Young Asian Liberals Call for Stronger Role in Party Affairs 2006-02-03
Charles Tan (Young Democrats of Singapore), Seilavath Ros (Khmer Nation Youth Movement), and moderators Jan-Argy Tolentino and Anne Elicano answer questions about Asian youth parties
Taking place just a few days shy of the Lunar New Year, the Young Liberals of the Philippines (KALIPI) organized a workshop entitled "Strengthening Youth Wings of Liberal Political Parties in Asia". The coincidence was not lost on the participants as they held their discussions on the changes needed to redefine the role young liberals should play in political affairs in the coming year. Delegates from the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) joined the KALIPI last January 23-27, 2006 in Manila and Baguio City. The seminar was supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation.
The participants engaged in discussions which tackled the frustrations and challenges the youth face in party politics. They engaged in role-playing exercises to explore mechanisms by which they can be stronger and be better heard by their respective mother parties. YLDA delegates gave country presentations to give everyone a broader perspective:
Ms. Wong Fung Chu (Youth Committee, Democratic Party of Hong Kong) and Mr. Seilavath Ros (Khmer Nation Youth Movement, Cambodia) both shared that the relationship between mother parties and youth wings were heavily influenced by the Asian culture of reverence for elders.
Mr. Eko Darwanto (Garda Bangsa Youth, Indonesia) gave helpful tips on how to amplify the voice of the youth sector.
To serve as a point of comparison, IFLRY Vice President Mr. Frederik Ferié presented a case study on the Young Liberals of Germany (JuLis) and their role within the Free Democratic Party (FDP).
Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) leaders welcomed the young delegates and lauded them for their interest in politics and their drive to be better heard.
"You are proof that not all the young are either apathetic or dismayed by politics. You want to make a difference and I commend you for that," said Representative Joseph Abaya in a panel discussion that included Representatives Henendina Abad, Federico Sandoval, and Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III. Mr. Eleazar "Eli" Quinto and LP National Chairman Jose "Lito" Atienza, Jr., also met with the delegates and presented them with the key to Manila.
The delegates adopted a resolution to concretize lessons and skills learned. The document recognizes that youth wings were venues where young liberals can address political issues. Furthermore, it calls on "promoting good relations, cooperation, and constructive dialogue between mother parties and youth wings" in order to properly respond to the reforms called for. Read the complete resolution on liberal youth participation in politics here...
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...
Youth and Campus Activism in Indonesia
Campus activists are among the strongest
movement forces of Indonesian politics. Throughout history, they have maintained
a critical mass, which enables them to affect change and inspire the greatest
reforms within Indonesian government. Read article
YLDA with Garda Bangsa
Chair Camelia Puji Astuti Read chat
YLDA with Garda Bangsa
Chair Camelia Puji Astuti