CALD & FNF

22 November 2013

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) capped its 20^th anniversary events with a conference on how political parties can be reconnected to the general public in an age defined by popular disenchantment with these political institutions.  Held in the Centennial Ballroom of the Manila Hotel on 11 November 2013, the conference was attended by CALD member parties, partners, representatives of international institutions, and civil society organizations from the Philippines.

http://www.fnfasia.org/cald-20th-anniversary-call-for-political-party-reform-and-renewal/

It’s all about Freedom at the World Forum for Democracy

20 November 2013

It gives us great pleasure and pride that the It’s all about freedom campaign of our FNF Philippine office will be made a showcase at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg later this month.

The initiative targets Filipino youth and activists in – and potential supporters of – political parties and NGOs. The campaign capitalises on programmes that generate participation, connote sustainability and trigger ripple effects. In addition, they aim to foster debate on different issues related to the concept of freedom, identify social and legislative restraints to freedom, and develop and promote policies to enhance political and economic freedom.

http://www.fnfasia.org/its-all-about-freedom-at-the-world-forum-for-democracy/

BURMA

20 November 2013

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called on Burma to decriminalise homosexuality, with the United Nations warning anti-gay laws are hampering efforts to fight HIV among gay men in the country.

“Because of stigma, many people do not come to receive life-saving treatment or prevention services. This is costing lives,” Suu Kyi said in a message to an HIV/AIDS regional Asia-Pacific conference on Tuesday. “We need an Asia-Pacific community of compassion to end discrimination.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/11/20/aung-san-suu-kyi-stigma-against-hiv-and-anti-gay-laws-are-costing-lives-in-burma/

SINGAPORE

25 November 2013

SDP Secretary-General Chee Soon Juan called on Liberals and Democrats in Asia and Europe to focus on the well-being of the people instead of power and greed. He was speaking at the 6th ALDE-CALD Meeting recently held in Manila.

The event also marked the 20th anniversary of CALD.

http://yoursdp.org/news/2013-11-25-5741 

TAIWAN

21 November 2013

Taiwan’s main opposition Democratic Progressive Party on Wednesday named some of its candidates for next year’s six municipal mayoral elections and 16 county commissioner elections on Nov. 20 and set a goal to win half of them.

“We are confident of this because we believe voters are smart enough to make their decision while the current government is lousy,” said the party’s chairman, Su Tseng-chang.

http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20131121000129&cid=1101&MainCatID=11

THAILAND

24 November 2013

About 100,000 anti-government protesters gathered in Thailand’s capital on Sunday, as simmering tensions between Bangkok’s middle classes and the mostly rural supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra threatened to boil over.

The protests led by the opposition Democrat Party mark the biggest demonstrations since deadly political unrest in April-May 2010, when Thaksin’s red-shirted supporters paralyzed Bangkok to try to remove a Democrat-led government.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/24/us-thailand-protest-idUSBRE9AN09Q20131124