战略与国际研究中心-Land-Reform_-A-Critical-Test-for-Myanmar-s-Government_18页_1mb

Summary of Southeast Asia News: November 8, 2012

Core Content: Land Reform in Myanmar

Land reform has become a critical test for Myanmar's reformist government, especially as the country opens up to foreign investment. The reforms have led to increased protests from farmers who fear land confiscation and lack of compensation, particularly in the Sagaing division.

Main Points

• Land Ownership and Use: The state remains the ultimate owner of all land, with farmers allowed to cultivate under government prescriptions. This lack of secure land tenure has long been a concern for rural communities.
• New Laws: The Farmland Law and the Vacant, Fallow, and Virgin Land Management Law were introduced to provide a legal framework for land reform. These laws allow farmers to transfer or mortgage land to repay loans, which is seen as a positive step.
• Central Farmland Management Body: A new independent body was established to oversee land use and management, with the authority to transfer or revoke farming rights and conduct land evaluations.
• Weaknesses: Critics argue the laws do not adequately address land tenure security or promote commercial farming. They are seen as less effective compared to Vietnam's more transparent land rights policies from the 1980s, which significantly boosted agricultural productivity.
• Government's Stance: President Thein Sein has emphasized the need for coherent land use policies to improve rural living conditions and ensure food security. The government aims to balance development with the rights of farmers.
• Protests and Concerns: Land disputes have led to protests, with the government deploying security forces to manage tensions. The issue is not only about land but also about the legacy of cronyism and the need for fair resolution of historical land claims.
• Role of Foreign Investment: The government is under pressure to ensure that new land policies will attract and maintain confidence among foreign investors, who require legal guarantees for long-term land use.

Key Developments in Other ASEAN Countries

Indonesia

• Mineral Export Restrictions Overturned: The Supreme Court upheld a challenge to the government's ban on exporting unprocessed minerals, which was seen as an embarrassment and a setback for foreign investors.
• Election Disputes: The General Elections Commission disqualified 18 parties, citing failure to meet verification requirements. This has raised concerns about political transparency.
• Labor Policy: A controversial decree limiting outsourcing was issued, disappointing both investors and workers. The move was intended to address concerns raised by a national labor strike.
• Counterterrorism Efforts: The National Counterterrorism Agency intensified operations in Poso, targeting suspected terrorists linked to Jemaah Islamiya. The area has a history of communal violence.
• Infrastructure Projects: The government launched several projects under the MP3EI initiative, but progress has been hindered by coordination issues and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Thailand

• Cabinet Reshuffles: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reshuffled her cabinet, with Jaruporn Ruangsawan taking over as interior minister and also becoming the new leader of the Pheu Thai Party.
• Anti-Government Rallies: An anti-government group staged a rally in Bangkok, criticizing the government's policies and calling for a no-confidence vote.
• No Confidence Motion: The Democrat Party plans to submit a no-confidence motion against Yingluck's government by the end of November, focusing on economic and corruption issues.

Philippines

• Credit Rating Upgrade: Moody's upgraded the Philippines' credit rating, citing improved economic performance and fiscal stability.
• Military Conflict: A clash between Philippine marines and the Islamist group Abu Sayyaf resulted in casualties on both sides.
• Legal Proceedings: Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo refused to enter a plea on plunder charges, leading to legal and political controversy.
• Military Cooperation: The Philippines is acquiring U.S. and French military assets to bolster its naval capabilities amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Vietnam

• Constitutional Amendments: Proposals to grant the president greater authority, including command of the armed forces, were discussed. The amendments aim to enhance executive power.
• Debt Management Scheme: The State Bank of Vietnam is finalizing a proposal for a national debt management company to restructure banks and resolve bad debts.

ASEAN and Regional Issues

ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

• The declaration faced criticism for its lack of public involvement in the drafting process and for prioritizing national interests over individual rights. It is expected to be adopted at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh.

Economic Rankings

• Ease of Doing Business: Singapore topped the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index, while Malaysia and Thailand ranked 12th and 18th respectively. Vietnam and Indonesia were in the second tier, and Cambodia, the Philippines, and Laos were at the bottom.
• Gender Equality: The Philippines ranked eighth in the World Economic Forum's gender equality report, while other ASEAN countries ranked much lower.

Other News

• Singapore's Industrial Park: Singapore is helping Malaysia build a $1.2 billion industrial park in Iskandar, a special development zone near Singapore. The park will focus on key industries like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
• Singapore Airlines Deals: Singapore Airlines signed major deals with Airbus and Virgin Australia, including a $7.5 billion purchase of aircraft and a 10% stake in Virgin Australia.
• Yuan-Denominated IPO Suspension: Singapore's first yuan-denominated IPO was suspended due to market conditions and poor performance of recent IPOs, impacting its position as an offshore yuan-trading hub.

Conclusion

Land reform in Myanmar remains a crucial challenge, with significant implications for rural communities, foreign investment, and the country's democratic transition. Meanwhile, other ASEAN nations face their own political, economic, and social developments, highlighting the complex dynamics within the region.