CALDCloggers

Women reserved seats ?

2006-09-25T18:13:00.000+08:00

Hope all the cloggers are clogging away! I am writing a report examining the effectiveness of quotas or reservations in legislatures for women. My submission which I 've shared on my site is that for inclusive politics women reserved seats are not the answer. In Pakistan we 've had reservation for over 59 years but the results are left wanting.

I will propose in the report that political training of men and women is needed rather than stop gap measures of seats etc.

If anyone out there has any material on the subject, please share it with me.

Thanks

Gulmina Bilal

Attn caldcloggers: urgent action required

2006-09-24T12:17:00.000+08:00

Bad news dear friends! Our collective Blogging guru .. .. our man of immense patience.. our man with all the techi answers , Abraham Olandres aka Abe is down with the flu virus. In other words, while he might be apt at keeping his laptop free of viruses, his physical body is another story.

I've been told by his doctors that he can only get well if he get ``hits" of get well soon messages. The more the ``get well soon Abe hits" the faster his recovery .

So lets start people... we have to have our guru back in action.

Gulmina Bilal

Progress from PDI-P

2006-09-16T01:50:00.000+08:00

Soon I got back to my office, I prepared my presentation about all things that I've got from CALD Workshop that would be presented to my central board. And yesterday, in weekly board meeting, I had a big apreciation for my presentation from everyone who attend the meeting.

Although they still didn't know very well about how the things work, they really got some points that the internet could be an alternative media. The meeting also decided to endorse all politician from our party to make a blog!

Now, I've manage a blog entitled "Suara Oposisi" (Voice of Opposition) and I plan to make a podcast in the next week with the theme "Rice Import" as an actual issue (an interview with member of parliament).

Hendra Kusumah

Communications Workshop Highlights and Awarding Ceremony Videos

2006-09-15T13:32:00.000+08:00

Relaxing Exercise!

Awarding Ceremony

Narwin Espiritu

2006-09-12T11:44:00.000+08:00

09 Sept 2006, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Headquarters, Taipei, Taiwan - DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun (center), former Premier of Taiwan, welcomes CALDcloggers Mr. John Coronel (right), Executive Director of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and Ms. Pia Artadi-Facultad (left) of the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) to the DPP Headquarters

Now back in Manila after a hectic week in Taipei. The 4th CALD Communications Workshop was indeed successful thanks to the active and dynamic participation of the delegates. We will be updating the CALD website www.cald.org to include a new chapter featuring this event under CALD conferences and workshops.

Our flight back was delayed due to inclement weather and the ride was quite bumpy. I trust that all participants returned home safely with new found skills.

JOHN CORONEL

Ronald Meinardus reviewed

2006-09-11T21:29:00.000+08:00

The Fourth CALD political communication workshop ended on Sep 9th. At our ``graduation” ceremony each one of us were given the Dr. Ronald Meinardus penned book ,``Liberal Times in the Philippines”

The book is a compilation of RM’s articles during the last ten years of his stay in Asia. These writings first appeared in the Korean Times, The Individual to read my fascinating thoughts!

CALD's 4th Communications Workshop: Day 4 & End

2006-09-11T17:03:00.000+08:00

09 Sept 2006, Radio Taiwan International, Taipei, Taiwan - CALD Communications Workshop participants with RTI officials

After having gotten some rest back home in Singapore & the ability to recollect my thoughts, here are the last of the happenings of our last day of CALD's 4th communications workshop entitled 'Political Communication in the Digital Age'.

As the various working groups were given the better half of the 3rd day to work on and publish their podcasts, their works were presented in the morning after brief reports made by the respective teams covering the areas of Logistics/News of the day, DPP Liaison & Entertainment, Blogging/Daily Newsletter and Documentation.

As podcast after podcast were presented by the various working groups, quick comments were made by the producers of the podcasts followed by important recommendations from Dr R.M with regards to the content and overall presentation of their podcasts and how they could be made better in the near future, this was followed by other remarks made by fellow participants in relation to that.

After which Dr R.M proceeded to discuss on how the workshop should go from here onwards as in strengthening the network of media specialists in CALD, the usage of blogs and the need to cross-link to one another for easy reference was one of the few points that is important apart from the traditional means of exchanging contacts, and also permanent.

Following the discussion, the participants evaluated the workshop and gave needed feedback to the organisers in which each point raised was explained by John Coronel of CALD and Dr R.M of the FNF, it was concluded after the calculation of the results filed by the participants, that the workshop was a success, it definitely was in my opinion.

The Participants were given certificates of participation, a thumbdrive and a book by Dr R.M as a gift as he'll be leaving the Philipines after 4 years of work there.

The workshop came to a close, the participants went forth after lunch to observe the sit-in protests being conducted just outside of the presidential offices, the local media speculated the amount of protestors to be about 200,000 people but the downplayed amounts could be as low as 80,000 as it was reported, a few comments though, well organised and peaceful, though i think 'they' being there is really a hopeless cause as the subject of the protest, president Chen already stated that he won't be stepping down, thus i can only assume that the protest might not go anywhere for the moment.

The day ended off with some participants visting Taipei 101 for some shopping and a scenic view from the world's tallest structure at the time (Weather wasn't in a good state so spending for the ticket would be futile).

Many thanks to the organisers for a great workshop, and to my fellow Liberal participants in Asia, have a bright future ahead in your respective fields and don't give up in the fight for democracy.

Flickr Site on the Workshop in Taipei.

Kao Wen Sheng, Singapore

2006-09-09T22:29:00.000+08:00

To all the participants of the workshop.

It was fun to work with you. I wish you a safe trip back home and hope to stay in touch.

Read a short post on the mass rallies on Saturday in our vicinity - and a personal comment.

Dr. M/RM

From Blogs to Podcasts

2006-09-08T21:22:00.000+08:00

On this third day of our workshop, audio has taken over text writing for blogs. All participants are busy experimenting - no, working - with the new software applications http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ and http://www.gcast.com.

Tomorrow is our last day and the grand finale with the podcast auditions: We will listen to four presentations - talk shows and interviews - dealing with the promotion of a liberal party platform at an upcoming election.

This has been group work pure. As a result, a sense of camaraderie has set in. Hopes are high that this blog will stay alive - and strengthen the network of CALD media specialists.

Before long, the documentation tean will post a summary of our activities. Then we may look at the pictures also - souvenirs from Taipei in September 2006.

CALOG (Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats that Love to bLog)

2006-09-08T09:29:00.000+08:00

The Blog of Senator Kiko Pangilinan was born on September 7, 2006, in Taipei, Taiwan, during the 4th Annual CALD (Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats) Political Communications Workshop. Entitled, “Political Communications in the Digital Age: A Hands on Workshop on modern Political Communication tools,” the workshop was created to address a sincere and urgent desire to learn the latest technology and software that can boost communications practices of political parties in Asia.

Led by Dr. Ronald Meinardus of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and CALD Executive Director John Coronel, CALOG is comprised of delegates from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Pakistan, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and even Myanmar. CALOG in Filipino, connotes a sense of humor. And that’s exactly what the participants had. Aside from enjoying the overflowing ice-cream, the participants enjoyed discussing the success and trials of their political parties. The workshop is on its 2nd day and its success is already evident.

Last night, BBC and Taiwan Radio International interviewed Pia Artadi-Facultad, Political Communications Head of Senator Kiko Pangilinan, along with Soe Aung of Myanmar and Keo Phirim of Cambodia to ask if the use of the Internet was truly an effective practice in emerging and struggling democracies in Asia. “The Philippines’ pervasive use of the Internet and the infinite possibilities that it brings for our countrymen, can only be effectively felt if it becomes a venue for political engagement and if it resonates in volumes the needs and wants of our people. Getting our countrymen engaged, especially the youth, is a significant step in our continuous struggle towards better governance, transparency and accountability.”

With the inception of Sen. Kiko Pangilinan’s Blog,TeamKiko is now online all the time, not just for its countrymen but also for fellow Asian Liberals and Democrats that want to learn about the success of TeamKiko in helping its nation move forward. Members of CALOG look forward to greater cooperation and involvement of TeamKIKO in the crusade for good governance, freedom and justice.

Neighbour @ cald workshop:lady of three Ps

2006-09-07T18:06:00.000+08:00

My neighbor at the workshop is Dr. Busarin Dusadeeisariyawong. She is the one with whom I exchanged naughty notes and jokes. But who is Busarin? What makes her tick? What is beyond her persona as of FNSt employee ? I asked her some questions:

three words that describe you : private. personal. politics. The lady of three Ps!

three goals that you have for yourself: be happy. on a resort. and travel.

Which resort: seaside not far from Bangkok . i should be able to look at the land.

Travel: to African countries and middle east. the war torn area.

Preferred mode of travel: train. Because its very slow, free your mind, talk to people

here's wishing her all the best!

Gulmina Bilal

this workshop is about me

2006-09-07T14:57:00.000+08:00

I've written about how I felt at the CALD political communication workshop. I wrote about it previously for pleasure. I make this post out of necessity as it's a group assignment!

This workshop is a number of things. It is about political communication using new tools. Well, ahem "new" for me. I learnt that blogging which I considered ``new" has been around since 1994. (smiles) Abe, our collective blogging guru said ,`` It started as far back as 1994" OOOOOOOOO.... I thought.. that's ancient!

This workshop is about interlinking new tools. I have a website. I have a blog. How do I connect the two? Through blog roll!

This workshop is about reinforcing my political communication strategy I guess this workshop is about me. The web-based tools are merely that. They're tools.

And ofcourse, this workshop is about people. About good food. About having Hagen Das ice -cream EVERY DAY ! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

(no prizes for guessing. I am on a sugar high)

Gulmina Bilal

who needs coffee?

2006-09-07T11:12:00.000+08:00

I did'nt have coffee this morning. Got up late and had to be at the workshop by 9. But I certainly did'nt need caffine to jolt me. The fact on internet costs in Burma did. Listen to this. It costs US $ 5000 to buy a cell phone in Burma. It costs US $ 1000 for a Dial up internet connection and US $ 3000 for wireless. (eyes bulging out) God... . No wonder our friends from the NCUB have such an uphill task before them. You and I can however, do our little bit to help them. No, not buy them cell phones! But sign the online petition at www.unscburma.org

After all , it does'nt cost us that much to get online!

Gulmina Bilal

Support the Call for UN Security Council Action on Burma

2006-09-07T10:32:00.000+08:00

“Please use your liberty to promote ours.” - Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Sign this online petition at www.unscburma.org/Petition.php

His Excellency Kofi Annan
Secretary-General of the United Nations
New York, New York 10017

Dear Secretary General,

We, the undersigned, are writing to respectfully urge you to put the situation in Burma on the formal agenda of the United Nations Security Council and to use your good offices to support the passage of a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma.

We warmly welcome the first United Nations Security Council briefing on Burma conducted by your office in December of 2005. However, the briefing was only a first step to bringing resolution to the current crisis in Burma. We believe the increasingly unstable situation in Burma represents a threat, not only to the people of Burma, but to international peace and security. As a result, the United Nations Security Council has an obligation to intervene.

There is great urgency in this request because the situation in Burma continues to deteriorate. As numerous reports make clear, Burma is ruled by one of the world's most brutal military juntas. Abuses being committed by the military regime include:

1. The continuing detention of the world's only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Aung San Suu Kyi.

2. Imprisoning and torturing opponents, including more than 1,100 political prisoners, thirteen of whom are fellow members of Parliament.

3. Using rape as a weapon of war.

4. Forcibly recruiting up to 70,000 child soldiers, far more than any other army in the world.

5. Causing at least 700,000 refugees, with more to come, to flee across Burma's borders into neighboring countries.

6. The SPDC Army has forced over 500,000 villagers from their land. These people remain in Burma as internal refugees. They live and barely survive in the jungles and mountains of eastern Burma. Their only desire is to return home and live in peace.

7. Burning or otherwise destroying 2,700 villages.

8. Forcing humanitarian aid organizations such as Doctors without Borders (France) and the UN's Global Fund on HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis, to leave Burma because the junta refuses to permit them to carry out their work.

9. Maintaining Burma’s status as the largest producer of illegal methamphetamines in Southeast Asia, causing devastation of individuals and families throughout the region.

10. Conducting a new military and brutal offensive against Burma’s ethnic Karen minority. The acts of aggression against the Karen include the shooting of unarmed civilians and children, burning villages, rape, torture, and mutilation.

In recent years the United Nations has employed many diplomatic initiatives in relation to Burma. Two consecutive envoys from the your office and four other Special Rapporteurs from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights have failed to elicit reform from the regime. You have called for democratic transition in Burma by 2006, but so far the regime has failed to respond.

The United Nations is not the only body to have failed in its attempts at diplomacy with the military junta. The European Union has sent missions representing the EU requesting change in Burma, again to no avail. Burma’s neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore have failed in bilateral diplomacy, and recent requests for reform from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been rebuffed.

The regime in Burma is clearly unwilling to respond to reasonable diplomatic requests. The responsibility for failure in these efforts rests solely with Burma's military junta. The international community cannot allow the current impasse to continue. It is now time for the United Nations Security Council to intervene. It has the power to pass a binding resolution requiring the regime to engage in genuine negotiations and begin a transition to democracy in Burma.

There is ample precedent for a Security Council resolution on Burma. The Council has passed resolutions on many countries, including Haiti, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Liberia where conditions less severe than those in Burma existed. Failure by the Security Council to act on Burma will cause the death of more innocent civilians.

The recent report, A Threat To The Peace, commissioned by former Czech President Vaclav Havel and South Africa's Archbishop Desmond Tutu provides detailed reasons on why the Security Council should act, and the legal basis on which it can do so. The Havel-Tutu report recommends UN Security Council action that would require Burma's military regime to work with the United Nations on a plan for transition. Since the report was produced, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1674, providing further justification for Security Council intervention.

At the December 16, 2005, United Nations Security Council briefing on Burma, you suggested a course of action on Burma at the Council. We support your recommendation and we urge the Council to adopt a resolution following the recommendations by Mr. Havel and Mr. Tutu. This resolution should:

1) Require the government of Burma to work with the UN Secretary General in implementing a plan for national reconciliation.

2) Request the UN Secretary General remain involved in the reconciliation process and require him to report back to the Council on a regular basis.

3) Urge the Government of Burma to ensure the immediate, safe, and unhindered access to all parts of the country for the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable groups of the population, including internally displaced people.

4) Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in Burma.

Thank you for your attention to this most serious matter.

Sincerely,

cc: Representatives of the United Nations Security Council

CALD 4th Comms Workshop: Day 1

2006-09-07T09:31:00.000+08:00

It has been a full day of discovery and much learning, after the introduction and overview of the workshop’s programme, and the formation of 4 workshop teams to handle the various administrative aspects of the workshop, we got down to a brainstorming and discussion session after CALD showed a presentation regarding the organisation and its existing communications practices and how it is working with various forms of digital media available.

The group adjourned for lunch and resumed activities at 1400hours in which the members were divided into working groups to focus on ‘Web 2.0′ applications and prepare a presentation on each of them, all participants were given 90 minutes to prepare their presentations and to which covers the following internet applications such as Wordpress.com, Youtube.com, Writely.com, Cyworld.nate.com, Feedburner.com and a special working group formed outside of the original program focusing on Mobile Phone Text Messenging & its use on the communications practices of political parties in asia.

After which the country presentations were postponed to the following day and only allowing for 2 presentations due to the shortage of time before continuing the program planned for Thursday 7th September 2006.

The workshop group ended its first working day with a dinner at the Skyline Chinese Restaurant which presented an excellent view of the Taipei Skyline and were spoiled with wonderful local seafood , compliments of our hosts from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan.

End.

Nihao!

2006-09-07T09:17:00.000+08:00

Nihao!

Nihao means Hello in Taiwanese. We were greeted ‘nihao’ along with friendly smiles and waves upon our arrival in Taipei. On the first day of our CALD Political Communications Workshop, it was critical that we assess the capacity of our countries to use the different ways of communicating. It may be Nihao for others, Hello for some or Mabuhay in my language, clearly, knowing the right and suitable way of communicating is not only important, it is the only way of ensuring harmony and cooperation.

Connectivity is important if we are to reach across continents and oceans. But what if we’re not yet connected? One feels a sense of panic when you’re not wired, when you can’t connect, let alone, when you can’t even find the right buttons to get your laptop working in a foreign country. Speaking in both a figurative and a literal sense, our countries and our partners see our capacity to communicate as both a boon and a bane. We want to be wired but in some countries, its too expensive. In some countries, its not even available. In other countries, where its very cheap and the different modern tools are available, it is abused because of its pervasiveness and openness.

As a new friend, Abe Olandres, raised in one discussion, all tools have both advantages and disadvantages. I say, it is up to the user or the one that wields the tool that can determine if it will be used for good or evil…but this isn’t discussion on ethics. We all agreed that there must be transparency and accountability in all forms of political communications that are used to spread your message like wildfire. What is frightening though is if we don’t use these tools. Why so? Because you will be rendered obsolete if you don’t.

Connectivity is important if we are to penetrate the thoughts of an infinite number of people, and for them to delve into your ideas and use it maybe just maybe in their lives. All democracies are taking advantage of connectivity and utilizing it as the best platform to get their message across across their country and the globe. Liberal democracies use all the tools that the world has to offer – connecting to the infinite possibilities of the world wide web, texting to a mobile provider of information, really simple syndication. If these are not made available to all parts of the globe, then the fear of the unknown becomes real. The fear of not being able to touch base with the rest of world must be prevented. People need people. Saying Nihao. Logging on. Typing your latest solution for making the world a better place. The ability to communicate is the very first significant step to fixing the world’s problems. I found in the GCAST website that Bono’s One Campaign chose GCAST to help get the word out about Africa’s problems. We need to know what’s going on in the rest of Asia if we are to help each other as a region. When a tsunami hit Asia, the first to respond were those willing to donate by mobile phone. Wow. Imagine what fellow Asian Liberals can do to help other Asian Liberals…

first day impressions: a day late!

2006-09-07T08:59:00.000+08:00

Certainly, I have heard of the word blog, and most of you had, I am sure, heard about issues on ethical blogging (if there is such a thing), read controversial postings even on a number of blogsites, and read about digital communications tool that is revolutionizing the way people are putting their messages across.

It is our first day of the rest of our blogging adventures. Communications people from 11 countries, who represent their respective political parties or organizations, have come together in Taipei to experience blogging together—from understanding what it is, what it can do in enhancing communications within our organizations and even externally, to creating our own blogsites—all in less than a week.

To get everyone started, you are invited to post your own impressions on the first day of the workshop.

Here are some impressions we have gathered from some of our co-participants, including mine.

Vera of Indonesia: "I like the way the facilitation was done especially on identifying the targets. This way we are not going out of the line and we stay focused. We know what the participants want, making it not a one-way thing."

Bruce of Taiwan: "It's time to join this kind of meeting, this new way of thinking. I enjoyed the meeting and the interaction among the participants, especially when the facilitator categorized the expectations."

Me from the Philippines: "I sensed a huge disparity among the countries represented in the workshop in terms of the use of the new media in political communications. Some countries have just gone way ahead in using digital communications, while others still have to contend with poor infrastructure, the very basic requirement by which this revolutionary media can actually be up and running. The digital divide is, after all, an inescapable reality at this point. My hope is that we narrow this gap, in whichever way we can, and as a result, level the field by which we can use ICT in advancing the liberal agenda."

No news team ?

2006-09-07T00:00:00.000+08:00

Its midnight and I've spent a frustrating time trying to catch up on deadlines. The lines are still there but I am dead. But before calling it a night , it suddenly struck me. In this workshop , we have the logistics team. The all important entertainment team. The blogging team ofcourse (three cheers!) We have the documentation team. But we don't have the newspaper team which scans the papers and keeps the participants abreast of the political situation. There is always a news team in Dr. M's workshops. Why isn't there a news team in this workshop? Can it be merely that Dr. M has forgotten? I hope so. For I don't want it to be the other possibility. The possibility that no news might be the ahem .. the Arab influence ?

Gulmina in wonderland

2006-09-06T19:07:00.000+08:00

What does a country bumpkin,Fred Flinstone and I have in common? We all are overwhelmed by the world around us. This afternoon at the CALD political communication workshop I felt like all three. Or two. The first two that is.For I always thought that I was a suave- with -it kinda girl. You know the one who's aware of the developments around her and what is going on. Well, not this afternoon. Wake up sister, I muttered to myself as I heard about some site that burns you ( and it's supposed to be a good thing.) This burning site that goes by the name of Feedburner.com can only work if you have blog lines (and here I thought my waist line was the only line I should think about).The blog lines are fed by something called the RSS... hmm.. the only RSS that I know of is the Indian militant group. And they are feeding the internet now ? (gaps)

As the day ended, thankfully I retired to my room to indulge in ancient practices. No, not voodoo. E mailing.

PS:My only consolation is that I'll have a ball of fun back home. I can just imagine asking my boss, Peter Bochmann and my Regional Director Dr. Klaff ``So have many RSS are you subscribed to ?"

The blogging team

2006-09-06T19:03:00.000+08:00

The blogging team has arrived
(unfortunately not to a theatre near you)

Hi people! (drums rolling) Welcome to the first posting of the CALD Political Communication in the Digital Age workshop. Sounds like a mouthful right? Well, it certainly is because in these two and half days in glorious Taiwan, a group of young Asian liberals will learn how to use modern communication techniques to further their message. So whether it is through blogging, pod casting or sms-ing … people... brace yourselves.... the liberal rhythm is gonna get you!

During these two and half days, we, the seven member blogging group will keep you abreast as to what is happening during the workshop. Remember... you heard it first HERE.

So who are the members who are going to be your life line to the workshop proceedings? (The drums roll again) Presenting ladies and gentlemen, in no particular order (we are liberals after all!):

Pia Artadi of the Philippines: Pia is the head of the Political Communications unit of the Senate Majority Leader. She has set her eyes to be the Press Secretary to the Head of the State. Hmmm... But Pia, do you want to be the Press Secretary to the Philippines’ Head of the State or any head of the state? Regardless of the state, friends, Pia is the woman to watch out for!

Keo Phirum of Cambodia: Phirum is the Deputy Chief of Cabinet who when asked as to what his future dreams were declared, “I want my party to be in power.” As a footnote he declares, “And also hope that Cambodia has a functional infrastructure system. Right now, the best way to mail someone is to hire a man to hand deliver letters!” So friends, if it takes Phirum a little time to answer your mail or letter... you’ll know why.

Srey Kimheng of Cambodia: The beautiful country of Cambodia to which hopefully the bloggers group will get an invitation to visit (hint, hint) is ably represented within the group. Srey Kimheng is the website supervisor for his party whose future goal is to get married and have lots of children, in that order! Come to think of it, this goal will be very helpful for the Sam Rainsey Party: more children mean more votes for the party! Excellent.

Deedee Espina of Phillipines: Deedee is the Media consultant for the Liberal Party of Philippines who is enjoying Hagen Das ice cream in Taiwan as of writing. Five years down the road, friends, you will see her having Hagen Das ice cream while signing copies of her first book of ten chapters. What will be the first chapter of the book? With a toss of her hair, she declares, “The Experience of talking to my blogging team members in Taiwan while having ice cream.” An excellent title which perhaps needs a bit shortening. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention, the book project by the way will be supported by Hagen Das.

Hendra Kusumah of Indonesia: Hendra who has the largest laptop in the group is the Assistant to Secretary General of PDIP. In five years, through extensive blogging, he wants to become a member of the Central Board of his party.

Choi Mi Young of South Korea: Choi is presently the Promotion Planning Director who wants to work in the Blue House of South Korea. We are not sure if she wants to waitress in the Blue House or be the President but to all of the workshop participants, you have a standing invitation to tea at the Blue House from her!

Gulmina Bilal of Pakistan: Gulmina is presently toiling away in a German organization but she secretly wants to become a nun and rock star! Opps.. .. the secret is out... Aw………

CALD Communication Workshop is Coming Up!

2006-08-16T10:50:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone,

It's almost here, the CALD Communication Workshop will be coming up soon. This time, it will be held in my hometown of Taipei, Taiwan. The dates are September 6 to 10, and the theme this time is titled, "Political Communication in the Digital Age". This workshop is going to be hands-on training, so get your hands ready to immerge them into profound technical learning.

We will be discussing podcasting, blogging and vlogging. For those who were last year in KL, you will really get into the nitty gritty of these exciting tools!

See you in Taipei!

Ping-Ya

Learn from the French

2006-07-31T09:58:00.000+08:00

I came across a very interesting article in today’s issue of the International Herald Tribune, my preferred daily morning literature (next to the Philippine Daily Inquirer which, for some reasons, I find rather dull recently). In this front-page feature entitled “France’s mysterious embrace of blogs”, author Thomas Crampton referred to the French “obsession” with blogging. I was surprised to read that, when it comes to blogging, the French are not only ahead of the Germans and the Britons, but also the Americans, the inventors and also trendsetters in most Web 2.0 developments.

I was particularly interested to read to which extent French politicians have taken up blogging as a political communications tool, not least because I think it is interesting compared to what (very little) is going on in this regard in the Philippines and other Asian countries. Following are some quotes from the article (I recommend you read the whole text):

“You cannot be elected president of France without a blog,” said Benjamin Griveaux, director of Web strategy for Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a former finance minister who in 2004 was among the first politicians to start a blog. “Blogs have not replaced traditional media, but they are absolutely necessary for every politician.”

So why are the French obsessed with blogging? This is Crampton’s “cultural” explanation:

“It is clear that in France we have very large egos and love to speak about ourselves,” Le Meur said. “If you look at Germans or Scandinavians - off- line and on the Internet - they really don’t talk about themselves.”

If the sole criteria were “love to speak about themselves”, blogging would be very popular also with Filipino politicians (and politicians in most other countries, also). But, obviously, other factors play a role in determing whether blogs are used in political campaigns.

Crampton’s final paragraph shows how far ahead the French political class is compared to politicians in this part of the world:

These Web logs, or online journals, are not just opposition tools. Most mainstream French politicians have now embraced blogs. The French Socialist presidential hopeful Ségolène Royal started a blog in February that has had more than half a million visitors and 20,000 comments, and it has been credited with lifting membership of the Socialist Party. The blog includes a draft version of her political platform, which citizens are invited to comment on before it is completed. …Griveaux, the director of Web strategy for Strauss-Kahn, reckons the popularity of blogs comes down to France being a nation where each and every citizen thinks he or she should be in charge. “We had 16 presidential candidates at the last election, and we will probably have the same number next year,” Griveaux said. “Every French person wants to run the country - a blog is the next best option.”

Democratic and liberal politicians of this world: Learn from the French!

Originally posted in My Liberal Times.

Podcasting from Manila

2006-07-11T12:07:00.000+08:00

The Liberal Times Manila Podcas t has just recently run a special episode dealing exclusively with the CALD-ALDE-LI conference held in the Philippines in late July. You will find all the relevant information in text at the reliable CALD-website. There's also a report on the liberal Foundation's site. For those of you, who wish an audio-addition, there's no better place to go than The Liberal Times Manila Podcast.

Dear CALDCloggers, and others: I am looking forward to meeting you again at our next communications workshop in Taipei in September. There. we are planning to have a lot of hands-on training about blogging and podcasting.

And, of course, we will also discuss the strategic dimensions of using these new media in the political communications of your respective parties.

post from Kamal

2006-06-16T00:14:00.000+08:00

The Liberal Party came second in two local council elections namely Gampaha Municipal Council and Kobeigane Pradeshiya Sabha in the Kurunegala District.This is a testimony that the party has reached to different areas of the island though its origin formally centered in Colombo upper middle class.

The Party secured four seats in Gampaha MC and two seats in Kobeigane PS.

Sent By Kamal

Singapore Government steps up harassment of opposition SDP during elections

2006-04-20T23:34:00.000+08:00

The police have been visiting Dr Chee Soon Juan’s house repeatedly to serve orders requiring him to go to the police station for questioning. The latest investigations involve Dr Chee “providing public entertainment without a valid licence.”

The Singapore Democrats have been selling our flagship publication The New Democrat. We has been doing this for years. But now that the elections are drawing near, the PAP Government has suddenly stepped up it stalking and harassment of the SDP (see photos of undercover police with video cameras recording SDP's activities).Selling the Party newspaper is the most effective way for the SDP to reach out to the people and communicating with voters especially at present during the election period.

This mode of direct communication, as opposed to the relying on the state-controlled media, is also the PAP's biggest threat as it allows voters read and hear what the Singapore Democrats have to say without censorship.

The PAP has thus found it necessary to crackdown on the SDP’s campaign. It has already banned the SDP’s podcasting a couple of weeks ago, knowing full well that the Party was the only political party in Singapore with a podcast and was going to rely on the new technology for campaigning during elections.

It is clear that the PAP is determined to prevent the SDP from effectively communicating with voters in its constituencies. In the meantime PAP officials are freely conducting their campaigns, meeting with voters, going about on their walk-abouts, giving interviews and making speeches.

Many of these activities are considered illegal assemblies and processions. And yet, the police turn a blind eye and allow the PAP candidates to conduct their activities with impunity.

In response to the repeated police orders to appear at the police stations, Dr. Chee has replied that he is in the midst of helping his Party to prepare for the elections and will not be able for questioning until after the polls. He has already attended several sessions with the police in the past weeks.

A Party volunteer, Mr Yap Keng Ho, has also been called for interrogation by the police for conducting a similar activity.

The SDP calls on the Government to stop such harassment. The blatant act is aimed at intimidating Party members as well as voters. It is the reason how PAP “wins” elections.

It is obvious that the PAP is afraid of the SDP’s reaching out to voters with information and is bent on crippling the Party’s campaigning efforts and ability to win votes.

Reply to comment

2006-04-17T15:51:00.000+08:00

Dear member of the electorate,

thank you for following the caldbloggers blog site.

in reply to your question, I do not see how I have sensationalized the headline. By the way, the full headline is ' Singapore Government bans blogging and podcasting IN ELECTIONS'.

I believe you have a prob with the word "banned". You would notice from reading the article that 'ban' is a word that was first used by BBC to describe the new media regulations in Singapore.

And for all intents and purposes, when your Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang, says that ,"...we do not allow podcasts and videocasts for election advertising...", it is pretty much clear that it IS a BAN.

I do concede that the headline might be a little misleading as not ALL blogging and pod-casting (MR Brown and Xiaxue can breathe a little as long as they keep to entertainment and not the political arena.) is banned, just those with a political content and those that "defend a politcal line". Bt you do realise that I am circulating this in a political blog and on my own political news emaiing group. For all intents and purposes, I again do not see how the headline has been sensatonalized.

Cheers,
Michael

-----------------------------------------------
> From: XXXXXXXXXXXX@blogger.com
> To: touchdesun@hotmail.com
> Subject: [CALDCloggers] 4/17/2006 01:10:38 PM
> Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2006 22:10:40 -0700
>
> Excuse me, did you say the spore govt "banned" blogging and pod-casting. Is it necessary to sensationalize your headline?
> --
> Posted by member of the electorate to CALDCloggers at 4/17/2006 01:10:38 PM

Interview with Singapore Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts

2006-04-15T23:17:00.000+08:00

New media, same rules

In an e-mail interview with Sue-ann Chia, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang gives an insight into the thinking

April 15, 2006
The Straits Times

· One argument the Government has made is that politics is a serious business and should not descend into entertainment. How so?

We encourage the free flow of information and exchange of views within our political system. However, for political debates and discourse to be constructive and taken seriously, people have to take responsibility for what they say and should not remain anonymous. Facts must be ascertainable and arguments examined.

Voters can then consider the issues calmly and rationally with a view to the impact on their future, and not get carried away by emotions in the heat of the moment. This is the basis on which we run elections and politics in Singapore, and this is how we have crafted our rules.

For example, there is full freedom to write or publish anything you like and to voice your beliefs and convictions at election rallies, subject to defamation, sedition and other laws of the land. But political campaigning should not be turned into info-tainment, where the line between fact and fiction gets blurred, and people get worked up emotionally without understanding the substantive issues. This is why we do not allow music and entertainment at election rallies, unlike the practice in other countries.

For the same reason, we have not allowed party political films and videos. The impact of watching a video is very different from reading something in cold print. Political videos may be presented as objective documentaries, but are in fact slanted propaganda to draw attention and score political points.

For example, the film Fahrenheit 9/11 was released as a documentary but its selective use of images and out-of-context quotations were designed to shock the audience and make President Bush look bad. Such videos cannot be easily countered with rational written arguments. They evoke visceral emotions and are not conducive to a calm and dispassionate treatment of politics.

· Why is streaming of explicit political content through podcasts or videocasts not allowed but posting of party manifesto and texts of rally speeches allowed for political parties? What is the worry?

The Internet is a new medium, but the key issues are the same, and so we apply the same principles to address them. This is why we allow texts, party manifestos, candidates' write-ups and photos to be posted on the Internet in the same way that they are allowed in the print media.

Podcasts and videocasts, on the other hand, have a greater impact because of the nature of the medium. They have the greater power to influence. Hence, we do not allow podcasts and videocasts for election advertising, just as we do not allow party political films and videos.

The Internet has its own unique characteristics which require special attention. The Internet is ubiquitous, fast and anonymous. Once a false story or rumour is started on the Internet, it is almost impossible to put it right. Despite its usefulness, the Internet is chaotic and disorganised, with many half-truths and untruths masquerading as facts.

This is not theoretical; it has already occurred. Shortly after we announced Zaqy Mohamad in the line-up of new PAP candidates, there were netters who said that he was a nephew of Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Tarmugi, and this spread quickly on the Internet.

In fact, this is completely untrue, but how do we now rebut it on the Internet, and get all the blogs, bulletin boards and chatrooms to put out corrections to set this right? In this case, it is not an important issue, but if it involves emotive issues of race, language or religion, then it can easily destabilise our society. So we must be very careful and set rules so that individuals take responsibility for their actions.

To help bring some order to this chaotic environment, we have made it a requirement for political parties and individuals who use websites to propagate or promote political issues to register with the Media Development Authority (MDA). This promotes accountability and also ensures personal responsibility for comments made on the Internet.

Other countries are also grappling with similar issues. In the last US presidential elections, for example, there were vitriolic Internet campaigns against the two candidates, John Kerry and George Bush. One group tried to discredit Kerry's war record, while another accused Bush of dodging the Vietnam War draft. But those who propagated the personal attacks through their websites were never asked to account for what they said.

By registering political sites, we can avoid a similar situation from happening in Singapore. In this way, we uphold the seriousness and integrity of our electoral process.

· Can we really have effective controls over the Internet?

I agree that the controls are not water-tight. The virtual nature of the Internet and its global scale make regulation difficult. But rules do have some effect. They set a certain standard and help maintain order and accountability in the way political issues are discussed over the Internet. There will always be grey areas but these rules will help define unacceptable practices.

· Will there be new laws to keep up with changing technologies? What would these changes be?

Our position is dynamic as technology is advancing rapidly. We now have broadband and 3G, and people are connected everywhere they go. As the situation evolves, we will have to update our position accordingly. We are constantly reviewing our rules, and by the next election, I am sure we will have them updated to deal with a different environment.

But we will move cautiously, and learn from the experience of other countries. As we feel our way forward, we will continue to take steps to enhance the quality of political debate and preserve the choice that Singaporeans have when it comes to elections.

· The opposition parties have slammed the latest announcement disallowing podcasting and videocasting. They said that it is meant to limit the audience for their rallies and hence hamstring their chances of reaching out to more voters. What's your response?

In fact, the restrictions on political films and videos pose more disadvantages for the PAP than for the opposition. If the PAP were to make a political video, it has the resources to do a first-class production. But we decided against this, as it could demean the spirit of political debate and undermine the longer-term interest of Singapore.

I am also surprised that the opposition parties feel that their plans have been disrupted. This is not a ban that came out of the blue. All these parties had to do was to check the positive list to see what is allowed and what is not allowed. The regulations have been available since the last General Election in 2001. The opposition parties are free to approach MDA or Mica for clarification, but have not done so.

(Note: The 'positive list' states what types of election advertising are allowed for political parties, candidates and election agents.)

· What if the blogger is anonymous or hosts his blog overseas? How do you get the blogger to register? How will registration be enforced given the proliferation of blogs? Who will monitor or police the blogs?

Underlying some of these questions is the issue of what happens when someone tries to influence the political process by attempting to host websites anonymously or from overseas locations. This is a possibility that cannot be dismissed. MDA has oversight on these matters.

Where necessary, it will work in tandem with Mica and other relevant agencies. But we have always adopted a light touch for the Internet. So I will not lose much sleep over these scenarios. Internet users will just have to be more careful about putting their faith in the content of overseas websites. Singaporeans must also exercise judgment and avoid being taken in by those with an axe to grind or who are out to promote a hidden agenda.

· Can political parties mass e-mail/SMS to people? Are they, in these mass e-mails/SMS, allowed to advertise themselves and put out their party manifesto or send out their rally speeches? Can political parties and individuals send mass e-mail/SMS with pictures or videos of election rallies?

Political parties are allowed to send e-mails during the election period. This is on the positive list, but subject to certain restrictions. For example, they should clearly provide information that would enable a recipient to unsubscribe from the party's mailing list. In addition, parties are not allowed to solicit for donations through e-mail or to request the recipient to forward the e-mail to others.

As for individual SMSes and e-mails, we consider these as private communication and they will remain the private domain of individuals. I agree that some people may hide behind this facade of private communication and use e-mails, or a chain-mail system to conduct election advertising. But they should bear in mind that other laws also apply to e-mail communication. These include libel. One should not hastily dash off e-mails in the heat of the moment and live to regret a rash act later. So think first, and then write knowing fully the consequences of such comments.

· Can foreign based newspapers, especially online news sites, put up podcasts/videocasts of an explicit political nature on their websites? Can local newspapers and other mainstream media put up podcasts/vodcasts of election rallies?

The Parliamentary Elections Act makes specific exemptions which allow the publication of any news relating to an election in a newspaper in any medium or in a radio or television broadcast. If they choose to, they will be allowed to carry such materials in the form of videocasts and audiocasts on their websites.

Foreign news organisations will, of course, be allowed to report on the election. But there is a big difference between reporting on local affairs and interfering in them. We do not permit foreign news organisations operating in Singapore to participate or interfere in domestic politics. Singapore politics is for Singaporeans only. Should we find that a foreign newspaper or broadcaster has been inaccurate in its reporting or presented unfounded reports, we expect to be accorded the right of reply. I think this is a fair and reasonable thing to ask for. We are simply asking for journalistic integrity.

If a newspaper, for example, has published an unjustified comment, the very least that it should do is to let us present our side of the story and facts for their readers to be the judge.

If they are not prepared to give us this right of reply, then the Newspaper Printing and Publishing Act and the Broadcasting Act set out the sanctions which we can impose on the foreign media including restrictions to their circulation.

We welcome foreign media to Singapore. I hope that they understand our position on this matter and we can continue our amicable and mutually beneficial relationship.

sueann@sph.com.sg

SEEKING ORDER

'I agree that the controls are not water-tight. The virtual nature of the Internet and its global scale make regulation difficult. But rules do have some effect. They set a certain standard and help maintain order and accountability in the way political issues are discussed over the Internet.'
DR LEE BOON YANG

Singapore Government steps up online censorship in run-up to elections

2006-04-15T23:16:00.000+08:00

Reporters Without Borders has condemned rules gagging free expression online, in the same way as for traditional media, in the run-up to parliamentary elections in Singapore.

Singapore Information, Communications and Arts minister, Balaji Sadasivan, repeated on 3 April 2006, the strict rules in force since 2001 on Internet use in electoral periods. The Singapore government has already warned Internet users who are likely to discsuss politics online that they are at risk of legal action. No official date has been announced for the elections but they are due to be held in the next few months.

"Once again the Singapore authorities are showing their determination to prevent the holding of a genuinely democratic debate on the Internet,” the press freedom organisation said.

During a parliamentary debate on 3 April 2006, Balaji Sadasivan repeated and enlarged on the very restrictive measures applying to Internet use during election campaigns. Bloggers and website managers do not have the right to back a particular candidate’s programme.

Outside of elections periods, bloggers have to register with the Media Development Authority (MDA) if they want to openly and regularly defend a political line. But during election periods, the fact of being registered does not allow them to express opinons on political issues. Website managers are subjected to the same rules.

These restrictions will now also apply to new Internet technology. The minister specified that use during the campaign of podcasting and videocasting, two new devices for putting audio or video online, will be banned if they carry political content. During the last election campaign, in November 2001, the main opposition party, the Singapore Democratic Party, made use of podcasting.

Sinapan Samydorai, chairman of the freedom of expression organisation Think Centre, who has been forced to register his website, said that there has been no improvement since the last elections in 2001, during which official party websites were the only authorised source of political news and information.

Another Singaporean blogger, known under the pseudonym of Alex, highlighted the confusion that has been caused by the minister’s remarks about the exact limits of Internet-users rights to express themselves politically in his country. “The minister’s statements raise more new questions than it provides clarification”, he told Reporters Without Borders.

Source: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=16935

Singapore Government bans blogging and podcasting in elections

2006-04-07T19:19:00.000+08:00

Singapore attacked for blog gag
BBC 07 Apr 06

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4882746.stm

The Singapore government has been condemned for gagging political discussion on the web in the run up to the country's parliamentary elections.
The government has extended censorship laws to ban podcasts and videocasts that carry political content.

Websites and blogs are already under strict control and must be registered with the government.

Media watchdog Reporters without Borders said the ban would prevent democratic debate on the net.

The ban was outlined by Communications and Arts minister, Balaji Sadasivan of the People's Action Party (PAP) in a parliamentary speech.

It is enforced under a 2001 law that seeks to prevent overt advertising by political parties.

New technology

The ban will come as a blow to PAP opponents, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP).

It has used both podcasts and videocasts in an attempt to get round traditional media censorship laws in their campaign.

The party said on their website that the latest announcement was aimed "squarely at the SDP's efforts to harness the new technology to advance its platform in the upcoming general elections".

For its part, Reporters without Borders said: "Once again the Singapore authorities are showing their determination to prevent the holding of a genuinely democratic debate on the internet."

No date has yet been announced for the election.

Outside of election periods, bloggers and website managers have to register with the Media Development Authority (MDA) if they want to write about party politics.

However during elections even registered users are prohibited from open political discussion.

The government said that anyone breaking the ban faces legal action.
The announcement is an extension of the Singapore government's strict censorship policy that applies to all media.

Recently the government relaxed some of its laws in an attempt to market the country as a hub for arts and culture.

The film, Brokeback Mountain, passed film censors this year, in spite of the country's stringent laws against homosexuality.

Government steps up online censorship in run-up to elections

Reporters Without Bordershttp://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=16935

Reporters Without Borders has condemned rules gagging free expression online, in the same way as for traditional media, in the run-up to parliamentary elections in Singapore.

Singapore Information, Communications and Arts minister, Balaji Sadasivan, repeated on 3 April 2006, the strict rules in force since 2001 on Internet use in electoral periods. The Singapore government has already warned Internet users who are likely to discsuss politics online that they are at risk of legal action. No official date has been announced for the elections but they are due to be held in the next few months.

"Once again the Singapore authorities are showing their determination to prevent the holding of a genuinely democratic debate on the Internet,” the press freedom organisation said.

During a parliamentary debate on 3 April 2006, Balaji Sadasivan repeated and enlarged on the very restrictive measures applying to Internet use during election campaigns. Bloggers and website managers do not have the right to back a particular candidate’s programme.

Outside of elections periods, bloggers have to register with the Media Development Authority (MDA) if they want to openly and regularly defend a political line. But during election periods, the fact of being registered does not allow them to express opinons on political issues. Website managers are subjected to the same rules.

These restrictions will now also apply to new Internet technology. The minister specified that use during the campaign of podcasting and videocasting, two new devices for putting audio or video online, will be banned if they carry political content. During the last election campaign, in November 2001, the main opposition party, the Singapore Democratic Party, made use of podcasting. [Correction: The SDP did not use podcasting in the 2001 elections. The Party’s podcast was set up only in August 2005.]

Sinapan Samydorai, chairman of the freedom of expression organisation Think Centre, who has been forced to register his website, said that there has been no improvement since the last elections in 2001, during which official party websites were the only authorised source of political news and information.Another Singaporean blogger, known under the pseudonym of Alex, highlighted the confusion that has been caused by the minister’s remarks about the exact limits of Internet-users rights to express themselves politically in his country. “The minister’s statements raise more new questions than it provides clarification”, he told Reporters Without Borders.

Increasing Rally Participants with the Internet

2006-04-04T10:25:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since I haven't updated on our blog. My apologies for it has been very hectic here at our offices, and I mean it has been REALLY busy.

I would like to talk about our 318 Big Parade and the techniques we used in the campaign to draw people to participate. The theme of this parade was : "Protect Democracy, Stand Against Forceful Annexation".

A little bit of background: this parade was held upon the anniversary of the so-called Anti-Secession Law passed last year by China, and the 10 year anniversary of the Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1996, when China fired missiles at Taiwan to influence our first democratic elections.

Ten years later, cross strait relations is still tense. Missiles continue to threaten Taiwan's security, and China persists in superimposing forceful annexation on Taiwan, not letting us decide our own future by democratic means.

This parade was important because as ruling party, we needed to raise awareness among Taiwanese people that more than ever we face a big threat, and that we needed to speak out against this aggression to the rest of the world. Taiwan has been lucky to count on international friends, and we want them to know that we still need their support.

In the first week of March, the decision came from our executive upstairs that we needed to hold this parade, and we had to come up with a strong campaign to draw people to participate. The targeted number of people was 100,000 and we only had two weeks to prepare for this!

In the campaign, we did a variety of techniques using the Internet. We created an EDM in three languages: Mandarin, English and Japanese. Because we wanted to draw international media and also international friends living in Taiwan to cover the event and to participate, we decided to create the campaign in as many languages as possible.

We also created a commercial that we aired on TV and we uploaded it on our website so that people can also view it on the Internet. Additionally, we created a blog to update people on the routes of the event, the times, what to bring, and the rest of the details. http://www.taiwanpeace.blogspot.com/ (you can visit this website for more pictures of the parade).

If they ask me if the parade was successful, I definitely say it was great. We had an estimated total of 180,000 (not counting pets and children). That day, the metro stations were filled with people, and the streets of Taipei were full of parade attendees. They each brought their own signs showing what they wanted to say to China (some of them a little inappropriate but oh well), and what helped us that day was that the weather was absolutely fantastic whereas the previous weeks we had nothing but rain and cold. This helped also to get people out to the streets.

We are so grateful that it turned out to be a success. I have to say that our Internet campaign helped draw many young people in. Of the 180,000 people, approximately 50,000 people attended because of the Internet campaign we launched. This shows that Internet works!

Thais vote amid political crisis

2006-04-02T14:17:00.000+08:00

Sunday, 2 April 2006, 04:33 GMT 05:33 UK

Mr Thaksin called the poll three years early
Voters are going the polls in Thailand amid a political storm which could mean a government is not formed.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra hopes the general election will strengthen his position. His critics accuse him of corruption and abuse of power.

There have been weeks of protests calling for his resignation.

The three main opposition parties are boycotting the election - called three years early - and urging people to cast votes of abstention.

Mr Thaksin says he will step down if his party fails to win 50% of votes.

Voters have the option of registering a "no vote" if they do not want to vote for a ruling party candidate.

The boycott by the three main opposition parties means that candidates from Mr Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party will be standing unopposed in many seats.

The BBC's Kylie Morris says the election could potentially be a poll which elects no government and brings no end to the crisis.

According to the Thai constitution, all 500 parliamentary seats must be filled for the lower house to convene, but in some seats unopposed Thai Rak Thai candidates are unlikely to achieve the 20% of the vote necessary to be accepted as legitimate MPs.

Shin Corp row

About 45 million people are expected to vote in the election, which is compulsory.

Thai poll may resolve little
Q and A: Thailand votes

Mr Thaksin called it three years early to try to end months of street protests sparked by accusations against him of corruption and abuse of power.

Polls opened at 0800 local time (0100 GMT) and were to close at 1500.

The BBC's Phil Mercer in Bangkok says the voting has been reasonably steady so far.

Mr Thaksin voted just a couple of hours after the start of the poll.

"This election is very important for the direction of the country because there is a split right now," he said.

"Voting is the responsibility of everyone who loves democracy. They must come out and vote."

The prime minister told the BBC on Friday he had voter support and denied any wrongdoing over the sale of telecoms company Shin Corp by his family, which has stirred the political crisis.

Critics say the family avoided tax on part of the sale and are angry about the transfer of control of an important Thai company to Singaporean investors.

But Mr Thaksin said he was not involved in practical aspects of the company and defended the actions of his family.

On Friday, a last-ditch bid to have Mr Thaksin disqualified from the elections over alleged violations of campaign law failed when the Administrative Court refused to hear a petition from anti-Thaksin campaigners.

2006-04-02T14:03:00.000+08:00

Please visit our new website with a new layout: www.ncub.org

Democracy: Made in Cambodia

2006-04-02T13:52:00.000+08:00

A Day in the Life of an Opposition Party Activist

Ampil Pram Daeam or the Five Tamarind Trees commune reminds hundreds of thousands of Cambodians of the genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge regime during their reign in the mid-seventies. Later Vietnamese troops were deployed in this area to topple the Khmer Rouge and many more years of armed conflicts depleted the forests, claimed more innocent lives and saw the laying of more mines in the rice fields.

Life for the people in the Five Tamarind Trees commune has somewhat improved these days as most of the thousands of landmines have been cleared but the horrors of the past still haunt the people, as the area is still a part of Cambodia’s wild west.

The Sam Rainsy Party (SRP), the opposition party in Cambodia, did not win a single seat on the commune council in the first ever local elections held in 2002. The army, a strong and faithful force of the ruling party, and the former soldiers of the Khmer Rouge, who have since joined the armed force, have made this area their fiefdom. It is only in this year that opposition to the ruling party has been possible. This is due to the growing confidence of the SRP provincial and local teams.

SRP team in charge of taking the party message to the grassroots.
The next commune elections are due in April 2007 and it is a date set on the calendar of the SRP activists. Equipped with a just a digital camera, SRP membership application forms, a red ink pad and their individual bottles of drinking water, the SRP activists visited each house in the villages of the Five Tamarind Trees commune. The youth activists and the women representatives of SRP leave no stone unturned despite the hot summer sun. Their task in the next two days is to spread the message of morality, truth and justice, the SRP motto, to the villagers. Their mission is to win the commune for SRP at the next commune election in April 2007.

A young woman carrying her young child works across a rice field to join others to register as SRP members. The campaign to gaining a seat for SRP begins with membership registration in each of the eight villages in this commune (that is expected to be completed) by April 2006. Within the party itself, the holding of the village election by July and commune election in October 2006 to select the party’s best representatives to stand as candidates next year must take place well in advance. This is a very tedious task with just about one year to complete and an even more challenging task as SRP wants to fill as many women candidates as possible to represent their party. Just over 8% or exactly 987 women were elected in the 2002 commune elections.

To date, SRP is the only party in Cambodia to prepare itself for the 2007 commune elections and the 2008 parliamentary polls by initiating internal party reforms: all SRP officials and the party president himself must be elected by the party’s congress. Time for change is now and change for Cambodia is possible only if democracy has a chance at the grassroots level. SRP is willing to take the first step by bringing information on democratic principles to the people at the base and how they are the real masters and the force to bring change for a better future, for their children.

SRP youth team taking part in registration of new members.Why do people want change? Women sitting under the shade of their tin-roofed nickel and dime grocery store talk about their inability to read and write. They joke about their “blindness”. They talk about the number of children they continue to bear for the men who are rarely home. The 24 year-old literacy teacher who volunteers her time with Caritas, a Catholic organization working in the North West of Cambodia, scolded the women who have since dropped out of her class. She, herself dropped out of school after four years because of poverty. But she is no longer “blind” and she does not intend to marry any man in the near future. Does she want change? It is a rhetorical question for the young lady but she needs to know who will be the candidates. She voted in 2002 but not much has changed. But she believes there can be change so she will vote again. Will she register as a member of the opposition party? She gives a big smile as she walks off. “I told you, I want change. It will be best if SRP can find women candidates”, she says. In this part of Cambodia, keeping one’s political affiliation unknown is safer, especially if one has chosen the opposition as one’s choice.

Mrs. Moun showing the magazine of the AK-47 used by local officials the day they came to grab her land. Why do people want change? Rushing towards the SRP team, Mrs. Muon Hoeun, a 53 year-old farmer who has been waiting outside of her hut along the dusty road, demands the resignation of the present commune chief, and of the entire commune council. Why should these elected officials stay in their posts if they act like thieves? They steal land from poor farmers. As a widow, Mrs. Muon, makes her living as a day laborer with children to feed and yet the commune chief chased her off her rice field which she purchased years ago, with her hard earned income. He sold her rice field to a rich farmer, threatened her with a gun and even took her to court. This is injustice.

Her story is the same for many hundreds of villagers in the commune. The SRP team put aside the membership registration and explained to her the articles in the land law, her right to land and the need for change if people want to regain their land grabbed by local officials or rich individuals. The SRP team leader was urged to visit the next village where over 1000 families have been threatened and cheated by some military officers who promised to de-mine the forest for them, in exchange for a plot of land to grow crops. The stand off between the villagers and the army officers has led to violence in the last few weeks and more violence is expected. The army officers are clever enough to incite hatred among the villagers.

The SRP team splits up in two so the membership registration can be completed and the urgent request of the villagers is addressed. Before the SRP team leader drove off his motorcycle to the next village, the villagers reminded him of the land mines. “Stay on the main path and avoid un-cleared land”, he was told.

SRP activists spent the night in the Five Tamarind Trees commune. The two days of hard work earned them a total of : 584 new members. The night was spent around a fire with discussions about justice and how to rebuild Cambodia.

The Five Tamarind Trees commune
North-West of Cambodia
A day in the life of an SRP activist
March 16, 2006

PS: The SRP provincial office informed the team leader the next day that Mrs. Muon and her sister went to the office with a letter of complaint against their commune chief and the empty shells of the bullets that were meant to kill them. The team leader was also informed that the SRP provincial team is referring the case to a local human rights organization.

Blogs, blogs everywhere (and podcasts too)

2006-03-20T15:14:00.000+08:00

There are 16 new blogs and 4 new podcasts on the internet .

It's nothing new, blogs and podcasts are produced everyday. You can say I’m particularly proud because they were created in “Express Yourself”, a two day hands-on workshop on blogging and podcasting I coordinated for a few weeks ago. I’m still happy that almost everything went by without a hitch. A banner fell down, someone was late, participants begged for more time (hmmm. Sounds familiar?), and…that was it. We had 16 computers there and there was not a single mysterious electronic glitch. All the resource persons we wanted were in full attendance. Filipino internet superstars Manolo Quezon III, Abe Olandres, and Angelo Racoma were there to coach participants (to understand my awe, check out their blogs).

What I find interesting about the blogs and podcasts produced in this workshop is that they were created by people who want to have a thing to say about politics. I’ve read all sort of blog but its not so often that I stumble across Filipino political bloggers (or podacasters, for that matter). They’re a rare breed. Now we’ve added 16 more to their ranks.

I like political bloggers because they have ideas and opinions that sometimes don’t appear in broadsheets or TV. A friend of mine couldn’t have put it better, “I feel that local politics has been saturated with the SAME hulabahoo from the SAME people who have been in politics for the past 10 years or so. It is time for new blood. Times have changed - it is the Internet that gives people opportunities to be heard by anyone around the world. Thank God for this. And thank God that not a lot of these politicians that say the same thing have online journals,”

The feedback from the workshop was very good. FNF’s Dr. Meinardus, who was our moderator, is still receiving fan mail (hehe) and requests for a ‘part 2’ of this workshop. We have at least 3 participants who are now updating their blogs everyday. I’m not sure if any of the participants have ventured into producing podcasts in their own backyards but they’re still very proud of the podcasts that they made. “This podcast may be too amateur to you but this is labored with love”, proclaimed one. Our newbies gamely grouped themselves into teams and used the makeshift recording ‘studio’ at our office. The hot topic of the day: how to promote liberalism in the Philippines.

On that note, fellow CALD Cloggers, I cant wait for our next communications workshop!

Anne
YLDA

"Express Yourself" - blogging and podcasting workshop in Manila

2006-03-01T12:50:00.000+08:00

"Express Yourself" - by learing how to blog and podcast

Have you ever thought about publishing your own weblog so that everyone can read about your take on the issues confronting the world? Do you download podcasts and wish you had your own voice in the internet as well? If your answer is ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would like to invite you to apply to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's “Express Yourself” workshop with hands on tutorials on blogging and podcasting on 9-10 March 2006 in Makati City.

There, you will learn about:

The best practices in the field of blogging and podcasting with a special emphasis on the Philippine political context
How to craft a clear message that will define your blog
The basic editorial and writing guidelines regarding online communications and apply them and
How to produce and maintain your own blog and podcast

Well-known names from the Philippine blogosphere like Manuel L. Quezon III and Abe Olandres will be speakers during the workshop.

Apply now by sending your resumé, a short note or essay on why you want to participate, and samples of previous work (if any) through email at liberal@fnf.org.ph or by fax at (+63 2) 8101431. Applications will be accepted until 2 March 2006 only.

As this is a workshop with many practical, hands-on exercises, only 15 successful applicants will be invited to participate in “Express Yourself!”. Please take note that participation is free of charge and inclusive of materials and lunch. FNF may also cover transportation costs and accommodations for participants traveling from outside Metro Manila.

View the blogging and podcasting workshop program.

2006-02-28T18:53:00.000+08:00

Ms Sok Vilay (right, new KNYM President) with fellow CALDCloggers Anne Elicano (left, YLDA) and Sammy Santos (center, Philippine Senate Media Director and Liberal Party of the Philippines Media Consultant) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - CALD Communications Workshop 2005

Dear All,

General Secretariats of Khmer Nation Youth Movement (KNYM) of Sam Rainsy Party have a great honor to inform your Excellencies, Louk Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen of the SRP, Journalists, NGOs, Associations, Embassies and other related agencies that KNYM had arranged the fifth General Assembly on the February 19, 2006 under the presidency of H.E Sam Rainsy; the purpose of the General Assembly was to report the outcome of the KNYM’s activities of the forth mandate (2004-2006), and besides, the election of the new leader and the central committees were appointed to continue their
work for the new mandate from 2006 to 2009.

Miss Sok Vilay was elected as the new leader of the central committee and the president of the KNYM for the 2006-2009 mandate by the fifth General Assembly of KNYM, and the executive committees were appointed and approved.

As above-mentioned, we are positive that we are fully supported and cooperated by Excellencies, Louk Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of KNYM, we would like to pay our grateful respect to your Excellencies, Louk Chumteavs, Ladies and Gentlemen.

General Secretariat
Khmer Nation Youth Movement of the Sam Rainsy Party (Cambodia)

50,000 rally against Thai PM as opposition mulls election boycott

2006-02-27T16:32:00.000+08:00

26/02/2006 18h32

BANGKOK (AFP) - Tens of thousands rallied in Bangkok to demand Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra resign, as opposition parties said they were mulling a boycott of elections called to settle the standoff.
Organisers said 200,000 protesters had turned out to demand the tycoon turned politician step down over allegations of corruption, while police put numbers at 50,000.
Protesters held anti-Thaksin banners, with one reading "Thaksin is the worst prime minister we've ever had", while elsewhere a two-meter (six-foot) tall effigy of the premier was erected.
Thousands were still gathered at the Sanam Luang field near Bangkok's royal palace late Sunday where many of them were expected to sleep out overnight.

Thaksin's decision Friday to dissolve parliament and hold elections in April, three years early, has failed to appease his critics, who have vowed to continue their campaign to force him to resign.
The three main opposition parties are now seeking a meeting with Thaksin to persuade him to commit in writing to constitutional reforms in a bid to end the deepening political crisis.
"The best solution as of now is to hold a meeting of the four party leaders, including (Thaksin's) Thai Rak Thai party, Monday to consult on constitutional changes to go ahead with political reform," said Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the opposition Democrat party, who did not attend Sunday's rally.
If Thaksin agrees to review the constitution, the opposition is proposing the installation of a neutral interim prime minister named by the king.
But the opposition has not ruled out a boycott of the April 2 election.

"The current political tension is very serious.... We have not yet ruled out a boycott of the election," Abhisit said.
Thaksin said he would send two deputies to meet the opposition, without saying whether he would agree with their constitutional reform proposal.
The prime minister has come under increasing pressure over his family's 1.9 billion dollar tax-free sale of stocks in Shin Corp -- the telecoms giant he founded before entering politics -- to foreign investors in January.
The anti-Thaksin alliance mobilised 50,000 people for a February 4-5 rally in Bangkok in the biggest anti-government protest since Thaksin took office in 2001. A week later, 20,000 people gathered in the capital.
At Sunday's rally, protestors cheered wildly as anti-Thaksin leaders Chamlong Srimuang, a former mentor of the premier, and Sondhi Limthongkul, Thaksin's fiercest public critic, took the main stage, which was festooned with a caricature of a monstrous Thaksin devouring the Thai flag.
"There are many of us today ... if we unite and be patient I think we will win," Chamlong told the protesters.

"Thaksin repeatedly said he would not dissolve the house, now he dissolved it, and he repeatedly said that he would not resign. I wonder how can he resist if 100,000 of us protest," he said.
One police source earlier said authorities were concerned over more militant Thaksin opponents who have joined the anti-Thaksin movement including Chamlong, who led demonstrations in 1992 against the military-backed government.
Analysts have described Thaksin's decision to call early elections as a shrewd political maneuver that will likely give him a fresh mandate to build on his landslide election victory in February 2005.
His critics have denounced the move, saying it benefits only Thaksin.
"The root cause of the problem is Thaksin himself. He must quit unconditionally," said Suriyasai Katasila, spokesman for the People's Alliance for Democracy which is made up of a variety of anti-Thaksin groups.
Suriyasai has urged voters to boycott the April 2 polls.

http://www.afp.com

http://www.afp.com/

Dr Chee Soon Juan's Defamation Suit

2006-02-14T05:24:00.000+08:00

Dr. Chee Soon-juan, SDP Secretary General and CALD Executive Committee Member

Hi all,

hope everyone's doing well. Here's taking the chance to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, here's an article on the SDP website regarding Dr Chee Soon Juan's defamation suit. Do spread the news!

Mike

http://singaporedemocrat.org/articlecheebankruptcy.html

Dr Chee criticizes system as he is declared bankrupt

10 Feb 06

Dr Chee Soon Juan criticised the legal system today in his bankruptcy petition hearing in the Supreme Court. Former prime ministers Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Goh Chok Tong had applied to the courts to bankrupt the SDP secretary-general after they were awarded $500,000 in damages.

The courts then adjudicated Dr Chee a bankrupt at the end of the brief hearing. Dr Chee's submission can be read at
http://csj.http3.net/CSJ_Bankruptcy_Press_Statement_2.pdf

Happy Lunar New Year!

2006-01-26T14:22:00.000+08:00

Hello fellow Cloggers!

The Chinese Lunar New Year will be here in a couple of days! I'd like to take the chance to wish all of you a great year ahead! I wish you many many glad tidings, health and wealth for you and your families!

Michael

p/s I was in Cambodia holding a Playback Theatre workshop in December. To see photos, please go to my photo blog at diamondfire.blogspot.com.

Blogs playing prominent role in Finnish Presidential Elections

2006-01-18T00:50:00.000+08:00

Blogs are playing a prominent role in the Finnish Presidential campaign with 6 out of the 7 candidates for President of Finland writing blogs, with the only exception being the current President, Tarja Halonen, who is favoured to win re-election.
Political Gateway reports that the blogs have injected a “dash of colour” into Finland’s normally lacklustre political scene.
“Voters need to know a bit more about the candidates than when they were confirmed,” explained one campaign director, although I’m not so sure knowing that your Presidential candidate cant tell the difference between Shampoo and dog wash may is particularly a good thing.
Finlands Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, who is running for President, is said to have the most popular of the blogs, with 20,000 to 30,000 unique visitors to his blog daily.

Hey, that's almost as many as CALD Cloggers has!

South Korean Presidential office launches blog

2006-01-18T00:42:00.000+08:00

Chong Wa Dae (also know as The Blue House, the South Korean equivalent of The White House) has launched its own blog as part of efforts to “facilitate communication with the people”, a spokesman for the presidential office said Monday.
The Korea Times reports that the blog, named “President’s Thoughts These Days,’’ was opened across three blog providers, on Naver, Daum and Paran.
“We will try to get various information and news of the presidential office out to the Internet users through this Chong Wa Dae Blog, along with the official homepage of Chong Wa Dae,’’ a spokesman told reporters.

P.S.: Does anyone believe the president really writes the posts by himself?

2006-01-11T19:09:00.000+08:00

Thanks for letting us know of this Anne. I've checked out the interesting conversations and messages from the maiden podcast of FNF Manila.
May i also add that after checking some of our other colleague's websites, i've found out that FNF is not alone in using "podcast" technology.
The websites of :

democrat party thailand
sam rainsy party (cambodia)
democratic party hong kong
singapore democratic party
-and ofcourse, our technologically advanced colleagues from the uri party korea.. (and when you open their website, you're immediately linked to their online radio program)

...in some way or another, is equipt with this "online-radio" or downloadable voice messages. for SRP Cambodia, i reckon they've been using online voice recordings and online-downloadable radio interviews of Sam Rainsy to easily transmit party messages and campaigns to as many cambodians overseas and to SRP chapters abroad.

I hope to hear more of these podcasts in our network.

brian
CALD Secretariat

From Cloggers to Podcasters

2006-01-11T18:19:00.000+08:00

Podcast in the making

It seems that more and more CALD Cloggers are turning into podcasters. Dr. Meinardus just hosted The Liberal Times Manila Podcast, which is the online audio program of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Manila office. Do check it out, this podcast features news and commentaries pertaining to the office’s projects. Another reason to listen- in this episode, Dr. M interviews his KL co-moderator, our very own John Coronel, on CALD activities for 2006. I’m proud to say I had the chance to join in and talk about YLDA as well.

I’ve downloaded this into my iPod, and I must say that it gives me a kick to listen to the voices of people I know in between the music of Bono (U2) and Coldplay. Very soon, this wont be so alien to me (or anyone) anymore, as podcasts are fast gaining popularity. I see more and more young people (and their elders) tuned in to their MP3 players in the campuses, malls, everywhere. It will only be a matter of time when they start downloading podcasts as religiously as they download music.

Just imagine how political parties can utilize this. As compared to radio, podcasts have a wider reach, are cheaper (no need to buy airtime), and are much, much more focused. There’s too much ‘noise’ in traditional media- there’s a risk of your campaign’s message drowning in the din of ads, other commentaries, the other party’s campaign, etc. But when your target audience downloads and listens to your podcast, you have their full, undivided attention.

Of course, podcasting is a new phenomenon and one also has to carefully look into its reach and popularity (as with all communication tools). How many people actually enjoy listening to podcasts? How many of voters presently have the technology to listen to it? Presently MP3 players are still considered expensive for many in the Philippines. Nonetheless, I think podcasting has a promising future…people will be attracted to podcasts the way they are drawn to blogs- they find it more intimate and ‘personal’ than what they get from traditional media. As for expensive gadgets, MP3 files can now be downloaded and easily transmitted through mobile phones (decidedly lower in costs).

Anne (YLDA)

DPP Blog Worth A Visit (and a Link)

2006-01-10T17:56:00.000+08:00

Our liberal friends at Taiwan's governing DPP are - as CALD Cloggers know - progressive not only regarding their political agenda and advocacy. They are also progressive in all matters pertaining to political communications.

We are now informed in their latest electronic newsletter about their English-language weblog. It's sort of a mixture between blog and website - and surely worth a visit (and possibly also a link).

Congratulations!

Cheers & support to CALD Resolution!

2006-01-10T11:46:00.000+08:00

Cheers & support to CALD Resolution!
Cambodian problem & even the Thai & Burmese problems all have a connection with Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew setting the worst Asian example of FAKE DEMOCRACY & FREEDOM, to sent bad signal and bad influence around the South East Asia region. All these suing defamation, against press and democratic leaders, controlling media, rigging false justice, are classic trade marks of Lee Kuan Yew, nothing more and nothing less.It is the depots of developing Asian 3rd world of this region learning from the longest ruling dictator Lee Kuan Yew after all his notorious dirty tricks and hypocritical totalitarian style. Asian people of this region are continued to be deprived of freedom and democracy, despite economic and educational progress. How this is done by Lee Kuan Yew is by pretending to be democractic and under the hood of a faked democracy hide a totalitarian and even feudalistic family regime.What is happening now to Sam Rainsy is a Cambodian replication of Lee Kuan Yew's dirty tactic. We can observe that Thaksin & others are following suit. This sickening trend is very different from the past of these Asian countries which almost purely used gun barrels for power for example Khmer Rouge. Apparently Lee also found his hypocritical falsehood sells in the region and had been very proud of it.This trend is a tumor in Asia's democracy, and all Asian democrats and liberals should consolidate our efforts to reverse and uproot.As a Singaporean I urge my own countrymen to do our domestic cleaning to replace this bad example regime, and work with fellow Asians with mutual understanding and collaboration to improve Asian democracy and freedom as whole. I hope our Asian friends also recognize this necessity and are willing to work with Singaporean people.My best wishes to fellow Asian reformists and fighters for the year 2006.
Regards

k.h.yap
uncleyap@gmail.com

CALD Resolution No. 1, Series of 2006

2006-01-09T14:10:00.000+08:00

CALD Resolution No. 1, Series of 2006

CALD resolution expressing its concern over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy; calling upon the government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and principles embodied in its constitution and in various international conventions; reiterating its plea for the restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Cambodian oppositionists; and, echoing the calls for political tolerance and dialogue.

Aware that Mr. Sam Rainsy, MP, Leader of the Opposition of the Kingdom of Cambodia, was convicted in absentia in Phnom Penh last December 22, 2005 on defamation charges filed by the Prime Minister and the President of the National Assembly;

Believing that, as expressed by the Presidency of the European Union in relation to this incident, “accusations and the prosecution of defamation as criminal cases (must not be regarded) as appropriate means of political dialogue;”

Citing that the European Union has expressed its concern regarding “the increasingly litigious nature of political dispute” and has appealed the coalition government and opposition “for restraint and a return to a responsible political dialogue within a parliamentary framework”;

Citing further that the Department of State of the United States of America has expressed its concern regarding “the continuing deterioration of democratic principles such as free speech and expression in Cambodia. (Sam Rainsy’s) conviction…is further evidence of this unfortunate trend” and called upon the country’s leadership “to allow all citizens to express their views politically without fear of retribution or intimidation”;

Convinced that this unfortunate development will further exacerbate the political crisis in Cambodia especially with the continued suspension of the parliamentary immunity of Mr. Sam and two of his colleagues;

Saddened that political developments in Cambodia have continued to erode whatever democratic gains made by this Southeast Asian nation especially after the genocidal reign of the Khmer Rouge;

Disturbed that Mr. Sam’s conviction is a violation of the democratic principle of the freedom of expression, which is one of the rights protected by the Cambodian constitution and by international conventions of which Cambodia is a signatory;

Noting that when he was Chairman of CALD from 2000 to 2002, liberals and democrats from Asia and the rest of globe became witness to Mr. Sam’s dedication to the ideals of freedom, human rights, social justice and democracy;

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby express its concern over the conviction of Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy; call upon the government of Cambodia to abide by democratic rights and principles embodied in its constitution and in various international conventions; reiterate its plea for the restoration of the parliamentary immunity of Cambodian oppositionists; and, echo the calls for political tolerance and dialogue.

For the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats:

SENATE PRESIDENT FRANKLIN M. DRILON
Chairman

05 January 2006

Manila, Philippines

Internet poses political challenge to Asian governments

2006-01-04T18:11:00.000+08:00

Internet poses political challenge to Asian governments

First posted 04:41pm (Mla time) Jan 04, 2006 Agence France-Presse

SINGAPORE -- Asian governments attempting to control the free flow of information face a struggle as their citizens increasingly turn to the Internet for alternative views, a report said Wednesday.

As Internet penetration rates surge across Asia, governments, including those in China and Vietnam, are finding it harder to deal with political challenges arising from the availability of information through the Web, the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) said.

"Governments that attempt to control the free flow of information are fighting an uphill battle," the Hong Kong-based PERC said in its latest Asian Intelligence report.

"They might be able to control what is written in their country's printed media and broadcast over radio and television systems, but the Internet linked with telephone advances poses new challenges.

"It is putting the tools to send and receive information quickly and cheaply into the hands of millions of people who previously had access only to official channels of news."

It warned that the more governments censor traditional media channels "the more that people are being driven to the Web to get their news information."

Countries where newspapers and the broadcast media are tightly controlled by the government are likely to be impacted more by the use of the Internet as a forum for dissent than nations that have a free press, it said.

PERC cited a report by industry watchdog Freedom House which named China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam as countries where the press is "not free."

Of the four, the most vulnerable to the political impact of the Internet are China, Vietnam and Malaysia where the governments have taken a stronger stance to censor the Web, it said.

"Precisely because they are so vulnerable, the governments in China and Vietnam will go to the greatest lengths to control the information flows over the Internet and cell phone systems in their countries," PERC said.

China, for example, scans messages and bulletin boards for words like "democracy" and imposes stiff penalties on dissenters, it said.

"Still, as tough as these policing measures are, sensitive issues are still being discussed over the Internet. People in China have access to dissenting views and anti-government propaganda in ways they never had before."

Singapore, where the traditional media is pro-government, has taken a more tolerant approach to criticisms through the Internet.

But things may change as the political opposition increasingly uses the Web in the run-up to general elections widely expected this year, PERC said.

"It will therefore be interesting to watch just how far opposition parties and individual critics of the government push the envelope in their use of the Internet in the months ahead," it said.
"Sooner or later it is very likely that the government will try to draw the line and that could turn into a political issue in the next elections."

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is finding it hard to deal with dissenting voices on the Internet despite attempts to muzzle the traditional media.

"The Thai government faces the most serious immediate challenge posed by the Internet of any country covered by this report," PERC said.

Thaksin's crackdown on the traditional media "has caused a backlash and has stimulated the growth of alternative Internet-based delivery mechanisms for news" and views critical to the government.

However, PERC said the debate over controlling information flows would not focus only on authoritarian regimes such as Vietnam and China, but also on the United States, where leaked classified information revealed President George W. Bush has authorized a secret government wiretap program.

Copyright 2006 Agence France-Presse. All rights reserved.

Cambodia sentences Sam Rainsy

2006-01-02T21:55:00.000+08:00

Sam Rainsy has been an outspoken government critic

By Guy De Launey BBC, Phnom Penh

Sam Rainsy has been an outspoken government critic A Cambodian court has found the country's opposition leader guilty of two counts of criminal defamation.
It sentenced Sam Rainsy to 18 months in prison for remarks he made about the leaders of the governing coalition.
Sam Rainsy has been in self-imposed exile since losing his parliamentary immunity from prosecution in February, and refused to return for the trial.
This week he called the proceedings a travesty of justice and questioned the judiciary's independence.
The opposition leader had accused Prime Minister Hun Sen of involvement in a grenade attack on an opposition rally eight years ago. And he claimed that the Funcinpec party leader, Prince Ranariddh, had accepted financial inducements to form a coalition government.
The court ruled there was no evidence to support either accusation.
The Sam Rainsy party is now in an uncertain position. Analysts say the leader's prolonged absence has weakened the opposition.
The party's secretary general recently resigned and support for Sam Rainsy among the diplomatic community has dwindled after he missed several projected dates for his return.
Human rights activists have criticised the use of defamation suits against opposition figures.
Two critics of the government are in jail awaiting trial after speaking out against a border treaty with Vietnam and several others left Cambodia after charges were brought against them.

Thursday, 22 December 2005, 10:38 GMT

2006-01-02T16:27:00.000+08:00

Dear All,Just to inform you that the on-line radio programme of Democratic Party has started operation. If you want to hear to my voice or that of Raymond (in cantonese), feel free to go to this address: www.radio71.hk

jimmy wong

2006-01-02T16:25:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
In the hand of God is each hour,
In the hand of God is all our struggle,
The smallest luck,
the greatest unluck,
The greatest deeps,
the smallest teardrop

May the hand of God lead you on the roads of the New Year

Sameena Imtiaz
pead@dsl.net.pk

Happy and prosperous new year

2006-01-02T16:22:00.000+08:00

Dear All,
Hope the new year would bring happinees. Things are not so good in Sri Lanka. The Liberal Party supported the incumbent president during the presidential election in last November. The Liberal Party is canvassing for a political solution based on a federal model though there are anti federals within the president's support group. The Liberation Tigers have not abandoned their separatist moves. Sri Lanka has find a middle path. We need international support and encouragement.

Happy and prosperous new year.
Kamal Nissanka
kamalliberal@yahoo.com

CALD concludes 2nd observation mission

2006-01-02T16:11:00.000+08:00

The delegation at the Democratic Progressive Party Headquarters

(December 4, 2005/ Taipei, Taiwan) The Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats (CALD) successfully completed today its election observation mission in Taiwan. The mission, jointly sponsored by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan and CALD, gave the delegates the opportunity to observe first hand the democracy in Taiwan through elections. It was also a venue for them to exchange campaign strategies and share best practices during their visit.

Last December 2004, CALD sent delegates to observe Taiwan’s legislative election. This year, a new set of observers from CALD member and observer parties have witnessed the 3-in-1 local elections for mayors, magistrates, and city council, a first in Taiwan’s history. The mission consisted of 15 representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The delegates visited Taipei city and county as well as Changhua and Taichung counties. They met with the campaign managers, rally coordinators, party workers, and volunteers of DPP candidates running for election.

On the first day, the delegation visited the DPP Headquarters and was received by Mr. Lee Yi-yang, DPP Secretary-General and Hon. Bi-Khim Hsiao, MP, Director of DPP’s Department of International Affairs and former CALD Secretary-General. They were also given a briefing about Taiwan’s election procedures at the Central Election Commission.

DPP’s magistrate seat has trickled down to 6 from their original 10 in the previous local election. Mr. Su Tseng-chang stepped down as DPP Chairman after the defeat. “The party should humbly accept the outcome, modestly face it, honestly reflect, and bravely push new reforms” Mr. Su said. The Liberal Party of the Philippines which assumed the CALD chairmanship from DPP sent a message of continued support for DPP despite the election turn out.

The mission secretariat consisted of Huai Hui Hsieh, Vincent Su, Lisa Tsai and Connie Chung of the DPP International Affairs Department and Paolo Zamora of CALD

Click here for more information.

Communications during the Holiday Season

2005-12-20T17:21:00.000+08:00

The recent posts are great. Greetings to all CaldCloggers. I wish all of you a great holiday in the next coming weeks, and I hope that you have a great year ahead of you.

I love Christmas. It is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I know some people don't celebrate it, but for those that do, I wonder if any of your political parties do anything communications-wise during Christmas time.

Some argue that political parties should not bombard the public with political propaganda during this time of the year, but some argue that your supporters might resent the fact that you don't send a message to wish them well during the holiday season.

The same can be applied to other holidays, like for us, the Lunar New Year, where we often send electronic messages from our database to wish them good health, great success and good fortune, etc. Our webmaster designs a nice electronic message, then sends it out by e-mail to all the people in our database. Mind you, these people have signed up when either they attended our activities or asked to be in the database.

The list is a large compilation of e-mail addresses provided by different departments from our party and they include people from women's, youth, social organizations and international friends groups. Eventually, we are thinking of sending animated e-cards.

I strongly believe this is an effective communication tool. It shows that you care, and it also reminds them of your continued attention to supporters nationwide. Once again, happy holidays!

Ping-Ya Hsu, DPP Taiwan

Public and Published Opinions

2005-12-19T09:45:00.000+08:00

According to Winston Churchill (www.brainyquote.com)

"There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion."

Think about it, particularly from a political communications angle.

CALD Cloggers Meet in Manila

2005-12-16T17:52:00.000+08:00

A group of Cloggers met on the sidelines of the formal inauguration of the new headquarters of the Liberal Party of the Philippines in Makati City on December 16, 2005. During their meeting, the liberal communicators decided to revitalize the Cloggers network through more active participation in the community building blooging project. Be prepared for regular updates!

At the meeting were: John Coronel, Anne Elicano, Samy Santos, Dr. Ronald Meinardus and Narwin Espiritu.

Online Campaigning to Reach Japan?

2005-12-14T15:29:00.000+08:00

You might remember that at our workshop in Kuala Lumpur I mentioned that usage of the internet for campaign purposes is not allowed in Japan. I have always found this a peculiar restriction, all the more as Japan is one of the leading forces of technological innovations worldwide. Regarding the usage of digital communications tools in political elections, though, the Japanese are far behind the Koreans.

But things seem to be changing in Japan. According to a recent article in Asahi, the ruling party plans to open the internet for political campaign purposes. I invite you to read the article. It gives you an overview of the legal situation today and also explains the political motivations of the ruling party for the planned changes. (rm)

Where are all the Cloggers?

2005-12-12T18:50:00.000+08:00

Hey, everyone. What has happened to our nice little project of staying in touch and ... communicating? Just heard from Jimmy Wong in Hong Kong that his party started an online-radio show in Cantonese. I could not connect, but it would be a good posting from Jimmy and Raymond to share with us their experiences.

Also, you other Cloggers. No news? Nothing to share?

In Manila, we've been rather busy. Check out our website for an update. And don't forget to visit my weblog which also has communications related posts. (rm)

CALD General Assembly in Taipei

2005-10-16T16:28:00.000+08:00

We just finished a successful CALD General Assembly in Taipei. The theme of this assembly was: "Advancing Women in Politics: the Role of Political Parties". We had participation from CALD's all eight member parties, plus observers, and the newly-admitted member, YLDA. Since I don't represent CALD, I will leave it to the Secretariat to update everyone on the assembly.

However, I can tell from the perspective of the hosting party, that it turned out very well. Even though our entire DPP-staff and the CALD Secretariat worked around-the-clock to make sure that everything was in order, we finished the Assembly with a garden fete at the Taipei Guest House: jazz music, entertainment, and candlelight dinner with President Chen, who stayed the entire night with members of CALD.

At 2300 hrs. we held the grand finale at the Party World KTV where Rep. Neric Acosta showed how well he can sing. If he ever decides to change careers, I would definitely support him as a broadway star...

Communications wise- we showed the CALD Multimedia Presentation and the ARDA video produced by the Singaporeans... Go Michael & Uncle Yap! Both of them received many good comments from the audience, and this just represents how powerful a good presentation can publicize your organization. Cheers to CALD for such a great job done!

Until next time everyone!

Ping-Ya Hsu

Pakistan Update from Sameena

2005-10-15T21:45:00.000+08:00

Hey guys, Michael here. Greetings to all. I'm posting this on behalf of Sameena. I emailed her after the quake and was relieved to hear the reply that she was fine. Her country is not however. Please read on.

The worst ever earthquake in the history of Pakistan has killed over 50,000 (the count is not yet complete), crippled tens of thousands and has done massive damage to properties by literally sweeping entire villages and towns. Relief activities are underway by government agencies, international donor agencies, individuals, private organizations and NGOs but still almost 20 pc areas are yet to be accessed according to the ISPR.

Though an extremely admirable work is being done by international organizations and the people of this country, political parties and different NGOs in collecting relief goods and rushing the supplies on their own to affectes, yet this is basically a humanitarian effort to save lives and lessen misery.

The greater task of rehabilitation of the homeless lies ahead. People have lost
their homes, businesses and all they had. The aid now pouring in may give them food and shelter for a while but what they need is to return to ?normal? life.

The worst hit in this disaster are children and youth both in terms of physical
and emotional loss. Thousands were buried alive under the debris of the collapsed school/college buildings because the schools and colleges had just begun when the quake hit the region. Thousands have lost not only their families, friends and belongings but probably their ?future?.

Peace Education And Development (PEAD)Foundation , like scores of others, has also embarked upon the mission to help people in distress.

But it is also thinking beyond, and plans to help and contribute to the rehabilitation of the educational institutions.

The idea is to take up a Union Council in one of the worst hit areas (probably
Balakot ) and help in re-construction of a ?school?. This will not only provide job opportunity for a few teachers but also an opportunity to the children to return back to their ?normal life?.

Since this involves a large amount of resource generation, we hereby request you to kindly donate personally, ask friends and relatives to contribute to this noble cause. We will ensure accountability and will keep you posted on the progress/ accounts on a regular basis.

If you wish to make a donation please send it to account title ?Peace Education and Development Foundation? Account No. 1715-0 , Jinnah Super Market, F-7, Markaz, Islamabad, Pakistan.

This account, I must underline, is subject to audits by the government.

We strongly believe that a small contribution by you will certainly make a big
change.

Please do not hesitate to ask any question.

Looking forward to your cooperation,

Sameena Imtiaz,
Executive Director
Liberal Forum Pakistan
http://www.liberalforumpakistan.org

Liberals to support PM.

2005-10-04T12:57:00.000+08:00

Liberals to support PM.

After intense discussion The Liberal Party decided to support the ruling caolition presidential candidate Mr Mahanda Rajapakse at the fourthcoming presidential election due on 17th of November 2005.

A delegation comprising Prof Rajiva Wijesinha(President LP),Mrs Swarna Amaratunga(Vice President LP),Dr Newton Pieris(Vice President),Mr Kamal NIssanka(Secretary General LP) and Mr Prasanna Dharmakeirthi(Deputy Secretary General) met primier yesterday (2.10.2005) at his official residence in Colombo and exchanged views for one and half hours.

The Liberal Party will prmote the idea of peaceful negotiable solution to the national question while propagating liberal eonomic policies based on social market economy.

kamal Nissanka

blasts in Bali

2005-10-01T22:58:00.000+08:00

Dear supriyanto,

sharing your grief and sorrow I hope you are safe and sound. Please do write a couple of lines to let us know you r ok.

This is yet another incidence of intolerance of a few people who can go to any extent in carrying out their evil designs.

we, the liberals are once again challenged to work towards promotion of a culture of peace and tolerance in such intolerant societies.

Sameena

TGIF!

2005-09-30T22:53:00.000+08:00

Thank God It's Friday!

I have been reading the posts from the past few days, and I am happy that we have all contributed to it somehow. The Indonesian side has been silent, and yes, am still waiting for a blog from the Korean technological experts.

What a week! It's great that it's finally Friday, and that I have finally some time to sit down to relax and write a good article.

But my mind is empty after placing it under heavy use for all of this week. What's going on outside of my little circle of programming (events-wise), I haven't caught up, but I see that we have yet another typhoon approaching Taipei.

Oh, I would like to discuss about Internet Radio. I think it is one of the greatest tools that political parties can use. The DPP started from its roots through undeground radios and magazines. Of course, at that time, the radios were synchronized by AM or FM mode, but now, we may not need to anymore. With Internet Radio, we can broadcast live to the entire world, and for those unfortunate ones that are forced to live in exile (we all root for you!), this is yet another great tool. Of course, Podcasts are great.

Honestly speaking, I was quite unfamiliar to the term "podcast" until the workshop. The other day, I was looking at the website of a state department from a certain country, and they had podcasted speeches from their officials. I was then completely absorbed, and I would like to implement it on our DPP English Website.

Perhaps one of our most advanced technitians can write on CALDCloggers how to's and more stuff about it.

Peace Out!

Ping-Ya Hsu

Article on Youth Development

2005-09-29T19:30:00.000+08:00

This report provides a conceptual model for understanding youth development and identifies the processes that enhance the adolescent experience and promote a successful transition from childhood to adulthood. It is intended as a guide for professionals in constructing and implementing policies and programs designed to assist children and their families in navigating the adolescent era along positive developmental pathways.

The model is based on the proposition that development occurs through reciprocal and dynamic interactions that take place between individuals and various aspects of their environment. Neither person variables nor environmental variables are the primary basis or cause of an individual's functioning or development. Instead, the person and the environment simultaneously influence one another.

Pathways to adulthood may take many forms, and particular experiences or events may be viewed as turning points for individuals during which new directions may be taken. Research findings indicate that positive developmental pathways are fostered when adolescents have developed the following:

A sense of industry and competency;

A feeling of connectedness to others and to society;

A belief in their control over their fate in life; and

A stable identity.

Adolescents who have developed these characteristics appear to be more likely than others to engage in prosocial behaviors, exhibit positive school performances, and be members of nondeviant peer groups. These characteristics also have been found to moderate community factors that often serve as barriers to positive developmental pathways, such as social disorganization, a lack of quality institutions and support systems, and prejudice and discrimination.

New Blog Gadget

2005-09-28T12:39:00.000+08:00

Hi friends!! This might be of interest to you. It's a new blog gadget that converts the text in your blog posts into speech. I haven't tried it yet as I just came across it last night. But it looks fun...:) Probably the Koreans already had this some time ago huh....:P

www.talkr.com

Michael (Singapore)

PKB New Site www.dpp-pkb.org

2005-09-27T22:52:00.000+08:00

Hi All...

Its so great to see that almost all of us continuously communicating....
Just wanna to share that we are currenyly preparing our new website, currently dedicated to our central commite news... (But sorry... no english version. Ouch!!).
We also add YLDA icon on our site... so, Ann.. pls forgive for not asking your permission first....

We are waiting for your comments. Thanks..
Here the address : www.dpp-pkb.org

Widiy

pakistan calling

2005-09-26T17:07:00.000+08:00

Dear friends,

since I was the last one to reach home don't be surprised why am I writing so late.

Well for me this workshop was indeed an opportunity to meet and see people from partner organisations ( an opportunity to put a face to a name) and off course a great deal of learning from fellow colleagues.

Michael thanks for creating this blog . this would off course keep us in touch for long.

Korea, great job and must acknowledge I really felt this "technological divide". but hope when we meet next , LFP will have a far better website then what we have right now.

Sameena

News from the LIberal Party of Sri Lanka

2005-09-25T10:03:00.000+08:00

The Liberal Party of Sri Lanka may reconsider its stance on the upcoming Presidential Election.

Though the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka in its executive committee meeting held on the 10th of September had decided to talk with the ruling coalition candidate priminister Mr Mahinda Rajapakse regarding suppot or alliance, a counter view is emerging within the committe to field a candidate of its own to contest the fourthcoming Presidential Election.

centre: Mr Mahinda Rajapakse (photo from www.mahindarajapaksa.com)

In 1999, the President of the party Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha contested the Presidential Election and was placed 6th out of 13 candidates.

Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha (photo from www.flonnet.com)

With the assasination of the Foreign Minister Hon Luxman Kadiragamar one of the key advisers of the priminister by the separatist tamil extremists, a month ago , the Liberal party of Sri Lanka now feels that the priminister has lost his balance and tilting towards demands of ultra Sinhala nationalists.

On the other hand opposition candidate former priminister Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe also failed in his attempts to bring about a settlement and the tamil separatists withdrew from talks in April 2003. His party is also a member of the "Conservative International"(IDU).There is fear among the patriotic intellectuals that Mr Ranil Wickramasinghe may follow a policy of appeasement with the tamil separatists to achieve peace without honour in the footsteps of Neville Chamberlain , the British Priminister before Sir Winston Churchill.

The Liberal Party of Sri Lanka adopts a federal solution to the problem based on either 9 provinces or 5 regions. The tamil separatist organisation the LTTE is advocating for a unitary system of government in the north east with one party dominance and it is in the process of assasinating leaders of rival tamil parties and moderate tamil leaders.

The Liberal Party stands for a policy of 'social market economy', as against statist policy of leftists and the policy of crony 'open market economy' of the Conservative United National Party.

Kamal Nissanka (Sri Lanka)

Some one did the right thing

2005-09-25T02:06:00.000+08:00

I got the following email, this is the right thing to do, but I am not sure who did it. With this it created a login for each of us, instead of having to let us all share password on one same account.

Cheers!

k.h.yap

CALDClogger wrote:

null
---------------------------------------

You have been invited by CALDClogger to join a blog called CALDCloggers

Blogger is a free service for easily communicating and sharing ideas on
the web.

Next Steps:

1. Please follow the link below. If you do not follow this link, you
will not be able to logon to the correct blog.

Note: If this link wraps in your email (not all of it is on one line)
copy and paste the entire link into your browser's location bar. Be sure
to include characters that may have wrapped to the next line.

2. If you already have a Blogger account, you will be asked to either
accept of decline this invitation.

3. If you do not have a Blogger account, you can create one for free in
less than a minute. Just click the link and press the 'Create an
Account' button.

Thanks!

The Power of Nature

2005-09-22T23:12:00.000+08:00

I came back to Taipei at 20:00 and rode back home looking at Taipei City through the car window in deep thought.

Taipei 101 loomed in the distance from my right side and Yuanshan Hotel to my left. I love Taipei, and it will always hold a special place in my heart, but I have nothing but admiration for the Italian architect, Cesar Pelli, who designed the Petronas Tower. What a beauty of a creation! I just wished they placed more planning into building Taipei 101.

The workshop has left me wondering on what I can do more to improve our system, and how, myself will bring about changes into this system!

Bearing much pressure in my mind, I sat on the computer and created a new blog. Due to the high humidity, the news of a new typhoon that will storm though the south of Taiwan, I forgot the logging name and the password of my new blog.

Perhaps it is better if I stick to this one, but that even leaves me more pressured to write articles that people will not consider too timely to read or too sensitive for their tastes.

I sometimes think, nature is incredible at how destructive it can be. Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana and Mississippi, the typhoon today in Taiwan, and Rita, which has already disturbed our President's Miami visit, are all just the most recent example. What's next and what more pain will come out of it? We are all worried, of course.

Wanting to write more, I believe am rambling too much. I want to write more comments on the workshop, and ideas we have for the next one. Here in Taiwan, we are all excited to host it next time. Maybe another day and in another post.

Thank you Michael for the great job of creating the blog, for your e-mail today, and for posting the pictures. Even though I will not stop calling you betrayer, I am really happy for everything you worked so hard to create. Cheers!

Ping-Ya Hsu

Disabling Spam

2005-09-22T18:43:00.000+08:00

Latest Update: I've enabled Word Verification for Comments. That should get rid of any more spam.

My Humble Hopes.

2005-09-22T12:56:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

now that the workshop has ended, I'd like to thank all the organizers, speakers and participants for their friendship and their sharing. It's been a good trip and I look forward to Taipei next year.

To everyone at the workshop, do feel free to add to the blog as and when. If there are little incidents that occurred during the workshop, do write about them. If there's anything you feel the need to share, please do. Oh, and feel free to add relevant pictures to your posts. You should have found the pictures in a CD that's been circulated to all. Thanks Narwin and Bryan for working on them!

And here are some of my humble hopes:

1) That this blog will be active and can be carried on over with successive workshops.

2) The workshop has ended. Everyone has their access to blog on this site. So please blog as your individual identity and not representative of all of us.

2) That we write to share, and not to country-bash or government-bash.

3) That we think (just 10 seconds will be fine too) before we click that Publish Post Icon.

4) That we all keep in touch and share our knowledge and expertise in whatever way we can.

Alrity, I think that's all for now. There's a lot of stuff I wanna write about. Things like Raymond singing on the bus, Vilay's awesome traditional Cambodian costume, Sameena enjoying her seafood..but they'll have to wait for my next update..

Lunchtime over. Over and out.

Michael (Singapore)

Who We Are

2005-09-22T01:36:00.000+08:00

We are the people attending <> workshop at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Hotel Istana between 17-21-Sept-2005 who are political party members belonging to CALD = Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats .

We are the worst pains in the ass for the Asian Authocratic Govts and dictatorial despots!! We are going to nail each of these tyrants good and proper! So people who support democracy liberalism and freedom, come support and join us in this fight!

:)

This post is added by k.h.yap uy@uncleyap.name 21.Sept.2005

Bridging that DIGITAL DIVIDE

2005-09-20T11:48:00.000+08:00

It was brought up that more technical aspects of the internet should have been discussed, given we all want to have a hand in making our websites snazzier.

Our Singaporean friends offered their services...if we have anything technical to ask, we can just shoot them an email. Neat! Hows that for bridging the digital divide?

Michael - be prepared to be flooded with email.

Anne (Philippines)

Visit to PGRM

2005-09-20T09:17:00.001+08:00

The participants of the 3rd CALD Communiations Workshop had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia last evening.

The team was warmly greeted by the officials of the party hierchary. After a brief introductory note given by Dr Wijerathnam, the team was invited for a typical Malaysian Chinese dinner, which was served in stages.
The dinner comprised of sharks' fin soup, steamed fish, roasted duck, mushrooms, salad, different kinds of mooncake, and so on.

While the dinner was in progress, the most fascinating event was the speech delivered by Hon. Chia Kwang Chye, MP, Deputy Minister for Internal Security of Malaysia, and Acting Secretary General of PGRM.
And I think we were priviledged to listen to his speech, which reflected his substance, eloquence, and humour.
Kamal (Sri Lanka)

SPAM hits CALDCloggers...

2005-09-19T17:49:00.000+08:00

Wow...this is only the first day that the CALDCloggers has been up...and we've already received a few comments to our posts! Unfortunately, all of them except for 1 are from spammers...

Damn all spammers!!! In a way, it's ironic that we've been hit by spam, as that is a problem that affects, to some degree, the effectiveness of our internet communications.

For instance, we learnt from a couple of presentations today that some e-newsletters have a tendency to be treated as spam over time, thus sharply affecting their effectiveness as a communication tool.

Also, the irritation caused by spamming, to some extent, discourages people from signing up for new legitimate services. Some people tend to adopt a wait-&-attitude with regards to 'new-fangled services and devices. This might limit the effectiveness of a creative method of communication that we might come up with.

ok, that's it for now. We're going to visit Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysiaand they're gonna host a dinner for us...hungry...

Laters alligators...
Michael (Singapore)

Let the presentations begin!

2005-09-19T09:07:00.000+08:00

Listening to the 3 country reports today made me feel like I was surfing the internet with a running commentary (and an interpreter to boot). Somehow, knowing the background/ behind-the-scenes story/ strategy behind the websites I saw made them even more intriguing.

Did you know, for instance, that the Uri Party website that you see today won't be the same Uri Party website you’ll see in 6 months? Yup, that’s the only way to satisfy a sophisticated, tech savvy electorate, like the South Koreans. You’ll not only get your party’s communication across - you’ll also get their VOTE, and a $2.00 membership fee. I’m green with envy.

The Sam Rainsy Party website was the only website in English, making their international target group extra appreciative. I also saw a CALD link in their home page - I know John Coronel was extra appreciative as well. Heng Soknang took the time to show us Hun Sen’s website and somebody suggested that we all send him emails. Love letters, perhaps?

Lets learn a lesson or two from the Democrat Party of Thailand, which focuses on campaigning for their brilliant (and handsome) politicians online instead of badmouthing Thaksin and the like. They have a homepage design competition to draw interest from the youth...YLDA members and participants who are youth-at-heart are unfortunately disqualified because its open to Thais only.

More running commentaries tomorrow!

Anna (Philippines)

Daily Recap

2005-09-19T08:38:00.000+08:00

Our first day at the CALD Communications Workshop "Political Parties and the Internet" (well if you consider the Welcome Dinner as the first day, then I should say it is our second day).

How exciting! The working groups are going to be: Logistics, Gerakan Liaison, Newsletter and finally Documentation. CALD Executive Director John Coronel delivered a Welcome Address to all participants, for which FNF Dr. Ronald Meinardus, serving as facilitator of the workshop, ensued with an overall introduction of the workshop, and a description of the working groups.

After we were able to divide and conquer into little groups, Mr. Heiner Reufers talked about the on-going FNF Projects in Malaysia, working alongside with Parti Gerakan of Malaysia.

Our brains needed a little break, so we did a brainstorming exercise on how we can help as political parties to improve the image of CALD in our respective countries.

Afterwards, we had a wonderful Chinese yam-cha with our favourite Chinese breakfast dishes.

In the afternoon, we divided once again into two groups. We talked about and delivered presentations on the Internet's Role for Political Parties.

At the end of the day, there were three presentations given (separate article).

Until next time!
Ping-ya (Taiwan)

Our First Post!! :D

2005-09-18T16:09:00.000+08:00

Hi all!!!!

the Newsletter team has gotten its blog up!!! We're at the Songket Lounge at the Hotel Istana and we're really excited at this space that we've set up! :)

We'll be posting updates from the CALD Communications Workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia over the next few days so do pop in time to time to find what what we've been up to.

Well, just a short entry for now. It's really time to go to bed...We have to be punctual tomorrow. Gotta cooperate with the Logistics Team. :)

We'll try and squeeze in an update at breakfast tomorrow before the workshop...Oh..and many thanks to Bryan. Had to get him down to the lobby at 1am to log in for us...U the Man...

Michael (Singapore)