FRIEDRICH NAUMANN FOUNDATION FOR FREEDOM

May 13 2015

Public speaking experts of Speech Republic from The Netherlands were in Manila to conduct a series of trainings last week. Liberal politicians and congressional staff attended the workshops on increasing podium presence, and were reminded of how words can bring out the “power of yes,” which in the 2016 elections means a vote for the candidate.

http://fnf.org.ph/news/fnfnews.php?id=159&article=The_Power_of_Yes

BURMA

 A spokesman for Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called on the Myanmar government to confer citizenship on the stateless Rohingya people, who are fleeing in boats to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/rohingya-boatpeople/1855340.html

 NLD Chief Woos Voters in Unofficial Campaign
May 19 2015

 Speaking in the Mon State capital Mawlamyine on May 16, she also told members of the audience to vote for the National League for Democracy if they like her.

“People should analyse the history of the political parties. We are not afraid for them to do the same to us. We don’t say that we don’t have any weaknesses, but we try to repair them as much as we can,” she said.
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/14506-nld-chief-woos-voters-in-unofficial-campaign.html

 More Rule of Law Centers  to Open
May 15 2015

The Rule of Law, Peace and Stability Committee will open more “rule of law” centres with the aid of the EU and USAID who have previously helped to establish centres in Myanmar, according to its secretary Win Myint.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/More-rule-of-law-centres-to-open-30259924.html

CAMBODIA

 More than a year of negotiations over election dates wrapped yesterday, with Cambodia’s two main parties agreeing to hold commune elections in February 2017 and National Assembly elections in February 2018, a senior opposition official said.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/post-weekend/cnrp-cpp-lock-february-elections

 Rainsy Criticizes Land Policy
May 14 2015

 After months of cozying up to Prime Minster Hun Sen, opposition leader Sam Rainsy yesterday took a shot at the government’s land concession policy, saying it had left many families destitute.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/rainsy-criticises-land-policy

PHILIPPINES

 The Philippines will be “another strong performer” in 2015, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)said in its latest regional macroeconomic outlook report released Thursday, May 14.

UNESCAP forecasts the country’s economy to expand by 6.5% relative to 6.1% growth last year.

http://www.rappler.com/business/economy-watch/93232-unescap-ph-growth-forecast-report-may-2015

 Statement of President Aquino at a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Canada

May 13 2015

 Mr. Prime Minister, please accept my gratitude for the hospitality the people and government of Canada have extended to me and my delegation on my first state visit to your country. The warmth and solidarity you have demonstrated is testament to the truth my mother spoke of 26 years ago, when she came to your shores as the leader of a free Filipino people: Cory Aquino on Canada: ours is a friendship that is old and tested. Canada was one of the first nations to give recognition to my mother’s government; and I am told that the Canadian ambassador to the Philippines at that time was the very first to present his credentials to her.

http://www.gov.ph/2015/05/09/statement-of-president-aquino-at-a-joint-press-conference-with-the-prime-minister-of-canada/

SINGAPORE

 The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has released its plans for the running of a town, with town councils set to become an election issue, said the party’s secretary-general Chee Soon Juan on Saturday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/sdp-unveils-town-council-management-plan-20150516

 Dedicated Democrats Changing Hearts and Minds
May 14 2015

 Week-in, week-out, dedicated members and volunteers of the SDP are out along the corridors and in the void-decks listening to fellow citizens and spreading the message: SDP is your voice in Parliament.

http://yoursdp.org/news/dedicated_democrats_changing_hearts_and_minds/2015-05-12-6009

TAIWAN

 Democratic Progressive Party Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday she will share her views on Taiwan’s economic development during her upcoming visit to the United States.

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201505120016.aspx

LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL

 Members of the Liberal International Human Rights Committee share this message to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8j_yVtXZlE&feature=youtu.be