(June 18, 2005/ Bangkok) At the historic Suan Pakkad Palace which had been the venue of various CALD activities including the Founders Night commemorating CALD 10th Anniversary in December 2003, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) bade farewell last night to Mr. Uwe Johannen, retiring regional director for East and Southeast Asia of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
The dinner reception was hosted by M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, MP, of the Democrat Party of Thailand and Chairman of the Chumbot Pantip Foundation that owns and manages the Suan Pakkad palace-museum complex.
M.R. Sukhumbhand cited the contributions of Mr. Johannen in the growth and development of CALD especially in its early years. He cited the personal friendships that characterized the bonding amongst the members of CALD and its partners, foremost of which was FNF’s Uwe Johannen. He ended by saying that Mr. Johannen “has a home in Bangkok.” Mr. Paribatra spoke in behalf of CALD during the reception hosted by FNF in honor of Mr. Johannen.
Hon. Apirak Kosayodhin who earlier received the CALD delegation in his office, gave the welcome in behalf of the Democrat Party and the people of Bangkok.
Ms. Bi-Khim Hsiao, member of parliament from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan and currently CALD Secretary General, cited the crucial role of Mr. Johannen in supporting CALD especially when it was needed most. She described him as an “honorary Asian” who understood and appreciated the culture, sensitivities and values of the people of the region. She said that CALD’s growth is evident by the fact that the organization is slowly getting less dependent on FNF.
Mr. Johannen, who was regional director since 1998 but has worked with the foundation for more than 35 years, responded highlighting the successes of CALD, which he attributed to the commitment of individual liberal parliamentarians and party leaders who were responsible for making the organization a major player in the region.
Among those who presented gifts were Cambodian parliamentarians Saumura Tioulong and Son Chhay of the Sam Rainsy Party; Hon. Suthep Tuaksubhand, MP, Secretary General of the Democrat Party of Thailand; Philippine Education Undersecretary Chito Gascon of the Liberal Party; Legislators Martin Lee and Sin Chung Kai of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong; Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha, President of the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka; Mr. Asif Khan, Chairman of the Liberal Forum Pakistan; and CALD Executive Director John Coronel.
The event was hosted by Dr. Neric Acosta, MP, Executive Vice President of the Liberal Party of thePhilippines.
The event was capped by a flashpoint presentation prepared by the CALD Secretariat featuring photos of Mr. Johannen in various CALD activities and quotes from M.R. Sukhumbhand, Ms. Hsiao, Mr. Sam Rainsy, MP, of Cambodia and Philippine Education Secretary Florencio Abad. Messrs. Sukhumbhand, Sam and Abad all served as Chairmen of CALD.
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