Center for Liberal Leadership

by: Rachel Ann Bersemera

Many Western experts on Democracy and Liberalism often claim that Asia has a short history with the liberal Ideology. Asian liberals in general however would counter that contrary to this observation, Asia has a long and rich history of liberal-democratic movement.

Of course, this may not be the kind that highlights individualism or the type that emphasizes the right to self-realization of the individual over collective or familial aspirations, but it is liberalism in the many eyes of Asians nonetheless.

This differentiation with Western against Asian conception of Liberalism has preoccupied much of the debates amongst liberals for the past three decades. This even became more pronounced when Asian Tigers such as Singapore and Taiwan (during Martial Rule), practicing their own brand of “democracy”, monumentally achieved status as first-world countries without the marked inequality usually identified with first-world liberal-capitalist economic growth.

While recognized to be rooted in Confucian ideology, the Asian Way of thinking is traditionally perceived to encompass almost all of Asia. And despite the initial pronouncements of its timely demise during the Asian Financial Crisis, it continues to persist and thus far successfully resist various attempts to discredit both its successes and significance.

Indeed, the meat of contention has always been while majority of those in the West have always identified liberalism’s core concept of freedom with individuality and individual choice, traditions in the East have always put emphasis on the role of the individual in the group and harmony.

The Asian way, therefore, sees the gain of the collective as the gain of the individual as well. The crux of the debate is that this line of thinking is supposed to be contradictory to traditional liberalism’s accentuation on individual freedom. Many Asian liberals, especially the contemporary ones would beg to differ of course for this interpretation somehow dilutes Asia’s rich history on past and present struggles for democracy and freedom.

Nonetheless, it is also these same new breed of liberals that recognize the need for the Asian Way to adapt to the dictates of the times. The information and communications technology revolution, the command of financial and economic liberalization, the march of democratization in the region, and most importantly, the rise to power and prominence of many of Asia`s youths in the region has led to the rethinking of the Asian Way that has always been credited to have made possible the Asian economic miracle.

It is at this crucial juncture, when Asia’s version of liberal-democracy is at crossroads, that liberal youth organizations such as the Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) are expected to perform the vital role of strengthening the liberal components of Asia’s distinct brand of liberalism.

Being at the forefront of what Samuel Huntington has referred to as Third Wave Democratization, countries in Asia like the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand , Taiwan, and Malaysia stand first among equals in determining the fate of liberalism in the region. It is not just a coincidence that liberal youths from these countries together with their counterparts in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Singapore , Burma, and Cambodia took the initiative of steering the region’s youths towards embracing liberal values and virtues in the face of some traditions and practices opposed to liberalism.

YLDA taking on this huge responsibility is made more noteworthy by the fact that in some countries where YLDA member organizations are located, democracy is either fragile or not practiced. The courage of these youths emanates from the unnerving stance of their Asian brothers and sisters who fought martial law, dictatorship, and authoritarianism in the past.

And while most succeeded and some have yet to see the fruition of their sacrifices, Asia’s youth’s unified struggle against undemocratic and tight-fisted rule serves as an inspiration to the present crop of young liberals and democrats of Asia to remain steadfast in their liberal-democratic commitment.

Indeed, despite having faced tremendous challenges to democratic institutions in the past, Asian liberal youths draw their strength not only from the communal experience of the past but more so, on the toils of the present Asian freedom fighters all across the region.

That many of our parents have fought for the majority of the present young generation to be free is no longer enough motivation for many young Asians. Today, young liberals and democrats of Asia uniformly raise their voice for liberalism and democracy for their friends and their families who continue to be denied of their freedom and liberty. Fulfilling this oath of support founded on unbreakable bonds of friendships makes fulfilling the mission of spreading liberalism and democracy truly more rewarding.

In seeing the youths as the new torchbearers of liberal democracy in the region, YLDA understands that success comes with changes in perception and practice of liberalism in Asia. The Asian way of thinking marginalizing the rights of individuals for example must give way to modern liberal democratic principles of human rights, freedom, equality, and justice. However, while YLDA accepts that the past must pass away, the new may not be ready to be born yet.

Hence, peaceful and collective struggles and not violent or extra constitutional means shall give birth to contemporary liberalism in Asia. And for this to come to pass, YLDA believes that preparation and labour has to go together.

It is for this reason that YLDA has been concentrating its efforts for the past three years equipping its member organizations and ultimately, the liberal youth public in Asia with relevant skills and tools that the young generation of Asian need in constructing soft and hard institutions aimed at improving their platform for responsible governance, publicity, fundraising, and networking.

The two most recent YLDA workshops held in Sri Lanka and Malaysia on fundraising and on Information and Communications Technology, respectively, underscore this thrust of the federation on the importance of training, education, and network. YLDA is also to implement for the first time capacity-building visits to member organizations to help in organizing youths for liberal discussions and education.

Taking their lessons from the past and taking cues from the trends offered by the future, YDLA aims to fuse the rich tradition of democratic struggles in the region with new technology and practices for a perfect ingredient of successful liberal advocacy. And while in some areas the soil may be arid for cultivation of liberal ideology, YLDA believes that Asian liberal youths will be successful by combining inspiration with perspiration.

Armed with idealism and commitment to serve, nothing can obscure the Asia ’s youth’s burning desire to be free — and to free the friends who are not. This is the brand of liberal democratic tradition YLDA commits itself. Gone were the days when freedom and liberty stop at the doorsteps of national borders.

As Asians, YLDA takes as an obligation to make sure the fruits of past struggles are not only safeguarded, but also promoted and broadened. As a federation of young liberal Asians, YLDA takes the responsibility of making young Asians understand that no amount of economic development, whether genuine or superficial, can be exchanged for one’s right to be free. And while many of the countries in Asia have adopted the liberal democratic framework of governance, it is the task of young liberals and democrats of Asia to make certain that this adoption is significantly substantive both in paper and in practice.

It is the right of every Asian to be free and thus; it is the duty of every Asian to make every Asian free. This is the only kind of Asian liberalism YLDA accepts as true. This is the new Asian Way YLDA binds itself to.

Rachel Ann Cruz Bersamera is the youngest member of the Executive Committee of Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia and is part of the Interim Board of the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KALIPI) – Council of Ladies, the Women Youth Wing of the Liberal Party in the Philippines . She used to be the former Public Relation Officer of KALIPI. She is currently finishing her undergraduate degree on Public Administration and Governance at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines .

By Marlowe C. Selecios

Our predominantly conservative society undeniably looks with suspicious eyes on the Filipino liberal. Driven by his unusual zeal for individual liberty and social equality, the liberal is typecast as an activist, rarely appreciated and often misunderstood. The liberal’s excesses are frequently magnified and highlighted, while his virtues, which are aplenty, understated. His pronounced impatience with the status quo is seen as rebelliousness. His self-confidence is mistaken for arrogance.

But the Filipino liberal is impatient without being rebellious. True, he is dissatisfied with the socio-economic condition of the nation. He is appalled by the seeming helplessness of the masses debilitated and sickened by grinding poverty. He too senses the growing discontent of the people and is angered and shamed by the endless corruption in government. But unlike many conservatives who preach understanding and even tolerance, the Filipino liberal demands change and action. He does not call for arms like the radicals. He calls for genuine reforms. He does not espouse violent revolution as a solution. But he preaches a revolution of individual attitudes.

This relentless and penetrating quest for solutions and alternatives is a hallmark of every liberal. Like Dr. Jose Rizal before him, the Filipino liberal courageously presents society’s problems, asks the difficult questions, and proposes bold solutions. Courage is his most cherished virtue. Often alone in a society resistant to change, the liberal always finds the audacity to speak his mind. Sometimes people heed his call. At other times, however, people call for his crucifixion.

Rizal himself drew inspiration from the great liberal movements of Europe. Harassed by an abusive government and horrified by the great inequalities of his society, Rizal pressed for meaningful reforms. Realizing strength in numbers, Rizal worked with the other Filipino intellectuals who, like him, were stirred and awakened by the fiery and brilliant writings of Voltaire, Montesquieu and Rousseau, and thus began perhaps the greatest liberal struggle in Philippine history. Rizal was of course crucified for his beliefs. But the liberal ideals of individual liberty, equality of opportunity, and limited government found a new birth and home in Filipino soil.

The Filipino liberal is an eternal optimist. While others consider this trait a weakness the liberal sees it as his strength. As an optimist, he believes that life is preponderantly good. Sure, he sees evil everywhere and among the greatest of them are corruption and poverty. He acknowledges the successive failures of Philippine governments in fully addressing them. But he believes that every new Filipino generation provides a hope and a promise of a more spirited and gallant struggle. While some people see the government as an enemy, in this historic and defining battle the liberal regards it as an ally.

An efficient government run by honest and progressive leaders can become a vital cog for action that could energize society in the fight against poverty and corruption. This is a core belief of the Filipino liberal and thus completely distinguishes him from the radicals who advocate an overthrow. Liberals are wary of revolutions which almost always lead to tyranny or a slip in to anarchy. In effecting meaningful reforms, the liberal believes in working within not outside the system. Like Ninoy Aquino, Jovito Salonga, and Gerry Roxas, leading lights during the dark days of martial rule, the true liberal always acts within the parameters of the law no matter how great the temptation to do otherwise. He neither espouses nor welcomes violence. He may be an outspoken critic, a bearer of new ideas, a bold advocate but never a rebel.

The liberal relishes lively discourses and intellectual debates. He is happiest when discussing and deliberating new policies and proposals. Free speech is the most esteemed of freedoms. The pen is his most powerful weapon. He believes that an open society, where there is a free exchange of ideas, stimulate people to think boldly and creatively. Thus an integral part of the liberal advocacy is the full flowering of the Filipino’s civil and political rights. Consequently, the Filipino liberal is most effective when he is most free.

Perhaps the greatest misconception is the assertion that one cannot be at once liberal and a Christian. This is unfortunate for religious freedom and tolerance is one fruit of many a libertarian struggle. Liberalism and Christianity are not opposing philosophies. Thus it is not anomalous for liberals to profess and advocate the Christian virtues of honesty, humility, charity and prayerfulness. Liberals find strength and solace in their faith. It is therefore not surprising to find that the most courageous of Filipino liberals are also often the most deeply religious. But the liberal also believes that each man must be free to worship his own God, if he chooses to worship at all.

Ultimately, however, the liberal is measured by the effectiveness of his response to corruption and poverty, the twin evils of Philippine society. The people are increasingly becoming restless. A social volcano is heating up. The Filipino liberal must once again prove that he is up to this mounting generational challenge. Already his voice can be heard in the streets, in the universities and in the halls of Congress calling for genuine political and social reforms. His cries for a more sustainable economic policy and a stricter anti-corruption strategy are beginning to stir and energize the indifferent. His agenda is varied and comprehensive stretching from education reforms and environmental protection to land redistribution and population control. But so much more still needs to be done. His calls at times fall on deaf ears but his voice remains true and powerful. Some people remain doubtful of his motives. But he remains steadfast, confident and unafraid. For he is a liberal and, like his forebears, he will succeed!