Public Administration in the News
[India] [Indonesia] [Islamic Republic of Iran] [Japan] [Malaysia] [Nepal]
[Peoples Republic of China] [Philippines] [South Korea] [Thailand] [Vietnam]
Last updated: 19 May 2008
INDIA
Government committed to eliminate terrorism: Chidambaram
Finance Minister P Chidambaram today reiterated governments commitment to fight terrorism tooth and nail reminding that its respect for the law should not be mistaken for a soft approach towards terrorism. [Read more]
India extends support to Nepal's 'democratic experiment'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday hoped that Nepalese political parties involved in the electoral process have an obligation to make a success of the "democratic experiment" and extended India's support to the exercise. [Read more]
States asked to streamline, regulate NREGA funds
Union Minister for Rural Development Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh on Monday stressed upon the need to curb misappropriations in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) across the country. [Read more]
Sonia Gandhi promises fillip for higher education infrastructure to benefit minorities
UPA Chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday promised infrastructure for higher education in the backward areas. [Read more]
Government takes several steps on Labour Day for unorganised sector workers
Labour and Employment Minister Oscar Fernandes said today that the government has taken several measures on the occasion of Labour Day for unorganised sector workers for improving social security. [Read more]
Civil Defence authorities to be involved in disaster management
The Government has decided to involve the civil defence volunteers in disaster management in addition to their traditional roles. [Read more]
Manmohan Singh calls for improvement of teaching facilities in country
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said that it is a sad reality that too much attention is paid to the hardware of education and not enough to the software, namely, the quality of teachers and of facilities offered, including libraries. [Read more]
Govt to give more powers to NCW Act
Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury told the Rajya Sabha today that the Government is planning to give more powers to the National Commission for Women Act.
[Read more]
Manmohan Singh compliments civil services
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said that the civil services have made a positive contribution in ensuring that the India was a vibrant democracy, plural society and polity.
[Read more]
Government to consider medical cover for unorganised sector workers
Minister of State for Labour Oscar Fernandes on Tuesday said that the Central Government is considering a proposal for introducing medical cover for 90 per cent of the workers in the unorganised sector. [Read more]
Govt. employees protest against pay panel recommendations
Anomalies in salary recommendations made by the Sixth Pay Commission invited an outcry from government employees at a rally in here on Friday. [Read more]
Government approves air services agreement between India and Mexico
The Union Cabinet today approved the signing of an Air Services Agreement (ASA) between the Government of India and the Government of United Mexican States. [Read more]
Centre grants Rs 29.2 million to Karnataka for watershed program
The Ministry of Rural Development has granted Rs 29.2 million to Karnataka under Haryali Guidelines for the financial year 2007-08. [Read more]
Govt to launch nationwide campaign on nutritional awareness: Renuka Chowdhury
Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury said on Tuesday that her Ministry would launch a nationwide campaign on nutritional awareness soon. [Read more]
Government to grant visas on arrival to promote tourism
Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni has said the Government is considering a proposal to grant visas on arrival to promote tourism. [Read more]
Eligible farmers to get Kisan credit cards
Union Minister of State for Finance P K Bansal today said a total of seven crore farmers have been given Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) in the country so far, and the Government is making efforts to provide such credit cards to all eligible farmers. [Read more]
Centre will ensure availability of essential commodities to the poor: Chidambaram
Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said that the Central Government may provide subsidy to ensure that essential items are available to the poor and the vulnerable sections of society at affordable rates. [Read more]
Kiran Bedi awarded Annemarie-Maddison prize for carrying jail reforms
India's first woman IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, has been selected for the Annemarie-Maddison prize for her exemplary contribution to jail reforms and human rights in the country. [Read more]
Manmohan Singh emphasises upon need for universalisation of education
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday emphasised upon the need for ensuring education for all sections of the society. [Read more]
Panchayats to get fund on the basis of performance: Aiyar
At the introductory session of the Core Committee to draft charter of Panchayat Convention in New Delhi today, the Minister of Panchayati Raj, Mani Shankar Aiyar, hoped that the Panchayati Raj convention will help move the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system efficiently. [Read more]
25 lakh scholarships for minority students in 11th Plan
Minority Affairs Minister, A. R. Antulay today said a scholarship scheme for 25 lakh school students belonging to minority communities will be launched next month. [Read more]
Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme a big hit in Manipur
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) is making a good impact in several villages of Manipur. [Read more]
Farmers' welfare is UPA's top priority: Manmohan Singh
Addressing a huge farmers rally here today, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has given top priority for the welfare of the farmers by focusing on development of agriculture. [Read more]
Cabinet approves reconstruction plan for nine states
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for long-term reconstruction plan for restoration of infrastructure affected by natural calamities in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. [Read more]
Government planning for free and compulsory education
Inaugurating the second Meeting of the Regional Forum of Ministers of Social Development of SAARC, Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh said today that one of the most critical aspects of social development is education. [Read more]
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee distributes land to Nandigram villagers
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Tuesday doled out largesse by distributing land to villagers in Nandigram that has witnessed large scale violence related to a land row over an industrial hub. [Read more]
Model villages to come up soon in J-K
Development work is in full swing in 119 villages of Jammu and Kashmir under the Prime Ministers Reconstruction Programme that aims to convert these villages into model villages. [Read more]
Rehabilitation of child labourers in Punjab
To overcome the menace of child labour, several NGOs and the administration have launched special campaigns to rehabilitate child labourers and beggars. [Read more]
Increase in salary not a disruption for state finances: Montek
New Delhi -- Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia has said that an advance on salaries of state government employees would not seem to disrupt state finances. [Read more]
NREGA implemented in Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday implemented the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in the state. [Read more]
Manmohan Singh launches several new projects for Arunachal Pradesh
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced several new projects amounting to over Rs. 4000 crores for Arunachal Pradesh. [Read more]
Cabinet approves merger of industrial dearness allowances portion with basic pay
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to merging a portion of Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) equalling 50 per cent of the existing basic pay of public sector employees with their basic pay with effect from January 1 last year. [Read more]
India seeking investment from UK in infrastructure sector: Kamal Nath
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath on Monday said that the Centre is seeking investments from the United Kingdom (UK) in the areas like highway projects, bridges, expressways, ports, power generation, water plants and water management techniques.
[Read more]
Property tax not hiked for houses
The Minister for Municipal Administration, K Rang Rao, confirmed that the increase in property taxk in Hydarabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam are applicable only to commercial establishments and residential areas are spared. [Read more]
Government to set up National Reform Council
Government on Monday said that a National Land Reform Council headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be set up to supervise the implementation of a new land reforms policy. [Read more]
Centre to facilitate private sector investment in defense production, says official
Secretary, Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, K P Singh, today promised all possible government help in facilitating private sector investment in defence production. [Read more]
CONNECT Project to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS launched
The Population Services International launched the CONNECT Project as a means to raise people’s awareness on HIV and AIDS. [Read more]
Customs department goes online
The Customs Department has introduced an online way of filing transactions through its website called ICEGATE. [Read more]
INDONESIA
Mily, police ready to guard distribution of cash assistance
Military and police officers are ready to secure the distribution of direct cash assistance (BLT) to 19.1 million poor families in connection with a government plan to raise fuel oil prices.
[Read more]
Govt begins distributing cards to cash assistance recipients
The government has begun distributing cards to poor families who will receive direct cash assistance which is to be provided by the government in compensation of fuel oil subsidy reduction. [Read more]
Govt wants better mechanism to distribute aid to poor
Vice President M Jusuf Kalla said the government was trying to find a better mechanism for the distribution of direct financial assistance (BLT) to economically-weak members of society in the wake of the planned fuel price hikes. [Read more]
President: Govt continues to overcome national problems
The government continues to make every effort of solving all problems in the country, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said. [Read more]
Housewives rally to demand free education, low-priced basic goods
Thousands of housewives staged a demonstration at the Monas (National Monument) square in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, urging the government to provide free education and cheap basic goods. [Read more]
Government still needs 11,000 midwives
The government still needs some 11 thousand midwives to be assigned in several regions in a bid to meet the 2007 target of 42 thousand, a health ministry`s official said. [Read more]
Some 27 millions of West Java people elect new governor
Some 27 millions people came to 63,005 polling booths to cast votes in West Java`s direct gubernatorial elections on Sunday (April 13, 2008) which ran from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.
[Read more]
President asks S Sulawesi governor to reduce poverty rate
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked South Sulawesi`s newly-installed governor, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, to reduce the province`s poverty and unemployment rates in stages starting in 2008, the governor said. [Read more]
Habibie center prepares government performance index
The management of the Habibie Center will soon finish this year`s rating index of the performance of the government, institutions and individuals in mid-2008 for use in next year`s general elections.
[Read more]
UNICEF hands 49th rehabilitated school building to Aceh govt
The United Nations Children`s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday handed an elementary school building in Kajeung, Sungai Mas sub district, to the people and government of West Aceh District. [Read more]
Health Minister to dedicate Japanese funded polyclinic in Jombang
Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari on Wednesday (April 9) is scheduled to inaugurate a Japanese funded polyclinic of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java province, a spokesman said. [Read more]
Indonesian society still permissive toward corrupt acts
In the view of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesian society is still permissive in its attidude toward corruption cases happening in the national capital and the regions, a KPK official said. [Read more]
VP asks W Java govts to help realize development projects
Vice President Yusuf Kalla urged all relevant government agencies and local administrations to help the realization of some develpment projects in West Java. [Read more]
RI, S Africa to sign some agreements
The Indonesian and South African governments were scheduled to sign a number of agreements on various sectors after a bilateral meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and President Thabo Mbeki on Monday. [Read more]
News Focus: Yudhoyono's visit to Iran has strategic meaning
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s visit to Iran has elicited various comments from different figures including legislator. [Read more]
Singaporean in Jakarta launches humanitarian project
The Indonesia-based Singapore community grouped in the Singapore Association in Indonesia (SAI), Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia (SingCham) and the Singapore Women`s Group (SWG) has been active in fostering relations with the various segments of people in Indonesia. [Read more]
Yudhoyono calls for efficient use of regional budgets
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all provincial governors to use their respective regional budgets efficiently and optimally in the face of world economic turmoil. [Read more]
Indonesia should prepare legal system for flight safety guarantee
Indonesia was deemed as having no legal system to enable it to impose a heavy sanction on an airline company for its failure to guarantee flight safety. [Read more]
Government to raise budget for military, police
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced the increase in budget for Indonesian military and police in order to improve professionalism and modernization of the weaponry. [Read more]
Minister opens 14th ASEAN conference on civil service matters in Bali
Denpasar, Bali (Antara News) -- Minister for State Empowerment Taufik Effendi officially opened on Monday the 14th ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM). [Read more]
Government's main agenda not disturbed by debate on 2009 presidential election
Jakarta (Antara News) -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said an on-going debate on the 2009 presidential election was not disturbing the government`s main agenda of improving Indonesia`s economic and political conditions. [Read more]
Indonesia moves to end illegal logging
INDRAGIRI HILIR, Indonesia--Police in Riau province are cracking down on illegal logging like never before. [Read more]
Government assures enough rice supply for quake victims
Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah assured that supply of rice will be enough for quake victims. [Read more]
Australia builds six secondary schools in Bali
Australia has built six secondary schools in Bali to improve quality of education in Indonesia.
[Read more]
Army to recruit 350,000 personnel to safeguard RI territory
Chief of Staff Gen Djoko Santoso announced the recruitment of 350,000 army personnel to enhance security of the Republic of Indonesia. [Read more]
Yudhoyono hopes RI-Australia partnership will improve people`s welfare
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hopes that the partnership between Indonesia and Australia in terms of forest management and preservation will lead to the improvement of the people’s welfare. [Read more]
Aceh to get social rehabilitation center
Governor Irwandi Yusuf of the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) announced the establishment of a social rehabilitation center in the province, dedicated to the less-fortunate people. [Read more]
Poverty triggers human trafficking in Indonesia
According to an official, poverty is among the factors that could trigger human trafficking in Indonesia. [Read more]
RI, Russia to cooperate in public sector monitoring
Indonesia and Russia will sign an agreement to cooperate in public sector monitoring to develop transparency and accountability in government. [Read more]
President: National Development on the right track
President Yudhoyono said that national development for Indonesia is on the right track to achieve a brighter future. [Read more]
Governmentt to improve mechanism on TKI placement in Malaysia
Head of the National Agency for Indonesian Migrant Workers (TKI) Placement and Protection Jumhur Hidayat announced the government’s efforts to improve services at the TKI placement in Malaysia to assure upholding of human rights and respect to individuals. [Read more]
Government still studying implementation of draft law on corporate social responsibility
The Indonesian government is still studying the draft law on the implementation of the corporate social responsiblity (CSR) program. [Read more]
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Iran, India agree to increase cooperation in tourism, cultural sectors
The Vice President of Islamic Republic of Iran Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei on Wednesday called on India's Tourism and Culture Minister Smt. Ambika Soni. [Read more]
Iran, Sri Lanka to jointly implement multipurpose project
Deputy Energy Minister Rasoul Zargar who is accompanying President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on his regional tour said on Tuesday that Iran and Sri Lanka are to jointly implement a multipurpose project in southern Sri Lanka. [Readmore]
Majlis ratifies 2 foreign agreements
Lawmakers on Wednesday approved two bills of agreements between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia as well as between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus on air transport cooperation. [Read more]
Tehran, Manila call for expansion of economic cooperation
Majlis Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel said on Sunday that political cooperation between Iran and the Philippines on regional and international developments could be a good support for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. [Read more]
President Ahmadinejad: Government to launch campaign against financial corruption
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in Mashhad on Friday that his government will launch stern campaign against economic and financial corruption. [Read more]
President Ahmadinejad: Iran-Indonesia cooperation strengthens global peace, security
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that all-out cooperation between Iran and Indonesia would benefit both nations as well as global peace and security. [Read more]
Final results of elections in Tehran
Interior Ministry elections headquarters announced Monday evening the final result of the parliamentary elections in Tehran. [Read more]
Iran, Tajikistan sign MoU on health affairs
Iran's minister of Health and his counterpart from Tajikistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on medical, educational and medicine cooperation here Monday evening.
[Read more]
About 44 million Iranians eligible to vote on March 14
Some 43.8 million of Iranians are eligible to attend the upcoming parliamentary election on March 14 nationwide, the State Organization for Personal Status announced on Tuesday. [Read more]
Government spokesman: Iran, good economic partner for regional, world states
Government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said on Saturday that Iran is a good economic partner for many regional and world countries. [Read more]
President Ahmadinejad: Expansion of Iran-Morroco ties to benefit both nations
Visiting Moroccan Commerce Minister Abdellatif Mazouz conferred with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on expansion of ties between the two Muslim states. [Read more]
IRI, Senegal eager to expand ties
First Vice President Parviz Davoudi said on Wednesday that Tehran welcomes expansion of relations with Senegal. [Read more]
IRI, Morroco to expand trade ties
Concerned ministers from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Morocco agreed on the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. [Read more]
JAPAN
SIA paid 900 million yen to "ghost employees"
The Social Insurance Agency wrongly paid 900 million yen in salaries to full-time employees who engaged in union activities during working hours. The payouts occured over the past 10 years. [Read more]
Medical insurance for over 75s faces review
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe said Wednesday the ministry would review the new medical insurance system for people aged 75 or older. [Read more]
New bill eyed for tax reform
A group of junior and middle-ranking lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to submit a lawmaker-sponsored bill to the current Diet session to ensure revenues earmarked for road construction and maintenance will be used for general spending starting in fiscal 2009.
[Read more]
Jobless rate slips to 3.8 percent in March
Japan's unemployment rate in March slipped to 3.8 percent, down from 3.9 percent in the previous month, the government said Wednesday. [Read more]
Reform zones to be set up for medicine development
The government decided Thursday to designate special structural reform zones for the development of advanced medicine during the current fiscal year, officials said. [Read more]
Panel: transfer more authority to municipal governments
The government's decentralization committee plans to propose the transfer of prefectural governmental authority over about 500 items, mainly concerning social welfare, medical care and education, to city, town and village governments, according to the committee's draft proposal.
[Read more]
Pension deductions affect 8.32 mil.
Municipal government offices have been flooded with inquiries and complaints from people aged 75 or older whose premiums under a new public health insurance scheme were deducted directly from their pensions for the first time Tuesday. [Read more]
Economic ministers say countries must work to ensure stability in world economy
Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa says stagnation in the U.S. economy is enhancing uncertainty about the world economy. [Read more]
Civil service bill heads to Diet
The government on Friday submitted a bill to the Diet to reform the central government personnel system, but the legislation has been watered down and will likely be rejected by the opposition camp. [Read more]
Government decides to nominate Tanami as next BOJ Governor
The government has chosen another nominee for the next Bank of Japan governor, NHK TV reported Tuesday, in an effort to end the deadlock over the selection after the opposition voted down the initial pick. [Read more]
Local governments cracking down on domestic violence
An increasing number of municipal governments are tackling domestic violence more seriously by providing victims with greater care under the revised domestic violence prevention law enacted in January. [Read more]
Japan to delay decision on requiring special permanent residents to carry ID
The Justice Ministry will postpone until next fiscal year a decision on whether to require special permanent residents such as Koreans to carry identification cards after the government abolishes the alien registration system, ministry sources said. [Read more]
Fukuda urges employers to raise workers' wages
In a rare move, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has urged employers to raise workers' wages as Japan's economy continues to expand. [Read more]
Global warming summit planned at G-8 venue
The government is inviting leaders from 16 countries to Japan in the summer for one of the largest top-level meetings ever on global warming, sources said. [Read more]
Panel urges 5-year bureaucratic reform
An advisory panel to Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will propose the government revamp the bureaucracy system "within five years," according to its final report adopted Thursday. [Read more]
Japan to provide reconstruction loans to Iraq
The government will provide about 182.7 billion yen in yen loans, part of the largest assistance package after that of the United States, to assist Iraq's reconstruction efforts, sources said.
[Read more]
Revisions to let local governments issue deficit-covering bonds
The central government plans to let local governments issue deficit-covering bonds for only the third time in postwar Japan, a plan opposition parties say only scratches the surface of the problem. [Read more]
Fukuda rules out hike in consumption tax rate in fiscal 2008
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced that the government and the Liberal Democratic Party will not rate the consumption tax in fiscal 2008. [Read more]
Tax hike only way to fund welfare
The government sees the raising of consumption tax rate in order to finance the increasing demands on social welfare. [Read more]
Newly elected Prime Minister Fukuda launches Cabinet
Prime Minister Fukuda, new PM of Japan, has formed his Cabinet which has retained most of the members of Abe’s Cabinet. [Read more]
Japan’s Cabinet resigns, clearing way for Yasuo Fukuda to become premier
The resignation of Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan, as well as his Cabinet has cleared the way for Fukuda to be named successor. [Read more]
MALAYSIA
News of more perks forcivil servants soon
Civil servants can expect some good news from the government come May 10. [Read more]
NGOs to identify the disabled for civil service
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will appoint non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to identify and recommend disabled persons who are capable of working in the civil service. [Read more]
Public call for longer footage of proceedings
Malaysians are in full support of the live telecast of parliamentary proceedings and are calling for longer footage of the sessions. [Read more]
Health Ministry to check on private hospital charges deemed excessive
The Health Ministry will review private hospitals' charges for room, equipment and medicine, which many have said are excessive. [Read more]
Incentive allowance for teachers who train athletes
The 2,880 teachers who train student athletes at the Education Ministry’s sports excellence centres will receive a monthly incentive allowance worth a total of RM28.3mil. [Read more]
PM's CNY message: Malaysia for all
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has reiterated his commitment to creating a just and dynamic Malaysia that is owned by all citizens. [Read more]
‘Public will avoid paying taxes if wastage continues’
Transparency International Malaysia President Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said that the public will avoid paying taxes if they perceive that public resources are mismanaged. [Read more]
More now rejecting bribes says ACA
The Johor Anti-Corruption Agency claimed that more public servants reject bribes and report those who bribe them. [Read more]
DPM: Ministries must explain mismanagement
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak asked concerned government agencies and ministries to explain the irregularities in their spendings. [Read more]
Minister: Pay rise is like having four months’ bonus
Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop calculated that the recent increase in the civil servants’ salaries is equivalent to a four months’ bonus. [Read more]
Sarawak sees RM4bil as funding for major projects
The additional amount allocated to Sarawak is a big help in financing the state’s further development. [Read more]
Ministry recruiting lectures
The Higher Education Ministry is holding a centralized fair for the recruitment of more academic staff to be assigned in public higher education institutions. [Read more]
Auditor happy with allocation for public safety
Auditor K. Kaneson expressed his delight for the Government allocation of RM6bil to improve public safety. [Read more]
Najib: We will study survey on retirement age
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that the government will study the survey conducted by a university before deciding on the extension of civil servants’ retirement age.
[Read more]
Poor health habits costing Government big money
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that a big amount is spent on medicine for diabetes and heart diseases—diseases that are due to people’s unhealthy lifestyle. [Read more]
PSD scraps VSS for problematic staff
The Public Services Department announced that the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) will not be made applicable to problematic and under-performing participants. [Read more]
Abdullah: Pay workers fair wages
PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in his speech during the Union network International (UNI) APRO 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional Conference that workers should be fairly paid based on their productivity.[Read more]
King to confer Federal Territory awards next year
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will confer awards to Federal Territories in celebration of the Federel Territory Day which will begin next year. [Read more]
IRB sets up task force to clear outstanding payments
Inland Revenue Board (IRB) chief executive officer Hasmah Abdullah announces the creation of a special task force to settle outstanding payments and refunds to taxpayers by December of 2007. [Read more]
Civil servants must not be on blacklist for defaulting on study loans
The Public Service Promotions Board require civil servants to declare that they are not on the blacklist for defaulting on government study loans before they can be considered for promotions. [Read more]
Remand at welfare homes
The Attorney-General's Chambers proposed for the remand at welfare homes of minors involved in minor offenses instead of sending them to prison. [Read more]
VSS to 'keep government servants on their toes'
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi finds the voluntary separation scheme or VSS a good idea to make civil servants work hard and curb corruption. [Read more]
Pak Lah to launch programme aimed at ending hardcore poverty by 2010
Malaysian Government Prime Minister will launch the High Impact Rural Development Programme to end poverty by year 2010. [Read more]
NEPAL
Bennett calls all to uphold rule of law
Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal Richard Bennett called on Thursday the administration and the Constituent Assembly to uphold the rule of law and human rights situation in the country. [Read more]
'Include disabled in CA'
National Disabled Federation (NDF) today appealed to interim cabinet to compulsorily ensure representation of the disabled people in the constituent assembly. [Read more]
Nepal to get US$127 million in aid from WB
Top World Bank (WB) officials have said that the bank would soon provide Nepal new aid worth US$127 million to ensure the success of the ongoing peace process. [Read more]
Many in Valley suburbs in dark about poll details
Though the political parties and the Election Commission (EC) are in full gear for the CA election, locals on the outskirts of the capital are still in the dark about the meaning, date and contenders in the ‘historic’ polls. [Read more]
Gov't, EC to set up joint election operation centre
For the first time in Nepal’s election history, a Joint Election Operation Centre (JEOC) run by the Election Commission and the Home administration is being set up in Kathmandu within the next few days to coordinate and monitor election-related activities across the country. [Read more]
Gov't Secretaries to Monitor CA Polls
The Election Commission has decided to send secretaries and special class officials of the government to monitor the Constituent Assembly election scheduled for April 10. [Read more]
CA Polls to Ensure People's Rights: Oli
Standing Committee member of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli today said that the Constituent Assembly election slated for April 10 was important to secure people's rights. [Read more]
Findland to fund water project
The Finnish government is all set to ink an agreement with the Nepal government to provide a grant assistance of Rs 878 million for activities in rural water supply, sanitation and micro-infrastructure in the western development region. [Read more]
Government to send jobless youths to villages
The government has decided to send those youths to villages as volunteer teachers from this year, who even after gettting their Masters’ degree, are left without a job. [Read more]
NTA to promote new Nepali softwares
The Nepal Telecom Authority (NTA) is promoting new Nepali softwares to benefit nearly 20 to 25 schools in rural areas and village communities. [Read more]
Security beefed up in eastern region
The government has deployed some 854 more police personnel in the eastern region in order to strengthen security. [Read more]
PM urged to ensure security for CA polls
Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel requested Prime Minister Koraila for an adequate security arrangement in the Constituent Assembly elections. [Read more]
KMC, private sector ink waste management pact
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) signed an agreement with private parties on garbage collection and management. [Read more]
PM Koraila vows to hold polls on November 22
PM Koraila reiterated his commitment to hold elections on November 22. [Read more]
CIAA panel tells government offices to cut red tape
The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) directed all government offices to expedite government transactions and do away with red-tape. [Read more]
EC Officials meet with the Prime Minister
Senior officials of the Election commission met with PM Girija Prasad Koirala to discuss
about preparations for the upcoming November 2007 elections. [Read more]
Congress parties agree to make Sushil acting president and Deuba senior most leader
Both the Congress parties have agreed to make Sushil Koirala as acting president and Sher Bahadur Deuba as the senior leader. [Read more]
Historical election slated
The historical constituent assembly election in Nepal is scheduled on November 22, 2007.
[Read more]
PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Chinese Premier talks with workers on Labor Day
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited factories, construction sites and the waterfront in eastern Chinese city of Ningbo on Thursday, talking with ordinary working people as he usually did on Labor Day. [Read more]
Guangdong will boost efforts to combat corruption
Authorities in Guangdong province detained, arrested, prosecuted and punished 11 corrupt prefecture-level Party and government officials between January 2006 and last month.
[Read more]
NDRC launches website to keep public informed
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) launched a website yesterday to help people get a better grasp of the policies that affect their daily lives. [Read more]
China strengthens supervision on traffic safety
China's State Administration of Work Safety urged local authorities to strengthen supervision on traffic safety on Thursday following a catastrophic train crash earlier this week. [Read more]
Premier outlines anti-corruption work
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is calling for strengthening the corruption fight and promoting a clean government in an article to be published on Thursday. [Read more]
China, UK conclude first economic, financial dialogue
China and the United Kingdom (UK) convened their first-ever economic and financial dialogue here Tuesday, in which they reached consensus on facilitating bilateral investment and cementing joint efforts to solve international problems including climate change. [Read more]
China's health care reform focuses on public service, Premier says
China's health care reform plan will focus on the public health service, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao here Tuesday. [Read more]
China mulls to lift poverty benchmark
Chinese government is mulling to lift the benchmark poverty line from the current 1,067 yuan (152 U.S. dollars) to 1,300 yuan (185 U.S. dollars), according to a notice issued by the Poverty Alleviation Office under the State Council over the weekend. [Read more]
President Hu: Reform, opening-up "crucial choice" shaping China
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday said the reform and opening-up policy is a "crucial choice" that has shaped today's China, and a choice made by the 1.3 billion Chinese people.
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Chinese salaries likely to rise as government encourages collective bargaining
China is launching a systematic effort to support ordinary workers to bargain for salaries with their employers. [Read more]
New China Network can report earthquakes within 10 minutes
China's earthquake monitoring department managed to detect and report an earthquake within 10 minutes with a new digital network, the China Earthquake Administration (CEA) announced here on Friday. [Read more]
President Hu meets Hong Kong, Macao chief executives
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday met with the chief executives of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) and urged them and their governments to further promote economic and social development in the two regions. [Read more]
China forms new cabinet, including five "super ministers"
China's parliament on Monday approved Premier Wen Jiabao's nomination of a new Cabinet, including five "super ministers" who are put on the frontline of a major government reshuffle.
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Highlights of China's institutional restructuring plan
Chinese lawmakers on Saturday endorsed a State Council proposal for institutional overhaul of the central government, which involves the establishment of "super ministries" concerning energy, transport, industry and environmental protection. [Read more]
China Focus: Planned gov't reform to help fight corruption
Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a plan for a government reshuffle, which is expected to help contain corruption along with other administrative reform initiatives. [Read more]
China Retools Its Government in Efficiency Push
China announced Tuesday that it would reorganize the central government by creating five so-called superministries, including one responsible for improving environmental protection. But the plan stopped short of creating a single agency to oversee the contentious issue of energy policy. [Read more]
China plans bigger transport ministry managing road, water and air routes
China on Tuesday announced a plan to organize a bigger transport ministry, expected to improve efficiency and avoid traffic chaos like that caused by the snow havoc before this year's Spring Festival. [Read more]
China announces overhaul of energy agencies, management
China on Tuesday announced an integration of its energy management supervision and policies, functions that are currently dispersed among many government agencies, through the establishment of a high-level consultation and coordination commission. [Read more]
China upgrades environmental administration to ministry
China is to elevate the status of the State Environmental Protection Administration to a ministry, which is among the major 27 ministries and commissions of the Cabinet, said Hua Jianmin, secretary-general of the State Council, on Tuesday. [Read more]
China to upgrade Health Ministry to better monitor food and drug safety
China's State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) will be put under the Ministry of Health (MOH) as part of the cabinet restructuring reform to better monitor the country's food and drug safety.
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China's parliament meets to hear gov't reshuffle plan
China's lawmakers met on Tuesday to hear an explanation of a government reshuffle plan that involves the establishment of five "super ministries" and a ministerial-level energy commission. [Read more]
China to install more non-Communist officials
More eligible non-Communists are expected to become high-ranking officials in China following last year's appointments of two non-Communist ministers, said a spokesman of the forthcoming annual political advisory session. [Read more]
Chinese government approves pilot employee contribution pension schemes
China's State Council, the country's Cabinet, on Friday approved a plan to launch the country's first publicly run employee contribution pension schemes in five provinces and municipalities.
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Citizens expect practical benefits from upcoming "two sessions"
As China's parliament and political advisory body's annual sessions are nearing, the country's enthusiastic citizens from different walks of life have expressed their hopes of a better future life. [Read more]
Economic policy needs 'rethink'
The country needs to rethink its economic policy with snowstorms hitting regions and an economic slowdown in the United States, economists have said. [Read more]
CPC official calls for service-oriented government
A senior official in charge of restructuring central departments of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government has called for efforts to make the departments "people-centered, practical and clean". [Read more]
Chinese premier calls for continuing reform, opening-up policy
Premier Wen Jiabao called for the entire nation to continue the reform and opening-up policy launched by late leader Deng Xiaoping almost three decades ago. [Read more]
State councilor says educational goals in China's W regions accomplished
State councilor Chen Zhili announced during a national meeting that China has achieved its educational goals in its western regions. [Read more]
Key facts about CPC's new constitution amendment
The 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) endorsed an amendment to the Party's Constitution on Oct. 21, enshrining the scientific outlook on development, which was formulated to balance the country's growth. [Read more]
China's top legislator urges to improve parliamentary work by learning Hu's report
China's top legislator Wu Bangguo urged his colleagues on Sunday to better understand President Hu Jintao's report delivered at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to further improve the legislation work. [Read more]
China's top legislature approves minister nomination, adopts four law bills
China's top legislature closed its five-day bimonthly session on Sunday, approving a nomination of the country's new minister of public security and adopting four law bills. [Read more]
China incorporates energy-saving efforts into performance rating of officials
China's top legislature adopted on Sunday the draft amendment to the Law on Conserving Energy which suggests work carried out by local government officials in energy conservation should be integrated into the assessment of their political performance. [Read more]
China’s cabinet slashes administrative procedures
The State Council of China has decided to lessen administrative procedures in order to eliminate red tape in government. [Read more]
PHILIPPINES
Non-wage benefits for workers
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will announce a package of non-wage benefits for workers and some 50,000 new jobs will be offered in today’s celebration of Labor Day, along with the expected announcement of a 10-percent salary increase for all government workers. [Read more]
Will revamp Cabinet - GMA
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday announced plans that she will reshuffle her Cabinet next month, confirming persistent speculations about the changes. [Read more]
DepEd allots P440 M to improve health of 18 M public school students
The Department of Education (DepEd) has earmarked P440 million, the biggest budget since its Universal Medical and Dental Checkup (UMDC) program was introduced in 2005, to improve the general health and nutrition of the country’s 18 million public school students. [Read more]
DSWD distributes rice to day-care centers in Central Luzon
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed more than 876,000 kilos of rice worth P17.9 million to designated areas for the "Food-for-School" program, including 729 day-care centers in Central Luzon. [Read more]
Manila linking up with labor dep’t in pro-poor programs
In a bid to create more opportunities for employment and livelihood for city residents, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has instructed local officials to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in conducting capability-building seminars that would enhance the implementation of the agency’s pro-poor programs in the city. [Read more]
Govt workers to receive 10% basic pay hike
PRESIDENT Arroyo will sign an executive order this month authorizing a 10-percent increase in the basic pay of more than one million state workers in time for Labor Day. [Read more]
Philippine non-government organization draws national poverty map
A Filipino non-government organization has named 10 provinces as the poorest places of the Philippines in a "national poverty map" it published this week. [Read more]
Conflict areas, poor municipalities among priorities forfunding support
Conflict areas and municipalities with high incidence of poverty are on top in the list of government priorities in terms of funding support. [Read more]
Arroyo to give DA more funds for intensified rice production
President Arroyo will give the Department of Agriculture (DA) additional funds for an intensified rice production program nationwide to make the country self sufficient in rice, possibly before her term ends in 2010. [Read more]
P200B OKd for education
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday announced that the government will spend more than P200 billion to upgrade the country’s education system, particularly the provision of more classrooms, books, and teachers this year. [Read more]
Gov’t launches 2 big projects to empower women
The government yesterday announced two major programs aimed at empowering women through micro-financing programs as the nation marked International Women’s Day. [Read more]
ARMM social project cited by World Bank
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan commended the ARMM Social Fund Project for Peace (ASFP) for earning another "satisfactory" rating from the World Bank in line with improving the Bangsamoro people’s economic condition. [Read more]
Australia aids Mindanao women sector
Australia will fund a project to assist women in Mindanao and help them take a more active role in peace and development efforts in Mindanao. [Read more]
UN cites Manila gains in human development
The Philippines has gained slightly in this year’s report of the United Nations Development Program on the Human Development Index of countries for 2007 to 2008. [Read more]
Poor governance impairs economic plan, ADB warns
The Philippine government needs to address the problem of corruption if it is to sustain the 7.3-percent gross domestic product growth in 2007, the Asian Development Bank said yesterday. [Read more]
No gambling, women, liquor in PNP stations
Senior Supt. Benigno Durana, Jr. reminded his men of the anti-BASI program which prohibits women, liquor, and gambling inside the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) and all police stations in the province. [Read more]
CSC rules on teachers’ working hours
Public school teachers can heave a sigh of relief as the Civil Service Commission (CSC) ruled that the two hours of service, in addition to the six hours of actual classroom teaching, may be rendered even outside school premises. [Read more]
Customs awards 535 personnel
Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales yesterday awarded 535 personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for their over 20 years of service during the bureau’s recognition rites for its jubilarians and retirees. [Read more]
Gov’t can achieve 2008 economic goals
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is optimistic that the government’s economic goals for 2008 would be achieved. [Read more]
Pimentel supports Melo’s plan to push Comelec automation
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. said yesterday he will support the plan of newly appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo to push for the automation of elections. [Read more]
RP, Canada sign labor accord
The Canadian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines to address the shortage of skilled workers in the Canadian province of British Columbia. [Read more]
e-Commerce Law to revolutionize land titling and registration
The E-Commerce Law is believed to revolutionize the Land Titling and Registration processes of the country. [Read more]
Reforms under way, Razon tells PNP command conference
La Trinidad, Benguet – The 120,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) must uphold their sworn duty to serve and protect the community at all times to strengthen the image of the police as the protector, not the abuser, of citizens, PNP chief Director-General Avelino Razon Jr. told top commanders from the various regions at a command conference here last Saturday.
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Reforms needed to ensure relevance of SK, says NYC
A day before the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Monday, the National Youth Commission said much-needed reforms must be put in place to ensure the relevance of the SK, the country’s only institution for youth leadership development in the community level. [Read more]
Government approval of mining contracts seen fair, simple, and transparent
The government has simplified the process on approving mining contracts as indicated in a DENR position paper. [Read more]
Teodoro seeks reforms in defense planning
Secretary Gilberto Teodoro of the Department of National Defense (DND) raised a proposal to revise the current military planning guidance. [Read more]
Government agencies lead in clean-up of coastal areas
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Navy and Philippine Coastguard lead in a nationwide coastal clean-up in observance of the 22nd International Coastal Clean-up Day. [Read more]
Atienza pursues revitalization of mining sector
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza is dealing closely with local government units (LGUs) as he is committed into revitalizing the mining sector. [Read more]
Greening project planned
The Department of Agriculture is planning for a greening project as a response to the recently experienced drought that affected millions of agricultural producers. [Read more]
DOF, government firms tapped for election
The Commission on Election (Comelec) asked for the assistance of the Department of Finance and government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to assume poll duties come October 29 barangay (village) elections. [Read more]
DOH hails LGUs implementing law on tobacco regulation
The Department of Health commended local government units (LGUs) which stood out in implementing the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. [Read more]
Valisno bares new government thrusts in education reforms
Usec. Valisno unveiled government plans and thrusts in reforming the Philippine educational system as a means to accelerate national development. [Read more]
Government allocating P1.7 B to buy school equipment
The government will allocate P1.7 B for purchasing school equipment due to a forecasted increase in public school enrolment next June. [Read more]
SOUTH KOREA
Gov't to Slash 10,000 Provincial Gov't Workers
Government work is among the most preferred in Korea due to the relative job stability. But that could be changing. [Read more]
Gov’t to Increase Budget for Growth and Job Creation
The government announced on Tuesday that it will curb the expansion of welfare spending that the previous administration under Roh Moo-hyun sought in an effort to stimulate growth and create more jobs over the next five years. It has decided to regulate the increase in the welfare budget while maintaining it at a reasonable level. [Read more]
Gov't to Cut Infrastructure Spending
Cutting costs and downsizing is what a CEO of a company would do to maximize efficiency. And that's what the current administration is trying to do with government expenses. [Read more]
Gov't to Narrow Areas Exempt from VAT
Strategy and Finance Minister Kang Man-soo has announced plans to narrow the range of goods and services that are exempted from the value added tax. [Read more]
Gov`t Unveils Measures to Boost Service Sector
Foreign-based elementary, middle and high schools to be established in the Incheon, Busan-Jinhae, and Gwangyang Bay Free Economic Zones and Jeju Free International City from 2009 will be able to accept students with Korean nationality up to 30 percent of their entire admission quota.
[Read more]
Police Establish 24,000 Children's Safe Houses
The National Police Agency has designated more than 24,000 sites nationwide as temporary children's shelters in an effort to protect kids from violent crimes. [Read more]
Gov`t Mulls 365-Day Parliament
Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) are reportedly pushing for an amendment to allow the 18th National Assembly to be in session all year round. [Read more]
Gov’t to Facilitate Passage of Livelihood Bills
President Lee Myung-bak Thursday instructed his presidential secretariat to speed up the passage of pending bills related to public living standards and state-affairs, with the ruling Grand National Party winning a solid majority in parliamentary elections on Wednesday. [Read more]
Gov't Considers Expanding Highway Bus-Only Lanes
Bus-only lanes on the nation's main cross-country thruway may soon be enforced seven days a week. [Read more]
Gov't to Provide Free TB Treatment from 2011
All of Korea's tuberculosis patients will be treated free of charge from 2011 under a government plan unveiled on Monday. [Read more]
Civil Servant Pension Reform More Urgent Than Ever
In a briefing for President Lee Myung-bak, Minister of Public Administration and Security Won Se-hoon said Saturday he would submit to the National Assembly by June a finalized plan to reform the government employees pension service. [Read more]
Sweeping Deregulation to Come by May
The government will decide which corporate regulations are not in line with global standards and lift them by May. [Read more]
Pres. Lee Urges ‘Pragmatic Diplomacy’
President Lee Myung-bak yesterday said he does not believe in concepts such as pro-American or pro-Chinese policies, urging the government to implement "pragmatic diplomacy." [Read more]
Pres. Lee Signs School Impact Fees Refund Act
On Tuesday, President Lee Myung-bak signed the School Impact Fees Refund Special Act, which had earlier been vetoed by former President Roh Moo-hyun. [Read more]
Pres. Lee Likens Gov’t Officials to ‘the People’s Servants’
President Lee Myung-bak yesterday urged public workers to act like “the people’s servants.”
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Lee urges future-oriented ties with Japan
President Lee Myung-bak, in an address marking the anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement on Saturday, said Korea and Japan “should build up future-oriented relations in a pragmatic way. We can never turn our face away from the truth of history. [Read more]
Pres.Lee to form government inspection department
President Lee Myung-bak will form a special inspection department to tighten discipline in the wake of the launch of the new government and impending government reorganization. [Read more]
Transition team unveils strategic policy goals and tasks
President-elect Lee Myung-bak said yesterday that “layered administrative procedures should be overhauled,” in reference to regulation reforms at the third policy task force meeting held in the conference hall of the presidential transition committee. Lee added that the nation should adopt a “one-stop service system that is in line with global standards.” [Read more]
Lee Gov’t to Hire 23,000 New English Teachers
The incoming government is to hire 23,000 new teachers who can conduct English classes in the language by 2013. [Read more]
Ministry proposes 1% central gov't staff cut
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Administration has submitted to the presidential Transition Committee a proposal to reduce the number of central government workers by one percent annually or some 6,000 every year over five years. [Read more]
45 bills submitted on gov't donwnsizing plan
The presidential transition committee and the conservative Grand National Party have submitted to the National Assembly 45 bills on government reorganization, which entails cutting the number of state agencies and offices from 52 to 39. [Read more]
Koreas agree on Munsan-Kaesong Railway
The two Koreas reportedly agreed to implement cooperation on economic projects including the opening of the way from Munsan in South Korea to the Kaesong Industrial Complex. [Read more]
Administrative Process Made Simpler for Foreigners
In order to better accommodate foreign residents in the country, the government plans to simplify its administrative system. [Read more]
THAILAND
Thai gov't to rent state-owned lands to farmers to cope with food crisis threat
Thailand's Ministry of Finance will lease about one million rai (160,000 hectare) of state-owned fallow lands at low fee to farmers in a bid to boost the country's rice production in face of a much-warned potential global food crisis, Deputy Finance Minister Ranongrak Suwanchawee said Thursday. [Read more]
People want new election if parties are dissolved
Most people want a general election if any political parties are disbanded, according to results of a survey released yesterday. [Read more]
Five tourism mega-projects tabled
The Tourism and Sports Ministry yesterday outlined five mega-projects that are expected to cost Bt3 billion. [Read more]
Thailand to ink investment protection pact with Myanmar
Thailand plans to sign an investment protection pact with Myanmar during the state visit by Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej starting on March 12 to promote Thai investments in the country, local media reported. [Read more]
Thailand's senatorial election ends with low turnout
Thailand's first senatorial election after the 2006's military coup ended on March 2 with only around 60 percent of eligible voters exercising their right, local media reported. [Read more]
Thailand's new parliament convenes for first time
Thailand’s new-elected lower house (parliament) held its first post-election session on January 21, local media reported. [Read more]
PM says his government will build underground
Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont announced his plan to implement a Bangkok’s subway system. [Read more]
PM: Martial law may be lifted in safe areas before election
Prime Minister Gen. Chulanont said that Martial law may be lifted in some areas considered to be safe before the general election. [Read more]
Thai general election may be postponed
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said that Thai general elections may be postponed.
[Read more]
Headmen in Pattaya: Seminar at Public Health and Environment Office
Sub-district and village leaders headed their way and gathered in Pattaya Province to attend a seminar held at the Public Health and Environment Office. [Read more]
Thai King approves new constitution
Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved Thailand's new constitution upon approval by a general referendum held las 17-20 August. [Read more]
58 percent of Thai voters approved new constitution
58 percent of Thai voters approved the new army-backed constitution as shown by the final results last Monday, 20 August. [Read more]
Thai Voters Are Offered Discounted or Free Transport Services During Referendum Period
Discounted or free transport services are provided for thai voters from 17-20 August to facilitate their traveling and participation in the referendum on the country's new constitution draft. [Read more]
Announcement on the New Constitution
The draft of the new constitution for the Kingdom of Thailand was finally approved by the Constitution Drafting Assembly. [Read more]
VIETNAM
Plan to lift officials’ standards launched
A large-scale campaign aimed at eradicating unethical practices and wrongdoings, especially among State public servants, will be launched on a wider level soon after its pilot implementation in Ha Noi and 23 other localities. [Read more]
Hanoi targets huge poverty reduction
The national capital city has set a target to reduce the number of poverty population by 6,000 families this year, bringing down the poverty rate to less than 1.6 percent. [Read more]
Vietnam backs Liberia’s efforts to ensure security, development
Vietnam supports efforts of the Liberian Government to reduce poverty, fight corruption, counter drug-trafficking and organised crimes, as well as promote disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. [Read more]
Seminar on Vietnam-Japan labour training cooperation
New policies and measures to manage Vietnamese labourers and trainees abroad have been introduced at a seminar in Tokyo , aiming to improve the efficiency of Vietnam-Japan cooperation programme in labour training that began in 1992. [Read more]
Vocational school for the disabled begins construction
Ground was broken for a vocational school for Agent Orange victims in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province on April 13. [Read more]
Bac Lieu builds houses for poor Khmer ethnic households
The southernmost province of Bac Lieu has built over 4,500 houses for poor Khmer households over the past three years under the Government’s programme 134 to support poor people.
[Read more]
Vietnam makes all efforts to accomplish MDGs
The Vietnamese Government will continue with its pro-poor policy and strive for a more organic link between the poverty reduction strategy and the socio-political development strategy to provide a more secured life for all citizens. [Read more]
Government helps disadvantaged people
The Prime Minister on March 18 signed Decision No. 289/QD-TTg on aid to ethnic minority people, poor households and fishermen in face of petroleum price hike. [Read more]
All rural villages to have cultural centres by 2010
The cultural, sports and tourism sector plans to build a range of cultural and entertainment facilities nationwide within the next two years. [Read more]
Health Ministry receives Laos' distinction
The Health Ministry was presented with Issara (Freedom) Order, first class, of the Lao Government for its valuable contributions to Lao health sector. [Read more]
PM urges labour safety, sanitation
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued an instruction on strengthening labour safety and hygiene. | 
