Subdued Centenary

Sri Lankan prison UK doctor can’t rule University of Yangon’s riot leaves six inmates out sexual assault of centenary attracts dead, 35 injured dead teen in Malaysia huge gathering

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION 500 Ks.

WWW.MMTIMES.COM DAILY EDITION ISSUE 1425 | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2020

Subdued centenary Officers direct traffic outside the University of Yangon after the campus was closed to outsiders and centenary celebrations were called off, after earlier events were heavily attended.

Photo: Nyan Zay Htet Govt warms up to online learning

A government committee has begun looking into ways to incorporate online learning in the country’s struggling educational system amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. TECHNOLOGY 6

NEWS 2 NEWS 2 NEWS 4 NEWS 4 More ethnic groups say Mandalay prepares for Group urges govt to help Ethnic recruit suspected they’ll work with NLD summer water shortages poll workers who fell sick in killing of Shan MP More ethnic armed groups and Mandalay allocates K280 million to The Myanmar Teachers Federation A source close to the investigation political organisations express their upgrade the region’s potable water urges the government to help teachers of the killing of a newly elected NLD openness to working with the NLD system in a bid to put an end to the who contracted COVID-19 while legislator is Shan State said a recruit during its second five-year term in perennial water shortages during the serving as poll workers during the of an ethnic armed group may have office. summer months. November 8 elections. carried out the attack. 2 News www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 Mandalay allocates Ethnic parties, armed groups K280 million to boost warm up to NLD victory potable water supply THE Mandalay government has allocated over K280 million (US$213,000) to boost the region’s water supply to pre- vent a shortage of potable water during the hot season, the HEIN MYAT regional Rural Development Department said. U Soe Than, director of Mandalay Rural Development SOE Department, said the regional government is trying to ensure uninterrupted water supply for the country’s second [email protected] most populous region and its over 6 million people. “We will try to get a drinking water supply in all of the MORE ethnic armed groups and political townships in the region, except in the townships under the parties are warming up to the recent elec- supervision of Mandalay City Development Committee,” he toral victory of the National League for De- said. mocracy (NLD), boosting the political capi- Tenders for the water supply upgrading project are on- tal of the ruling party as it prepares for its going, U Soe Than added. second five-year term. “Some tenders had already finished, and all tenders will U Myo Nyunt, a member of the execu- Representatives of signatory armed groups to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement join be completed by the middle of December,” he said. “The tive committee of the NLD, said nine ethnic the celebration of the anniversary of the truce in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing construction will be take place from January to March,” he armed groups and political organisations said. have congratulated the NLD for its win and But the military (Tatmadaw) is already alising the Rakhine humanitarian crisis, Over 140 water supply projects such as digging and con- expressed willingness to cooperate in gov- negotiating a ceasefire with the Arakan amid pressure from western governments. struction of pumping wells, small water well and lake re- ernment programmes. Army (AA), which has been fighting the gov- But their fears were allayed when Daw habilitation and reconstruction, will be carried out in all “Altogether nine local political organisa- ernment in Rakhine State since November Aung San Suu Kyi refused attempts by for- 22 townships. tions sent congratulatory letters to NLD for 2018. eign interest groups to interfere in the coun- It will also include upgrading of water pipes and con- winning the election as well as welcoming Five of the 48 political parties the NLD try’s internal affairs. struction of rainwater reservoirs. its national unity government offer, includ- invited to join a national unity government Despite human rights groups and activ- The Mandalay Rural Development Department has al- ing the Northern Alliance.” have have also expressed their willingness ists questioning the ability of the Myanmar ready carried out a total of 78 water supply operations in 76 Among the nine political groups that ex- to work with the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi- government to hold a free and fair elections, villages of 13 townships where are suffering from a shortage pressed willingness to work with NLD on led party. millions of people across the country went of water using over K90 million of region’s allowance funds nation-building was the country’s biggest The Pa-O National Organisation told out to vote November 8, braving the COV- for this year. ethnic armed group, the United Wa State The Myanmar Times it had sent a letter of ID-19 pandemic. Mandalay is located in the country’s so-called dry zone, Army, and the alliance of the Arakan Army, welcome and acceptance of the NLD’s offer The NLD won 920 out of 1117 seats in which also includes the neighbouring Magwe, Ayeyarwady Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Myanmar on November 17, but U Myo Nyunt said they the union, regional and state parliaments, and Sagaing regions. These areas experiences drought dur- National Democratic Alliance Army, and had not received it yet. eclipsing its landslide victory in the 2015 ing the summer months. Kachin Independence Army, which is the Ethnic armed groups and political or- polls. In Mandalay, 51 villages in 13 townships are the most second biggest armed group in the country. ganisations were wary when the NLD first With so much political capital in hand, prone to water shortages every hot season, affecting an es- All five ethnic armed groups have- re came to power in 2016, amid concerns it local political analysts said the NLD will timated 7640 households. fused to sign the government-initiated Na- would be puppet of western powers, which have only itself to blame if it fails to make Earlier this year, water shortages were experienced in tionwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) that are covetous of the country’s huge untapped substantive progress in bringing peace and 463 villages in 116 townships across the nation, including would allow them to join the national peace natural resources. development to the country in the next five 90 villages in Ayeyawady Region, and 60 in Sagaing Region. process. They criticised the NLD for internation- years. – Translated – Kyaw Ko Ko/Translated

Facts and figures for COVID-19 COVID-19 cases in Myanmar Daily death toll in second wave

Confirmed cases 50

90,713 40

30 Deaths from virus confirmed Recovered by tests 23 1,941 70,156* 20

10 Number of people who tested for COVID-19 1,163,776 0

Figures as of 8pm November 30 *Includes patients sent home after 14-day quarantine

1500 Recovered: 1,227 1000 43,690,387 500

Deaths: 0 1,467,284 16/08/2020 19/08/2020 22/08/2020 25/08/2020 28/08/2020 31/08/2020 03/09/2020 06/09/2020 09/09/2020 12/09/2020 15/09/2020 18/09/2020 21/09/2020 24/09/2020 27/09/2020 30/09/2020 03/10/2020 06/10/2020 09/10/2020 12/10/2020 15/10/2020 18/10/2020 21/10/2020 24/10/2020 27/10/2020 30/10/2020 02/11/2020 05/11/2020 08/11/2020 11/11/2020 14/11/2020 17/11/2020 20/11/2020 23/11/2020 26/11/2020 29/11/2020 Source: worldometers.info 2 News www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES www.mmtimes.com News 3 Ethnic parties, armed groups Mandalay allocates Govt extends domestic, Another four bakery K280 million to boost workers have COVID-19 warm up to NLD victory potable water supply international flight bans TINT ZAW TUN workers secure their rights under THE Mandalay government has allocated over K280 mil- [email protected] the Labour Law, said Ko Hein Latt lion (US$213,000) to boost the region’s water supply to pre- of the CTUM. vent a shortage of potable water during the hot season, the ZEYAR HEIN ANOTHER four underage workers The head of the police station HEIN MYAT regional Rural Development Department said. at a bakery in Ward 87 of Dagon and bakery supervisors who had U Soe Than, director of Mandalay Rural Development THE Myanmar government has extended the suspension of Seikkan township have tested posi- close contact with the infected SOE Department, said the regional government is trying to en- international commercial flights to December 31, according tive for COVID-19, bringing the to- workers have also tested positive sure uninterrupted water supply for the country’s second to the Department of Civil Aviation. tal to 14, said Ko Wai Lain Maung, a for the disease, and 11 police offic- [email protected] most populous region and its over 6 million people. International flights to Myanmar have been suspended worker at the bakery. ers are in quarantine. “We will try to get a drinking water supply in all of the since March 29 this year, “Four new cases were found – Reports that the underage work- MORE ethnic armed groups and political townships in the region, except in the townships under the Domestic flights have also been grounded until Decem- my younger sister, a cousin and two ers were harassed by their employer parties are warming up to the recent elec- supervision of Mandalay City Development Committee,” he ber 15 to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to local others from my village who all work prompted a riot by residents at the toral victory of the National League for De- said. airlines. at the bakery,” he said. bakery on November 20. mocracy (NLD), boosting the political capi- Tenders for the water supply upgrading project are on- International relief, charter and cargo flights will con- Ko Wai Lain Maung, 20, has The riot injured 27 police and tal of the ruling party as it prepares for its going, U Soe Than added. tinue operating, said a manager of an airline. been a waiter since he was 10 at the 10 other people, and damaged ve- second five-year term. “Some tenders had already finished, and all tenders will The Central Committee for Prevention, Control and The first Emirates Airlines flight arrives at Yangon restaurant operated by the bakery hicles. U Myo Nyunt, a member of the execu- Representatives of signatory armed groups to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement join be completed by the middle of December,” he said. “The Treatment of COVID-19 had recently announced that re- International Airport Terminal 1 in August 2016. in Latha township. He reported to Seventeen people accused of tive committee of the NLD, said nine ethnic the celebration of the anniversary of the truce in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing construction will be take place from January to March,” he sumption of domestic airline flights would depend on the Photo: Aung Khant police that the employer had forced starting the riot and the employer’s armed groups and political organisations said. COVID-19 situation in the country. his sister to work. younger brother were detained have congratulated the NLD for its win and But the military (Tatmadaw) is already alising the Rakhine humanitarian crisis, Over 140 water supply projects such as digging and con- Five local airlines had been offering flights with low Myanmar domestic air services have dropped to the low- “When they get out of quaran- by police. A case has been opened expressed willingness to cooperate in gov- negotiating a ceasefire with the Arakan amid pressure from western governments. struction of pumping wells, small water well and lake re- fares due to the lack of passengers. est level in five years, with only 1.5 million passengers arriv- tine, they will be able to talk about against the latter for allegedly mis- ernment programmes. Army (AA), which has been fighting the gov- But their fears were allayed when Daw habilitation and reconstruction, will be carried out in all “In fact, the possibility of being infected with the virus ing at Yangon International Airport from January to June the forced labour at the bakery. I treating workers. The Yangon City “Altogether nine local political organisa- ernment in Rakhine State since November Aung San Suu Kyi refused attempts by for- 22 townships. while flying is very low. I think the government should 2020, according to the airport. don’t know how long they will be in Development Committee has also tions sent congratulatory letters to NLD for 2018. eign interest groups to interfere in the coun- It will also include upgrading of water pipes and con- take a risk and allow airlines to resume services while There were 13,151 domestic flights in the past six months quarantine,” he said. opened an investigation of the winning the election as well as welcoming Five of the 48 political parties the NLD try’s internal affairs. struction of rainwater reservoirs. taking necessary preventive measures,” said one airline in Myanmar, a 22 percent drop from the same period last The Confederation of Trade employers for operating without a its national unity government offer, includ- invited to join a national unity government Despite human rights groups and activ- The Mandalay Rural Development Department has al- official. year. – Translated Unions in Myanmar is helping the business license. – Translated ing the Northern Alliance.” have have also expressed their willingness ists questioning the ability of the Myanmar ready carried out a total of 78 water supply operations in 76 Among the nine political groups that ex- to work with the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi- government to hold a free and fair elections, villages of 13 townships where are suffering from a shortage pressed willingness to work with NLD on led party. millions of people across the country went of water using over K90 million of region’s allowance funds nation-building was the country’s biggest The Pa-O National Organisation told out to vote November 8, braving the COV- for this year. ethnic armed group, the United Wa State The Myanmar Times it had sent a letter of ID-19 pandemic. Mandalay is located in the country’s so-called dry zone, Army, and the alliance of the Arakan Army, welcome and acceptance of the NLD’s offer The NLD won 920 out of 1117 seats in which also includes the neighbouring Magwe, Ayeyarwady Two Yangon markets seek green light to reopen Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Myanmar on November 17, but U Myo Nyunt said they the union, regional and state parliaments, and Sagaing regions. These areas experiences drought dur- National Democratic Alliance Army, and had not received it yet. eclipsing its landslide victory in the 2015 ing the summer months. HMUE ANGEL washing stations must be available they follow the regulations set by local Kachin Independence Army, which is the Ethnic armed groups and political or- polls. In Mandalay, 51 villages in 13 townships are the most at all entrances, township and health health authorities,” he added. second biggest armed group in the country. ganisations were wary when the NLD first With so much political capital in hand, prone to water shortages every hot season, affecting an es- TWO major markets in Yangon Region authorities must conduct spot checks, A face mask and shield campaign All five ethnic armed groups have- re came to power in 2016, amid concerns it local political analysts said the NLD will timated 7640 households. are negotiating to reopen after putting and rule violations will be punished. was started in San Pya central fish fused to sign the government-initiated Na- would be puppet of western powers, which have only itself to blame if it fails to make Earlier this year, water shortages were experienced in COVID-19 health regulations in place, The markets have been closed for market and Thiri Mingalar market tionwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) that are covetous of the country’s huge untapped substantive progress in bringing peace and 463 villages in 116 townships across the nation, including according to township COVID-19 com- nearly two months, causing hardships on November 15, after the Ministry of would allow them to join the national peace natural resources. development to the country in the next five 90 villages in Ayeyawady Region, and 60 in Sagaing Region. mittees. for shop owners and workers. Health and Sports announced a new process. They criticised the NLD for internation- years. – Translated – Kyaw Ko Ko/Translated “Market committees at Bogyoke “The Yangon City Development cluster of COVID-19 cases in Yangon Market and Theingyi Zay asked to re- Committee has no authority to reopen markets. open. After a meeting, they were told YCDC markets. The reopening has to The General Administration De- they could reopen if they follow all rules be approved by the central commit- partment, Public Health Department, and regulations,” said U Kyaw Khaing, tee,” said U Khin Hlaing, chair of the City Development Committee, police, Pabedan township administrator. Mingalar Taung Nyunt township com- fire department and Red Cross in each Facts and figures for COVID-19 The conditions to be met before mittee. township are working with social or- reopening include all shopkeepers “Private markets like Shwe Pyae ganisations to encourage people to fol- Bogyoke market provides hand sanitizer in March, after Myanmar found its first COVID-19 cases in Myanmar Daily death toll in second wave and customers must wear face masks, Sone or Yuzana Plaza can reopen if low all health regulations. – Translated COVID-19 patients. Photo: Myanmar Times Confirmed cases 50 Ancient Bagan pagodas prepare for reopening Kayah State 90,713 40

AUNG THANT KHAING godas reopen to the public, according to move bus 30 Deaths from virus confirmed Recovered KYAW KO KO to the Department of Archaeology by tests 23 and National Museum in Bagan. The station away 70,156* 20 ALTHOUGH no date has been set for pagodas were listed as a UNESCO 1,941 the reopening of Bagan’s historic pa- World Heritage Site in 2019. godas, preparations are under way at Preparations are under way to re- from village 10 restaurants, hotels and tourist sites open the Bagan Archaeological Muse- Number of people who tested for COVID-19 in line with Ministry of Health and um by following ministry guidelines KHIN SU WAI Sports regulations to be ready when and limiting visitor numbers, said its 0 1,163,776 officials give the go-ahead. director, U Than Htike. THE Kayah State government will Officials visited the Bagan- “We will follow social distancing move a temporary bus station away Figures as of 8pm November 30 Nyaung-U cultural heritage zone on rules, allow only a limited number from a village to Thit Pone Seik in *Includes patients sent home after 14-day quarantine November 21 and urged people to of visitors, and provide face masks, Loikaw township, said a government

Source: Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar 16/08/2020 19/08/2020 22/08/2020 25/08/2020 28/08/2020 31/08/2020 03/09/2020 06/09/2020 09/09/2020 12/09/2020 15/09/2020 18/09/2020 21/09/2020 24/09/2020 27/09/2020 30/09/2020 03/10/2020 06/10/2020 09/10/2020 12/10/2020 15/10/2020 18/10/2020 21/10/2020 24/10/2020 27/10/2020 30/10/2020 02/11/2020 05/11/2020 08/11/2020 11/11/2020 14/11/2020 17/11/2020 20/11/2020 23/11/2020 26/11/2020 29/11/2020 prepare for the reopening. An evening among the pagodas in Bagan. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing shields, and hand gel,” he said. official. “We don’t know the reopening They have also plan to offer online “We have been building infrastruc- date. We are making preparations to Three inspection teams arrived in pilgrims will be allowed to visit the registration for tours of Bagan’s pago- ture at the place and will move it there Global numbers for COVID-19 be ready when it happens. The region the cultural heritage zone on Novem- pagodas at a time. das and temples. soon,” said Director U Kyaw Lin Oo. Daily new cases in second wave relies on travellers, so we all expect ber 23. According to a report, there U Win Aung, deputy director of The Ministry of Religious Affairs To ensure the continued flow of to get normal jobs again if the pago- are plans to allow people to visit the Hotels and Tourism in Bagan, said he and Culture said online bookings to goods during the COVID-19 pan- 2500 das reopen. The officials inspected pagodas twice a day, from 5 to 9am didn’t know when the ancient sites visit the country’s museums or the demic, the bus station was moved a Coronavirus cases: restaurants, hotels and food stalls,” and from 4 to 6 pm. Washbasins will would be allowed to reopen. Royal Palace in Mandalay can be high school compound between Pikin said U Myint Tun, administrator of be provided, social distancing will The authorities will use an online made at https://museumsmyanmar. Kawkhu and Wari Kawkhu villages 63,187,035 2000 Nyaung-U district. be enforced, and no more than 30 booking system when the Bagan pa- com/. – Translated outside Loikaw town on October 9. Two workers at the bus station test- 1500 ed positive for COVID-19 on October 1,227 26, which prompted the villages file a Recovered: formal complaint about the bus sta- 1000 Thirty new COVID-19 patients found in Hpakant tion on October 28. Officials promised to move the bus station. 43,690,387 Pikin Kawkhu has 250 households 500 THIRTY new COVID-19 patients have kant,” said deputy township adminis- “Hpakant is under stay-at-home hard to tell them to follow the rules,” and 1190 people, and Wari Kawkhu been found in Hpakant township in trator U Phon Garam. orders, so betel nut shops are sup- he said. village has 286 households and 1630 Deaths: 0 Kachin State, according to a town- More than 100 COVID-19 cases posed to be open. A school in Lone Kachin has more than 200 COV- people. ship official. have been found in Hpakant among Khin has been turned into a treatment ID-19 patients, about half of them in “No village is near the new loca- “COVID-19 was quiet in our state gem traders, and workers at tea centre,” he said. Stay-at-home orders Hpakant. tion,” U Kyaw Lin Oo said. 1,467,284 for about 20 days after the second shops, betel nut shops, phone shops took effect in Hpakant and Mohnyin A total of 21,532 people have been Kayah has 22 COVID-19 cases, in- wave. A third wave began in mid-No- and hotels. The state government has township on October 19. tested in Yangon, Mandalay, Myitkyi- cluding nine drivers and their helpers. 16/08/2020 19/08/2020 22/08/2020 25/08/2020 28/08/2020 31/08/2020 03/09/2020 06/09/2020 09/09/2020 12/09/2020 15/09/2020 18/09/2020 21/09/2020 24/09/2020 27/09/2020 30/09/2020 03/10/2020 06/10/2020 09/10/2020 12/10/2020 15/10/2020 18/10/2020 21/10/2020 24/10/2020 27/10/2020 30/10/2020 02/11/2020 05/11/2020 08/11/2020 11/11/2020 14/11/2020 17/11/2020 20/11/2020 23/11/2020 26/11/2020 29/11/2020 Source: worldometers.info vember. Most of the new cases were warned there is a high risk of the vi- “COVID-19 has lasted so long. Peo- na and Bhamaw. It has tested over 3000 drivers and found in the Lone Khin area of Hpa- rus spreading among the public. ple have lost their livelihoods, so it is – Khin Su Wai/Translated their assistants. – Translated 4 News www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 Suspect in legislator’s killing in Shan thought to have ties to ethnic group

HEIN MYAT SOE the November 8 elections. giving any details. [email protected] “There is progress in the investiga- U Htike Zaw, who won the Amyo- tion,” the source said. “The investigat- tha Hluttaw seat for Constituency 1 A NEW recruit of one of the three eth- ing team needs the cooperation of the in Kyaukme township, was shot to nic armed groups operating in Shan Tatmadaw (military) so we can make death by a gunman at his home in State is suspected of killing a newly more progress.” Kyaukme at around 6pm on Novem- elected Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper “There are three major ethnic ber 21. A teacher counts votes cast in the November 8 polls in Yangon. House) legislator on November 21, a armed groups operating in the area,” The Shan-based Shan Nationalities Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing source close to the investigation said. he added. “These three groups did not League for Democracy (SNLD) and The source said a team of officials issue any instructions to commit the the Ta’ang (Palaung) National Party from the Criminal Investigation De- crime. But there are young men who offered their condolences to the fam- Help teachers facing partment, Myanmar Special Branch have connection with these groups, ily of the victim and condemned the Police and Myanmar Police Force is in- maybe they are trainees or completed attack. vestigating the killing of U Htike Zaw, the training courses of these groups. The NLD urged the police to bring one of the ruling National League for Such young men did the killing. We the culprit to justice as soon as pos- election-related Democracy’s winning candidates in have information,” he said, without sible. – Translated trouble, MTF urges

Myanmar, South Korea expect THE Myanmar Teachers Federa- Eleven teachers had already re- tion (MTF) urged the government ceived the financial support and the to help teachers deal with problems rest of the teachers will receive aid arising from their poll duties. starting on November 30 through closer cooperation under new govt The group issued the call after Wave Money transfer. one teacher in Pyawbwe township The MTF is also preparing to CHAN MYA HTWE in Mandalay Region was accused of support the families of two teach- campaigning while performing her ers who died due to COVID-19, U MYANMAR and South Korea are optimistic of closer coop- poll duties. Zaw Myo Hlaing said. At present, eration in the next five years during the second term of the It said two other teachers who the MTF received about K3 million ruling National League for Democracy. helped during the election died from donors. Kim Gunn, South Korean deputy minister for Foreign Af- from COVID-19. The group said that partner or- fairs, said South Korea-Myanmar relations, as well as invest- “The main point is that election ganisations will provide legal help ment and economic cooperation will be promoted within two was finished and results have been to teacher who were charged in years based on Seoul’s New Southern Policy Plus. announced. It is a sad thing to learn court for the performance of their The South Korean diplomat made the announcement some teachers died from COVID-19. election duties. during a four-day visit to Myanmar to celebrate the 45th an- What’s worse, one teacher was Last week, the opposition Union niversary of South Korean-Myanmar diplomatic relations. charged in court for doing her job,” Solidarity and Development Party During the visit that ended on Friday, South Korea and People wearing face masks walk past a Christmas tree set said U Zaw Myo Hlaing, secretary (USDP) charged Daw Khin Mar Myanmar officials agree to promote and intensify bilateral up for a year-end festival featuring colorful lanterns at a of the federation. Yi, 53, a primary school teacher in communication and to cooperate in the realisation of South shopping street in Seoul on November 20. Photo: AP He said the group will help the Pyawbwe with campaigning while Korea’s policy goals. accused teacher as well as those collecting advance votes among the The policy, unveiled by South Korean President Mon The two sides cordially exchanged views on the imple- who got COVID-19 while perform- elderly and people with disabilities Jae-in during the ASEAN virtual summit earlier this month, mentation of the Myanmar-South Korea Friendship Bridge ing their election duties. in the village during the November contains new and actionable measures focusing on seven (Dala) project, the Myanmar-South Korea Industrial Com- U Zaw Myo Hlaing said the 8 polls, which violates Section 61(a) key areas of cooperation, including comprehensive health plex project and the launching of the Myanmar Develop- group has provided some of the of the Election Law. and medical cooperation. ment Institute-MDI and Technical Vocational Education and teachers a payment of K50,000 The teacher is set to be ar- U Kyaw Tin, Myanmar minister for International Co- Teacher Training Institute of Myanmar in Yangon to be car- (US$38) each. raigned next week. operation, welcomed promoting cooperation based on the ried out with the assistance of South Korea. “I really appreciate this kind of The USDP and about 16 allied South Korean strategy, They also agreed to facilitate the travel of more South encouragement,” he said. “I was parties, have refused to acknowl- Both sides agreed on strengthening cooperation to build Korean technicians to Myanmar to maintain the momen- told that even the Ministry of Ed- edge the results of the elections, Myanmar infrastructure, human resource development tum of the implementation of bilateral projects between ucation does not know yet about claiming massive fraud and irregu- and social economic development. the two countries. these teachers who are in trouble larities. It called for a new election The two sides also agreed to continue sending Myanmar Aside from meeting senior officials, the South Korean because of their election duties.. under the supervision of the Tat- workers to South Korea under the employment permit sys- diplomat also met with South Korean businesspeople in They said that they are really hap- madaw (military) and the Union tem and to promote bilateral ties on such issues as Rakhine Myanmar and heads of South Korea’s public institutions. py with the encouragement given Election Commission. State and the national peace process. – Translated them by some people.” – Hein Myat Soe/Translated President, State Counsellor yet to submit poll expense reports

MIN WATHAN 30 days,” U Kyaw Moe Kyi said. “If the representatives fail to submit one, PRESIDENT U Win Myint and State they will be regarded as unqualified Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi candidates and not be allowed to con- have yet to file their election expenses test the next election.” as required under the country’s elec- A total of 801 representatives con- tion laws, according to Yangon region- tested Yangon Region, and their ex- al election officials. penditure reports must be submitted U Kyaw Moe Kyi, spokesperson of by December 13. the Yangon election commission, said Under the country’s election laws the country’s two top leaders have un- candidates contesting Pyithu Hlut- til December 13 to file their election taw, Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), expenditure reports. and state and regional assembly seats U Win Myint contested and won the can spend a maximum of K10 million Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) seat in President U Win Myint at a Martyrs’ (US$7600) while those contesting eth- Tarmwe township, while the State Coun- Day ceremony. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing nic affairs minister seats can spend up sellor contested and won the Pyithu to K15 million. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attends an event to honour fallen Hluttaw seat in Kawhmu township. ted election expenditures reports. As a general policy, candidates of independence heroes during the Martyrs’ Day ceremony at the Martyrs’ About 50 percent of the candidates “Form 20 expenditures must be the NLD spend their own money for Mausoleum in Yangon on July 19. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing in Yangon Region had already submit- submitted to the commission within campaigning. – Translated DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES 5 4 News www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 Suspect in legislator’s killing in Shan thought to Business have ties to ethnic group

HEIN MYAT SOE the November 8 elections. giving any details. Myanmar to expand [email protected] “There is progress in the investiga- U Htike Zaw, who won the Amyo- tion,” the source said. “The investigat- tha Hluttaw seat for Constituency 1 A NEW recruit of one of the three eth- ing team needs the cooperation of the in Kyaukme township, was shot to nic armed groups operating in Shan Tatmadaw (military) so we can make death by a gunman at his home in State is suspected of killing a newly more progress.” Kyaukme at around 6pm on Novem- national grid, build elected Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper “There are three major ethnic ber 21. A teacher counts votes cast in the November 8 polls in Yangon. House) legislator on November 21, a armed groups operating in the area,” The Shan-based Shan Nationalities Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing source close to the investigation said. he added. “These three groups did not League for Democracy (SNLD) and The source said a team of officials issue any instructions to commit the the Ta’ang (Palaung) National Party from the Criminal Investigation De- crime. But there are young men who offered their condolences to the fam- Help teachers facing more power stations partment, Myanmar Special Branch have connection with these groups, ily of the victim and condemned the Police and Myanmar Police Force is in- maybe they are trainees or completed attack. vestigating the killing of U Htike Zaw, the training courses of these groups. The NLD urged the police to bring CHAN MYA HTWE Taungngu-Phayargyi. The Meiktila- hour, U Win Khaing said. one of the ruling National League for Such young men did the killing. We the culprit to justice as soon as pos- election-related [email protected] Taungngu-Phayargyi project will He added more power genera- Democracy’s winning candidates in have information,” he said, without sible. – Translated be completed this year. Less power tion and electricity transmission MYANMAR is building new power outages are expected. is needed to draw more foreign trouble, MTF urges stations that will contribute a total Other projects being im- investments into the country. of 500 kilovolts (KV) to the na- plemented include the 230 KV Electricity demand is growing tional grid in fiscal 2020-21, said U Nyaungbingyi substation and by 15pc per year in Myanmar. At A panoramic view of downtown Yangon. Photo: Nyan Zay Htet/ Myanmar, South Korea expect THE Myanmar Teachers Federa- Eleven teachers had already re- Win Khaing, Minister for Electric- Gantgaw substation in Sagaing present, electricity is generated The Myanmar Times tion (MTF) urged the government ceived the financial support and the ity and Energy. Region, 290-kilometre 230KV mainly by hydropower and natural to help teachers deal with problems rest of the teachers will receive aid Construction of the Eastern Mawlamyine-Ye-Dawei transmis- gas in Myanmar, meeting 55pc of arising from their poll duties. starting on November 30 through Grid, Western Grid, Southern Grid sion line and station in Tanintharyi the country’s needs. The Ministry closer cooperation under new govt The group issued the call after Wave Money transfer. and Northern Grids are underway. Region, 13.5km 230KV Hpa-an- of Electricity and Energy plans to Credit bureau lists in Singapore one teacher in Pyawbwe township The MTF is also preparing to The four grids will support the Thaton-Mawlamyine transmission meet 75pc of the country’s electric- CHAN MYA HTWE in Mandalay Region was accused of support the families of two teach- existing fully loaded 230 KV power line and station in Kayin State, and ity needs by 2025. to raise funds for growth campaigning while performing her ers who died due to COVID-19, U lines and enable more electricity to 59km 132KV Upper Kyaingtaung- It also aims to have renewable MYANMAR and South Korea are optimistic of closer coop- poll duties. Zaw Myo Hlaing said. At present, be transmitted across the country Namsan transmission line and sources account for 14pc of its total eration in the next five years during the second term of the It said two other teachers who the MTF received about K3 million as more power is generated over 52.6km 66KV Muse-Namphatkar generation within the five-year pe- KANG WAN CHERN mar, where the majority of businesses ruling National League for Democracy. helped during the election died from donors. the next years. transmission line and station in riod and is considering several re- [email protected] do not document their credit history Kim Gunn, South Korean deputy minister for Foreign Af- from COVID-19. The group said that partner or- The projects include the 500 Shan State. newable energy proposals, includ- and therefore do not qualify for loans fairs, said South Korea-Myanmar relations, as well as invest- “The main point is that election ganisations will provide legal help KV power station at 146-mile of The infrastructure will con- ing 61 solar power projects with CREDIT Bureau Asia (CBA), which needed for growth. ment and economic cooperation will be promoted within two was finished and results have been to teacher who were charged in Meiktila-Taungngu, 230 KV power tribute to better and more stable a combined capacity of 5,746MW, provides credit risk assessments, has Myanmar Credit Bureau cur- years based on Seoul’s New Southern Policy Plus. announced. It is a sad thing to learn court for the performance of their station at 76-mile of Upper Ye power distribution and reducing seven wind power projects gen- registered its prospectus with the rently holds an exclusive licence to use The South Korean diplomat made the announcement some teachers died from COVID-19. election duties. Ywar-Shwesaryan, 500KV at 60- transmission losses from 4 percent erating 1,163MW and six biomass Monetary Authority of Singapore for credit bureau software after signing a during a four-day visit to Myanmar to celebrate the 45th an- What’s worse, one teacher was Last week, the opposition Union mile of Phayagyi-Hlaingtharyar to 3pc, enabling the grids to projects generating 200MW across an initial public offering (IPO) of 30 licensing arrangement with US-based niversary of South Korean-Myanmar diplomatic relations. charged in court for doing her job,” Solidarity and Development Party and 500KV at 117th Mile of produce 200 million kilowatts per Myanmar. – Translated million shares priced at 93 Singapore Equifax New Zealand Services and During the visit that ended on Friday, South Korea and People wearing face masks walk past a Christmas tree set said U Zaw Myo Hlaing, secretary (USDP) charged Daw Khin Mar cents each. The shares will begin trad- Solutions in December 2018. Myanmar officials agree to promote and intensify bilateral up for a year-end festival featuring colorful lanterns at a of the federation. Yi, 53, a primary school teacher in ing on the Mainboard of the Singapore Myanmar Credit Bureau was tar- communication and to cooperate in the realisation of South shopping street in Seoul on November 20. Photo: AP He said the group will help the Pyawbwe with campaigning while Exchange on December 3. geted to commence operations in April Korea’s policy goals. accused teacher as well as those collecting advance votes among the CBA has a 40 percent stake in Myan- but opened in the fourth quarter of The policy, unveiled by South Korean President Mon The two sides cordially exchanged views on the imple- who got COVID-19 while perform- elderly and people with disabilities mar Credit Bureau, which was granted 2020 instead. It currently has over 220 Jae-in during the ASEAN virtual summit earlier this month, mentation of the Myanmar-South Korea Friendship Bridge ing their election duties. in the village during the November a non-exclusive licence in May 2018 by potential members including national contains new and actionable measures focusing on seven (Dala) project, the Myanmar-South Korea Industrial Com- U Zaw Myo Hlaing said the 8 polls, which violates Section 61(a) the Central Bank of Myanmar under the and local banks, foreign bank branches, key areas of cooperation, including comprehensive health plex project and the launching of the Myanmar Develop- group has provided some of the of the Election Law. Myanmar Financial Institutions Law and and non-bank financial institutions. It and medical cooperation. ment Institute-MDI and Technical Vocational Education and teachers a payment of K50,000 The teacher is set to be ar- is the sole credit bureau in Myanmar. plans to widen membership and ex- U Kyaw Tin, Myanmar minister for International Co- Teacher Training Institute of Myanmar in Yangon to be car- (US$38) each. raigned next week. MB Investment Limited – a holding pand its product and service offerings operation, welcomed promoting cooperation based on the ried out with the assistance of South Korea. “I really appreciate this kind of The USDP and about 16 allied company established by the Myan- to include credit scores and data ana- South Korean strategy, They also agreed to facilitate the travel of more South encouragement,” he said. “I was parties, have refused to acknowl- mar Association of Banks – owns the lytics reports over the next two years. Both sides agreed on strengthening cooperation to build Korean technicians to Myanmar to maintain the momen- told that even the Ministry of Ed- edge the results of the elections, remaining 60pc. CBA has a 99.9pc market share in Myanmar infrastructure, human resource development tum of the implementation of bilateral projects between ucation does not know yet about claiming massive fraud and irregu- Myanmar Credit Bureau will Singapore’s financial institution data and social economic development. the two countries. these teachers who are in trouble larities. It called for a new election over time provide credit reports and business and is also the sole licensed The two sides also agreed to continue sending Myanmar Aside from meeting senior officials, the South Korean because of their election duties.. under the supervision of the Tat- other products such as data analytics, financial institution data business in workers to South Korea under the employment permit sys- diplomat also met with South Korean businesspeople in They said that they are really hap- madaw (military) and the Union monitoring services and products that Cambodia in addition to Myanmar. It tem and to promote bilateral ties on such issues as Rakhine Myanmar and heads of South Korea’s public institutions. py with the encouragement given Election Commission. are tailored for customers as well as is raising funds to grow its offerings as State and the national peace process. – Translated them by some people.” – Hein Myat Soe/Translated profiles on individuals and business well as expand regionally in new and entities through the collection of credit existing markets. information and other related data. Based on the offering price of its This is expected to assist lenders IPO, the estimated post-listing market in improving their risk assessment capitalisation of CBA is expected to be President, State Counsellor yet Two workers walk past rows of generators at VPower’s 400MW LNG-to-power plant in Thaketa. processes and evaluating the creditwor- approximately S$214.3 million, accord- Photo: Mar Naw thiness of potential borrowers in Myan- ing to its prospectus. to submit poll expense reports Yangon’s Thilawa Port to receive larger ships MIN WATHAN 30 days,” U Kyaw Moe Kyi said. “If the representatives fail to submit one, SALAI TUN TUN cated along the Yangon river where Thilawa. According to an analysis by PRESIDENT U Win Myint and State they will be regarded as unqualified [email protected] container vessel sizes are restricted ocean consultancy Royal Haskoning, Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi candidates and not be allowed to con- due to sandbars located along the based on draft levels and hours of have yet to file their election expenses test the next election.” THE Myanmar Port Authority will navigation channel. Yangon port is high tide, Thilawa Port can accom- as required under the country’s elec- A total of 801 representatives con- permit larger ships with drafts of up located in downtown Yangon while modate up to 7,300 annual vessel tion laws, according to Yangon region- tested Yangon Region, and their ex- to 10 metres to call at Thilawa Port in Thilawa Port is located 16km further calls while Yangon Port can accom- al election officials. penditure reports must be submitted Yangon this month, according to its downstream. modate up to 4,380 annual vessel U Kyaw Moe Kyi, spokesperson of by December 13. latest announcement. Thilawa Port, which has a depth calls. the Yangon election commission, said Under the country’s election laws This is expected to enable more of 10 metres, is able to handle vessels With an annual vessel call of the country’s two top leaders have un- candidates contesting Pyithu Hlut- containerised cargo throughput at of up to 20,000 tonnes, or 2000 TEUs 2,483 in fiscal 2015016, this implies til December 13 to file their election taw, Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), the port and encourage higher vol- in capacity. Up until early this year, that Port of Yangon volumes could expenditure reports. and state and regional assembly seats umes of trade. About 95 percent of only vessels with drafts of up to 9 be limited by channel capacity when U Win Myint contested and won the can spend a maximum of K10 million Myanmar’s trade is conducted by sea. metres were permitted to call at the the vessel calls increase. With an Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House) seat in President U Win Myint at a Martyrs’ (US$7600) while those contesting eth- In the last fiscal year, cargos worth port. Yangon Port has a depth of 9 estimated maximum 4,380 calls and Tarmwe township, while the State Coun- Day ceremony. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing nic affairs minister seats can spend up over US$10.4 billion was exported metres and can handle vessels of up an average of 1,200 TEU exchange sellor contested and won the Pyithu to K15 million. and US$15.6 billion was imported via to 15,000 tonnes, or 1500 TEUs. per call, the navigation channel can State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attends an event to honour fallen Hluttaw seat in Kawhmu township. ted election expenditures reports. As a general policy, candidates of the maritime route. The number of vessels to Yangon potentially accommodate up to 5.3 independence heroes during the Martyrs’ Day ceremony at the Martyrs’ About 50 percent of the candidates “Form 20 expenditures must be the NLD spend their own money for Yangon’s two main ports, Thilawa is expected to rise now that larger million TEU annually, according to A general view shows a container truck driving past the Asia World shipping Mausoleum in Yangon on July 19. Photo: Aung Htay Hlaing in Yangon Region had already submit- submitted to the commission within campaigning. – Translated and the Port of Yangon, are lo- vessels will be permitted to call at Royal Haskoning. – Translated container terminal in Yangon, August 28, 2019. Photo: EPA-EFE 6 Focus www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

Chief Operating Officer – U Wai Linn

ENGLISH EDITION Editor-in-Chief – Kang Wan Chern [email protected] News Editors echnology John Grafilo, T [email protected] Patrick Fong [email protected] Chief Sub-Editor – Kevin Courtney [email protected] Myanmar takes steps to Chief Translator – Zaw Nyunt [email protected] Lifestyle/Metro Editors Andrew King [email protected] Nandar Aung bring education online [email protected] Head of Photography Zarni Phyo, Nyan Zay Htet THIHA KO KO Head of Multimedia – Aung Khant THE Digital Economy Development Committee PRODUCTION (DEDC) and Coursera, an online learning plat- form, have launched a programme to give Myan- Art Director – Tin Zaw Htwe mar people the skills they need to find jobs in a Production Manager – Zar Ni technology-focused economy, committee member [email protected] U Mya Moe Aung said. Assistant Manager - Zaw Naing Soe The Workforce Recovery Programme will offer [email protected] more than 3000 short courses online for free, including information and communications technol- HR/ADMIN ogy and languages. Registration for the free cours- HR/Admin Manager – Ei Thandar Myint es will be open from December 14 to February 15. [email protected] DEDC and technology seed accelerator [email protected] Phandeeyar Institute will assist in the delivery of the four most popular technology courses – social ADVERTISING & SALES media marketing, certified by Facebook; Google IT support, certified by Google; data science; and (959) 25 400 6188 data and software development. [email protected], The government formed the DEDC in 2017 to [email protected] carry out a national plan to digitise the Myanmar economy by moving local businesses and govern- CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION ment functions online, increasing mobile network Circulation & Distribution Manager - coverage, and developing qualified tech profes- Ye Lynn Htay sionals. [email protected] The programme comes amid a surge in e-com- A view of a facility where teachers conduct online classes with students in need of tutoring through a (959) 421 011 651 merce and the shift of strategic and administrative hotline programme, in Taguig City, Philippines, on October 12. Photo: EPA-EFE [email protected] government functions online, which have been ac- Stand-Sales - (959) 421 148 807 celerated by COVID-19. and people who do not have much knowledge have to commit to working remotely in the current Subscriber - (959) 550 2539 Since the pandemic began in March, internet of these subjects. These four technology courses academic year. Delivery - (959) 443 063 030 usage in Myanmar has spread to 65 percent of the can help job seekers obtain the certification they Plans to continue public school classes online population, up from 40pc in 2019. U Aye Chan, need to qualify for tech-related jobs,” said U Mya when the pandemic first struck were abandoned chair of the E-Commerce Association of Myanmar, Moe Aung. due to a lack of infrastructure and teachers. Publisher – Daw Thiri Aung said many businesses have moved online, sales on The Department of Higher Education is taking On May 19, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu 01021 Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. digital platforms have doubled. Also, more people steps to support online learning, as COVID-19 con- Kyi said Myanmar was not ready for online learn- are using digital banking, according to the govern- tinues to disrupt Myanmar’s traditional education ing because the country lacks the infrastructure The Myanmar Times is owned by Myanmar ment’s Information and Cyber Security Depart- system. The country’s universities, colleges and for internet-based teaching. Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. and printed by ment. government vocational training schools have been In an online meeting with education officials Myanmar Times Press (00876) with approval closed since March. and parents, she said that while some developed from MCM Co., Ltd. The title The Myanmar More government services online While online schooling remains impractical for countries are using online learning amid the pan- Times, in either English or Myanmar lan- The government itself has moved key administra- most purposes, experts say it is possible for those demic, “some students in those countries are un- guages, its associated logos or devices, and tive functions online, such as company registra- studying for master’s degrees or doctorates. happy about learning online. the contents of this publication may not be tions, tax filing and trade licensing. Within a few The department last week allowed Myanmar “University students have objected to receiv- reproduced in whole or in part without the months, registrations, renewals and fee payments universities and colleges to offer online -pro ing diplomas after finishing their degrees online written consent of the Executive Director of for some permits, as well as marketing and promo- grammes for master’s degrees and doctorates for because they felt it was not worth it, and they tion of local trade and tourism will be conducted the first time. demanded refunds of their tuition fees,” she said, Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. online. U Aung Min, rector of Mandalay’s Yadanarbon without elaborating. However, the Myanmar education system has University, said academics agreed on the plan at a Education is not just about passing examina- Printing Inquiries – U Htay Maung been slow to adopt digital learning practices. As a recent online meeting. tions, she added, but also about learning to social- [email protected] result, large swathes of the population lack knowl- ise, and teamwork. “Online learning is too focused edge about the opportunities and risks of going Pathway to advanced degrees on education. We have to value the experience out- Republishing Inquiries – Kang Wan Chern online. “We discussed the possibility of opening online side the classroom as well as in class,” she said. “In [email protected] More importantly without courses in digital classes with professors and department heads via school, play is important for students because they technology at institutions of higher learning, My- Zoom. Everyone said it was OK but would demand can learn from it as well.” anmar is losing out on developing the talent and more effort from teachers and students, as they According to a survey by civic groups, Myan- skills needed to drive the country’s transition to a have never been involved in such classes before,” mar has been unable to provide internet service digital economy. U Aung Min said. nationwide. Also, there has been an internet black- Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. In that light, the programme offered by the “If there are practical assignments, we can’t do out in conflict areas in eight townships in Rakhine DEDC and Coursera represents a positive step for- them online, but there aren’t many students en- www.mmtimes.com and Chin states since June 2019. ward in helping Myanmar people upgrade their rolled in master’s degree programmes, and they In Myanmar, basic education schools and digital skills and knowledge. can be expected to do this online, as they are ma- universities usually reopen in June, but that has Yangon Head Office: “Study groups will support people who are ture enough.” been delayed by the pandemic. Also, thousands of No. 332 (A), Pyay Road, Myaynigone (North interested in technology but have no work expe- By going online, thesis supervisors and authors schools across the country are being used as quar- Ward, Sanchang Township, Yangon. rience, people who have difficulty with English, in master’s degree and doctorate programmes will antine centres. Telephone: (959) 51 92046, 250 790 623, 899 170 965, 50 81329

Mandalay Office: No.268/9, between 31st and 32nd Street and Between 85th and 86th Street, Chan Aye Thar Zan township, Mandalay. Tel: (959) 259 059 093, 550 2539 Email: [email protected]

Nay Pyi Taw: (959) 550 2539, 444 811 142, 444 811 143 Nay Pyi Taw Agent: Thurain Win: (+959) 250 692 123 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES 7 6 Focus www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

Chief Operating Officer – U Wai Linn

ENGLISH EDITION Editor-in-Chief – Kang Wan Chern [email protected] ASEAN Focus News Editors echnology John Grafilo, T [email protected] Patrick Fong KUALA LUMPUR IN BRIEF [email protected] Chief Sub-Editor – Kevin Courtney [email protected] Myanmar takes steps to Chief Translator – Zaw Nyunt UK doctor can’t rule out sexual JAKARTA [email protected] Indonesia police say suspected Lifestyle/Metro Editors militants kill four villagers Andrew King Indonesian police said Saturday that sus- [email protected] assault of dead teen in Malaysia pected militants killed four people and burned Nandar Aung bring education online seven houses in a village in Central Sulawesi [email protected] province. Head of Photography A BRITISH pathologist said Monday there was National Police spokesperson Awi Setiyono Zarni Phyo, Nyan Zay Htet THIHA KO KO no positive evidence that a French-Irish teenag- said they believe Friday’s assault in Lemban Head of Multimedia – Aung Khant er found dead last year near a Malaysian jungle Tongoa village of Sigi district was carried out by THE Digital Economy Development Committee resort was sexually assaulted, but he couldn’t the East Indonesia Mujahideen group. PRODUCTION (DEDC) and Coursera, an online learning plat- fully rule it out due to severe body decomposi- Setiyono said after questioning five witness- form, have launched a programme to give Myan- tion. es, police determined there were 10 suspects, Art Director – Tin Zaw Htwe mar people the skills they need to find jobs in a Nathaniel Cary, a forensic pathologist who three of whom had guns. He said witnesses Production Manager – Zar Ni technology-focused economy, committee member performed a second autopsy on the body of identified at least three of the suspects as [email protected] U Mya Moe Aung said. Nora Anne Quorin in the United Kingdom, said members of East Indonesia Mujahideen. Assistant Manager - Zaw Naing Soe The Workforce Recovery Programme will offer he agreed with Malaysia’s findings that the teen He said the investigation was ongoing, as [email protected] more than 3000 short courses online for free, in- died of intestinal bleeding due to starvation and was the search for the suspects. cluding information and communications technol- stress. Ahmad Rifai, a Lemban Tongoa village offic- HR/ADMIN ogy and languages. Registration for the free cours- But he also told a Malaysian virtual in- er, said that one of the buildings burned was a HR/Admin Manager – Ei Thandar Myint es will be open from December 14 to February 15. quest into Nora’s death that he couldn’t fully Christian house of worship. He said police and [email protected] DEDC and technology seed accelerator exclude that the teen was sexual assaulted as soldiers were now guarding the village. – AP [email protected] Phandeeyar Institute will assist in the delivery of sometimes it may not show. He also said the the four most popular technology courses – social poor condition of the body made it hard to JAKARTA ADVERTISING & SALES media marketing, certified by Facebook; Google determine if there were semen traces or the Volcano in eastern Indonesia IT support, certified by Google; data science; and DNA of strangers. erupts, thousands evacuated (959) 25 400 6188 data and software development. “I think we can exclude very serious trauma A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted Sunday, [email protected], The government formed the DEDC in 2017 to to the genitalia ... but I won’t be able to exclude sending a column of ash as high as 4000 me- [email protected] carry out a national plan to digitise the Myanmar minimal trauma because of the decomposition tres into the sky and prompting the evacuation economy by moving local businesses and govern- obscuring things,” Cary said from the UK. “The of thousands of people. CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION ment functions online, increasing mobile network difficulty here is because of the decomposition, Nearly 2800 people from at least 28 villages Circulation & Distribution Manager - coverage, and developing qualified tech profes- the forensic evidence would be disadvantaged In this image from video, Nathaniel Cary, a forensic pathologist in the United Kingdom, bottom right, were evacuated from the slopes of Mount Ili Ye Lynn Htay sionals. to an extent.” takes an oath before testifying online in the Malaysian inquest on Monday. Lewotolok, which is located on Lembata island [email protected] The programme comes amid a surge in e-com- A view of a facility where teachers conduct online classes with students in need of tutoring through a Nora disappeared from her family’s cottage Photo: Malaysian Judiciary via AP in East Nusa Tenggara province, as the volcano (959) 421 011 651 merce and the shift of strategic and administrative hotline programme, in Taguig City, Philippines, on October 12. Photo: EPA-EFE at the Dusun eco-resort in southern Negeri began erupting, said Disaster Mitigation [email protected] government functions online, which have been ac- Sembilan state on August 4, 2019, a day after and couldn’t have wandered off on her own. terrain despite her physical disabilities. Agency spokesman Raditya Jati. There were no Stand-Sales - (959) 421 148 807 celerated by COVID-19. and people who do not have much knowledge have to commit to working remotely in the current her family arrived for a vacation. After a mas- Cary said the Malaysian autopsy had been However, Cary said the multiple lacerations reports of deaths or injuries from the eruption. Subscriber - (959) 550 2539 Since the pandemic began in March, internet of these subjects. These four technology courses academic year. sive search, her body was found on August 13 thorough but still, it was difficult to ascertain and scratches on Nora’s body indicated she had The Transportation Ministry said a flight Delivery - (959) 443 063 030 usage in Myanmar has spread to 65 percent of the can help job seekers obtain the certification they Plans to continue public school classes online beside a stream on a palm oil estate about 2.5 “in what circumstances the death occurred” due moved through dense undergrowth. The cuts warning had been issued after the eruption population, up from 40pc in 2019. U Aye Chan, need to qualify for tech-related jobs,” said U Mya when the pandemic first struck were abandoned kilometres from the resort. to decomposition. on her feet were also “not trivial,” he said. No- and a local airport had been closed as ash chair of the E-Commerce Association of Myanmar, Moe Aung. due to a lack of infrastructure and teachers. Nora was only wearing her underwear when He agreed with Nora’s family lawyer that ra’s parents had told the inquest that her feet rained down on many areas of the island. Publisher – Daw Thiri Aung said many businesses have moved online, sales on The Department of Higher Education is taking On May 19, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu she went missing but her body was found na- foreign DNA, if it exists, could also have been “didn’t seem to be particularly damaged” when Mount Ili Lewotolok has been erupting off 01021 Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. digital platforms have doubled. Also, more people steps to support online learning, as COVID-19 con- Kyi said Myanmar was not ready for online learn- ked. It was unclear what happened to her un- washed away as her feet and hands were im- they identified her body. and on since October 2017. The Volcanology are using digital banking, according to the govern- tinues to disrupt Myanmar’s traditional education ing because the country lacks the infrastructure derwear, but police said the autopsy showed mersed in water for a few days before her body “I see no reason to dispute the (Malaysian) and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre raised The Myanmar Times is owned by Myanmar ment’s Information and Cyber Security Depart- system. The country’s universities, colleges and for internet-based teaching. no sign she was sexually assaulted. Police also was found. findings, although like me, the Malaysian pa- the volcano’s alert level to the second-highest Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. and printed by ment. government vocational training schools have been In an online meeting with education officials told the inquest that investigations showed no Asked by the family’s lawyer, Cary agreed thologists were clearly disadvantaged by the stage on Sunday after sensors picked up Myanmar Times Press (00876) with approval closed since March. and parents, she said that while some developed criminal activity nor any indication Nora had that he couldn’t exclude the possibility that decomposition,” he added. increasing activity. from MCM Co., Ltd. The title The Myanmar More government services online While online schooling remains impractical for countries are using online learning amid the pan- been abducted. Police believe she climbed out her body may have been placed there after her Nora’s parents in their testimony earlier had The 5423-metre mountain is one of three Times, in either English or Myanmar lan- The government itself has moved key administra- most purposes, experts say it is possible for those demic, “some students in those countries are un- of a window on her own. death, given that rescuers had searched the spoke at length about her disabilities, and said currently erupting in Indonesia along with guages, its associated logos or devices, and tive functions online, such as company registra- studying for master’s degrees or doctorates. happy about learning online. Her family believes she was abducted be- specific location. He also agreed there was no she would not have the stamina nor instinct to Merapi on Java island and Sinabung on Suma- the contents of this publication may not be tions, tax filing and trade licensing. Within a few The department last week allowed Myanmar “University students have objected to receiv- cause she had mental and physical disabilities evidence Nora had any major falls in the rough survive in the jungle on her own. – AP tra island. – AP reproduced in whole or in part without the months, registrations, renewals and fee payments universities and colleges to offer online -pro ing diplomas after finishing their degrees online written consent of the Executive Director of for some permits, as well as marketing and promo- grammes for master’s degrees and doctorates for because they felt it was not worth it, and they tion of local trade and tourism will be conducted the first time. demanded refunds of their tuition fees,” she said, Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. online. U Aung Min, rector of Mandalay’s Yadanarbon without elaborating. BANGKOK However, the Myanmar education system has University, said academics agreed on the plan at a Education is not just about passing examina- Printing Inquiries – U Htay Maung been slow to adopt digital learning practices. As a recent online meeting. tions, she added, but also about learning to social- [email protected] result, large swathes of the population lack knowl- ise, and teamwork. “Online learning is too focused Thai protest leaders hear police charges of defaming king edge about the opportunities and risks of going Pathway to advanced degrees on education. We have to value the experience out- Republishing Inquiries – Kang Wan Chern online. “We discussed the possibility of opening online side the classroom as well as in class,” she said. “In [email protected] More importantly without courses in digital classes with professors and department heads via school, play is important for students because they FIVE leaders of Thailand’s pro-de- monarchy as a key demand, and made freed on bail, and none have yet come Pro-democracy activist Parit Chiwarak raises technology at institutions of higher learning, My- Zoom. Everyone said it was OK but would demand can learn from it as well.” mocracy movement reported to police it the theme of several of its protest ral- to trial. a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance, anmar is losing out on developing the talent and more effort from teachers and students, as they According to a survey by civic groups, Myan- Monday to acknowledge charges that lies, which have attracted thousands of Despite Prayut’s threat, protest lead- at Chana Songkhram police station in skills needed to drive the country’s transition to a have never been involved in such classes before,” mar has been unable to provide internet service they defamed the king, the most se- people. They believe the king holds too ers have continued to include strong Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday. Photo: AP digital economy. U Aung Min said. nationwide. Also, there has been an internet black- rious of many offenses of which they much power in what is supposed to be criticisms of the monarchy at rallies. Myanmar Consolidated Media Co., Ltd. In that light, the programme offered by the “If there are practical assignments, we can’t do out in conflict areas in eight townships in Rakhine stand accused. a democratic constitutional monarchy. The other four who reported Mon- DEDC and Coursera represents a positive step for- them online, but there aren’t many students en- The five are part of the student-led “When people criticise the monar- day to Bangkok’s Chana Songkhram www.mmtimes.com and Chin states since June 2019. ward in helping Myanmar people upgrade their rolled in master’s degree programmes, and they In Myanmar, basic education schools and movement that for several months has chy and they listen, people will con- police station were Arnon Nampha, digital skills and knowledge. can be expected to do this online, as they are ma- universities usually reopen in June, but that has been campaigning for Prime Minister sider them open-minded. But if they Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, Pan- Yangon Head Office: “Study groups will support people who are ture enough.” been delayed by the pandemic. Also, thousands of Prayut Chan-ocha and his government use 112 to shut our mouths, not only upong Jadnok and Patiphan Luecha. No. 332 (A), Pyay Road, Myaynigone (North interested in technology but have no work expe- By going online, thesis supervisors and authors schools across the country are being used as quar- to step down, the constitution to be Thai people but also the world will Patiphan, a traditional folk singer also Ward, Sanchang Township, Yangon. rience, people who have difficulty with English, in master’s degree and doctorate programmes will antine centres. amended to make it more democratic, know they are afraid of the truth,” known as Patiwat Saraiyaem, served 2 Telephone: (959) 51 92046, 250 790 623, 899 and the monarchy to be reformed to Parit Chiwarak said to reporters ahead 1/2 years in prison after being arrested 170 965, 50 81329 make it more accountable. of reporting to police. “This won’t stop under Article 112 in 2014. The demand about the monarchy is our movement. On the contrary, it will Most of the protest leaders face Mandalay Office: No.268/9, between 31st and the most radical and controversial, be- make more people join us.” multiple charges already, ranging 32nd Street and Between 85th and 86th Street, cause by tradition the institution has Article 112 is controversial, because from blocking traffic to sedition, Chan Aye Thar Zan township, Mandalay. been considered untouchable, the bed- anyone – not just royals or authorities which is punishable by up to seven Tel: (959) 259 059 093, 550 2539 rock element of Thai nationalism. It is – can lodge a complaint, so it has been years in prison. Email: [email protected] considered taboo to publicly criticise used in the past as a weapon in politi- Anon, a lawyer, said he was indif- the monarch, and insulting or defam- cal vendettas. But it had not been em- ferent about being charged under Ar- ing key royals is punishable by up to ployed for the past three years, after But after a protest last week in- expect to be prosecuted for their ac- ticle 112, because it is an “unjust law.” Nay Pyi Taw: (959) 550 2539, 444 811 142, 15 years in prison under a lese majeste King Maha Vajiralongkorn informed cluded crude chants and graffiti that tions, including with charges under “If we speak the truth and they 444 811 143 law known as Article 112. the government that he did not wish could be considered derogatory of the Article 112. While protest leaders have stop us with 112, it reflects how abnor- Nay Pyi Taw Agent: The protest movement has nev- to see it used. The king has not pub- king, Prayut declared that the protest- faced dozens of charges over the past mal this law and this country are,” he Thurain Win: (+959) 250 692 123 ertheless emphasised reform of the licly commented on the law since then. ers had gone too far and could now few months, they have generally been said. – Associated Press 8 International Business www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

MARKETS Global shares mixed after fresh records on Wall Street

TOKYO – Global shares were mixed disabled the system called Arrowhead. ic will fade from the scene in 2021. Monday on renewed caution despite a Trading resumed as normal the Economic life will gradually heal; the record high finish on Wall Street last following day after repairs of malfunc- world will start to move on from all week driven by hopes for a COVID-19 tioning computer systems. There was the human suffering that the virus has vaccine and relief for the global econ- no sign the outage resulted from hack- wrought,” said Innes. Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of KEB omy. ing or other cybersecurity breaches. One bit of encouraging news for Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP France’s CAC 40 fell 0.3% to Akira Kiyota, JPX’s CEO, will take the region came in the purchasing 5,579.72 in early trading, while Ger- Miyahara’s place, the company said in managers’ index, or PMI, for China’s a vaccine have offset concerns about members should produce as lock- many’s DAX inched up less than 0.1% a statement. manufacturing sector, which showed spiking coronavirus cases in the US downs related to the coronavirus stifle to 13,346.33. Britain’s FTSE 100 gained Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 the nation where the pandemic all and other parts of the world. US states demand for crude. They’re expected to 0.6% to 6,403.93. US shares were set dipped 0.8% to finish at 26,433.62, as started continues to recover, with its and European governments are re-im- extend production cuts well into the to decline as Dow futures dropped markets throughout the region shed manufacturing sector growing. posing controls on business and travel new year, in an effort to boost volatile 0.5% to 29,730.50. S&P 500 futures fell early gains. South Korea’s Kospi lost Positive developments on the vac- as infection rates surge. oil prices. 0.4% to 3,623.38. 1.6% to 2,591.34. Australia’s S&P/ASX cine front have investors looking for- Worries are also growing in Asia, The group has to reach agreement After Tokyo trading ended, Koichi- 200 slipped 1.3% to 6,517.80. Hong ward to progress in gaining control including Japan and South Korea, among its member countries and the ro Miyahara, the head of the Tokyo Kong’s Hang Seng edged down 2.0% over the pandemic that plunged the about another wave of infections. To- additional members in the group Stock Exchange, resigned to take to 26,361.96, while the Shanghai Com- global economy into its deepest slump kyo is reporting several hundred new known as OPEC Plus, which is led by responsibility for a massive system posite slipped 0.5% to 3,391.76. since the 1930s. That optimism per- cases a day, often setting new records. Russia. In energy trading, benchmark glitch that shut down trading last Stephen Innes, chief global market sisted last week even as one vaccine The disease has killed more than 1.4 US crude lost 67 cents to US$44.86 a month. The full-day outage on Octo- strategist at Axi, noted that despite candidate suffered a setback and cases million people worldwide, according barrel. Brent crude, the international ber 1 was the worst ever for the world’s ups and downs investors are looking of coronavirus remain high around to data gathered by Johns Hopkins standard, fell 92 cents to US$47.26 a third largest exchange. toward the arrival of vaccines for a the world. University. barrel. Japan Exchange Group, or JPX, the gradual return to business as usual. The University of Oxford and As- The OPEC nations, led by Saudi The US dollar inched up to ¥104.33 exchange’s parent, said it had accept- “Vaccines offer the promise that traZeneca have released positive test Arabia, met virtually on Monday to from ¥104.07. The euro cost US$1.1976, ed his resignation over the error that the major disruptions of the pandem- results about their vaccine. Hopes for decide, once again, how much oil their up from US$1.1962. – AP

ECONOMY UK cuts overseas aid after worst recession in over 300 years

LONDON – The British government that a failure to agree a post-Brexit faced fury last Wednesday after trade deal with the EU would wipe ditching its long-standing target for 2 percentage points off growth next overseas aid in the wake of what it year. described as the deepest recession in Assuming a trade deal is secured over three centuries. by the year-end deadline, the agency In a statement to lawmakers, is predicting growth of 5.5% in 2021 Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said the and 6.6% the following year. As a re- target to allocate 0.7% of national sult the output lost during the pan- income to overseas aid will be cut to demic won’t have been recouped until 0.5%. The move is expected to free the final quarter of 2022. up £4 billion (US$5.3 billion) for the Sunak warned that the pandemic’s Conservative government to use else- cost will create long-term “scarring”, where, money that critics say could be with the economy 3% smaller in 2025 used to save tens of thousands of lives than predicted in March, before the in the poorest parts of the world. spring lockdown. While expressing “great respect The massive fall in output this year to those who have argued passion- has led to a huge increase in public ately to retain this target,’’ Sunak said borrowing as the government sought “sticking rigidly’’ to it “is difficult to to cushion the blow and tax revenues justify’’ to people at a time when the fell. Sunak said the government has economy has been so battered by the pumped £280 billion into the econ- coronavirus pandemic. omy to get through the pandemic. “At a time of unprecedented crisis, Public borrowing this fiscal year is set government must make tough choic- to hit £394 billion, or 19% of national es,’’ he said. income, “the highest recorded level of Without giving a timetable, he said borrowing in our peacetime history”. that the government aims to return to He warned that underlying public the target first laid out by the Labour debt is rising towards 100% of annual government of Tony Blair in 2004. GDP. And he said that even with the new “High as these costs are, the costs target, the UK will still be the second of inaction would have been far biggest aid spender among the Group higher,’’ he said. “But this situation of Seven leading industrial nations. Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivers his one-year Spending Review in the House of Commons, in is clearly unsustainable over the me- The decision goes against the gov- London, Wednesday, November 25. Photo: AP dium term.’’ ernment’s promise last year to main- Sunak said the one million doctors tain the aid target and drew sharp The UK is considered one of the its hosting of the 2021 United Nations a stark deterioration. and nurses in the National Health criticism from across the political world’s leaders in development issues Climate Change Conference. “Our health emergency is not yet Service will get a pay rise next year, spectrum, including within Prime so the cut was met with dismay from The Archbishop of Canterbury Jus- over and our economic emergency as will 2.1 million of the lowest paid Minister Boris Johnson’s own Con- anti-poverty campaigners. tin Welby joined the chorus of disap- has only just begun,’’ he said. workers in the public sector. However, servative Party. “Cutting the UK’s lifeline to the proval, describing the cut as “shame- Sunak said the government’s inde- he said pay rises in the rest of the pub- Liz Sugg, a junior minister at the world’s poorest communities in the ful and wrong’’ and urging lawmakers pendent economic forecasters are pre- lic sector will be “paused’’ next year. Foreign Office, quit in the wake of the midst of a global pandemic will lead “to reject it for the good of the poor- dicting that the British economy will Sunak also announced extra mon- decision, arguing that it “will dimin- to tens of thousands of otherwise pre- est, and the UK’s own reputation and shrink 11.3% this year, the “largest fall ey to support Johnson’s programme of ish our power to influence other na- ventable deaths,’’ said Oxfam Chief interest.’’ in output for more than 300 years”. investments in infrastructure across tions to do what is right.’’ She said it Executive Danny Sriskandarajah. In a sobering assessment that pro- The Office for Budget Responsibil- the UK, particularly in the north of undermines Johnson’s efforts to pro- Save the Children Chief Executive vided the backdrop to the cut, Sunak ity expects the economy to grow again England, where the Conservatives mote a “Global Britain’’ in the wake of Kevin Watkins said the decision had sought to balance ongoing support for next year as coronavirus restrictions won seats during the last general elec- the country’s departure from the Eu- “broken Britain’s reputation for lead- the economy with a longer-term com- are eased and hoped-for vaccines tion. A new infrastructure bank will ropean Union earlier this year. ership on the world stage’’ ahead of mitment to heal public finances after come on stream, though it warned be headquartered there. – AP 8 International Business www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES www.mmtimes.com International Business 9

MARKETS MERGERS Global shares mixed Penguin to buy Simon after fresh records & Schuster, create on Wall Street publishing giant

TOKYO – Global shares were mixed disabled the system called Arrowhead. ic will fade from the scene in 2021. Monday on renewed caution despite a Trading resumed as normal the Economic life will gradually heal; the BERLIN – German media giant Ber- The companies said the deal is multiple, robust outlets to bring the record high finish on Wall Street last following day after repairs of malfunc- world will start to move on from all telsmann said last Wednesday that expected to close in 2021, subject to widest variety of books to audiences,” A file photo shows an exterior view of the German media giant Bertelsmann in week driven by hopes for a COVID-19 tioning computer systems. There was the human suffering that the virus has its Penguin Random House division regulatory approval. No US publisher said Suzanne Nossel, the CEO of PEN Guetersloh, Germany. Photo: AP vaccine and relief for the global econ- no sign the outage resulted from hack- wrought,” said Innes. Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of KEB is buying rival Simon & Schuster in a in modern times would approach the America. “To the extent that efficien- omy. ing or other cybersecurity breaches. One bit of encouraging news for Hana Bank in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP megadeal that would reshape the US power of the new company. Viacom- cies are garnered through consoli- and Simon & Schuster could continue was founded in 1835 and also owns France’s CAC 40 fell 0.3% to Akira Kiyota, JPX’s CEO, will take the region came in the purchasing publishing industry. CBS said Bertelsmann will pay a ter- dation, it is our hope that they are a to compete with each other for book a broad portfolio of broadcast, music 5,579.72 in early trading, while Ger- Miyahara’s place, the company said in managers’ index, or PMI, for China’s a vaccine have offset concerns about members should produce as lock- Penguin Random House, already mination fee if the deal fails due to catalyst to enable greater investment deals. Simon & Schuster’s current and online businesses, has been the many’s DAX inched up less than 0.1% a statement. manufacturing sector, which showed spiking coronavirus cases in the US downs related to the coronavirus stifle the largest American publisher, will regulatory reasons. in authors, books, and outreach to president and chief executive, Jona- sole owner of Penguin Random House to 13,346.33. Britain’s FTSE 100 gained Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 the nation where the pandemic all and other parts of the world. US states demand for crude. They’re expected to buy the New York-based Simon & Agents and authors often worry readers.” than Karp, will continue to lead the since April. 0.6% to 6,403.93. US shares were set dipped 0.8% to finish at 26,433.62, as started continues to recover, with its and European governments are re-im- extend production cuts well into the Schuster, whose authors include Ste- that a concentration of power in pub- Bertelsmann’s rival News Corp, publishing house, Bertelsmann said. ViacomCBS put up Simon & Schus- to decline as Dow futures dropped markets throughout the region shed manufacturing sector growing. posing controls on business and travel new year, in an effort to boost volatile phen King, Hillary Clinton and John lishing could mean less competition which owns HarperCollins, also Under the new company, authors ter, founded in 1924, for sale earlier 0.5% to 29,730.50. S&P 500 futures fell early gains. South Korea’s Kospi lost Positive developments on the vac- as infection rates surge. oil prices. Irving, from TV and film company Vi- for book deals, and lower advances. slammed the deal. “Bertelsmann is would range from John Grisham and this year as the entertainment com- 0.4% to 3,623.38. 1.6% to 2,591.34. Australia’s S&P/ASX cine front have investors looking for- Worries are also growing in Asia, The group has to reach agreement acomCBS for US$2.17 billion in cash. The Authors Guild, a writers’ or- not just buying a book publisher, but Stephen King to Barack Obama and pany tries to sell off “non-core assets” After Tokyo trading ended, Koichi- 200 slipped 1.3% to 6,517.80. Hong ward to progress in gaining control including Japan and South Korea, among its member countries and the “Simon & Schuster strengthens ganisation, said Wednesday that it op- buying market dominance as a book Bill Clinton. Every living former or to pay down debt, please shareholders ro Miyahara, the head of the Tokyo Kong’s Hang Seng edged down 2.0% over the pandemic that plunged the about another wave of infections. To- additional members in the group Bertelsmann’s footprint globally, and posed the sale because it would hurt behemoth,” said News Corp Chief current American president, from with dividends and stock buybacks, Stock Exchange, resigned to take to 26,361.96, while the Shanghai Com- global economy into its deepest slump kyo is reporting several hundred new known as OPEC Plus, which is led by (particularly) in the US, its second- competition, making it more difficult Executive Robert Thomson said in Jimmy Carter to Donald Trump, will and invest in streaming. responsibility for a massive system posite slipped 0.5% to 3,391.76. since the 1930s. That optimism per- cases a day, often setting new records. Russia. In energy trading, benchmark largest market,” the Guetersloh, Ger- for authors and agents to negotiate a statement. “This literary leviathan have published a book with the new ViacomCBS owns cable networks glitch that shut down trading last Stephen Innes, chief global market sisted last week even as one vaccine The disease has killed more than 1.4 US crude lost 67 cents to US$44.86 a many-based company said in a state- with publishers. It said the US Depart- would have 70% of the US literary and company. So will first ladies such as Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy month. The full-day outage on Octo- strategist at Axi, noted that despite candidate suffered a setback and cases million people worldwide, according barrel. Brent crude, the international ment. ment of Justice should challenge it. general fiction market.” Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, Laura Central as well as broadcast network ber 1 was the worst ever for the world’s ups and downs investors are looking of coronavirus remain high around to data gathered by Johns Hopkins standard, fell 92 cents to US$47.26 a The purchase of Simon & Schuster The department did not immedi- Penguin Random House Chief Ex- Bush and Michelle Obama. CBS and movie studio Paramount. It third largest exchange. toward the arrival of vaccines for a the world. University. barrel. would reduce the so-called Big Five of ately return a request for comment. ecutive Markus Dohle said that Simon Dohle declined to say whether is trying to navigate consumers’ shift Japan Exchange Group, or JPX, the gradual return to business as usual. The University of Oxford and As- The OPEC nations, led by Saudi The US dollar inched up to ¥104.33 American publishing – which also in- “As an organisation of writers it’s & Schuster would retain its editorial there would be any layoffs, saying it from watching live TV on a television exchange’s parent, said it had accept- “Vaccines offer the promise that traZeneca have released positive test Arabia, met virtually on Monday to from ¥104.07. The euro cost US$1.1976, cludes HarperCollins, Hachette Book important to us that the publishing independence and that individual im- was too soon to speculate. set to streaming shows and movies on ed his resignation over the error that the major disruptions of the pandem- results about their vaccine. Hopes for decide, once again, how much oil their up from US$1.1962. – AP Group and Macmillan – to four. industry (thrives), and that there be prints within Penguin Random House The German conglomerate, which the internet. – AP

ECONOMY OIL & GAS TRADE UK cuts overseas aid after worst recession in over 300 years Members of oil cartel to meet China slaps 200% tax on Australia wine amid tensions LONDON – The British government that a failure to agree a post-Brexit faced fury last Wednesday after trade deal with the EU would wipe as coronavirus rattles demand ditching its long-standing target for 2 percentage points off growth next BEIJING – China last Friday added interests,” said the spokesman, Zhao overseas aid in the wake of what it year. wine to the growing list of Austral- Lijian. described as the deepest recession in Assuming a trade deal is secured NEW YORK – Leaders of the OPEC ian goods barred from its markets Australia should “take China’s over three centuries. by the year-end deadline, the agency cartel are meeting virtually to decide in a trade war against Australia over concerns seriously, instead of harm- In a statement to lawmakers, is predicting growth of 5.5% in 2021 how much oil their members should disputes including its support for a ing China’s national interests under Treasury chief Rishi Sunak said the and 6.6% the following year. As a reproduce as lockdowns related to the probe into the origin of the corona- the banner of safeguarding their own target to allocate 0.7% of national sult the output lost during the pan- coronavirus continue to stifle de- virus. national interests,” Zhao said. income to overseas aid will be cut to demic won’t have been recouped until mand for crude. The Ministry of Commerce im- Australia’s main stock market in- 0.5%. The move is expected to free the final quarter of 2022. They’re expected to extend proposed import taxes of up to 212.1%, dex fell 0.5% last Friday following the up £4 billion (US$5.3 billion) for the Sunak warned that the pandemic’s duction cuts well into the new year, effective Saturday, which Australia’s news. Conservative government to use else- cost will create long-term “scarring”, in an effort to boost volatile oil prices. trade minister said make Australian “To a certain extent, this is Aus- where, money that critics say could be with the economy 3% smaller in 2025 The OPEC nations, led by Saudi wine unsellable in China, his coun- tralia’s fault for allowing itself to be- used to save tens of thousands of lives than predicted in March, before the Arabia, began meeting Monday. The try’s biggest export market. come a one-trick pony export-wise to in the poorest parts of the world. spring lockdown. group has to reach agreement among China increasingly is using its pop- China,” market analyst Jeffrey Halley While expressing “great respect The massive fall in output this year its member countries and the addi- ulous market as leverage to extract of Oanda said in a report. to those who have argued passion- has led to a huge increase in public tional members in the group known political concessions and increase its The Chinese market is especially ately to retain this target,’’ Sunak said borrowing as the government sought as OPEC Plus, which is led by Russia. strategic influence. important at a time when China is re- “sticking rigidly’’ to it “is difficult to to cushion the blow and tax revenues Members of the OPEC Plus group will Earlier, China stopped or reduced covering from the coronavirus while justify’’ to people at a time when the fell. Sunak said the government has meet Tuesday. imports of beef, coal, barley, seafood, the United States, Europe and other economy has been so battered by the pumped £280 billion into the econ- It’s tricky to predict how much oil sugar and timber from Australia after major economies are struggling with coronavirus pandemic. omy to get through the pandemic. the world will need with coronavirus it supported calls for a probe into the anti-disease controls that depress de- “At a time of unprecedented crisis, Public borrowing this fiscal year is set cases surging around the world. The origin of the coronavirus pandemic, mand. government must make tough choic- to hit £394 billion, or 19% of national industry has seen some hopeful signs, which began in China in December. The Ministry of Commerce said es,’’ he said. income, “the highest recorded level of with several drug companies report- China’s ruling Communist Party is the wine tariffs are in response to Without giving a timetable, he said borrowing in our peacetime history”. ing promising results from coronavi- trying to deflect criticism of its han- complaints Chinese producers were that the government aims to return to He warned that underlying public rus vaccine trials. But some experts dling of the outbreak, which plunged damaged by improperly low-priced the target first laid out by the Labour debt is rising towards 100% of annual warn that oil demand may never the global economy into its deepest Australian imports. government of Tony Blair in 2004. GDP. fully recover, because the coronavirus slump since the 1930s, by arguing the Australia’s government denied And he said that even with the new “High as these costs are, the costs travel restrictions, combined with the A file photo shows the logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting virus came from abroad, despite little subsidising wine exports. target, the UK will still be the second of inaction would have been far steps governments and corporations Countries, OPEC, at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. Photo: AP evidence to support that. Trade Minister Simon Birming- biggest aid spender among the Group higher,’’ he said. “But this situation are taking to reduce use of fossil fuels Meanwhile, Australia is working ham said the accumulation of Chinese of Seven leading industrial nations. Britain’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivers his one-year Spending Review in the House of Commons, in is clearly unsustainable over the me- to combat global warming, may have the world took steps to re-open their in the meetings, Rousseau said. Com- on a mutual defence treaty with Ja- sanctions suggested they were due to The decision goes against the gov- London, Wednesday, November 25. Photo: AP dium term.’’ put a permanent dent in oil demand. economies, the group upped its pro- plicating matters, Libya – which was pan, which Chinese leaders see as a “other factors” but gave no details. ernment’s promise last year to main- Sunak said the one million doctors Plus, the coalition of oil-producing duction so it was cutting 7.7 million exempt from cuts because of instabil- strategic rival, and has joined Wash- “The Australian government cat- tain the aid target and drew sharp The UK is considered one of the its hosting of the 2021 United Nations a stark deterioration. and nurses in the National Health countries has been restricting its out- barrels per day through year-end. ity in the country – has ramped up ington and Southeast Asian govern- egorically rejects any allegation that criticism from across the political world’s leaders in development issues Climate Change Conference. “Our health emergency is not yet Service will get a pay rise next year, put for months, straining its mem- They planned to increase production production to about 1 million barrels ments in expressing concern about our wine producers are dumping spectrum, including within Prime so the cut was met with dismay from The Archbishop of Canterbury Jus- over and our economic emergency as will 2.1 million of the lowest paid bers. in January so that the cuts would be per day, up from a low of just 100,000 China’s construction of military facili- product into China,” Agriculture Min- Minister Boris Johnson’s own Con- anti-poverty campaigners. tin Welby joined the chorus of disap- has only just begun,’’ he said. workers in the public sector. However, “The longer these agreements go just 6 million barrels per day. barrels during the spring and sum- ties on islands in the disputed South ister David Littleproud said. servative Party. “Cutting the UK’s lifeline to the proval, describing the cut as “shame- Sunak said the government’s inde- he said pay rises in the rest of the pub- on, the harder it is to hold it together,” But experts expect the group to mer, he said. China Sea, a busy trade route. Australia has imposed restrictions Liz Sugg, a junior minister at the world’s poorest communities in the ful and wrong’’ and urging lawmakers pendent economic forecasters are pre- lic sector will be “paused’’ next year. said Jacques Rousseau, managing di- continue with cuts of about 7.7 mil- Energy forecasters around the A Chinese foreign ministry spokes- meant to block foreign influence in its Foreign Office, quit in the wake of the midst of a global pandemic will lead “to reject it for the good of the poor- dicting that the British economy will Sunak also announced extra mon- rector at Clearview Energy Partners. lion barrels per day in the coming world, including those employed man called on Australia to “do some- politics following complaints Beijing decision, arguing that it “will dimin- to tens of thousands of otherwise pre- est, and the UK’s own reputation and shrink 11.3% this year, the “largest fall ey to support Johnson’s programme of “There becomes too much temptation months. Saudi Arabia’s energy min- by OPEC, have been lowering their thing conducive” to improve relations might be trying to manipulate its gov- ish our power to influence other na- ventable deaths,’’ said Oxfam Chief interest.’’ in output for more than 300 years”. investments in infrastructure across for countries to exceed their produc- ister recently indicated willingness forecasts about how much oil will be but gave no details. ernment. tions to do what is right.’’ She said it Executive Danny Sriskandarajah. In a sobering assessment that pro- The Office for Budget Responsibil- the UK, particularly in the north of tion targets.” to revisit the agreement and prolong needed. One reason: airline travel, “Some people in Australia adher- Australia also has joined the Unit- undermines Johnson’s efforts to pro- Save the Children Chief Executive vided the backdrop to the cut, Sunak ity expects the economy to grow again England, where the Conservatives OPEC and its allies agreed to cut the cuts. especially for long-haul international ing to the Cold War mentality and ed States in imposing curbs on use mote a “Global Britain’’ in the wake of Kevin Watkins said the decision had sought to balance ongoing support for next year as coronavirus restrictions won seats during the last general elec- production in April by about 10 mil- Other countries that want to pro- trips, has been dramatically reduced, ideological prejudice have repeat- of technology from Chinese telecom the country’s departure from the Eu- “broken Britain’s reputation for lead- the economy with a longer-term com- are eased and hoped-for vaccines tion. A new infrastructure bank will lion barrels per day through July. duce more, such as the United Arab and is not expected to rebound for a edly taken wrong words and deeds equipment giant Huawei Technolo- ropean Union earlier this year. ership on the world stage’’ ahead of mitment to heal public finances after come on stream, though it warned be headquartered there. – AP Then in August, as some cities around Emirates or Iraq, could create conflict few years. – AP on issues concerning China’s core gies Ltd. on security grounds. – AP 10 Metro www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

University of Yangon’s centenary attracts huge gathering

CHANCELLOR Road in University of Yangon was packed with alumni and members of the public on the evening of November 29, gathering to celebrate the university’s 100th birthday. Established in December 1920, the university has survived different political upheavals as well as many social, technological and cultural trans- formations. City dwellers gathered inside the university’s grounds to visit many of the famous places in the campus. Some paid tribute to the century-old Thitpok tree aka “the old bachelor”, the Judson Church, Kantgaw forest and Convocation Hall. Many former students also visited the university’s dormitories, where many dreams were dreamt and relationships initiated. Officially the university celebrated its 100th birthday back in January with a concert, movie competition, photo exhibition and other campus-based activities. In the last week of November the campus opened its doors to the public again, asking them to celebrate – while observing social distancing and wearing masks. On November 29, which is also the full moon of Tazaungmon, thousands of visitors came to see the beauty of the moon shining over the campus. The Ministry of Education urged people to stay at home after dozens of complaints were made on social media about the size of the crowds on the campus. The official celebration, to be held on December 1, will now be a virtual affair. The event will be covered by Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV). The University of Yan- gon’s Facebook page will also live-stream the celebrations. In the meantime, a group of alumni will show their respects to the 100-year old institution by walking around the outside of the campus in the early morning of December 1. Photos: Nyan Zay Htet 10 Metro www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES www.mmtimes.com Metro 11 A long fight for the Mekong goes on

BANGKOK — More than 20 years ago, staunchly sought to protect the Me- when two Chiang Rai-based environ- kong River, some government agen- mentalists, Mr Niwat Roikaew and Mr cies still see the river as an asset that Somkiat Kuenwongsa, learned that the private sector can reap benefits the Chinese government was blast- from without thinking about the ecol- ing rapids in the upper Mekong River ogy or villagers’ livelihoods. from Yunnan to Myanmar and Laos For some, the river is just a com- to clear the way for large commercial mercial waterway. vessels, they started worrying. Dam builders, meanwhile, want Back then there was little data to use of it for power generation. It about what China was doing in the in- should be noted that Thailand contin- ternational river. ues to buy electricity despite a massive But the two environmentalists re- surplus during this economic slow- alised that blasting obstacles such as down due to the pandemic. rapids and islands was bad for the riv- “We have been fighting for more er’s ecology as rapids are habitats and than 20 years. At the beginning, it was spawning grounds for fish. like throwing a stone into the ocean More importantly, without rapids, – nothing coming back. But now we there would be no natural barriers can see some results, like China’s re- against strong currents during the wet sponse, while some countries are now season. eager to take action. In the early 2000s, they gathered “Now is a good time to set up a more information and learned that Mekong People’s Assembly that can the Manwan dam, the first dam on Cambodian rowers power their boat during the annual Water Festival on the Mekong River in Cambodia, 21 November 2018. echo our concerns. The assembly will the upper Mekong, had been finished, Photo: EPA-EFE be instrumental in providing sustain- more were to follow and that blasting able solutions for this river. We have was continuing. ang Khong and Wiang Kaen. are seasonally flooded. Chan-ocha government endorsed to build up awareness and knowledge The two activists then campaigned The impacts raised awareness During the dry season, islands China’s Mekong plans as proposed by at the same time,” according to Niwat. in earnest against these activities. Giv- among villagers in eight provinces emerge as the water recedes. Thailand’s Transport Ministry. He, Somkiat and other environ- University of Yangon’s centenary en their scarce resources, the fight was along the Mekong in the North and Those areas serve as habitat for mi- This was tantamount to opening mentalists will on December 1 to much like David versus Goliath. the Northeast significantly. They gratory birds. This significant ecosys- the country to Chinese teams to sur- 2 hold an event that will include attracts huge gathering Fortunately, their campaign at- formed networks and sent alarm sig- tem has lasted for thousands of years vey, design, and conduct activities that panel discussions and cultural activi- tracted media attention, which pro- nals which were rarely noted. and nurtured numerous civilisations could include island and rapid blast- ties to mark the establishment of the CHANCELLOR Road in University of Yangon was packed with vided them the space to express their Each time the Thai media ques- such as the Lanna and Khmer. ing. This greatly upset civil society. assembly, which will comprise repre- alumni and members of the public on the evening of November 29, concerns, which eventually saw the tioned the environmental damage In 2001, dam builders started to It demonstrated state agencies had sentatives from eight Mekong prov- gathering to celebrate the university’s 100th birthday. Established Chinese government suspend plans China was inflicting on the Mekong, target Laos, with projects for the lower not understood the impact such devel- inces. in December 1920, the university has survived different political to conduct blasting along stretches the Chinese government would say the Mekong after the country adopted its opment had on national security and on They have invited representatives upheavals as well as many social, technological and cultural trans- separating Thailand and neighbour- Mekong dams would ease the impact of “battery of Asia” policy. ecology, local economies and food safety from foreign embassies, including the formations. ing countries. flooding in the rainy season, and main- Frustrated, Niwat, and villagers among communities along the Mekong. United States, Australia, China, Japan, City dwellers gathered inside the university’s grounds to visit However more dams were com- tain water supply during drought. in eight provinces along the Mekong The two environmentalists fought and Germany to attend. Most have many of the famous places in the campus. Some paid tribute to the pleted. Typically, this is a dam builders’ brought the Xayaburi dam case to the hard and opened communications shown an interest. century-old Thitpok tree aka “the old bachelor”, the Judson Church, In Chiang Rai, villagers soon found standpoint. Thai Administrative Court, petitioning with society, and pressure grew so Now more countries are scram- Kantgaw forest and Convocation Hall. Many former students also that these upper Mekong dams affect- For locals, such development ruins for the scrapping of Egat’s power pur- much so that the government was bling to play a role in the development visited the university’s dormitories, where many dreams were ed their way of life. ecosystems, disturbs water cycles and chase contract as the dam, which was forced to backtrack and renegotiate of the Mekong River, Southeast Asia’s dreamt and relationships initiated. Runoff is no longer seasonal there- damages the livelihoods of the people completed late last year, would cause with the Chinese government, which major artery. Such interest is very wel- Officially the university celebrated its 100th birthday back in by causing damage to the ecology, fish- in the Mekong river basin. transborder impacts. The verdict is earlier this year agreed to withdraw come as long as local people benefit January with a concert, movie competition, photo exhibition and ing and riverine agriculture especially During the rainy season, water pending. the plan. and its ecology is preserved. other campus-based activities. in three districts – Chiang Saen, Chi- spillover flows into tributaries which By the end of 2015, the Prayuth It’s sad that while activists have – Today Online In the last week of November the campus opened its doors to the public again, asking them to celebrate – while observing social distancing and wearing masks. On November 29, which is also the full moon of Tazaungmon, thousands of visitors came to see the beauty of the moon shining over the campus. The Ministry of Education urged people to stay at home after Local tourism effort wins accolades in Vietnam dozens of complaints were made on social media about the size of the crowds on the campus. The official celebration, to be held on December 1, will now be a virtual affair. The event will be covered HANỘI — A product of the tourism Also according to the decision, two by Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV). The University of Yan- sector of Dalạt City in the Central High- other products of Dalat – Dalat wine The cable cars enable the tourists gon’s Facebook page will also live-stream the celebrations. lands province of Lâm Đồng has been and Chateau Dalat wine, products of to have an aerial view of Dalạt City. In the meantime, a group of alumni will show their respects to inscribed in the list of National Brand Lâm Đồng Food Joint Stock Company, Photo: vietgiaitri.com the 100-year old institution by walking around the outside of the products of Việtnam for the first time. have been recognised as Vietnam Na- campus in the early morning of December 1. Photos: Nyan Zay Htet The tourism product entitled “Rec- tional Brands. reational Tourism Associated with Dalattourist owns and runs four fa- Exploring Natural Tourism Resources mous tourist destinations in the city, and Culture of Dalạt”, is one of 283 namely Datanla Waterfall, Langbiang products of 124 enterprises granted Mountain, Đà Lạt Cable Car and Tun- the title this year, according to the nel of Sculptures. Every year, such des- Ministry of Industry and Trade. tinations welcome millions of domes- The tourism product, conducted by tic and foreign tourists. Dalattourist Company, contains many The Vietnam National Brand Pro- highlights, being rich in regional cul- gramme from 2020 to 2030 was ap- tures, history and offering a variety of proved by Prime Minister Nguyễn services of both sightseeing, outdoor Xuân Phúc in 2019. The overall goal entertainment, sports and Central is to build an image of Vietnam as a Highlands’ cuisine. prestigious country in terms of high-

quality goods and services, increase year, the total number of tourists to many flights to Dalat have also offered the pride and attractiveness of the Dalat was only more than two million, similar discounts,” said Nguyễn Thị country and people of Vietnam, con- down by half compared to the figure in Nguyên, the Director of the Depart- tribute to promoting foreign trade the same period last year. ment of Culture, Sports and Tourism development and improving national “From June until now, the prov- of Lâm Đồng Province. competitiveness. ince has implemented many activities “The province is also a safe desti- As a locality where the economy de- to stimulate tourism demand such as nation as there have been no cases of pends heavily on tourism, the damage launching tourism promotions and COVID-19 infection. However, due to caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has discounts. Many enterprises provid- tourists’ worries and current national greatly affected the socio-economic ing tourism services such as dining, economic difficulties, it will take a development of Dalat and Lâm Đồng accommodation, sightseeing have long time for the local tourism indus- Province. offered discounts from 30 to 50 - per try to recover and develop,” she added. Dalạt still preserves many ancient French-style villas. Photo: Photofantasea.vn In the first eight months of this cent compared to normal days while – Vietnam News Service 12 THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 World COLOMBO Sri Lankan prison riot leaves six inmates dead, 35 injured

SIX inmates were killed and 35 others prisoners tried to take control of the the coronavirus and at least two have were injured when guards opened fire prison and hundreds attempted to es- died. About 50 prison guards have also to control a riot at a prison on the out- cape. tested positive. skirts of Sri Lanka’s capital, officials The inmates “reportedly destroyed Senaka Perera, a lawyer with the said Monday. Two guards were criti- most of the property including offices Committee for Protecting Rights of cally injured, they said. inside the prison,” Rohana said. Prisoners, said the inmates at Mahara Pandemic-related unrest has been The guards opened fire, and the prison had been frustrated because Family members of inmates gather demanding to know the condition of their growing in Sri Lanka’s overcrowded clash left six inmates dead and 35 their pleas for coronavirus testing relatives outside the Mahara prison complex following overnight unrest in the prisons. Inmates have staged protests injured, he said. Two prison officers and separation of infected prisoners facility on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP in recent weeks at several prisons as were critically injured. had been ignored by officials for more the number of coronavirus cases surg- He said hundreds of additional po- than a month. charges. “I want to know whether he month when two clusters – one cen- es in the facilities. lice were deployed to help the guards On Monday, about 500 relatives of is safe. I asked the officers, please tell tered at a garment factory and other Police spokesman Ajith Rohana and strengthen security around the inmates gathered in front of the pris- me the condition of my son,” she said. at a fish market – emerged in Colombo said inmates created “unrest” Sunday prison. on and urged the authorities to pro- Sri Lankan prisons are highly con- and its suburbs. at Mahara prison, about 15 kilometres An inmate was killed in similar un- vide information about the prisoners gested with more than 26,000 inmates Confirmed cases from the two clus- north of Colombo, and officials - at rest at another prison last week. An- and ensure their safety. crowded into facilities with a capacity ters have reached 19,449. Sri Lanka tempted to control the situation. other died in March. Sujeewa Silva said her son has of 10,000. has reported a total number of 22,988 But “the unrest situation turned More than a thousand inmates in been detained at the facility for seven Sri Lanka has experienced an up- coronavirus cases, including 109 fa- into a prison riot,” he said, adding that five prisons have tested positive for months after being arrested on drug surge in the coronavirus since last talities. – AP

WASHINGTON DC Fauci: US may see ‘surge upon surge’ of virus in weeks ahead

THE nation’s top infectious disease ex- with the first vaccinations happening residents to stay home. Santa Clara pert said Sunday that the US may see before the end of December, followed County, which includes San Jose, is “surge upon a surge” of the coronavi- by many more in January, February banning all high school, collegiate and rus in the weeks after Thanksgiving, and March, he said. professional sports and imposing a and he does not expect current recom- “So if we can hang together as a quarantine for anyone travelling into mendations around social distancing country and do these kinds of things the region from more than 150 miles to be relaxed before Christmas. to blunt these surges until we get a (240 kilometres) away. Meanwhile, in a major reversal, substantial proportion of the popula- Back in New York, some elementa- New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio tion vaccinated, we can get through ry schools and pre-kindergarten pro- said the nation’s largest school system this,” Fauci said. grams will resume classes December 7, will reopen to in-person learning and Other experts agreed that the com- a week from Monday, the mayor said. increase the number of days a week ing weeks would be difficult, espe- Others will take longer to reopen. many children attend class. The an- cially since so many travelled over the The plan for reopening middle and nouncement came just 11 days after holiday and held in-person dinners high schools is still being developed, the Democratic mayor said schools indoors. de Blasio said. would shut down because of rising Dr Deborah Birx, the White House About 190,000 students will be COVID-19 cases. coronavirus response coordinator, eligible to return to classrooms in the “We feel confident that we can said Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation first round of reopening, just a frac- keep schools safe,” he said. that Americans who travelled this tion of the more than 1 million total Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the past week should try to avoid people pupils in the system. The great major- National Institute of Allergy and In- over 65. She said that those who were ity of parents have opted to have their fectious Diseases, told ABC’s This around others for Thanksgiving “have kids learn remotely by computer. Week that the level of infection in the to assume that you were exposed and De Blasio said that many of those US would not “all of a sudden turn you became infected and you really returning in person will be able to at- around”. need to get tested in the next week”. tend five days of class a week, up from “So clearly in the next few weeks, Meanwhile, a busy travel weekend one to three days previously. we’re going to have the same sort of continued, despite warnings for Amer- Elementary school students at- thing. And perhaps even two or three icans to stay close to home and limit tending in person will be required to weeks down the line ... we may see a their holiday gatherings. undergo frequent testing for the virus. surge upon a surge,” he said. A traveller wears a mask as she walks through Terminal 3 at O’Hare International Aside from the Thanksgiving holi- Previously, the city set a target of test- Fauci addressed the school issue, Airport in Chicago, Sunday, November 29. Photo: AP day itself, anywhere from 800,000 to ing 20% of teachers and students in saying that spread “among children more than 1 million travellers made each school building once a month. and from children is not really very others and avoiding large groups of This coming week, the Advisory Com- their way through US airport check- Now the testing will be weekly. big at all, not like one would have sus- people. mittee on Immunization Practices points on any day during the past The mayor said the city was doing pected. So let’s try to get the kids back, The number of new COVID-19 will meet with the Centers for Disease week, according to Transportation Se- away with its previous trigger for clos- but let’s try to mitigate the things that cases reported in the United States Control and Prevention to discuss a curity Administration statistics. That’s ing schools, which was when 3% or maintain and just push the kind of topped 200,000 for the first time last rollout of the vaccine, he said. a far cry from the 2.3 to 2.6 million more of the virus tests conducted in community spread that we’re trying to Friday, according to data from Johns He added that President-elect Joe seen daily last year. But it far surpass- the city over a seven-day period came avoid,” he said. Hopkins University. Since January, Biden should focus on distributing es the number of travellers early in the back positive. Fauci also appeared on NBC’s when the first infections were report- vaccines in an “efficient and equita- pandemic, when daily totals fell below New York exceeded that threshold Meet the Press, where he made simi- ed in the US, the nation’s total num- ble way”. Fauci also said he planned 100,000 on some spring days. early in November, and infections lar remarks, adding that it’s “not too ber of cases has surpassed 13 million. to push the new administration for a More COVID-19 restrictions were have slightly worsened since then. late” for people travelling home after More than 265,000 people have died. rigorous testing programme. in store for California starting Mon- More than 9,300 residents have tested Thanksgiving to help curb the virus by Fauci said the arrival of vaccines Health care workers will likely be day. Los Angeles County will impose positive for the virus over the past wearing masks, staying distant from offers a “light at the end of the tunnel”. among the first to get the vaccine, a lockdown calling for its 10 million seven days. – AP 12 THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES www.mmtimes.com World 13

WASHINGTON DC Beware of COVID-19 scams as World vaccine approaches FDA approval COLOMBO

THE coronavirus vaccine inching to- watchdog aimed at enforcement of its needed to give the dose. The secret ward approval in the US is desperately international trade laws and combat- stash is watched by armed guards. Sri Lankan prison anticipated by weary Americans long- ing intellectual property theft. “We have taken extraordinary pre- ing for a path back to normal life. But The agency has already analysed caution in this area,” he said. “It’s such criminals are waiting, too, ready to more than 70,900 websites suspected a commodity to us, we’re taking the use that desperation to their advan- as being involved in some type of COV- full steps to make sure that the vac- riot leaves six inmates tage, federal investigators say. ID-19 fraud. Millions of fake or unap- cine’s secure.” Homeland Security investigators proved personal protective equipment Who is first in line has yet to be de- are working with Pfizer, Moderna and products and antiviral pharmaceuti- cided. But Health and Human Servic- dozens of other drug companies rac- cals were seized. Homeland Security es Secretary Alex Azar said the hope ing to complete and distribute the vac- Investigations made more than 1,600 is that enough doses are available by dead, 35 injured cine and treatments for the virus. The seizures of products worth more than the end of January to vaccinate adults goal: to prepare for the scams that are US$27 million and made more than over age 65, who are at the highest risk coming, especially after the mess of 185 arrests. from the coronavirus, and health care criminal activity this year with phony Home test kits, for example, were workers. Dr Anthony Fauci, the US SIX inmates were killed and 35 others prisoners tried to take control of the the coronavirus and at least two have personal protective equipment, false only recently made available to the government’s top infectious-diseases were injured when guards opened fire prison and hundreds attempted to es- died. About 50 prison guards have also cures and extortion schemes. public in the past few weeks. But in- expert, said it may take until spring to control a riot at a prison on the out- cape. tested positive. “We’re all very excited about the vestigators seized tens of thousands or summer before anyone who is not skirts of Sri Lanka’s capital, officials The inmates “reportedly destroyed Senaka Perera, a lawyer with the potential vaccine and treatments,” of fake kits in the months before. On high risk and wants a shot can get one. said Monday. Two guards were criti- most of the property including offices Committee for Protecting Rights of said Steve Francis, assistant director the dark web, scammers were selling States already are gearing up for cally injured, they said. inside the prison,” Rohana said. Prisoners, said the inmates at Mahara for global trade investigations with domain names like “coronapreven- what is expected to be the biggest vac- Pandemic-related unrest has been The guards opened fire, and the prison had been frustrated because Family members of inmates gather demanding to know the condition of their Homeland Security Investigations. tion.org,” attractive to counterfeiters. cination campaign in US history. First growing in Sri Lanka’s overcrowded clash left six inmates dead and 35 their pleas for coronavirus testing relatives outside the Mahara prison complex following overnight unrest in the “But I also caution against these crim- In the US alone, more than 1,000 fake the shots have to arrive where they’re prisons. Inmates have staged protests injured, he said. Two prison officers and separation of infected prisoners facility on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP inal organisations and individuals websites a day have been removed needed, and Pfizer’s must be kept at in recent weeks at several prisons as were critically injured. had been ignored by officials for more that will try to exploit the American during the pandemic. ultra-cold temperatures – around mi- the number of coronavirus cases surg- He said hundreds of additional po- than a month. charges. “I want to know whether he month when two clusters – one cen- public.” A vaccine can’t come fast enough, nus 70 degrees Celsius. Moderna’s vac- es in the facilities. lice were deployed to help the guards On Monday, about 500 relatives of is safe. I asked the officers, please tell tered at a garment factory and other No vaccine has yet been approved as virus cases have topped 13 million cine also starts off frozen, but the com- Police spokesman Ajith Rohana and strengthen security around the inmates gathered in front of the pris- me the condition of my son,” she said. at a fish market – emerged in Colombo by the US Food and Drug Administra- An illicit website selling unapproved treatments and preventions for the coronavirus in the US and many cities have started pany said it can be thawed and kept said inmates created “unrest” Sunday prison. on and urged the authorities to pro- Sri Lankan prisons are highly con- and its suburbs. tion. The FDA has approved the first is displayed at the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, restricting movement again as the in a regular refrigerator for 30 days, at Mahara prison, about 15 kilometres An inmate was killed in similar un- vide information about the prisoners gested with more than 26,000 inmates Confirmed cases from the two clus- treatment for COVID-19, the antiviral Tuesday, November 24. Photo: AP country heads into winter. The pan- easing that concern. north of Colombo, and officials - at rest at another prison last week. An- and ensure their safety. crowded into facilities with a capacity ters have reached 19,449. Sri Lanka drug remdesivir. With vaccines and demic has killed more than 1.4 million Governments in other countries tempted to control the situation. other died in March. Sujeewa Silva said her son has of 10,000. has reported a total number of 22,988 treatments both, it has warned about as a bridge between the government, tens of thousands of false websites people worldwide, more than 266,000 and the World Health Organization, But “the unrest situation turned More than a thousand inmates in been detained at the facility for seven Sri Lanka has experienced an up- coronavirus cases, including 109 fa- the potential for fraud. businesses and consumers. She said and looking for evidence of fake cures of them in the US, according to figures which aims to buy doses for poor na- into a prison riot,” he said, adding that five prisons have tested positive for months after being arrested on drug surge in the coronavirus since last talities. – AP “The FDA is particularly concerned that makes it more important to edu- sold online. compiled by Johns Hopkins Univer- tions, will have to decide separately if that these deceptive and mislead- cate health care providers on what the Earlier this year as cases exploded, sity. But Francis and other investiga- and when vaccines should be rolled ing products might cause Americans real thing looks like. hospitals and governments grew short tors are worried that desperation will out broadly. to delay or stop appropriate medical “When you have anything in high on masks, gloves and other protec- make Americans more susceptible. Meanwhile, Homeland Security WASHINGTON DC treatment, leading to serious and life- demand and limited supply, there is tive gear. Scams grew, too. Tricksters If the FDA allows emergency use investigators and others are trying threatening harm,” the agency said in going to be fraud,” she said. Despera- preyed on unwitting citizens to hand of a vaccine, there will be limited, ra- to send the message now to the pub- a recent statement. tion will drive people around normal over money for goods they’d never re- tioned supplies before the end of the lic before the vaccines are approved Fauci: US may see ‘surge upon surge’ of virus in weeks ahead The drug companies are to have channels. ceive. year. and begin distribution. They say peo- safeguards and brand-protection fea- Meanwhile, investigators are learn- Homeland Security Investigations General Gus Perna, in charge of ple should only get a vaccine from tures in place to help avoid fraud, ing about how the vaccine will be started using its 7,000 agents in tan- the government’s efforts to distribute an approved medical provider. They THE nation’s top infectious disease ex- with the first vaccinations happening residents to stay home. Santa Clara but that may not be available until packaged and getting the message out dem with border, FDA and FBI offi- the vaccine, said on CBS’ 60 Minutes shouldn’t respond to calls seeking per- pert said Sunday that the US may see before the end of December, followed County, which includes San Jose, is the second generation of vaccine be- to field agents, creating a mass data- cials to investigate scams, seize phony the government was prepared to dis- sonal information. And they shouldn’t “surge upon a surge” of the coronavi- by many more in January, February banning all high school, collegiate and cause everything is operated on such base of information from more than products and arrest hundreds of peo- tribute the vaccine within 24 hours click on social media posts purporting rus in the weeks after Thanksgiving, and March, he said. professional sports and imposing a an emergency basis, said Karen Gard- 200 companies, so they can be pre- ple. The effort is headquartered at the of approval. There’s a stockpile of the to sell cures. and he does not expect current recom- “So if we can hang together as a quarantine for anyone travelling into ner, chief marketing officer at SIPCA pared to spot fakes and crack down on National Intellectual Property Rights prospective vaccine itself plus kits of “If it sounds too good to be true, it mendations around social distancing country and do these kinds of things the region from more than 150 miles North America, a company that works dangerous fraud. They are monitoring Coordination Center, a government needles, syringes and alcohol swabs is,” Francis said. – AP to be relaxed before Christmas. to blunt these surges until we get a (240 kilometres) away. Meanwhile, in a major reversal, substantial proportion of the popula- Back in New York, some elementa- New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio tion vaccinated, we can get through ry schools and pre-kindergarten pro- said the nation’s largest school system this,” Fauci said. grams will resume classes December 7, LONDON will reopen to in-person learning and Other experts agreed that the com- a week from Monday, the mayor said. increase the number of days a week ing weeks would be difficult, espe- Others will take longer to reopen. many children attend class. The an- cially since so many travelled over the The plan for reopening middle and nouncement came just 11 days after holiday and held in-person dinners high schools is still being developed, Dave Prowse, actor who played Darth Vader, dies at 85 the Democratic mayor said schools indoors. de Blasio said. would shut down because of rising Dr Deborah Birx, the White House About 190,000 students will be DAVE Prowse, the British weightlift- Prowse donned Darth Vader’s 1970s and 1980s. Prowse suffered from COVID-19 cases. coronavirus response coordinator, eligible to return to classrooms in the er-turned-actor who was the body, black armour and helmet for Star arthritis for many years and cam- “We feel confident that we can said Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation first round of reopening, just a frac- though not the voice, of arch-villain Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back paigned to raise money for research keep schools safe,” he said. that Americans who travelled this tion of the more than 1 million total Darth Vader in the original Star Wars (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). into disease. In 1999 he was made a Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the past week should try to avoid people pupils in the system. The great major- trilogy, has died. He was 85. He expressed some regret that, Member of the Order of the British National Institute of Allergy and In- over 65. She said that those who were ity of parents have opted to have their Prowse died Saturday after a short thanks to Vader’s mask, “I can walk Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for his fectious Diseases, told ABC’s This around others for Thanksgiving “have kids learn remotely by computer. illness, his agent Thomas Bowington around with complete anonymity.” services to charity and road safety. Week that the level of infection in the to assume that you were exposed and De Blasio said that many of those said Sunday. “All actors crave recognition and He was a regular at Star Wars fan US would not “all of a sudden turn you became infected and you really returning in person will be able to at- Born in Bristol, southwest Eng- I’d like to have some like Luke Sky- events but was banned from official around”. need to get tested in the next week”. tend five days of class a week, up from land, in 1935, Prowse was a three-time walker and Han Solo,” he told The As- conventions by Lucas in 2010 after the “So clearly in the next few weeks, Meanwhile, a busy travel weekend one to three days previously. British weightlifting champion and sociated Press in 1980. “Fortune tends pair fell out. we’re going to have the same sort of continued, despite warnings for Amer- Elementary school students at- represented England in weightlifting to follow fame.” Mark Hamill, who played Luke Sky- thing. And perhaps even two or three icans to stay close to home and limit tending in person will be required to at the 1962 Commonwealth Games Lucas said Prowse “brought a phys- walker in the Star Wars films, tweeted weeks down the line ... we may see a their holiday gatherings. undergo frequent testing for the virus. before breaking into movies with roles icality to Darth Vader that was essen- that Prowse was “a kind man & much surge upon a surge,” he said. A traveller wears a mask as she walks through Terminal 3 at O’Hare International Aside from the Thanksgiving holi- Previously, the city set a target of test- that emphasised his commanding size, tial for the character”. more than Darth Vader”. Hamill said Fauci addressed the school issue, Airport in Chicago, Sunday, November 29. Photo: AP day itself, anywhere from 800,000 to ing 20% of teachers and students in including Frankenstein’s monster in a “He made Vader leap off the page the actor “loved his fans as much as saying that spread “among children more than 1 million travellers made each school building once a month. pair of Hammer Studios horror films. and on to the big screen, with an im- they loved him. #RIP”. and from children is not really very others and avoiding large groups of This coming week, the Advisory Com- their way through US airport check- Now the testing will be weekly. Director George Lucas saw Prowse posing stature and movement per- Shaun of the Dead director-writer big at all, not like one would have sus- people. mittee on Immunization Practices points on any day during the past The mayor said the city was doing in a small part in A Clockwork Orange formance to match the intensity and Edgar Wright also paid tribute to pected. So let’s try to get the kids back, The number of new COVID-19 will meet with the Centers for Disease week, according to Transportation Se- away with its previous trigger for clos- and asked the almost 2-metre actor to undercurrent of Vader’s presence,” the Prowse on Twitter. but let’s try to mitigate the things that cases reported in the United States Control and Prevention to discuss a curity Administration statistics. That’s ing schools, which was when 3% or audition for the villainous Vader or director said in a statement on the of- “As a kid, Dave Prowse couldn’t be maintain and just push the kind of topped 200,000 for the first time last rollout of the vaccine, he said. a far cry from the 2.3 to 2.6 million more of the virus tests conducted in the Wookie Chewbacca in Star Wars. ficial Star Wars website. more famous to me; stalking along community spread that we’re trying to Friday, according to data from Johns He added that President-elect Joe seen daily last year. But it far surpass- the city over a seven-day period came Prowse later told the BBC he chose “David was up for anything and corridors as evil incarnate in the part avoid,” he said. Hopkins University. Since January, Biden should focus on distributing es the number of travellers early in the back positive. Darth Vader because “you always re- contributed to the success of what of Darth Vader & stopping a whole Fauci also appeared on NBC’s when the first infections were report- vaccines in an “efficient and equita- pandemic, when daily totals fell below New York exceeded that threshold member the bad guys”. would become a memorable, tragic A file photo from 1999 shows Dave Prowse, the original Darth Vader from the generation of kiddies from being Meet the Press, where he made simi- ed in the US, the nation’s total num- ble way”. Fauci also said he planned 100,000 on some spring days. early in November, and infections Physically, Prowse was perfect for figure. May he rest in peace.” ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, during the New York Comic and Fantasy Creators Convention. mown down in street as the Green lar remarks, adding that it’s “not too ber of cases has surpassed 13 million. to push the new administration for a More COVID-19 restrictions were have slightly worsened since then. the part. Yet his lilting English West Prowse also worked as a trainer Photo: AP Cross Code man,” he wrote. “Rest in late” for people travelling home after More than 265,000 people have died. rigorous testing programme. in store for California starting Mon- More than 9,300 residents have tested Country accent was considered less for other actors, helping Christopher Peace, Bristol’s finest.” Thanksgiving to help curb the virus by Fauci said the arrival of vaccines Health care workers will likely be day. Los Angeles County will impose positive for the virus over the past than ideal and his lines were dubbed Reeve prepare to be the Man of Steel Prowse was also known to a gen- Green Cross Code Man, a superhero in Prowse is survived by his wife Nor- wearing masks, staying distant from offers a “light at the end of the tunnel”. among the first to get the vaccine, a lockdown calling for its 10 million seven days. – AP by James Earl Jones. in hit 1978 film Superman. eration of British children as the road safety advertisements during the ma and their three children. – AP 14 World www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

HONG KONG Hong Kong lawmaker says democracy fight needs rethink

WHEN Wu Chi-wai, chairman of goals, even if it takes decades, he said. lic safety issues due to the coronavirus Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy He conceded that he doesn’t yet know pandemic. party, decided to serve an extended the path ahead, but sounded a hope- Most of the pro-democracy legisla- term in the city’s legislature, he did ful note. tors criticised the move as unconstitu- not expect to resign two months later. “I’m getting into a whole new ball tional but initially decided to remain After nearly three decades in poli- game,” he said. “It opens a new im- in the legislature. Then came the deci- tics, the 58-year-old Wu is stepped aginative area to imagine the future, sion to disqualify four of them, which down Monday. All 15 lawmakers in because in the past, I was stuck in a … Wu described as sudden, although not the pro-democracy camp have ten- boundary that made me tired.” unexpected. dered their resignations to protest a For Wu, the fight for democracy “(With) the latest decision, the Beijing resolution in early November has been a long and difficult one, akin central government simply tells eve- that led to the disqualifications of to a political career that saw both rybody in the world that … ‘in Hong four of their colleagues. election wins and defeats. Kong, we are in total control, every- The resignations came at a fraught He was an economics student in thing is under control,’” he said. “So, time for Hong Kong, as Beijing tight- the US when he decided in 1991 to we need to reconsider the way to fight ens control over the semi-autonomous return to Hong Kong — then a Brit- in the future.” city. Activists say that China is clamp- ish colony — ahead of its return to Wu said the pro-democracy camp ing down on freedoms that distin- China in 1997 to observe the changes could run in future elections, in part guish Hong Kong from the mainland. from a transfer of sovereignty. He cut to sustain the determination for de- Since the 2014 Umbrella Move- his teeth in politics as a legislative as- mocracy, but he pointed out that they ment protests, pro-democracy activ- sistant, working for then-lawmaker may not be able to serve their whole ists have demanded greater democ- Conrad Lam, who was part of pro- terms, citing the recent disqualifica- racy and accused China of going back democracy party United Democrats of tions of his four colleagues. on its promise to allow the people to Pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai packs up at his office in the Legislative Hong Kong. “History repeats in a cycle,” said vote freely for their leader. Council in Hong Kong on November 19. Photo: AP In the ensuing years, Wu served Wu, pointing to the fight for democ- Last year, protesters clashed with on municipal and district councils be- racy in the Soviet Union decades police in months of anti-government been able to stop. Pro-democracy sup- speeches in defense of democracy. fore being elected to the citywide leg- ago and the protests in Tiananmen rallies. Partly in response, China tight- porters will need to rethink how to He was arrested earlier this year for islature in 2012. Since 2016, Wu has Square. ened its grip on Hong Kong in June, continue their fight now that so much participating in an unauthorised vigil headed the Democratic Party -– Hong “The key now is how to keep our imposing a national security law that has changed, he said. in remembrance of the bloody 1989 Kong’s largest pro-democracy politi- determination in the coming time, targets dissent. “I kept my promise, I fought to the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Bei- cal party. because it is easy for people to give up For Wu, quitting was a last re- end,” he said in an interview, adding jing, and later again in November for The mass resignations came short- when they fail,” he said. “We may need sort. He said that staying on would he hopes those who voted for him contempt and interfering with other ly after the beginning of an unprec- to wait for 20 years, and some people not have changed things, as the pro- would not think that they had done lawmakers during a clash in the legis- edented one-year extension of the may find that discouraging. But ... if Beijing government was determined so in vain. lative chamber in May. four-year legislative term. That fol- we believe in the value of democracy to push through policies that the Wu, known for his feisty person- Democracy supporters must keep lowed a postponement of legislative and freedom, we need people to fight pro-democracy camp would not have ality, often delivered impassioned their determination to achieve their elections, with authorities citing pub- for it.” – AP

TEHRAN Iran says Israel remotely killed military nuclear scientist

A TOP Iranian security official on scribed seeing gunmen open fire. a satellite-controlled machine gun Monday accused Israel of using “elec- State TV’s English-language Press hidden inside of it. Iranian officials tronic devices” to remotely kill a scien- TV reported earlier Wednesday a did not immediately acknowledge tist who founded the Islamic Repub- weapon recovered from the scene of that. It also would require someone lic’s military nuclear programme in the attack bore “the logo and specifica- on the ground to set up the weapon. the 2000s. tions of the Israeli military industry”. Shamkhani also blamed the Irani- Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the State TV’s Arabic-language channel, an exile group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq as country’s Supreme National Security Al-Alam, claimed the weapons used well for “having a role in this”, without Council, made the comment at the fu- were “controlled by satellite”, a claim elaborating. The MEK did not imme- neral for Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, where also made Sunday by the semiofficial diately respond to a request for com- Iran’s defence minister separately Fars news agency. None of the outlets ment. vowed to continue the man’s work immediately offered evidence sup- Monday’s service for Fakhrizadeh “with more speed and more power”. porting their claims. took place at an outdoor portion of Israel, long suspected of killing Ira- “Unfortunately, the operation was Iran’s Defence Ministry in Tehran, nian nuclear scientists over the last a very complicated operation and was with officials including Revolutionary decade, repeatedly has declined to carried out by using electronic devic- Guard chief General Hossein Salami, comment on the attack. es,” Shamkhani told state TV. “No indi- the Guard’s Quds Force leader Gen- Fakhrizadeh headed Iran’s so-called vidual was present at the site.” era; Esmail Ghaani, civilian nuclear AMAD programme, which Israel and Satellite control of weapons is programme chief Ali Akbar Sahei and the West have alleged was a military nothing new. Armed, long-range Intelligence Minister Mamoud Alavi. operation looking at the feasibility of drones for instance rely on satellite They sat apart from each other and building a nuclear weapon. The Inter- connections to be controlled by their wore masks due to the coronavirus national Atomic Energy Agency says remote pilots. Remote-controlled gun pandemic as reciters melodically read that “structured programme” ended turrets also exist, but typically see portions of the Quran and religious Military personnel stand near the flag-draped coffin of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2003. US intelligence agencies con- their operator connected by a hard texts. during a funeral ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP curred with that assessment in a 2007 line to cut down on the delay in com- Defence Minister General Amir report. mands being relayed. Hatami gave a speech after kissing Israel, issued a statement condemn- Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minis- Israel insists Iran still maintains While technically feasible, it wasn’t Fakhrizadeh’s casket and putting his ing “the heinous assassination”. The try Director-General Alon Ushpiz has the ambition of developing nuclear immediately clear if such a system had forehead against it. He said Fakhri- UAE, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, sent a cable to all Israeli diplomatic weapons, pointing to Tehran’s ballis- been used before, said Jeremy Binnie, zadeh’s killing would make Iranians warned it “could further fuel conflict delegations around the globe urging tic missile programme and research the Mideast editor of Jane’s Defence “more united, more determined”. in the region”. diplomats to maintain “the highest into other technologies. Iran long has Weekly. “For the continuation of your path, Last year, the UAE found itself in level of readiness and awareness of maintained its nuclear programme is “Could you set up a weapon with we will continue with more speed and the middle of an escalating series of any irregular activity” around mis- peaceful. a camera which then has a feed that more power,” Hatami said in com- incidents between Iran and the US. sions and Jewish community centers. Shamkhani’s remarks drastically uses an open satellite communica- ments aired live by state television. Though long suspicious of Iran’s nu- Hebrew-language media in Israel change the story of Fakhrizadeh’s kill- tions line back to the controller?” Hatami also criticised countries clear programme, the Emirates has reported that following the Fakhri- ing last Friday. Authorities initially Binnie said. “I can’t see why that’s not that hadn’t condemned Fakhrizadeh’s said it wants to de-escalate the crisis. zadeh’s killing, the Foreign Ministry said a truck exploded and then gun- possible.” killing, warning: “This will catch up The UAE just started passenger air ordered security beefed up at certain men opened fire on the scientist, kill- It also raised the question of if the with you someday.” Overnight, the service to Israel and Israelis are ex- Israeli diplomatic missions overseas. ing him. State TV even interviewed a truck that exploded during the attack United Arab Emirates, which just pected to vacation in the country over The ministry declined to comment on man the night of the attack who de- detonated afterward to try and destroy reached a normalisation deal with Hanukkah in the coming days. diplomatic security matters. – AP 14 World www.mmtimes.com THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020 DECEMBER 1, 2020 THE MYANMAR TIMES www.mmtimes.com Sport 15

HONG KONG FOOTBALL Hong Kong lawmaker says Messi pays tribute to Maradona democracy fight needs rethink with shirt of Argentina great WHEN Wu Chi-wai, chairman of goals, even if it takes decades, he said. lic safety issues due to the coronavirus Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy He conceded that he doesn’t yet know pandemic. BARCELONA, Spain — With his country and the Considered by many as the best player in party, decided to serve an extended the path ahead, but sounded a hope- Most of the pro-democracy legisla- world of football in mourning for Diego Mara- his generation – and one of the greatest ever – term in the city’s legislature, he did ful note. tors criticised the move as unconstitu- dona, Lionel Messi found his own way to mark Messi has been judged, especially back home, by not expect to resign two months later. “I’m getting into a whole new ball tional but initially decided to remain the passing of the only Argentine player to rival how his career compares to that of Maradona. After nearly three decades in poli- game,” he said. “It opens a new im- in the legislature. Then came the deci- his own greatness on the field. Messi shares the lower centre of gravity, the tics, the 58-year-old Wu is stepped aginative area to imagine the future, sion to disqualify four of them, which Messi paid tribute on Sunday, when he supreme dribbling skills and the ability to score down Monday. All 15 lawmakers in because in the past, I was stuck in a … Wu described as sudden, although not stripped off his Barcelona top to reveal a shirt eye-popping goals as Argentina’s other great No. the pro-democracy camp have ten- boundary that made me tired.” unexpected. honouring Maradona after he scored the final 10. But while his life focused on football and dered their resignations to protest a For Wu, the fight for democracy “(With) the latest decision, the goal in a 4-0 rout of Osasuna. family has kept him well clear of the addictions Beijing resolution in early November has been a long and difficult one, akin central government simply tells eve- Messi celebrated his powerful strike from out- that ruined Maradona’s health, Messi has never that led to the disqualifications of to a political career that saw both rybody in the world that … ‘in Hong side the box by taking off Barcelona’s blue-and- been able to reproduce the 1986 World Cup tro- four of their colleagues. election wins and defeats. Kong, we are in total control, every- burgundy to reveal the red-and-black of Mara- phy Maradona led his country to, coming clos- The resignations came at a fraught He was an economics student in thing is under control,’” he said. “So, dona’s jersey from his stint at Newell’s Old Boys. est in 2014 when a Messi-led Argentina lost in time for Hong Kong, as Beijing tight- the US when he decided in 1991 to we need to reconsider the way to fight Messi then blew a kiss with both hands to the sky the final to Germany. ens control over the semi-autonomous return to Hong Kong — then a Brit- in the future.” as he looked upward. The win was only Barcelona’s second in seven city. Activists say that China is clamp- ish colony — ahead of its return to Wu said the pro-democracy camp After the game, Messi posted a photo of his league matches. It left the team in seventh place ing down on freedoms that distin- China in 1997 to observe the changes could run in future elections, in part tribute alongside an older image of Maradona with two games in hand. Second-place Atlético guish Hong Kong from the mainland. from a transfer of sovereignty. He cut to sustain the determination for de- in the same shirt, adding the message “Farewell, Madrid is nine points ahead of Barcelona. Since the 2014 Umbrella Move- his teeth in politics as a legislative as- mocracy, but he pointed out that they Diego” in Spanish. ment protests, pro-democracy activ- sistant, working for then-lawmaker may not be able to serve their whole “It was a great moment,” said Barcelona man- Stalemate at the top ists have demanded greater democ- Conrad Lam, who was part of pro- terms, citing the recent disqualifica- ager Ronald Koeman. “First, for the goal that Leo Surprise leader Real Sociedad was held 1-1 at racy and accused China of going back democracy party United Democrats of tions of his four colleagues. scored and then for the gesture he had for the home by Villarreal, another upstart side to have on its promise to allow the people to Pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai packs up at his office in the Legislative Hong Kong. “History repeats in a cycle,” said death of Diego Maradona. He had surely been impressed in the league this season. Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, left, celebrates after scoring his side’s fourth goal during the Spanish La vote freely for their leader. Council in Hong Kong on November 19. Photo: AP In the ensuing years, Wu served Wu, pointing to the fight for democ- thinking of what he would do. For me, it was a Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the lead in San Liga match against Osasuna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 29. Photo: AP Last year, protesters clashed with on municipal and district councils be- racy in the Soviet Union decades great moment in every way.” Sebastian by converting a penalty kick in the police in months of anti-government been able to stop. Pro-democracy sup- speeches in defense of democracy. fore being elected to the citywide leg- ago and the protests in Tiananmen Messi played for Newell’s before he joined sixth minute after Aritz Elustondo fouled Pervis three other central defenders due to injury and Griezmann doubled the lead three minutes rallies. Partly in response, China tight- porters will need to rethink how to He was arrested earlier this year for islature in 2012. Since 2016, Wu has Square. Barcelona at age 13. Maradona played five Estupiñán. right back Sergi Roberto. before halftime when he volleyed a blistering ened its grip on Hong Kong in June, continue their fight now that so much participating in an unauthorised vigil headed the Democratic Party -– Hong “The key now is how to keep our matches for Newell’s near the end of his playing Mikel Oyarzabal levelled from the spot in the Barcelona finished the match with midfield- strike from outside the area that left goalkeeper imposing a national security law that has changed, he said. in remembrance of the bloody 1989 Kong’s largest pro-democracy politi- determination in the coming time, career that made him a legend in his home coun- 33rd after Pau Torres fouled Robin Le Normand. er Frenkie de Jong in the centre of its defence Sergio Herrera flat-footed and with no chance of targets dissent. “I kept my promise, I fought to the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Bei- cal party. because it is easy for people to give up try. In an interview with Argentine television TyC Oyarzabal and Moreno, both Spain forwards, alongside reserve team player Óscar Mingueza in stopping it. For Wu, quitting was a last re- end,” he said in an interview, adding jing, and later again in November for The mass resignations came short- when they fail,” he said. “We may need in 2013, Messi said that when he was a young boy lead the league with seven and six goals, respec- his second game for the senior squad. Griezmann then assisted Coutinho to tap in sort. He said that staying on would he hopes those who voted for him contempt and interfering with other ly after the beginning of an unprec- to wait for 20 years, and some people he went to the stadium for Maradona’s debut for tively. Koeman said it appears the injury to Lenglet the hosts’ third goal in the 57th. Messi rounded not have changed things, as the pro- would not think that they had done lawmakers during a clash in the legis- edented one-year extension of the may find that discouraging. But ... if Newell’s in 1993. The draw ended Sociedad’s six-round winning is “not serious” but that he would undergo a it off with his strike from long range in the 73rd. Beijing government was determined so in vain. lative chamber in May. four-year legislative term. That fol- we believe in the value of democracy Messi had kept his head bowed during the streak. It is one point ahead of Atlético but has medical exam on Monday. “It was important to get this win because to push through policies that the Wu, known for his feisty person- Democracy supporters must keep lowed a postponement of legislative and freedom, we need people to fight minute of silence before kickoff in the Spanish played two games more. Villarreal remained in Sergio Busquets returned for Barcelona from those at the top of table keep winning and we pro-democracy camp would not have ality, often delivered impassioned their determination to achieve their elections, with authorities citing pub- for it.” – AP league game at the empty Camp Nou for Mara- third place – four points behind Sociedad – after a knee injury that had sidelined him for two couldn’t slip again,” Griezmann said. “We did not dona, who died of a heart attack on Wednesday an eighth consecutive round without a loss. games. know what Messi had planned to honour Mara- at age 60. Maradona played for Barcelona from dona. It was a nice surprise.” 1982-84. Depleted defence Griezmann leads victory Osasuna, which won at Barcelona on the final TEHRAN “We have lost Diego, a world idol,” Barcelona’s The victory for Barcelona may have come at the Messi’s tribute to Maradona overshadowed a fine round of last season, was left in 15th place. Brazil forward Philippe Coutinho said. “Everyone price of losing yet another defender. performance by Griezmann, the France forward In other results, Celta Vigo escaped last place admired him and we will all miss him. (Messi’s) Clement Lenglet hurt his lower right leg after who has been criticised for not reaching his po- after beating Granada 3-1 for just its second win Iran says Israel remotely killed military nuclear scientist tribute was beautiful.” an unintentional knock by an Osasuna player in tential at Barcelona. of the season. Coutinho also scored for Barcelona, along with the second half. He had to be helped off by two Braithwaite scrambled in a rebound to open Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 at Getafe as both Martin Braithwaite and Antoine Griezmann. team doctors. Barcelona was already without the scoring on the half-hour mark. stayed mid-table. – AP A TOP Iranian security official on scribed seeing gunmen open fire. a satellite-controlled machine gun Monday accused Israel of using “elec- State TV’s English-language Press hidden inside of it. Iranian officials tronic devices” to remotely kill a scien- TV reported earlier Wednesday a did not immediately acknowledge tist who founded the Islamic Repub- weapon recovered from the scene of that. It also would require someone FOOTBALL lic’s military nuclear programme in the attack bore “the logo and specifica- on the ground to set up the weapon. the 2000s. tions of the Israeli military industry”. Shamkhani also blamed the Irani- Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of the State TV’s Arabic-language channel, an exile group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq as country’s Supreme National Security Al-Alam, claimed the weapons used well for “having a role in this”, without ‘For Diego’: Napoli beats Roma 4-0 amid Maradona tributes Council, made the comment at the fu- were “controlled by satellite”, a claim elaborating. The MEK did not imme- neral for Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, where also made Sunday by the semiofficial diately respond to a request for com- MILAN — Napoli beat Roma 4-0 in an kissed it after scoring the opening goal Milan took the lead in the 17th Iran’s defence minister separately Fars news agency. None of the outlets ment. emotional match in the Italian league with a free kick in the 31st. minute when Romagnoli was left un- vowed to continue the man’s work immediately offered evidence sup- Monday’s service for Fakhrizadeh on Sunday as the team paid tribute to Fabián Ruiz doubled Napoli’s lead marked to head in a corner at the back “with more speed and more power”. porting their claims. took place at an outdoor portion of Diego Maradona. in the 64th, finishing off a counterat- post. Israel, long suspected of killing Ira- “Unfortunately, the operation was Iran’s Defence Ministry in Tehran, It was Napoli’s first Serie A game tack with a low shot into the bottom Dušan Vlahović almost equalised nian nuclear scientists over the last a very complicated operation and was with officials including Revolutionary since Maradona died last Wednesday right corner. shortly after but his effort was tipped decade, repeatedly has declined to carried out by using electronic devic- Guard chief General Hossein Salami, in his native Argentina. Maradona led Roma offered little and Napoli ef- onto the post by Gianluigi Donnarum- comment on the attack. es,” Shamkhani told state TV. “No indi- the Guard’s Quds Force leader Gen- Napoli to its only two Serie A titles in fectively sealed the match nine min- ma. Fakhrizadeh headed Iran’s so-called vidual was present at the site.” era; Esmail Ghaani, civilian nuclear 1987 and 1990 and is considered a god- utes from time when Antonio Mirante Instead, it was Milan that doubled AMAD programme, which Israel and Satellite control of weapons is programme chief Ali Akbar Sahei and like figure in the southern city. could only parry Elif Elmas’ attempt its lead in the 28th when Kessié con- the West have alleged was a military nothing new. Armed, long-range Intelligence Minister Mamoud Alavi. “Certainly I played with an extra and Dries Mertens turned in the re- verted a penalty after Alexis Saele- operation looking at the feasibility of drones for instance rely on satellite They sat apart from each other and motivation, so did all my teammates,” bound. maekers was tripped by Germán Pez- building a nuclear weapon. The Inter- connections to be controlled by their wore masks due to the coronavirus Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne said. Substitute Matteo Politano added zella. national Atomic Energy Agency says remote pilots. Remote-controlled gun pandemic as reciters melodically read “We’ve lost our idol and it hurts. another goal five minutes later with a Kessié had another penalty saved that “structured programme” ended turrets also exist, but typically see portions of the Quran and religious Military personnel stand near the flag-draped coffin of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh “Today without doubt we wanted sensational solo run. by Fiorentina goalkeeper Bartłomiej in 2003. US intelligence agencies con- their operator connected by a hard texts. during a funeral ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Monday, November 30. Photo: AP even more than normal to get a result, Drągowski five minutes from time fol- curred with that assessment in a 2007 line to cut down on the delay in com- Defence Minister General Amir for Diego, for our city which is suffer- No Ibra, no problem lowing a foul by Martín Cáceres on report. mands being relayed. Hatami gave a speech after kissing Israel, issued a statement condemn- Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minis- ing this loss. We dedicate the victory Despite the absence of its coach and Theo Hernández. Israel insists Iran still maintains While technically feasible, it wasn’t Fakhrizadeh’s casket and putting his ing “the heinous assassination”. The try Director-General Alon Ushpiz has to him.” star striker, AC Milan maintained its Milan could have extended its lead the ambition of developing nuclear immediately clear if such a system had forehead against it. He said Fakhri- UAE, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, sent a cable to all Israeli diplomatic The victory saw Napoli move level unbeaten start to the Serie A season. early in the second half but Hakan weapons, pointing to Tehran’s ballis- been used before, said Jeremy Binnie, zadeh’s killing would make Iranians warned it “could further fuel conflict delegations around the globe urging with Roma and Juventus, six points Alessio Romagnoli’s header and Çalhanoğlu’s strike came off the post. tic missile programme and research the Mideast editor of Jane’s Defence “more united, more determined”. in the region”. diplomats to maintain “the highest below leader AC Milan, which beat Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne lays a bouquet of flowers under a photo of Diego Franck Kessié’s penalty in the first into other technologies. Iran long has Weekly. “For the continuation of your path, Last year, the UAE found itself in level of readiness and awareness of Fiorentina 2-0 earlier in the day. Armando Maradona at the San Paolo Stadium prior to the Italian Serie A match half secured the victory in front of the Other matches maintained its nuclear programme is “Could you set up a weapon with we will continue with more speed and the middle of an escalating series of any irregular activity” around mis- There was a touching moment be- against Roma, in Naples, Italy, Sunday, November 29. Photo: AP watching Zlatan Ibrahimović, who was Udinese was missing a number of peaceful. a camera which then has a feed that more power,” Hatami said in com- incidents between Iran and the US. sions and Jewish community centers. fore the game when Insigne placed injured but cheering his teammates on players because of the coronavirus but Shamkhani’s remarks drastically uses an open satellite communica- ments aired live by state television. Though long suspicious of Iran’s nu- Hebrew-language media in Israel bouquets of flowers under banners There was a tribute to Maradona to applaud. from the stands. managed to win 3-1 at Lazio. change the story of Fakhrizadeh’s kill- tions line back to the controller?” Hatami also criticised countries clear programme, the Emirates has reported that following the Fakhri- dedicated to Maradona, displayed in in all Serie A matches on the week- Napoli players were wearing a Milan coach Stefano Pioli was still Tolgay Arslan, Ignacio Pussetto and ing last Friday. Authorities initially Binnie said. “I can’t see why that’s not that hadn’t condemned Fakhrizadeh’s said it wants to de-escalate the crisis. zadeh’s killing, the Foreign Ministry the empty stands at either end of the end. That included a minute of silence special kit which bore a resemblance absent after testing positive for the Fernando Forestieri scored for Udinese said a truck exploded and then gun- possible.” killing, warning: “This will catch up The UAE just started passenger air ordered security beefed up at certain stadium. for Maradona, while his image was to the Argentina jersey in honour of coronavirus. before Ciro Immobile’s penalty. men opened fire on the scientist, kill- It also raised the question of if the with you someday.” Overnight, the service to Israel and Israelis are ex- Israeli diplomatic missions overseas. Napoli’s Stadio San Paolo will of- also projected on the stadium screens Maradona. The Rossoneri moved five points Bologna beat bottom club Crotone ing him. State TV even interviewed a truck that exploded during the attack United Arab Emirates, which just pected to vacation in the country over The ministry declined to comment on ficially be renamed the Stadio Diego again in the 10th minute, in honor of Insigne also held up a shirt with clear of Inter Milan and Sassuolo, 1-0. Cagliari drew 2-2 against Spezia. man the night of the attack who de- detonated afterward to try and destroy reached a normalisation deal with Hanukkah in the coming days. diplomatic security matters. – AP Armando Maradona. his shirt number. All players stopped Maradona’s name and number and which both played on Saturday. – AP THE MYANMAR TIMES DECEMBER 1, 2020

Messi pays tribute to Maradona with shirt of Argentina great SPORT 15 SPORT

FOOTBALL Clash of heads raises concerns as Wolves beat Arsenal

LONDON — The sound of the thud scrutiny into the long-term impact of tenham ahead of champion Liverpool from a clash of heads just added to head injuries. Trials of concussion sub- on goal difference and two points in concern. stitutes are only due to begin in 2021. front of third-place Chelsea. The game was only five minutes old Arsenal maintained that Luiz never “We are not even in the race,” Mour- at the Emirates Stadium when Wolver- lost consciousness. inho claimed. “We are not a horse ... hampton forward Raul Jimenez and “They have some tests they have we are just a pony.” Arsenal defender David Luiz collided to do before they put him back on the while jumping for the ball. pitch, and then David was just con- United comeback The emptiness of the Emirates cerned about the cut, nothing else,” Mourinho faltered in his previous at- Stadium – with fans still excluded un- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. tempt to win the title at an English til next week due to the pandemic – “They will continue to do some checks club other than Chelsea, lasting only made the troubling sound all the more in the next few hours but he was fine.” two full seasons at Manchester United audible. The result was not fine for Arteta, before being fired in 2018. Concerns grew as Jimenez ap- with Arsenal languishing in 14th place Successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer peared motionless and was eventually and eight points off the lead after 10 hasn’t fared any better. wheeled off the field with an oxygen games. That leader, unusually, is Tot- Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Raul Jimenez receives treatment following a head Even after the comeback at South- mask on. tenham, which drew 0-0 at Chelsea on clash with Arsenal’s David Luiz during the English Premier League match at ampton, United is in eighth place, a “I knew straight away that some- Sunday. Emirates Stadium, London, Sunday, November 29. Photo: AP point behind the south-coast hosts. thing was wrong,” Wolves manager Another former Premier League The game was turned around by Nuno Espirito Santo said. “Everyone champion avoided a day as miser- rebound after Leander Dendoncker’s Mourinho’s ponies United – following Jan Bednarek’s called ‘red, red,’ which means it’s a bad able as Arsenal’s. Manchester United header onto the crossbar. Although While Jose Mourinho was accustomed header and James Ward-Prowse’s situation. You see the panic in their fought back from two goals down to Gabriel’s towering header drew Arse- to winning titles with Chelsea – three free kick for Southampton – after the eyes.” win 3-2 at Southampton. nal level three minutes later, Daniel times – he is now in charge of a Totten- halftime introduction of free summer By the time the Premier League Podence volleyed Wolves back in front ham side that hasn’t won the champi- signing Edinson Cavani. game ended – with Wolves beating Ar- Arteta’s struggles after Neto’s shot bounced off goalkeep- onship since 1961. The 33-year-old former Paris Saint- senal 2-1 – there was a more encourag- Exactly a year to the day after Arsene er Bernd Leno’s legs. No wonder he keeps downplaying Germain striker set up Bruno Fer- ing update from the London hospital Wenger’s immediate successor, Unai Next up in the Premier League for the prospect of still being first in May, nandes to reduce the deficit, nodded with Jimenez said to be conscious and Emery, was fired, Arteta is also strug- Arsenal is one of the biggest games of despite Tottenham showing defensive in the equaliser and then turned in talking. gling badly. With 13 points, Arsenal the season: the north London derby resilience to draw at Stamford Bridge Marcus Rashford’s cross for a stop- One of the lingering concerns, has its lowest tally after 10 games in against Tottenham next Sunday, on where the team has only won once in page-time winner. “It’s a trait that though, was why a bandaged and 39 years. the first weekend with some support- 30 years. Manchester United players always bloodied Luiz played on until the in- Wolves took the lead in the 27th ers allowed back into the capital’s sta- The point, following last weekend’s should have,” Solskjaer said, “never to terval at a time when there is growing minute when Pedro Neto slotted in a diums for the first time since March. victory over Manchester City, put Tot- give up, never to give in.” – AP

MOTORSPORTS Hamilton wins Bahrain GP, Grosjean escapes burning car

FORMULA One champion Lewis “It was such a shocking image to and a bonus point with the fastest lap. Hamilton won a crash-marred Bah- see ... horrifying. It could have been so The 35-year-old Hamilton looked rain Grand Prix where Romain Gros- much worse,” Hamilton said. “I respect drained at the end. jean somehow escaped with only mi- the dangers that are in this sport.” “It’s physical, this track has al- nor burns after his car exploded into Moments after the race restarted ways been physical. We’ve got lots of a fireball. about 90 minutes later, on Lap 3 of 57, high-speed corners so I was definitely The 34-year-old French driver slid there was another incident as Lance feeling it,” he said. “I managed to just off the track Sunday at high speed on Stroll’s Racing Point clipped the Al- about reply to him (Verstappen) when the first lap and his Haas car burst phaTauri of Daniil Kvyat and flipped I needed to but I was sliding around a into flames after being sliced in two by over. lot out there and I wasn’t really quite a barrier. Grosjean clambered out with Stroll joked about hanging upside sure how it would play out at the end.” the fire roaring behind him and his down in his car, before squirming out. Perez looked set to finish third and race helmet singed. He was conscious The Canadian driver was unharmed. clinch his 10th career podium, but his and stable and then taken by helicop- Kvyat was involved in both crashes engine blew with three laps left and ter to a military hospital. but not at fault. flames poured from the back of his car Governing body FIA said in a state- The first accident happened when as he pulled over to the side. ment that Grosjean was staying over- Grosjean lost grip and slid to the right, That put Red Bull’s Alexander Al- night in a military hospital to have where his back wheel clipped the front bon into third ahead of the McLarens treatment for burns on the back of of Kvyat’s car and he flew off into the of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. Jr both hands, but that he did not have barrier. while Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate any fractures despite hitting the bar- Track officials extinguish flames from Haas driver Romain Grosjean’s car after “At first I was angry that he had Valtteri Bottas was only eighth. riers at an estimated speed of at least a crash during the Formula One race in Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, turned across me in the way he did, There is another race in Bahrain 200 kilometres per hour. Bahrain, Sunday, November 29. Photo: AP but that changed as soon as I saw the next Sunday – on Sakhir’s shorter out- Late on Sunday, F1 posted a video flames and what happened in my mir- er circuit – before the 17-race season of a smiling Grosjean speaking from The crash happened with seven- the Turkish GP on November 15, was rors,” Kvyat said. “I was really worried. concludes in Abu Dhabi. his hospital bed. time F1 champion Hamilton leading subdued and did not celebrate his win It was a scary moment.” Hamilton has a huge lead with 332 “Just wanted to say I am OK,” Gros- from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and after climbing out of his car, other Hamilton’s record-extending 95th points compared to 201 for Bottas and jean said. “Thank you very much for Racing Point’s Sergio Perez. than a brief fist-pump with the Red win saw him finish ahead of Verstap- 189 for Verstappen, who can still catch all the messages.” Hamilton, who secured his title at Bull drivers. pen, who took his 41st career podium Bottas. – AP