CALD’s Latest Annual Report Now Available Online

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats’ (CALD) 2017 Annual Report is now out!

With the theme “Reinvigorate, Relate, Reclaim”, the Report documents the process of self-reflection that Asian liberals have undergone so they can better address the challenges of populism, illiberalism and authoritarianism.

“(W)e need show what liberalism and democracy can offer by getting back to basics”, said CALD Chairperson Abhisit Vejjajiva in his message. “We need to demonstrate that we know what the concerns of people are and offer real solutions, not just abstract principles and ideology to problems that matter to people… we should demonstrate that when applied effectively, liberalism and democracy actually offer the best chance of success at tackling people’s problems through the process of participation and representation based on faith in the people”, Abhisit added.

The Report showcases as well the major activities of CALD in 2017, from the consultative meeting to gather inputs to the 2017 Liberal Manifesto, participation in the 70^th Liberal International Anniversary Congress, to the assessment meeting that aimed to take stock of CALD’s triumphs and struggles in the past in order to set its future direction as the foremost network of liberal and democratic parties in the Asian region.

Moreover, the report also features the following speeches by CALD leaders: “Liberalism in the Time of Post-Truth Politics” (Abhisit Vejjajiva); “Our Continuing Journey Towards Gender Equality” (Tsai Ing-wen); “A Look at the She-Century” (Annette Lu); and the republished, “Bringing Up the ASEAN” (Surin Pitsuwan).  Country updates written by Sam Rainsy (Cambodia), Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Philippines) and Chee Soon Juan (Singapore) are also included in the Report.

“Dark clouds of populism, authoritarianism and illiberalism were still evident in 2017, but many pin their hope on CALD to be the silver lining of the coming year”, said CALD Secretary General Kiat Sittheeamorn. “Together, we can make the difference and reclaim our place as champions of the people.”

Read the CALD 2017 Annual Report here.