October 27-30, 2008

Transformational Leadership: CALD Holds 2nd Workshop on Political Party Management

Left to Right: Siegfried Herzog, FNF Philippines resident representative, Dr.Nereus Acosta, CALD executive director, Steven Gan, Malasiakini co-founder, Concepcion Asis, former LP director general and Chin Fook Weng of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) held the second phase of the CALD political management workshop series in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 27-30 October 2008. Hosted by Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, it was facilitated by Dr. Nereus Acosta, secretary general of CALD, and Concepcion Asis, former director general of the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP).

Entitled: “Setting Contexts and Contrasts: Building and Managing Liberal Political Parties in Asia,” it provided an overview of the importance of political parties in establishing an effective government. The workshop focused on three main topics: political party ideology and political realities, political party finance and media and politics.

In the first session, Dr. Acosta explained the significance of knowing the contested political terrain and understanding the party’s role in this particular setting. He also focused on the critical function the political party leadership plays as agents of change. Dr. Acosta’s presentation was complemented by that of Siegfried Herzog, FNF Philippines resident representative. Herzog spoke on the importance of a clear party vision. He emphasized the need for a coherent party platform as it helps parties develop a clear identity and political brand and formulate consistent solutions to emerging challenges.

Former LP Director General Asis and Keo Phirum, chief of staff of Cambodian MP Sam Rainsy, both discussed party financing. Asis outlined the sources of party funding and discussed ways to regulate these. She contrasted public and private fundraising and explained the merits and pitfalls of each, while Keo elaborated on grassroots initiatives in raising funds. He also spoke on how decentralization empowers local chapters.

Left to right: Keo Phirum, Sam Rainsy Party, Henry Bacurnay, LP and Ng Siew Lai, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia

Steven Gan, named one of Asiaweek’s 50 most powerful communicators, led the third session. As the co-founder of Malaysiakini, a Malaysian political news Website, he described the way new IT-based media are changing the political landscape. He noted the need for political parties to maintain clear positions on current issues and consistent track records in order to obtain regular media coverage.

At the end of the workshop, participants realized the importance of external and internal factors that influence party leadership and the development of party platforms. They agreed that transformational leadership has to be continually developed among CALD member parties.

The first part of the CALD political management workshop series was held in Jakarta, Indonesia from February 4-9, 2007.