Asian Political Leaders Raise Alarm on Shrinking Civic Space

“It is indeed alarming that civic and democratic spaces have been shrinking over the years, but it’s even more daunting if we don’t act on it. We have to realize that the efforts of democratic forces, no matter how small, push the boundaries towards societal change and genuine reform” said Mardi Seng, senator of Cambodia and chairperson of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) in the 9^th Asia Centre International Conference in Bangkok, Thailand.

Held on 21-23 August 2024, Seng joined around 120 international participants in discussing the  theme “Shrinking Civic Space in Asia: Stories of Resistance and Pushback.”  More specifically, he led the CALD panel on “Criminalization and Persecution of Changemakers”, together with other speakers from the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan.  The panel focused on the current state of affairs in their countries vis-a-vis criminalization and persecution as political tools.

Included in the panel were Senator Seng; Kaka Bag-ao, former congresswoman and governor of Dinagat Islands, representing the Liberal Party of the Philippines; Jasly Go, chairperson of the CALD Women’s Caucus and cadre member of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP); and Freddy Lim, former member of parliament of Taiwan and a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The panel was moderated by Paolo Zamora, program manager of CALD.

Seng shared the difficult role of being a senator in a challenging political environment. However, the smallest victories, according to Seng, spark hope and motivates him to continue to forge ahead and make a difference.

The Philippines also has its share of control-driven administrations. Alternative lawyer Bag-ao explained the impunity and tyranny demonstrated by the Duterte administration through the controversial cases of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa, who faced tax-related charges, and former Senator Leila de Lima, who fought drug-trafficking cases. Both Ressa and de Lima are now cleared of all charges.

Apart from being targeted for their political and journalistic work, Bag-ao observed that the attacks on Ressa and de Lima are “rooted in patriarchal norms and are designed to discourage women from participating in the public sphere.”

According to Bag-ao: “The strength of a democracy lies in its ability to tolerate dissent, to engage with opposing viewpoints, and to allow space for dialogue and debate. When dissent is criminalized, when critics are treated as enemies of the state, we witness the erosion of democratic norms. This intolerance leads to the concentration of power, weakens checks and balances, and ultimately, dismantles the institutions that are meant to safeguard our freedoms.”

“Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy,” said Go who is an opposition party member in Singapore.

In a country where draconian laws are passed such as the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA) and the Foreign Interference Act (FICA), defending fundamental rights of critical voices must be upheld, she added.

Taiwan, although seen as a model of freedom and democracy, is still navigating through the influence of its authoritarian past. Lim, a heavy metal rockstar turned politician, emphasized the role of the youth in fighting disinformation and in strengthening international cooperation. The ability to support and empower democratic movements in Asia is crucial in pushing forward, he added.

CALD and Asia Centre also renewed their partnership with Seng and Dr. James Gomez, regional director of Asia Centre, signing a memorandum of agreement to organize and coordinate platforms for discussion and cooperation.

“We have been in partnership with Asia Centre for a long time, and we believe it’s a meaningful venue, not only to expand and strengthen the CALD network, but also to reachout to the academe and civil society and find common ground to synergize efforts in safeguarding freedom and democracy,” Seng highlighted during the signing ceremonies.

Asia Centre will have its 10^th International Conference on 20-22 August 2025 focusing on “AI and Governance in Asia.”