CALD Full Member SDP  Meets with IDEAS

As part of their visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CALD Women’s Caucus Chairperson, Jaslyn Go, and CALD Executive Committee Member and Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), Dr Chee Soon Juan, visited the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) in Kuala Lumpur.

The meeting with IDEAS CEO Aira Azhari and Manager Advocacy and Events Manager Ryan Panicker, provided valuable insights into the organization’s mission, activities, and role within Malaysia’s public policy landscape.

IDEAS is an independent public policy research institute dedicated to promoting market-based solutions, good governance, and democratic values as its name suggests.

CEO Azhari also outlined the organization’s work across a range of policy areas and explored the challenges facing democratic governance and public policy development in Malaysia.

The meeting touched on the importance of institutions like IDEAS that contributed to informed public debate and fostering more transparent and accountable governance. She also cited the need for independent research and policy advocacy with stakeholders across public as well as private sector.

SDP’s Chee also emphasized broader regional issues, including economic inequality, democratic resilience, youth engagement, and the implications of AI in governance and society.

The meeting provided a deeper understanding of IDEAS’ contribution to policy development in Malaysia and opened avenues to greater collaboration between CALD and IDEAS.

Ms Go and Dr Chee also visited CALD sister party Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (PGRM) at its headquarters in KL. They were graciously welcomed by party officials Lee Boon Shian, Ivan Kong and Ng Chong Chun (Tommy).

The PGRM leaders briefed the visitors about political developments in Malaysia and the party’s plans in the upcoming general elections expected in 2027.

Categorised in: News Article

This post was written by CALD