CALD@30: 2023 Annual Report Out Now!

“Thirty years of standing up for freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

This, in essence, captures the three-decade history of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).  For CALD Secretary General Francis Abaya, CALD’s journey as a network of liberal and democratic political parties also reflects that of liberal democracy. “There have been highs and lows, ups and downs, and successes and failures in our quest for a more democratic and developed Asian region,” said Abaya. Although the future of democracy in Asia seems to be uncertain, CALD’s dedication to forge a freer and more democratic region remains resolute.  This unwavering commitment, and optimistic outlook for the future, are reflected in CALD’s 2023 Annual Report, “Democracy’s Future.”

The report showcases CALD’s projects and activities for the year 2023, alongside opinion articles like that of Former CALD Chairperson Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s “A Tale of Two Women,” which delves into the similarities of Theary Seng of Cambodia and Leila De Lima of the Philippines. The report also includes Mu Sochua’s “The Women Left Behind,” where she tells her story as an exiled widow and the continuing struggles of other Cambodian women. Also included is the 30th-anniversary commemorative book, “Enduring Legacy, Evolving Odyssey,” authored by John Coronel, accessible via a QR code provided on the page.

The keynote address of Taiwan president-elect William Lai during CALD’s 30^th anniversary is also highlighted in the report. Lai praised CALD and emphasized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) unwavering support, saying, “In CALD’s 30-year history, there is much to remember and cherish. From an initial conversation about the values that bring us together, to building an organization that can turn ideas into reality, CALD should be proud of its accomplishments. The DPP was present on the first day and we will continue to stand together every day, and even far into the future.”

In addition to Lai’s keynote address, the report also features several more speeches delivered during the anniversary. These include CALD Chair Mardi Seng’s acceptance speech entitled “The Three I’s Have It,” Pangilinan’s remarks “A Bold Prediction,” ALDE Party Co-President Ilhan Khuckyuk’s speech “Thirty Years of Cooperation, and Counting,” Singapore Democratic Party Secretary General Chee Soon Juan’s presentation “Progressives Always Right,” Ukraine’s Member of Parliament Kira Rudik’s address “Lessons from the War Zone,” Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros’ talk “Democracy as a Weapon,” Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan President You Si-Kun’s address “Shared Values, Twin Histories,” Member of Philippine House of Representatives Edcel Lagman’s discussion “How to Deal with a Bully,” Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan Member Chih-Cheng Lo’s speech “A Renewed Call for Unity,” and Liberal International President Hakima El Haite’s closing remarks “In Praise of Solid Work.”

The report also contains highlights of CALD member parties, featuring updates from the DPP, Singapore Democratic Party, Candlelight Party of Cambodia, Cambodia National Rescue Party, Liberal Party of the Philippines, and the Democrat Party of Thailand.

“…the yearning for freedom, even in the face of the most oppressive regimes, remains to be strong in this part of the world,” said Seng in his message in the annual report. “It is for this reason that I remain to be optimistic about the future of democracy in Asia. In this fight for democracy, I firmly believe that we have the people on our side. And our individual and collective desire to be free will, in due course, lead to the triumph of democracy.”

To read the CALD 2023 Annual Report, click here.