CALD Launches Newest Publication

On the sidelines of its 2014 General Assembly, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) launched its newest book, 20 Speeches that Define Asian Liberalism and Democracy.

The book, a tribute to CALD’s 20^th founding anniversary, is a compilation of 20 speeches delivered in CALD events, or by CALD personalities in other notable gatherings.  It includes speeches of democracy icons Aung San Suu Kyi, Cory Aquino and Kim Dae Jung, incumbent and former heads of government like Noynoy Aquino and Abhisit Vejjajiva, political opposition leaders such as Sam Rainsy, Su Tseng-chang, and Chee Soon Juan, among others.

CALD Secretary General Neric Acosta, in his foreword, emphasized the importance of free speech, diversity of views and open dialogue – liberal values which guide the publication of the book.  CALD Chairperson Sam Rainsy wrote in his introduction: “CALD’s history is a history of democracy and freedom in Asia.  Through the speeches in this compilation, we hope you join us in reliving that history so that together, we can chart our next steps toward a more democratic and progressive region.”

In his review of the book, Hans-Georg Jonek, Project Director for Vietnam and Cambodia of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), said: “My wish is that this book provides, to many, many readers, non-liberals as well as liberals, non-democrats as well as democrats, non-Asian as well as Asian, non-governors as well as governors, similar insights and findings and strengthens the motivation to advocate and defend liberal and democratic values.”