.5%. The changes are effective on Wednesday, 13 May. Inflation was at a six-month low in April, offering leeway for interest rate cuts.

The rate cuts come after Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam will target economic growth above 5% this year. This is higher than the IMF’s projections of 2.7% growth in 2020. Vietnam’s GDP growth rate last year stood at 7.02%. The PM is banking on foreign investment to spur growth and described Vietnam’s economy as a “compressed spring waiting to be stretched out”.

Sources: Nhandan, VN Express, Bloomberg, Nikkei Asian Review

Vietnam Politics: 12^th Party Plenum Held on 11 May; Tensions in South China Sea remain (11 May – Ongoing)

Vietnam is also moving ahead in determining its future leaders. The 12th plenum of the Party Central Committee (PCC) began in Hanoi on 11 May under the chair of Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong. The committee will discuss personnel changes for the PCC, the Politburo, and the PCC Secretariat in the 13th tenure (2021-2026). Candidates are expected to have absolute loyalty to Marxism-Leninism, Hồ Chí Minh Thought, the Party’s Platform and directions, the Constitution and national interests.

Sources: Vietnam Plus, Vietnam News

Tensions remain in the South China Sea or what Vietnam calls the East Sea. China’s fishing ban was deemed “invalid” by Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. China had announced its annual fishing ban would begin from 1 May until 16 August. Disputes remain over the sovereignty over the waters around the Paracel islands where the ban would apply.

Source: VNExpress