Asian News Roundup: Korean Holiday Pay and Bangsamoro Peace Talks
South Korean legislators each received about 4.4 million won as a Chuseok allowance, while a survey showed many small and medium firms planned holiday bonuses. In Kuala Lumpur, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal praised Malaysia as an impartial facilitator in the Bangsamoro process and urged its continued role. The meeting followed the BARMM’s first parliamentary elections on September 14.
South Korean lawmakers each received a Chuseok payment of 4,396,560 won, equal to 60% of their regular monthly allowance. The same sum at Lunar New Year brings yearly holiday payments to 8,793,120 won. In an SME survey, 45.1% expected bonuses, 38.5% did not, 16.4% were unsure; fixed bonuses averaged 665,000 won, and 40% reported weaker holiday funding.
In Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 25, MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal called Malaysia an impartial facilitator since 2001 and urged its continued role. The talks were the second since panels resumed in Davao City on Aug. 4 and followed BARMM's Sept. 14 parliamentary elections. Manila's panel was led by Mel Senen Sarmiento. The conflict has killed about 150,000 since the 1970s.
The Korean payouts and SME bonus decisions may shape household spending during Chuseok, with workers at smaller firms and welfare recipients potentially feeling the difference. In the Bangsamoro process, continued Malaysian facilitation could affect confidence among residents, former combatants, and investors as the region adjusts to its first parliamentary elections. A durable exit agreement may influence local security and development, though outcomes remain uncertain.