YLDA is CALD's Newest Member
2005-11-08

YLDA President Jonathan Malaya speaks to CALD.

The Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) has finally taken its rightful place in the Asian Liberal community.

YLDA was formally admitted as the newest Member Organization of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats during its recent Executive Meeting Committee in Taipei, Taiwan. YLDA is the 10th CALD member organization and the 2nd CALD Associate Member after the Liberal Forum of Pakistan.

The federation's formal admission to CALD was a long process that began with its application for Associate Membership during a previous Execom Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. It culminated in Taiwan where YLDA President Jonathan Malaya made a presentation to the CALD Membership Committee in behalf of the organization.

After deliberating on YLDA's application, the committee -- chaired by Madame Saumura Tioulong, MP, of the Sam Rainsy Party and with members Dr. Neric Acosta, MP, of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and Ms. Chee Siok Chin of the Singapore Democratic Party -- favorably endorsed YLDA's application to the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee, for its part, noted YLDA's excellent track record, participation in CALD events, and adherence to the CALD's principles and objectives in approving YLDA's application.

The YLDA leadership met the successful bid with elation. "By admitting YLDA, CALD recognizes the vital role young people play in the socio-political life of Asia and considers the youth as partners in the common objective of spreading liberalism across the continent", says Mr. Malaya.

In Taiwan, YLDA received the congratulations of CALD Member Organizations with the hope that the youth will play a greater role in building a stronger and better CALD.

Malaya expressed his thanks to the CALD Membership Committee and CALD Executive Director John Coronel for their assistance in making YLDA's membership possible.

Garda Bangsa Garda Bangsa was formed in 1998 following the successful political reform spearheaded by students and other campus activists to depose the tyrannical regime of President Suharto. The organization was founded by Abdurram Wahid, a former adviser of President Suharto who resigned following an escalation in government corruption and political management by the administration. He championed "Responsible Openness" within the government system and proposed the establishment of a Reform Committee in order to mitigate poor governance within the administration. His calls were left unheeded and so he eventually withdrew support for the government and joined the efforts advocating for reform in the government. Read more...