Taiwan national killed in a attack on a boat by Philippine military; Philippines expresses regret for the killing; Two Chinese spotted near Philippines occupied Ayungin Shoal; Najib Razak wins elections in Malaysia; Anwar Protests against Malaysian electi
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    • According to Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA), one Taiwanese sailor was shot dead on 9 May when a boat registered to Pingtung County was attacked by the Philippine military in the disputed South China Sea. President Ma Ying-jeou expressed concern over the attack and has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to demand that the Philippine government investigate the incident and arrest the culprit. A sailor on the boat said they were fishing 170 nautical miles off the southern tip of Taiwan when they came under attack.1 Meanwhile, on 11 May, the Philippines representative to Taiwan apologized to the family of a Taiwanese fisherman who was shot dead. 2

    According to reports, two Chinese mlitary surveillance vessels are reported to have been stationary near the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal in the disputed Spratly’s region since May 9, 2013,. The vessels were reported to be some six nautical miles west of Ayungin Shoal.
    Ayungin Shoal, also known internationally as Second Thomas Reef, is one of the reef formations within the six islands where Philippine troops are present and is considered by the country as part of the municipality of Kalayaan. It is closest to Mischief Reef, which until 1995 was occupied by the Philippines until the Chinese built a fortification on it. 3
    According to reports, declaring the results of the thirteenth General Elections in Malaysia, the Election Commission said Prime Minister Najib Razak's Barisan Nasional (BN; National Front) coalition has won 133 of the 222 in parliamentary seats. The opposition won 89 seats, up from 82, in May 5 elections. 4
    However, according to reports, Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim called on Malaysians to protest the results of the general election by wearing black. Anwar also questioned the targeting of certain segments of society for the results. He said Pakatan Rakyat leaders would be gathering in Penang on 11 May for another rally. Among those present were Bersih co-chair Ambiga Sreenevasan and Democratic Action Party adviser Lim Kit Siang. 5
    In other developments, according to reports, twenty one Malaysians were arrested on 11 May, 2013, for staging a protest at Singapore's Merlion Park against the outcome of Malaysian general election held on 5 May. The rare police action followed earlier warnings that such gatherings are illegal, and after nine Malaysians was warned for participating in a similar protest earlier. Last week, the police warned nine Malaysians for "actively participating" in an illegal gathering at Merlion Park in Singapore. 6

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