3rd Edition / June 2011

Growth, Social Balance and Sustainability:Perspectives for Social Democratic Economicin Asia Policies “ But you will only agree with me

that we have to draw up a programme which is not exclusively socialist but also democratic. Otherwise we cannot claim the name of Social Democrats and think about a solution of the social question” (August Bebel, 1869) Table of Content

Greetings [4]

Report of Socdem Asia 3rd Regional Conference 19-22 October, Jakarta, Indonesia [7]

Left Turn [12]

DEVELOPMENT FUNDING [14]

Growth, Social Balance and Sustainability: Perspectives for Social Democratic Economic Policies in Asia [16] Editor in Chief: Amir Effendi Siregar Presentation by Mr. Gyu Youb Choi, Korea Democratic Labour Party - South Korea [19] Deputy Editor: Ivan Hadar

Sri Lankan Social Democrats formed council to Editorial board: improve collaboration [21] Martin Manurung Charles Santiago Mian Manurung OPEN LETTER OF AKBAYAN REP. WALDEN BELLO Steven Sim Chee Keong TO PRES. BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III ON THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC WOES [28] Editor/Publisher address: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Social Democracy and Business: Lessons learned Jalan Kemang Selatan II No. 2A from the 3rd Conference of the Network of Jakarta 12730 Social Democracy in Asia (Socdem Asia) [33] Phone: +62-21-7193711 Fax : +62-21-717 91358 Email: [email protected] Making Social Democracy Acceptable:A Report of the Exhibitions on Social Democracy [34] Publisher: *) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Speaking For The Reformasi Generation (REFSA, Kuala Lumpur, 2009) [39] ISSN: 2086-3713

2011 Socdem Asia International Workers’ Day *) soft file available in www.socdem.asia Message [32] Asian Social Democracy Journal >> from the editors Greetings

This is the third edition of Journal on So- fair distribution while economic competence cial Democracy in Asia. The main issue covered is mainly attributed to liberal or conservative in this edition has adopted the presentations parties. Many see growth as a precondition for and discussion during the 3rd Conference of distribution. Therefore, the electorate, espe- the Network of Social Democracy in Asia, 19 cially in difficult economic times, may tend to – 22 October 2010, in Jakarta, Indonesia with vote for those whom they think can guarantee the general theme “Growth, Social Balance them economic development and jobs. and Sustainability: Perspectives for Social In Asia, although social democratic val- Democratic Economic Policies in Asia”. ues were often the main foundations of the The most interesting topics of this confer- Asian countries’ independence, the need to ence which attended by representatives of so- foster high economic growth has led many cial democratic political parties, pre-parties, governments to embrace different values. For scholars and activists in Asia and Europe is example, Indonesia, the host of the confer- the relationship between social democratic ence, was founded based on the understand- parties and the business community. ing that ‘free-market capitalism’, or currently In Europe and in many parts of the world, there is the stereotypical perception that social democratic parties cannot deal with economy, particularly with business. In popular belief Social Democrats focus on social justice and

<< Asian Social Democracy Journal from the editors

dubbed as ‘neoliberalism’, should never be that respects the basic interests, indepen- the basis of the country’s economic model. dence and national security of Mongolia. On the contrary, the country should develop The party has rich history of restoring the economy based on cooperative principles, independence and sovereignty of Mongolia, where common goods and social justice should gaining its recognition in international arena be top priorities. However, since 1965 until and creating modern industries and social now, Indonesia seems to have swayed from its facilities in the 20th century. Since the mid “founding fathers’” ideals. 1980’s MPRP started seeking ways to resolve Two other experiences showed differences the social issues faced in the country. In doing in development. In Mongolia, the ruling party so, MPRP has reflected new social trends from (Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party/ reforms that took place in some countries and MPRP) has been transformed itself into a cen- regions of the world and critically reviewed its tre-left party with social democratic ideology ideology based on the fundamental interests of Mongolia. This has led to MPRP’s declara-

Asian Social Democracy Journal >> from the editors tion in 1990 to abolish its old ideology and opposes U.S. neo-imperialism and aims for an follow social-democratic principles. From here, independent people’s economy to overcome the MPRP turned into an influential political the export-oriented principle; regulate finan- force with democratic and reformist values and cialization and speculation in the economy; became a ruling party in the first democratic overcome the subordination of trade and cur- election. And to this day, the party continues rency policies; abolish temp workers (irregular to play a leading role in implementing social workers), achieve full labor rights, strengthen reforms in Mongolia. small and medium business, revive agriculture, The economic policy of the MPRP is imple- etc and pursue the North-South Korea Eco- mented based on principles to renovate mar- nomic community. In particular, the Korean ket relations, to use an effective state coor- business community is very negative toward dination and to expand the social orientation social democracy. of the economy. One of the vital conditions Therefore, the suggestions for social demo- to accelerate economic development is to fur- cratic parties in the Asia–Pacific is creating a ther expand the market relations. Therefore, more just and prosperous region, through more MPRP is pursuing a policy to strengthen pri- efforts to overcome neoliberal globalization; vate property oriented economic system, to pursue an independent people’s economy; re- provide all means of support to the private alize free education and health care systems; sector and to promote individual’s initiatives abolish the irregular workers system; achieve and enthusiasm. In order to achieve this, our full labor rights; adopt a pro-employment and Party believes that it is important to stay pro-environmental growth strategy and pursue committed to creating more favorable busi- international cooperation and solidarity like ness environment. ALBA in South America. Another experience: Since 1948, when the Trough this biannual journal we still hope Republic of Korea’s first government was es- to identify different schools of thoughts, ideas tablished, Korea has been under the neo-colo- and experiences in Asian, European, Latin nialism of the U.S so that there has been no American and Asian countries in implement- space for Keynesianism. Instead, dictatorship ing the principles and perspectives of social and comprador capital have exploited and democracy. plundered people. Since 1997, Korean conser- This edition will also include a number of vatives have been following a U.S.-oriented articles from the Jakarta conference, other neo-imperialism strategy rather than the lib- “loose” articles, book’s review, as well as eral strategy of Europe and the U.S. profiles of social democratic organizations in Korean conservatives have focused on an Asia. In the next editions, we’ll discuss on export-oriented strategy for the chaebol. Es- “Social and Ecological Sustainable Design of pecially, IMF-imposed neoliberal policies were Economic Development: A New Paradigm for characterized by as spreading out temporary Development in Asia”, which is the topic of workers (irregular workers), growth without the Asian Social Democracy Conference in, welfare, policies to collapse agriculture and Ulan Bator, Mongolia, 1-2 July 2011. the privatization of public sectors since 1997 We hope that the coming journal will be Asian financial crisis. Because of them, the improved in its lay out and substances. Keep middle class collapsed and the gap between the faith in struggling for achieving the social the haves and the have-nots has become big- democracy world in Asia and other places of ger. In 2010, 88.5% of Korean people think the world. they are in the low-income bracket. The Korean Social Democratic Party (DLP) Editors << Asian Social Democracy Journal Report

Report of Socdem Asia 3rd Regional Conference 19-22 October 2010, Jakarta, Indonesia

Introduction the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Indonesia. The Network of Social Democracy in Asia Participants of the 3-day Conference rep- (Socdem Asia) held its third (3rd) regional resented social democratic parties and move- conference in Jakarta, Indonesia from 19-22 ments from Cambodia, Germany, India, In- October 2011. The theme chosen for this con- donesia, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, ference is “Growth, Social Balance and Sus- Sweden, Timor Leste as well as Vietnam. tainability: Perspectrive for Social Democratic The key focus of the Conference will be to Economic Policies in Asia”. The Conference was discuss economic growth from the perspective jointly organized with the Indonesia-based of social democracy and how social democrats Institute of Welfare Democracy (IWD), the in Asia can offer a viable economic model as we Olaf-Palme International Center (OPIC) and anticipate the failure of the neoliberal model

Asian Social Democracy Journal >> Report

practiced by regimes across the region. The economy especially clarifying the common stereotypical perception is that social demo- misconceptions about social democratic prin- cratic parties only focus on social justice. One ciples being in opposition to the business of the objectives of the Conference therefore community. The discussion also focused on is to discuss where profit-oriented business ac- key concepts such as economic justice, social tivities fit within the framework of social and security and welfare state. economic justice. And this is important not Liew Chin Tong, a Member of the Malaysian least because of the onslaught of economic Parliament and director of Socio-Economic liberalization in emerging economies in Asia and where not only workers are faced with mighty Environmental Research Institute (SERI) corporations given free reign by governments gave an overall picture of the present state of but national businesses, especially local SMEs, Asian economy. He discussed four contradic- risk being forced to go out of business by ma- tions of the Asian economy, i.e. jor multinational corporations (MNCs). 1. Inequality – the disappearing middle class Below is a brief summary of the presenta- 2. Labor, jobs & wages – employment has tions and discussions at the Conference. never been the center of discussion. In- stead, capital investment has always been SESSION 1: Context for Social Democratic the focus Economic Policies 3. Housing bubble – property price rapidly The context of the Conference was set by increasing, creating problems of affordable three distinguished speakers who each spoke housing for even the former middle class on the general concepts of social democratic 4. The role of the state – very powerful gov- economics, the current economic paradigms in ernment with facades of democracy, but Asia and streaming down to the case of Indo- lack of public participation in terms of nesia economy and economic policies. freedom, equality, education, transporta- Sebastian Thomasius from the Germany tion, health care and infrastructure. discussed the general ideas of social market << Asian Social Democracy Journal Report

Finally, Dr. A. Prasetyantoko presented the SESSION 2: How to Manage Balance Be- Indonesian scenario beginning with the ob- tween Economic Growth and Social Secu- servation that the founding principle of the rity: The Case of Sweden country provided for a people-centred devel- Sebastian de Toro, an economist from Swe- opment, which he interpreted to be essentially den shared how social democrats in Sweden, social democratic. Yet, he noted that Indone- not least the Swedish Social Democratic Party sia lacked social policies especially post- the (SDP) helped to revive the country after a re- 1998 Asian financial crisis.He also argued that cession in the early 90s. He gave examples while the Indonesia financial system is com- of various reforms done by the SDP including pliant with international standards of gover- the pension system, taxation, budgeting pro- nance, it does not benefit the majority of the cess, the wage system, social security and people in the country. The neediest segments education reform. These policies and structural of the community are either outside the for- changes managed to put Sweden back on track mal financial system or are credit unworthy, and had a higher GDP growth than the USA in but mostly both. the 10 years period after the recession from 1995-2005. The role of the government should DISCUSSIONS be to help the people to fulfill their dreams, The participants centered around the ques- therefore government must embrace free will tion of distinctions between social democracy through promotion of both negative and posi- and the prevailing neo-liberalism in this region tive rights. He stressed that a strong welfare which has proven to have failed to address state will translate into a strong economy and the issue of poverty, widening gap between a strong economy would in turn benefit the classes, social security and the safeguard of labour class. A welfare state is not the op- national industries. Participants brainstormed posite of a strong economy, they can both go how to present a social democratic economic hand-in-hand. alternative to Asia in the next decades of the Yet, welfare is not merely about transfer- 21st century. ring money from one place to another. There In many Asian countries, especially in are three key concepts; firstly, welfare should South East Asia, where communism was seen aim to promote jobs and not unemployment. in a bad light, social democrats were often Secondly, it should enable the development linked to communism. Therefore, it is impor- of human resources, i.e. increase competency tant that social democrats also distinguish including via education opportunities, and fi- themselves from communism which often has nally, promote gender equality. a record of restraining civil rights. As Social democrats we have to highlight our principles DISCUSSIONS in regards to national and regional issues, There may be different interpretations of including strengthening the civil society and what it means to be a social democrat. The the unions, empower women and children, pro- case of Sweden may differ from Asia and dif- mote jobs and social security and participate ferent countries from Asia may differ from more actively in ASEAN and other regional each other. But the Network should not let initiatives. While social democrats can learn these differences override the larger effort of from our comrades in Europe, we should also collaborations. Social democrats, especially contextualize based on the different needs in Asia should focus on the core principles of and climates of Asian countries Equality, Freedom and Solidarity as the starting point for discussions. There is also an agree- ment that Sweden was able to create a strong Asian Social Democracy Journal >> Report

welfare state because there was wealth to be form the ruling parties. redistributed, but the situation is different in Yet, experiences from these countries Asia. Most Asian countries are still struggling showed that mutual partnership can exist as emerging economies and poverty rates are between social democrats and businesses and very high. Businesses thrive on tax-exemp- in fact such collaborations should take place tions, low wages and money comes mainly in the interest of the country and the people. from the exploitation of natural resources and One fundamental role of a social democratic foreign investments. government is to ensure capital continues South Korean delegates pointed out that to function socially, i.e. that it benefits the in the case of South Korea, wealth redistribu- people as a whole and not just a certain tion comes with the strengthening of democ- class of capital-owners. National interest, racy. The first steps towards a welfare state the people’s interest and the business inter- there was a democratic political process, not est, especially national SMEs are inextricably just a strong economy as proposed by the bound and should not be antagonistic. Social Sebastian. democrats therefore should seek tomediate between these stakeholders, regulating where SESSION 3: Relationship between Social necessary, to ensure a just economy and not Democratic Parties and Business: Country an exploitative one. Experiences Panelists also emphasized on the value of The general perception of social democracy consultations between social democrats and in this region is still as “anti-business and pro business community, facilitating conducive militant labour unions.” As such, dialogues business environment and encouraging entre- and cooperation between social democrats preneur innovations while at the same time and businesses remained at minimal except establishing a permanent dialogue with the in those countries where the social democrats unions to ensure their participation in formu- 10<< Asian Social Democracy Journal Report

lating economic policies. fund for political campaigning in Sweden come There was a question on how to deal with from State budget and is subject to Parliamen- the peasants as formerly agrarian Asian coun- tary scrutiny. Funding for SDP also comes from tries are now pursuing manufacturing-based supporting organizations such as the labour and knowledge-based industries for economic union. For Akbayan, funding mainly comes growth from consolidating the financial strength of collaborating parties and the presidential SESSION 4: Elections in the Philippines candidates. and Sweden The challenge for SDP now is to gain back Panelists Olle Thorell from the Swedish So- the support of the members of the unions and cial Democratic Party (SDP) and Ronal Llamas to focus the national discussion back to un- from Philippines’ Akbayan shared their respec- employment and jobs creation instead of tax tive experience in recently concluded national cuts as is happening now. For Akbayan, it is elections in their countries. to strategize how to operate in a partnership While the SDP lost and remained the Op- with the liberals and how to govern since position, Akbayan through its partnership this is the first time the party is entering the with President Benigno Aquino won and is mainstream as part of the ruling coalition. now part of the Philippines Government. There are different challenges to be faced by both Prepared by parties given their present circumstances, but both are optimistic about the future. Steven Sim Executive Secretary DISCUSSIONS Socdem Asia When the question on election campaign funding was raised; Olle clarified that the Asian Social Democracy Journal >>11 The Journal Left

Turnbe placed at the forefront of the economic discourse. The Singaporean electoral upset and the uprising in the Middle East since early this year share three common factors, namely inequal- ity, inflation and the Facebook generation. It is not that there was no growth in Sin- gapore or Egypt. Far from it. In fact Singapore experienced a record 14.5 percent growth in its GDP in 2010 while Egypt and Tunisia had a growth rate that averaged 5 percent. It is fair to establish that growth alone is not suf- ficient to generate social cohesiveness. Failure to address issues concerning distribution and Liew Chin Tong* equal access to opportunities literally brought down these governments. In short, it is inequality that fuelled anti- The economic reality of contemporary Ma- establishment anger. A system that privileges laysia requires Pakatan Rakyat and the DAP to a small group of well-heeled elite over the oth- take a left turn as far as our economic vision ers is tolerated either because growth spilled is concerned. Equality and solidarity should over sufficiently to keep everyone happy or 12<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

It is time for us to re-look at Malaysia’s low-wage policy, set a minimum wage, and also the prevailing oppressive nature of the regime put a stop to the massive influx of unskilled kept the people in fear most of the time. foreign labour. We must end the vicious cycle But the spike in global inflation since the of low wage, low skill and low productivity. global financial crisis in 2008 is felt more Beyond jobs and wages, we need a para- keenly in societies that are hugely unequal digm shift in housing, public transport, economically than those that are more equal. healthcare and sustainability. While the pri- The poor and the middle class saw their living vate sector can remain a player in these sec- standards fall rapidly as inflation rose. tors, the public sector must play an active And the presence of the Facebook gen- role to ensure that private speculation and eration tilted the balance as the state is no profiteering would not result in the major- longer able to monopolise the spread of news ity not having a roof over their heads, those and communication channels to organise mass who do not own a car become immobile, and civil disobedient actions. those who can’t afford healthcare suffer or die The lessons that all governments need to miserably. And, our environment is not to be learn are these: that investors, either foreign compromised either. or local, are not voters; tourists are not vot- Hence, a “left turn” in our approach to ers and real estate developers are not voters economic is required in order to ensure that either. Economic growth alone without fairer all Malaysians regardless of race and ethnicity distribution of the fruits of growth is not po- live a decent life with equal opportunity in litically sustainable. the face of global inflation. Our economic agenda needs to prioritise jobs and wages in our discourse. It is point- * Liew Chin Tong is a Member of Parlia- less if we have a huge influx of investments ment in Malaysia from the Democratic without generating decent jobs for the locals. Action Party (DAP). He is currently the While checking inflation sounds noble, it is International Secretary of DAP and the almost impossible to curb it especially the lat- Executive Director of the Socio-econom- est wave of inflation is to a large extent a re- ic and Environmental Institute (SERI), a sult of rising wages for workers in the eastern State Government-linked think tank in seaboard of China. Penang, Malaysia. Asian Social Democracy Journal >>13 The Journal DEVELOPMENT FUNDING

IVAN A HADAR*) Two years ago, ing countries this year on top of the 130-155 I was invited to a million driven into poverty in 2008 by soaring seminar in Bue- food and fuel prices. This will bring the total nos Aires with of those living on less than US$2 a day to over the goal was to 1.5 billion. find alternative The World Bank also estimates that de- means of devel- veloping countries face a financing gap of opment funding $270-$700 billion depending on the sever- for developing ity of the economic and financial crisis and c o u n t r i e s . T h e the strength and timing of policy responses. construction of Developing countries are likely to face higher Banco del Sur spreads, and lower capital flows than over the (The Bank of the South) for Latin America, past 7-8 years, leading to weaker investment according to all participants coming from Ar- and slower growth in the future. Aside from gentina, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico and money, the following issues are considered to Peru, offers development assistance with con- be an integral part of development funding. ditionalities that suit countries in this region Eight years ago, in Monterrey, Mexico, hun- better than those set out by the World Bank dreds of world leaders reached an agreement and IMF.It helped them in solving the recent regarding development funding. This agree- crisis. ment focused on issues regarding trade, devel- When Asia plunged into crisis in 1998, Ja- opment aid, investment, payment of overseas pan and a few other Asian countries suggested debt, mobilization of national resources and the creation of a funding organization, such the reshaping of the international monetary as an Asian Monetary Fund. However, this pro- architecture. posal was never realized as it was rejected by Data from the OECD shows that many coun- the United States. This suggestion has been tries fail to fulfill their promise to contribute brought up once more in the current crisis. 0.7 percent of their GDP. A political resolution China, with the biggest monetary fund, might is necessary to bring about improved quali- be expected to lead the way in the establish- tative and quantitative aid, as is an investi- ment of such an organization. gation into how large the funds transferred According to the World Bank, the spread- from the north to the south actually are. This ing global economic crisis is set to trap up to should include the settling of overseas debt, 53 million more people in poverty in develop- which is considered to account for the major- 14<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal ity of fund transfers from the poor southern Monterrey agreement is maintained and its countries to the rich northern ones. implementation towards developing countries Efforts to reduce overseas debt have not is carried out on a voluntary basis. However, met the targets agreed on in Monterrey, where in reality these standards and codes are con- it was decided that 0.7 percent of rich coun- sistently used by the IMF and the World Bank tries’ GDP’s would be allocated to aid poor as conditionalities for aid. countries. Moreover, the Millennium Decla- In order to achieve the MDGs, developing ration included an agreement to cancel the countries are advised to decrease their de- overseas debt of the poorest developing coun- pendence on external funding by increasing tries. For Indonesia, the duty of repaying in- internal resources. In order to do this, fiscal ternal and external debt through installments reformation is needed, along with other in- still holds the country’s funds hostage. In the struments that can decrease the effects of the country’s 2009 State Budget Plan (RAPBN), economic crisis. These instruments include an debt installments now account for 15 percent elective tax regime for transnational compa- of Indonesia’s total budget. Of this US $ 59 nies, ending corruption, avoiding capital flight billion is for the actual debt and US $ 110 and retrieving funds that have been stolen by billion is for the interest. The Government’s corrupt officials and which have been depos- debt currently stands at more than US $ 1,600 ited in other countries. billion, which exceeds the country’s national In terms of international trade, a change budget of US $ 1,222 billion. in the methods use to negotiate with the WTO For this reason it is necessary to find a is needed. Trade liberalization must occur comprehensive solution so that inherited debt faster and should meet development needs. At will not be a burden for this generation or the same time, developed countries must be the next. There is a possibility of making a requested to stop all farm export subsidies. bilateral or multilateral request for a reduc- The European Union, for example, has prom- tion from the creditors of overseas debt. As ised to stop all farm export subsidies by the many past debts did not reach their targets, year 2013, as a result of negotiations with the it is necessary for the Government to take WTO. This is a step that should be implement- wise precautions regarding overseas debt, in ed immediately and that should be adopted by particular in terms of sum obligation. This is other developed countries. especially important if these banks have now The role of the IMF and its involvement in switched hands. At the very least, the steps the formulation of trade policies must change. taken should profit the country and reduce Meanwhile, the aid effectiveness agenda debt. in OECD countries still uses the World Bank Lastly, the Monterrey agreement men- evaluations of the eligibility of organizations tioned that it is compulsory for developing and a country’s policy. This requires faster lib- countries to be included in standard setting eralization as a measurement of good policy bodies, which set the standards and codes of and good governance. It is assumed that this practice for the economy. The standards used is responsible for ruining the markets and mi- in the global economy will affect developing cro, small and medium scale enterprises in the countries when the world falls into crisis. In countries receiving aid. reality, the weaker the economy, the worse the effects of the crisis will be. *) The writer is co-editor in chief of Journal The implementation of these standards SocDem Asia and codes will not be of any relevance if the Asian Social Democracy Journal >>15 The Journal

Growth, Social Balance and Sustainability: Perspectives for Social Democratic Economic Policies in Asia

Session: Relationship between Social Democratic Parties and Businesses: Experiences from Asia-Pacific

Presentation by Ms. Bolormaa Nordov, MPRP, Mongolia

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, 1. Economic Policy and Business Coopera- On behalf of the Mongolian People’s Revo- tion of MPRP lutionary Party (MPRP), please accept my sin- Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party cere greetings to all participants. (MPRP) is a centre-left party with social demo- I would like to thank the initiators, orga- cratic ideology that respects the basic inte- nizers and participants of the 3rd Conference rests, independence and national security of of the Socialist Democratic Parties from Asia- Mongolia. The MPRP was established in 1921 Pacific region. as the first political party in Mongolia. For I would also like to highlight that this the past 89 years, MPRP has continuously led conference is significantly important in terms and initiated activities targeted at developing of sharing opinions and experiences on the Mongolia and advancing social relations. The pressing social, economic and political issues party has rich history of restoring indepen- as well as expanding cooperation with other dence and sovereignty of Mongolia, gaining Socialist Democratic parties. its recognition in international arena and cre- The presentation consists of the following ating modern industries and social facilities in two parts: the 20th century. Since the mid 1980’s MPRP 1. Economic policy and business cooperation started seeking ways to resolve the social is- of MPRP sues faced in the country. In doing so, MPRP 2. The 26th Congress and New Vision of has reflected new social trends from reforms MPRP that took place in some countries and regions of the world and critically reviewed its ide- ology based on the fundamental interests of 16<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

Mongolia. This has led to MPRP’s declaration tion, to improve access to employment and in 1990 to abolish its old ideology and follow better quality of life; social-democratic principles. From here, the MPRP turned into an influential political force The economic policy of the MPRP is imple- with democratic and reformist values and mented based on principles to renovate mar- became a ruling party in the first democratic ket relations, to use an effective state coor- election. And to this day, the party continues dination and to expand the social orientation to play a leading role in implementing social of the economy. One of the vital conditions reforms in Mongolia. to accelerate economic development is to fur- Now I would like to briefly touch upon the ther expand the market relations. Therefore, economic policy of MPRP. MPRP is pursuing a policy to strengthen pri- The key objectives of MPRP economic vate property oriented economic system, to policy are: provide all means of support to the private • To build knowledge-based economy with sector and to promote individual’s initiatives dominant participation of private entities and enthusiasm. In order to achieve this, our that supports domestic production, creates Party believes that it is important to stay value-added products and are environmen- committed to creating more favorable busi- tally friendly, comparatively independent, ness environment. competitive; The Mongolian Cabinet led by MPRP Chair- • To create a condition for every citizen of man S.Batbold has announced 2010 as the Mongolia to receive an equal share of the “Year of Business Environment Reform” and national wealth based on their participa- numerous important measures have been tak- Asian Social Democracy Journal >>17 The Journal en to improve cooperation between the public remains as the key player in building demo- and private sectors. The Government of Mon- cratic Mongolian state. While establishing golia and the Mongolian National Chamber of democracy in its real form in the country, the Commerce and Industry are jointly hosting se- MPRP made a profound contribution in instill- ries of business forums among sectors. And the ing fundamental values such as human rights, following issues are being resolved in regard freedom, free election, freedom of press and to creating a favorable business environment. fair economic competition. The 26th Congress 1. One of the major difficulties faced by busi- of MPRP is scheduled to convene on November nesses is the highly bureaucratic system 4-6, 2010. As for the most influential politi- to obtain and extend business licenses. cal force in Mongolia, the main objective of This needs to be changed and replaced the Congress is to evaluate the successes and with more efficient service that is free of failures of the Party in the last 20 years and bureaucracy; define its goal for the next 20 years. 2. To make Government information more In the past few years, the MPRP has easily accessible and improve online infor- launched a campaign called “Social Democ- mation network; racy” which continues into 2010 as a year of 3. To create a legal framework for E-Gover- “Public Voice”. In addition to this, a new de- nance and facilitate a condition to pro- velopment program named “MPRP IN THE 21st vide online services; CENTURY” is being implemented at all level of 4. To stabilize and rationalize the tax the Party organizations. The program reflects system; the proposals and opinions presented during a 5. To create an opportunity for involvement discussion and meeting held with thousands of independent inspection in tender pro- of MPRP members. These measures are cru- cedure to ensure transparency, to establish cial for improving the party’s ideology, value, joint working group consisting of public structure and the liability system. During the and private sector representatives; 26th Congress, the name and ideology of the 6. To maintain stable, secure and competent Party will be modified to meet the present banking system; time. Our Party shall deem it important to re- 7. To expand local economic powers and cre- introduce its original name of the Mongolian ate favorable environment for small-me- People’s Party (MPP). In other words, we will dium enterprises (SMEs); strive to create a market economy oriented on social policy where national democratic ideol- The Steering Council of MPRP fully sup- ogy and people are respected. We will further ports activities directed at improving business develop our open and friendly relations estab- environment and therefore organizes a joint lished with our lifetime immediate neighbors annual meeting with business runners to fo- and other countries of the world and actively cus on the pressing development issues of the participate in regional and global economic country such as investment, budget, tax and cooperation. banking and finance. Thank you for your attention. 2. The 26th Congress and New vision of MPRP 20 years have passed since Mongolia shifted from a centrally planned economy to a market based economy. During this period, the MPRP has been in power for 16 years and still 18<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

Presentation by Mr. Gyu Youb Choi, Korea Democratic Labour Party - South Korea

What is a social democracy’s strategy in cre- ate and strengthen solidarity with small ating a business environment? and medium business that are subjected to Protecting small -medium sized business harsh conditions while operating amongst from the high-handedness and exploita- big corporations. tion of big corporation. In addition, we think it is also important Protecting small and self-managed enter- to collaborate with big corporations if they prises from the SSM (Super-Supermarket) want to actively participate in economic chains owned by chaebol. cooperaton with North Korea while the (* Chaebol: Korea’s family-controlled Lee, Myung-bak administration is being conglomerates) hostile to North Korea. Supporting a pro-employment and pro-en- vironmental industry strategy. How crucial is the support of the business Keeping the June 15th and October 4th community for the success of a social demo- Declarations signed in the summits be- cratic party? tween the two Koreas, and realizing the Currently, the Democratic Labor Party‘s South-North Korea Economic Community (DLP) rating is 5 percent, and it is ranked through developing Kaesong industrial third among seven parties in Korea. As a complex and the Eurasian Railway. minor party with five lawmakers, it is very important to gain support from small and Is there an institutional mechanism with- medium sized enterprises that comprise in the party to deal with the business the majority of the business community. community? However, under the condition that we have There is no institutional mechanism to low ratings and a small membership, our cooperate and communicate with the busi- priority is to put more energy into organiz- ness community in our party, but we have a ing workers because it is much easier to special department that supports and pro- get support from workers than small and tects small and self-managed enterprises. medium enterprises.

Should a social democratic party engage with Are business interests always in conflict with the business community? To what extent? social democratic interests? It is very crucial for our party to co-oper- We don’t think we have conflict with small Asian Social Democracy Journal >>19 The Journal

and medium business, but the relationship collapsed and the gap between the haves between our party and them is not good. and the have-nots has become bigger. In That is because they think the DLP only 2010, 88.5% of Korean people think they represents the interests of militant trade are in the low-income bracket. unions, and that the policies for them are The DLP opposes U.S. neo-imperialism and still abstract and the DLP does not make aims for an independent people’s economy an effort to cooperate with them for sev- to: eral reasons. - Overcome the export-oriented principle - Regulate financialization and specula- How do social democrats balance economic tion in the economy growth with the provision of social security? - Overcome the subordination of trade So far, Korean capitalism has aimed for and currency policies only growth. In particular, growth with- - Abolish temp workers (irregular work- out employment has gone on since 1997. ers), achieve full labor rights, strength- Korean social security ranked the lowest en small and medium business, revive among the OECD countries as of 2009. agriculture, etc. That’s because the DLP insists that Korea - Pursue the North-South Korea Economic needs to have social welfare revolution for community balancing growth and welfare. However, we don’t insist social security What is the perception of the business commu- without growth. Korea needs pro-employ- nity toward social democratic parties? ment and pro-environmental growth at In particular, the Korean business com- once. munity is very negative toward social democracy What differentiates a social democratic strat- egy for business from a liberal strategy? What can social democratic parties in the Asia– Since 1948, when the Republic of Korea’s Pacific do to create a more just and prosperous first government was established, Korea region? has been under the neo-colonialism of the Make more efforts to overcome neoliberal U.S. That’s why there has been no space globalization. for Keynesianism, like in the U.S. and Eu- Pursue an independent people’s economy. rope. Instead, dictatorship and compra- Realize free education and health care dor capital have exploited and plundered systems. people. Since 1997, Korean conservatives Abolish the irregular workers system. have been following a U.S.-oriented neo- Achieve full labor rights. imperalism strategy rather than the liberal Adopt a pro-employment and pro-environ- strategy of Europe and the U.S. mental growth strategy. Korean conservatives have focused on Pursue international cooperation and soli- an export-oriented strategy for chaebol. darity like ALBA in South America. Especially, IMF-imposed neoliberal poli- cies were characterized by as spreading out temporary workers(irregular workers), *** Answered by Gyu Youb Choi, Execu- growth without welfare, policies to col- tive Director of the New Community lapse agriculture and the privatization of Institute. public sectors since 1997 Asian financial crisis. Because of them, the middle class 20<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

Sri Lankan Social Democrats formed council to improve collaboration

In October 2010, a group of social democ- problems of poverty as well as the effects of racts in Sri Lanka got together in the capital globalization. Participants then saw the op- city, Colombo for a historic moment to give a portunity in the form of a political vacuum formal structure to traditional solidarity. They in the region for a credible political alterna- formed the Council for Social Democrats (CSD) tive to the neoliberalism of the existing re- to strengthen the struggle for just governance gimes which not only failed to bring economic in Sri Lanka. growth but also was the main cause of poverty The Sri Lankan social democrats then held throughout the region. a two-day conference and was joined by other The South Asian social democrats also real- members of the Network of Social Democracy ized that due to the struggle against colonial- in Asia especially those from South Asia. ism, each of their countries have historical In the conference, the social democrats affinity to mass movements. This means, the from South Asian countries articulated the culture and values of social democracy are not common strands of challenges facing their re- alien to South Asia. It is now the challenge spective countries, not least their shared his- for social democrats of the region to recover tory of colonialism, decades of neoliberal rule, and revitalize social democracy vis a vis the communalist extremism, political hegemony, people’s movements to bring about positive Asian Social Democracy Journal >>21 The Journal

change to their countries. as people’s representatives. Democracy has Below is declaration of the formation of been restricted to a mere voting exercise for the Sri Lanka’s Council for Social Democrats: the people designated by the political author- ity. It is our responsibility to transform the The preface: consumer who is a direct outcome of the neo Sri Lanka is one of the first countries, liberal economic model into a conscious social which embraced the neo-liberal socio-eco- being. In this context, building a rationale nomic concept from the inception. Because of society is a serious challenge to us and in this the inherent political dynamics of this eco- regard we setout the following objectives and nomic model, we were compelled to impose goals to over come these challenges. stringent restrictions on democracy, with the We believe that we have a challenge and aim of realizing the development goals. After an obligation towards society to build a dem- grappling with this economic model for the ocratic social movement for the reestablish- past three decades not only did we fail to ment of democracy in this country. reach the expected developmental goals, but also contracted the democratic Freedom that Who are we and where are we heading? we enjoyed. Parallel to this, we the Sri Lankan The Council for Social Democrats (CSD) in society has experienced a process of transfor- Sri Lanka is a newly formed platform for peo- mation of the individual into mere consumer ple who are committed to the core values of of the market, which dismantled the natural Social Democracy; justice, freedom, equality social institutions of the human life. Addition- and solidarity. CSD is a network of individuals ally, though a limited group of people have and organizations, who are striving to develop been able to temporarily solve their problems an alternative socio-economic model in lieu through this so-called development the vast of the existing socio-economic model created majority of the society has been subjected to by the new world order and the neo-liberal a severe disempowerment, economic policies. It is an initiative launched It is a fact that the democratic freedom, by politically-conscious intellectuals, academ- liberties and the rights that the Sri Lankan so- ics, political activists and organizations in Sri ciety hitherto enjoyed, have been systemati- Lanka who have come forward to introduce cally curtailed in order to prevent expression principled politics based on a proper ideologi- of social displeasure through political means. cal framework. This is unique due to the fact The state structure is established contrary that ideally for the first time in the Sri Lankan to the accepted democratic norms. Also the political history, politically- diverse individu- space to elect representatives who are closer als and groups have come together, shedding to their social life has been curtailed or oth- their power oriented goals to develop a com- erwise abolished. mon socio-economic ideology and interact Instead, an executive and a set of peoples’ with each other on one common ideological representatives, who are insensitive to the platform. The CSD is an “indigenous” network people’s aspirations, have been appointed of people who are aspiring to contribute its through the popular ballot, to implement this knowledge, wealth and experiences to build alien socio-economic program. Anti-socials el- a prosperous and stable Sri Lankan nation ements such as finance profiteers, drug deal- state. ers and tribute collectors have been baptized

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Where do we want to go? regulations. CDS is striving to create through its network On the one hand, the active State is tasked membership, a sustained political environ- with ensuring competitive conditions for pri- ment and a process for political dialogue that vate sector companies. This includes public could be utilized as a regular and established investment in infrastructure. On the other, the meeting place for political actors and experts State should strive to be an active player in and so that their deliberations and dialogues the economy by means of incentive and sanc- may contribute to generate a pragmatic and tion mechanisms, which will not only guaran- locally-adaptable socio-economic and cultural tee fair competition but also ensure that the policy framework based on universal ideals of State participates in fair competition. Social Democracy. The enormous increase in the importance For the Sri Lankan people, there is no ne- of the global financial economy as against cessity to introduce social democracy afresh, that of the real economy is at least as much yet because of the historical changes which the result of the failure of the State as of the occurred through the past three decades, it is failure of market mechanisms. obvious the concept has been on the decline. Therefore, there is a need for political deci- However, social democratic discourser is once sions that can regulate the financial markets, again gaining in importance due to the nag- the supply of liquidity, the spread of the use ging trend of authoritarianism that brought to of highly-speculative financial instruments, us instead the agreed benefits of neo-liberal excessive pursuit of returns and the formation economic model of elusive economic bubbles. Therefore the role of the State that the CSD Which path have we chosen? has envisaged in its political choice is an ac- CSD is a political platform that is open to tive State. The role of the new active State is all people and organizations that are sensitive of particular significance in three areas: social towards ‘centre left/right’ politics, humanity policy, industrial policy and the regulation of and total human dignity of mankind. At the markets. same time it believes in pragmatic socio-eco- CSD emphasizes on achieving a socio-eco- nomic development which is a combination nomic model that is economically, socially of market forces and social justice. Also it and environmentally sustainable. Economic believes in the importance of localization, sustainability is about trying to ensure that which in turn will bring it closer to the lo- future generations inherit more assets than li- cal experiences. In this regard, CSD believes abilities; social sustainability is about future that although the market is potentially the generations enjoying more opportunities than most efficient allocation mechanism, it does the present generation and environmental sus- require regulation since it is incapable of tainability is about future generations having regulating itself. Therefore there should be an a creative rather than a destructive relation- active State to introduce socially-responsible ship with nature. regulations to the market economy. CSD also believes that there should be a clear com- Economic sustainability: mitment to the real economy, as opposed to CSD invites rethinking of our traditional the financial economy and steps should be approach to growth with a view to develop- taken to strengthen it through active State ing an up-to-date concept of individual and

Asian Social Democracy Journal >>23 The Journal

societal progress. New growth in order to zation crisis within society. Therefore we can achieve societal progress, can no longer be go on to say that the society and economic understood merely as GDP growth, but must space are plagued with a democratic crisis. strongly bring to the fore hitherto-neglected This crisis of democracy can be seen within dimensions such as quality of life and environ- the institutions, spaces, policies, perspec- mental externalities. tives, economic and social opportunities and also in the exercise of rights and in social per- Social sustainability formances. This democratic crisis is evident in CSD highlights the importance of an active the performance of duties and the demanding and ‘preventive’ social policy in order to pre- of rights. serve the welfare state and social cohesion. To free ourselves from this crisis, an em- pirical, centre left/right-oriented, humane, Environmental sustainability rights-based and localized approach is being CSD emphasizes that the environmental suggested instead of a moralistic attitude be- dimension of sustainability as an economic cause what are ultimately needed are practi- and social issue for the future. CSD also be- cal solutions. As such it is being suggested lieves Markets should be reformed so that they to bring about a democratic revolution in the can provide private goods in a sustainable areas mentioned below as a solution to this manner. crisis. CSD adopted this path not due to any other sensational reasons but because of the exist- 1. Political System ing economic fallout and economic ‘dampness’ 2. Basic Rights that have brought forth escalating social in- 3. Public Political Sphere equalities that we are experiencing today. This 4. Civil Society tendency has brought misery to the majority 5. Sub-systems of Social Democratization of the people in our society. It is quite clear 6. Social State that unless we put our heads together, we will 7. Educational System not be in a position to develop alternatives to 8. Economic Constitution this misery. Therefore we invite all like-minded 9. Economic Regulation human beings of Sri Lanka to come forward to 10. Corporate Constitution explore an alternative socio-economic future 11. Political Culture for our beloved country. Hence we declare our 12. Culture commitment to this innovative path in this manner. 1. Democratization of Political System: It is our belief that the existence of free Proposed policies:- opportunities alone would not be sufficient for individuals to enter into a production process The Approach: and that the individuals need a proper hu- Main challenge of the present day world is man organization, political system and a set to generate empirical solutions to current po- of political attitudes that make possible such litical crises faced by the human kind. Mainly an active contribution towards a production they are the democratization crisis within the process. The fundamental norm which should modern economic model and the democrati- govern such an organizational system and the

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relevant attitudes is the assumption that the 3. Democratization of Public Political human being is a collective social being and Sphere: thus political systems should always consider It is a well-established fact that political satisfying the social and developmental needs freedom within the political society cannot be of a human being. enjoyed through a majoritarian democracy. It is true that within majoritarian decision-mak- 2. Democratization of protection and ing system, national minorities, under privi- enjoyment of Basic Rights: leged segments of people and other powerless In the liberal bourgeois societies, rights groups would not be given the opportunity are recognized as negative and positive to enjoy their political freedom. Therefore rights. Nevertheless, when it comes to the the democratization of public political sphere protection and promotion of human rights, means: these societies emphasize only the negative rights. The socio-economic rights, which are 1. Building Plural Democratic structures, termed positive rights, get secondary atten- strategies and attitudes. tion in these societies. They do not recognize 2. Building Consensual Democratic structures, socio-economic rights as an entrenched right strategies and attitudes. of a human being. Therefore, political system 3. Building Participatory Democratic struc- of bourgeois never intervenes to build an en- tures, strategies and attitudes. vironment which is available for enjoying all 4. Building Deliberative Democratic struc- of the basic rights of a human being. These tures, strategies and attitudes. societies recognizes the enjoyment of eco- nomic, social and cultural rights only as they 4. Democratization of the Civil Society: are achievable within the appropriate political In political science parlance, Civil Society and economic system. For example, within lib- is known as the space between the family and eral bourgeois systems, political rights and the State. Within such a space, people should rights with regard to bearing, possessing be able to enjoy all human rights irrespective and distributing resources are introduced as of the political connotation given to those hu- active positive rights. And the ‘activeness’ of man rights. Nevertheless, when the emphasis the State depends on the economic and philo- is given to negative rights in which civil and sophical capability of the incumbent political political rights of an individual are paramount, system. it is quite obvious that this individual will be When we accept the fact that the hu- represented only by certain powerful segments man is a collective social being, basic rights of people such as male individuals, individuals of human beings include both the aforesaid of the majority community or those who pos- positive and other negative rights. Therefore sess wealth or wield power. In such a context, democratization of basic rights would mean the remaining group within the civil society acknowledging, protecting and making space will become degenerated and powerless. This for enjoyment of both these types of rights. group generally consists of female individuals, individuals of minority communities or under- privileged people who are not in a position to enjoy political and civil rights within the civil society. Thus the democratization of civil

Asian Social Democracy Journal >>25 The Journal

society primarily entails the provision of civil The monetary globalization and the dereg- and political rights to the people who are mar- ulated world market can be referred to as an ginalized in this manner. extension of the new liberal economic system. Within this system, it is capable of creating a 5. Democratization of social sub-systems: continuous national economic crisis as well as Empowering under-privileged, oppressed an international monetary crisis. The inherent segments of people is the intended democra- social, economic and cultural inequality will tization here. result in the consolidation of unemployment, deprivation of jobs and lack of employment 6. Democratization of Social State: opportunities. As such, there exists a huge Here the democratization means the con- need for the democratization of the economic duct and the empowerment of Social State system. We can put forward this need in the according to the social contract entered into following manner. between the people and people’s representa- 1. The need for political rationalism which is tives. The primary emphasis in this context is over-determined by the collectivity, free- the notion of citizenship which is based on the dom, justice and equality instead of the concepts of good governance and equality. market super-determining everything. 2. The need to defeat the oligarchies through 7. Democratization of Educational System: a coordinated economy instead of free In any country, educational system is the trade. means of building knowledge, capacities and 3. The need to enjoy all the human rights by attitudes for enhancing the self-understand- all the humans instead of basing every- ing and the ability of the individual. In that, thing on freedom of the individual. the objective of a humane and collective so- 4. The need to reach together the productiv- ciety of people should be emphasized, firstly ity goals of the economy and the social it should build knowledge, capacities and at- development aims, instead of an economic titudes that consider the democratic needs of constitution that emphasizes productivity the individual and secondly, to provide educa- of the economy only. tion to fulfill the developmental needs of the 5. The need of a strong welfare state instead society. of an economic constitution that empha- sizes basic social protection only. 8. Democratization of Economic 6. The need to decide on the working con- Constitution: ditions by the working people, employers The new liberal economic constitution has and the State getting together instead of been socialized today as the realistic eco- such decisions being made unilaterally. nomic system. New liberal economic system consists of: 9. Democratization of Economic 1. The market economy Regulation: 2. De-regularization of economy 3. Privatization of public enterprises It is worth insisting on the facts mentioned 4. No space for public good and public below for the purpose of the democratization welfare of economic regulation. 5. The human rights that emphasizes con- 1. Coordination of economic relations should sumption instead of collective basic rights be through non-market organizational 26<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

structures. For example, decisions will be 1. Equal emphasis is placed on the rights as taken through a process that would get well as the duties. the State, the entrepreneurs and the orga- 2. Politics should lead to fulfilling the aspira- nized working class together. tions for freedom, equality and the devel- 2. State intervention in long-term invest- opment of the collective human being. ments, prevention of monopolies and so- 3. The primary objectives of politics are en- cial discrepancies and protection and pro- suring the freedom and equality, public motion of public good and public welfare. good, public welfare, social justice as well 3. Deciding on working conditions within the as sustainable development. framework of collective agreements instead 4. Emphasis should be placed on the signifi- of bilateral agreements. cance of human progress and that efficien- 4. Measuring economic progress based to- cy and productivity provides that access to gether on social justice, efficiency and development. productivity. 5. A code of ethics for the private sector. Democratization of Culture: Human beings are never satisfied with its 10. Democratization of Private enterprise: economic progress, which is the foundation While emphasizing the need for the exis- for its existence. He/she always wants to get tence of entrepreneurship against the state- closer to the art and aesthetics, which is the focused capitalism, it is also acknowledged highest form of our culture. Culture is the phe- that private enterprises are an essential factor nomenon that helped human being to human- of the country. What the democratization of ize the nature that he/she was surrounded. It private enterprises means is the coordination is a well known fact that the human being of private enterprises through a code of ethics reached its new horizons through the produc- which ensures the safety of the national econ- tion, science and culture. omy, public good and social existence. (This As a social being, humans have resorted does not mean controlling it in any manner) to arts, aesthetics and classical literature in order to expand his/her perceptional world. Therefore he/she has developed languages 11. Political Culture: and various symbols in which novel thinking Within our understanding, political cul- is generated. Thereby the arts, aesthetics and ture means not making a code of ethics for classical literature has became cornerstones the members of parliament and ministers. of human consciousness. We believe therefore According to Gabriel A. Armond and Sydney that art and culture are unavoidable condi- Verba, (both of whom are politicians belong tions when one strives to develop a cultural to behaviorist school) political culture is a being instead of just an individual. In such a phenomenon which is based on psychologi- context we steadfastly emphasize the need for cal behavior of a person or a society. It is liberty and freedom in art and culture and in all about the respect extended to the political the quest for making our society more humane institutions and law by politicians and people. and creative, we accept that there is a role to The declined respect for the institutions and be played in fostering and strengthening art the law will further decline the culture of and culture in our society. politicians. The democratization of political culture means that Asian Social Democracy Journal >>27 The Journal

OPEN LETTER OF AKBAYAN REP. WALDEN BELLO TO PRES. BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III ON THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC WOES

May 5, 2011 It is important to implement short-term programs that would alleviate the burden of PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III ordinary Filipino people. It is likewise impera- Malacañang Palace tive to put into motion medium-term and lon- Compound J. P. Laurel St., San Miguel ger-term programs that would lead the country Manila City to self-sustainability. Allow me to propose policies that would Dear Mr. President: deal with the nation’s top three concerns: in- flation, wages, and jobs. Allow me to first congratulate the admin- istration in its implementation of anti-poverty Revisiting Fuel Price Regulation and anti-graft and corruption measures. The The ever-increasing price of fuel remain administration’s efforts to fulfill the prom- on top of people’s concerns, as the price of ises it made to the Filipino people is truly fuel increased by 9.7% from the first quarter laudable. of 2010 and the public continues to suffer fuel However, as is the problem of developing price hikes reflecting the movement of the economies, the masses are consistently beset price of fuel in the global market due to the by economic difficulties. brewing unrest in the Middle East. Since we deepened the national economy’s It is also the lack of transparency by which integration to the global production line, mil- oil cartels determine oil and fuel prices that lions of Filipinos have been victimized by the make it seem like the determination of fuel ups- and downturns of the global market. The prices is arbitrary and solely geared to meet people continue to suffer the skyrocketing the profit-motive of big oil companies. This prices of fuel and the often-fluctuating prices creates the impression that the people are of basic food commodities, and the scarcity of powerless and the market reigns supreme permanent employment and adequate wages. when it comes to crucial economic issues, and 28<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

price – one that allows the people respite from the economic hardships of to- day, at the same time that it ensures minimum profit for local fuel suppliers. The team should further monitor the prices and make periodic adjustments whenever nec- essary. It is important to make the point that, clearly, we are no longer leaving the price-setting power solely to the oil cartel, because the market has failed the Fili- pino people.

Towards Food Security Let us now discuss food security. We are very happy leaves masses insecure. that the Department of Agriculture announced The administration has already made the that we would be able to meet palay produc- initial step to address this problem by declar- tion targets for the year. This is proof that food ing that it will look closely into the price hikes security is within our reach, so long as the ad- that have successively been implemented over ministration continues to provide support and the first 4 months of this year. We urge you technical innovations to our local producers. to look deeper into their books to determine Intelligence reports, however, warn against a the profit margins that the big oil companies looming rice crisis. Whether or not the report have maintained. While oil firms have justified is accurate, it creates the impression that sup- the price hike as a means to cope with the in- ply remains inadequate, which may produce a creasing global fuel prices, it is important to sudden spike of palay prices. dispel the worry of the people that the oil car- In response, we must increase the gov- tel also takes advantage of the crisis to earn ernment’s capability to intervene in the local super-profits. The Department of Energy must market by filling local warehouses with domes- take the necessary action against any hint of tically produced rice. By ensuring that local over-pricing. warehouses are sufficiently stocked, govern- To substantially reduce the burden of fuel ment has the flexibility to “flood the market” price inflation on the masses, it is important to drive down retail rice prices. Likewise, it for the government to gain partial control of would be important to consider setting a price the market. We need a team of experts that for palay sold in the market. would direct the government’s intervention; It is important to source rice domestically this should include the secretary of the Energy for the simple reason that this will allow us department, independent technical experts on to protect consumers, small farmers, and lo- the fuel industry and representatives of the cal producers simultaneously. Let me elabo- big oil companies. The mission of this team: rate: In 2008, the Arroyo administration, in to keep fuel prices at a reasonable, minimum a bid to control rising rice prices, flooded the Asian Social Democracy Journal >>29 The Journal market using imported rice. While it was able trade liberalization. to help control retail rice prices to a certain degree, it resulted in greater poverty in the Wage hike and Non-Wage Benefits countryside because it dampened local farm The disparity between economic growth gate prices. What we had then were local pro- statistics and poverty incidence would per- ducers who were forced to sell their palay at sist if growth does not lead to the optimal a loss, pushing them deeper into poverty and employment of human resources, reduction of destitution. inequality, and the substantial improvement Filling up warehouses with rice sourced of the opportunities and lives of the poor. It from small farmers at fair prices will help is therefore of grave importance to any de- ensure that government has the capacity to velopment program and all poverty alleviation intervene in the rice market, at the same time efforts to make employment opportunities that we are able to support local farmers. In available to the poor and unemployed and this case, I recommend to the administra- ensure that wages and non-wage benefits are tion to look into increasing local palay farm adequately provided and in compliance with gate prices. This will pose as an increase in the labor law. the income of small farmers, which, over and As the cost of living continues to rise, min- above existing subsidies and cash transfers, imum wage becomes increasingly inadequate would improve their purchasing power and as- for workers and their families. And because sist tremendously in allowing small producers the pool of unemployed is so vast and jobs to meet daily needs, especially in a time of are scarce, the Filipino masses would take on economic difficulty. any available job, forgoing the risks and the I also propose that the administration pre- making do with the bare-minimum benefits pare for unforeseen impacts of climate change whatever sort of employment affords. This and other factors on global and national rice has granted, for the longest time, the private supply by making arrangements with ASEAN to sector the upper hand in labor-management procure rice in case of emergencies through relations. the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve For workers, the call to increase wages to (APTERR). One of the risks attached to limit- bring it closer to the “living wage,” or the ing importation is the fact that, should global level that would allow workers to adequately and national rice supplies be compromised meet the costs of living, becomes a matter by climate change events and other factors, of both economic urgency and social justice. the Philippines will not have enough supply A serious consideration of a substantial wage to meet the consumption requirements of its increase becomes vital in meeting the needs population. To minimize this risk, government of the people. should maximize arrangements through ASEAN It would also be important to heed the to have access to regional rice stocks at fair discontentment of labor organizations regard- prices, under the APTERR in times of emergen- ing the powers of regional wage boards and cies and volatilities in the global rice market. consider their abolition. In essence, regional On top of these proposals, I also urge the wage boards have been used as a means to government to support Akbayan’s cocktail of consolidate the power of employers against agricultural legislative measures that would labor, which has rendered its existence anti- provide greater social, financial and technical thetic to its main purpose – to empower work- assistance to small local producers and rein- ers especially when it comes to the determina- vigorate Philippine agriculture, especially in tion of wages. meeting the challenge of climate change and In the meantime, that wage increase re- 30<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal mains unresolved, a good measure that the government can undertake is to provide, and encourage the private sector to provide, in- creased non-wage benefits such as tax exemp- tions, emergency allowance and other social security subsidies that would improve the ca- pacity of workers and their families to weather economic difficulties.

Job Creation In terms of creating jobs, I urge the ad- ministration to implement the labor-based/ equipment supported (LBES) technology when undertaking infrastructure and public works construction and maintenance. Endorsed by the International Labor Organization (ILO), this means optimizing the number of labor- ers to construct and maintain public infra- structure, instead of the commonly preferred alternative, which is to intensify capital or equipment. Using LBES, employment in con- struction projects would increase by 10- 30 per cent, it is particularly ideal for boosting employment and social welfare in develop- ing countries that have high unemployment rates and scores of development projects in the pipeline. In the early 1980s up to 2000, various in- frastructure projects were undertaken by the different administrations employing LBES. In these projects, LBES was proven effective in generating employment and creating socio- economic benefits especially for rural commu- nities and local governments. As the Aquino administration sets out to implement 10 important projects for 2011 and some 70 projects in the medium-term, it is in the best position to maximize the Philippine labor force and improve over-all welfare of the people by employing LBES technology. The jobs created will translate into a con- stant income stream for families that have had to weather the one-two punch of poverty and underdevelopment and put them on the path to improving their lives. By encouraging the implementation of LB Asian Social Democracy Journal >>31 The Journal technology in infrastructure development, we rules governing contractual work and ensure are also able to ensure that the contribution the security of tenure of workers, to ensure of the private sector to the economy is not the jobs for the Filipino people; the adminis- solely for the improvement of growth rates tration must also certify the Security of Tenure and other statistical economic indicators but bill pending in Congress as urgent. also trickles down to grassroots communities In essence, more stable jobs and higher and improves the standard of living for a ma- wages would create a wider base of working jority of the population. people that would serve as the fuel to the Moreover, this will complement the gov- economy. As the workers’ purchasing power ernment’s conditional cash transfer program, improves and they are able to meet the needs as it would cover households who became poor of their families, the better-off they become, after potential CCT beneficiaries were already and the better they perform in their jobs. selected. It also requires no additional budget overlays as it would create jobs from exist- Economic Reforms, Perfect Complement to ing projects and budgets, which will be made Pnoy’s Political Reforms available to the underemployed poor earning Restoring integrity to our democratic in- the equivalent of the maximum CCT incomes. stitutions by cracking down on graft and cor- ruption, and easing the economic burden on End Labor Contractualization the poor through conditional cash transfers I also propose that the administration look and other poverty alleviation programs are into the private sector’s sub-contracting prac- in-roads to more sustainable development. tice. Sub-contracting is the new trend in em- We commend the efforts of the government to ployment, the private sector minimizes costs embark on this difficult task. and obligations to their employees by keeping The perfect complement to the adminis- them on short-term contracts. However, espe- tration’s efforts at reform is, still, economic cially at a time of economic crisis, the period- reforms that would protect consumers and ic termination of employment leaves workers producers from economic shocks brought and their families with very little to prevent about by our integration to the global market, their descent into poverty. By periodically re- and enable a more pro-labor environment of placing employed people by unemployed ones, employment. this employment illusion will certainly provide It is a matter of both political will and in- no improvement to the nation’s 7.4 per cent novative policies that the Aquino administra- unemployment rate, nor will it have consider- tion can make the most out of reforms. And able contribution in the administration’s anti- in all these efforts, Akbayan is one with the poverty efforts. administration in pursuing the development of It is important to ensure that employers the grassroots communities and local econo- will not make radical cuts in employment to mies, and the improvement of the standards of maintain profit margins, and ensure that work- living of each and every Filipino. ers are provided with permanent employment and the corresponding benefits, as stipulated Sincerely yours, in the labor code. The administration must remain on the side of workers and regulate, and even minimize, the private sector’s sub- HON. WALDEN BELLO contracting practices. Akbayan, pro-labor rep- AkbayanPartylist resentatives and our labor partners spearhead the on-going legislative effort to redesign the 32<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal Social Democracy and Business: Lessons learned from the 3rd Conference of the Network of Social Democracy in Asia (Socdem Asia)

Martin Manurung Steering Committee of Socdem Asia

From October 19 to 23, 2010, social demo- employers, the workers, and the community. cratic political parties, pre-parties, scholars Based on freedom, justice and solidarity, and activists in Asia had a gathering and dis- social democracy aims at “living together” as a cussions on “Growth, Social Balance and Sus- community, a nation, a region, and citizens of tainability: Perspectives for Social Democratic the world. Thus, “living together” must be an Economic Policies in Asia.” end to be put above all means, including the One of the most interesting topics is the market system. The market system is a genius relationship between social democratic par- to allocate resources efficiently, but it doesn’t ties and the business community. It is easy work for justice and equality. Hence, the mar- to notice from the discussions, that social ket is a good servant, but a bad master. democratic parties in Asia are uneasy when Because we live together, then partnership talking about how should they ‘work together’ becomes important. We learned from the “Ger- with the business community. Although his- man experience”, which they have created an tory shows that social democracy is never an association of social democratic business man- “anti-business” ideology, debates subsequent- agers, social-democratic parties/groups could ly occurred on what kind of relationship they create a space where their “traditional” con- should create with the business, along with stituents can meet, discuss and subsequently the main priority to put the interests of work- find common ground with other groups of the ers and the three social democratic principles; society such as the business community. freedom, justice and solidarity. The common ground would be fundamental Nevertheless, it is certain that at the heart to put forward common agenda between the of social democracy remains dialogue and par- social democratic parties and the business. ticipation. Therefore, contrary to the economic The “Swedish experience” has shown that so- practices of the (neo)liberals, the economy is cial democratic policies and the welfare state too important to be left only at the hands system were first implemented as a result of of a closed group of people dubbed as ‘the common interests and common agenda from technocrats’. Economic and business policies both the workers and the employers. They should be designed, discussed, decided and wanted a system that makes Sweden work for subsequently implemented with the participa- all and indeed it has lasted for a century. tion of all stakeholders: the government, the Asian Social Democracy Journal >>33 The Journal

Making Social Democracy Acceptable: A Report of the Exhibitions on Social Democracy

Paskal Kleden*

Since 2009, Friedrich – Ebert – Stiftung are reflected in the 1945 Constitution which (FES) Indonesian Office has been conducting stipulates among others that every citizen exhibitions on social democracy in several has the right to an education, that natural cities. During the New Order, the Indonesian resources are utilized as much as possible for government had the tendency to put anything the welfare of the people, and that the poor with a socialist label in the same basket with and neglected children are taken care of by communism. The exhibitions try to correct the state. The cooperation with Tempo Insti- that stereotypical perception and making the tute, the NGO arm of the well known magazine social democratic ideology more acceptable Tempo, made it possible to explain the his- for the young people. tory and thoughts of Hatta, Sjahrir, and Tan This is conducted by two means. First, by Malaka in 25 banners. Secondly, in addition to explaining to the audience that the thinking displaying and elucidating the political think- of the Indonesian founding fathers like the ing of the three founding fathers mentioned first Vice President Mohammad Hatta, first above, the exhibition also constitutes the his- Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir, and anti – co- tory of the Social Democratic Party of Germany lonial activist Tan Malaka are essentially so- (SPD). Here it is made clear that the SPD has cial democratic. They embrace freedom, social been in constant disagreement with the Com- justice, and solidarity. Today, these principles munist Party of Germany or also known as the 34<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands (KPD) in Singapore Resident Director Norbert von Hof- the early 20th century and that the two par- mann covered the German practice of social ties promoted different values. The history of democracy while Member of Parliament from the SPD is elucidated by using of 29 banners Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Tian Chua asserted created by the FES department of history in about the progress of social democracy in Germany. Malaysia. Tian Chua reminded the participants In conducting the exhibition, FES cooper- that socialists should stop their disagree- ates with universities, student groups, and ments about who is more correct, and should local NGOs. Students are usually involved as rather stress cooperation in shaping policies. exhibition guides explaining the history of His statement was a reminder for social demo- social democracy in Indonesia and Germany as cratic groups in Indonesia which are highly well as organizers. fragmented. The first exhibition was conducted in In April 2010, FES conducted the second Parahyangan University, Bandung on 11 – 13 exhibition, this time at the University of Indo- November 2009. It was attended by 531 par- nesia (UI) in Depok. The title “Speaking about ticipants and was considered as very success- the Original Indonesian Version of Democracy” ful. One session asserts about the comparative triggered criticisms from several speakers such perspectives on social democracy. Former FES as sociologists Ignas Kleden and Robertus Asian Social Democracy Journal >>35 The Journal

Robert who assert that there is no Indonesian nized outside Java. The Department of History version of democracy. The idea of democracy and the Department of Public Administration was broached in ancient Greece and its prin- of Hasanuddin University became enthusias- ciples are further developed by mostly western tic partners and managed to invite the Mayor thinkers. Insisting that there is an Indonesian of Makassar Irwan Arief Sirajuddin to give an version of democracy could become a risk for opening remark. Moreover, there were also democracy itself because authoritarian leaders lessons learned from the two previous exhibi- could deviate from its principles by arguing tions. FES realized that there was only very that they are speaking on behalf of a form of little media coverage. At UI, Member of Par- democracy rooted in local values. Their state- liament Budiman Sudjatmiko who attended as ments prompted a discussion about when local one of the speakers challenged the organizers values must be respected and when they must “Where is the media?” he demanded. To ad- be forfeited to give space to more universal dress that particular problem FES decided to values such as democracy. A new topic that cooperate with the Association of Indepen- was discussed was “My Way of Politics” which dent Journalists (AJI) in Makassar. The orga- elaborated on the alternative ways that have nization had been cooperating on numerous been conducted by people to express their issues related to press freedom with FES at concerns about Indonesia’s political develop- a national level and was luckily also eager to ment for instance through songs, poems, or cooperate in Makassar. The cooperation with documentary. Almost 1500 participants at- AJI boosted the media coverage. Every day tended the four days exhibition at UI. during the exhibition there was media cover- The third exhibition was held several age from the local media. Makassar is known months later, in Oktober 2010 in Makassar, as a violent city with numerous demonstra- Sulawesi, and was the first exhibition orga- tions. Former FES Indonesia Resident Director 36<< Asian Social Democracy Journal The Journal

Erwin Schweisshelm admitted in his opening fishermen. In the past the ministry’s budget speech about his misgivings with the situa- only allocated 10 – 15% for the fishermen. tion. Fortunately, with the cooperation of the The budget was increased this year up to 35% local organizers everything went safely, and and will be further increased next year to despite being conducted during the fasting 50%. The visit of Fadel Muhammad attracted a period enthusiasm remained high and the significant number of participants but proved number of participants reached almost 2000. to be a challenge for the organizers who must FES carried out its most recent exhibition comply with the required protocol. A few days in Medan with the cooperation of the Faculty before the exhibition several ministerial staff of Social and Political Science Universitas came to visit the venue and asked the organiz- Sumatera Utara and the Social Urban Work- ers to make improvements where necessary. ing Group (KKSP) which was an FES partner A topic on political identity was suggest- in implementing programs on reform of civic ed to address the partisan divide in Medan. education. Unlike in Makassar this time the Ethnic and religion has segregated the local communication with the media was taken care government, business community, and even of by a number of alumni of the university. For NGOs. Priest and professor, Franz Magnis Suse- the first time, there was a minister to open no made a remark that was widely applauded. the exhibition. Fadel Muhammad, Minister for He called for a more humble implementation Maritime Affairs and Fisheries took his time of religion. “We all received our religion from to share his thoughts on the constitutional humans. No one has ever met God himself” he mandate for a people’s oriented economy. He asserts. Moreover, in a book launching on the also informed the participants that his vision history of Pancasila the speakers were chal- was to reform his ministry to be able to ad- lenged by a female activist from Hizbut Tahrir dress the needs of its target group, namely Indonesia, a fundamental Moslem organiza- Asian Social Democracy Journal >>37 The Journal tion. She argues that all the values in Pan- Several students who were asked to give com- casila which became the state philosophy in ments on the exhibition in the last days were Indonesia are already reflected in the Quran. surprised about the methodology used. The Therefore, according to her, Islam is able to discussions were serious but were packaged provide a universal solution for Indonesia. She in a popular way. With such enthusiasms it is also argues that Pancasila is not really an ide- not unlikely that social democratic principles ology. There are only three ideologies namely as promulgated in the 1945 Constitution can capitalism, communism and Islam. Writer Yudi be truly implemented in Indonesia. An Indo- Latief contradicts her, and elucidates that she nesian proverb says “Not knowing means not only derogates Islam by putting it at the same loving”. Hopefully FES can contribute to social plane with human made ideologies. The event democracy by making it more known and ac- was the most successful and was visited by ceptable to the public. over 3000 participants during the four days. The exhibition has been a breakthrough * The writer is Assistant to Resident for FES in reaching out to the young people. Director at FES Indonesia Office

38<< Asian Social Democracy Journal Book Review Speaking For The Reformasi Generation (REFSA, Kuala Lumpur, 2009) by Liew Chin Tong

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times - that best de- scribe the times we are in, at least for us here in Malaysia, especially in the period between 1998-2008.

In the past decade, Malaysia collectively have gone through a unique experience of turmoils and growth; the 1997 Asia financial cri- sis, the unprecedented 1998 Refor- masi movement, the rise and fall of Mahathir Mohammad, the longest- serving Prime Minister, the ripple effect of post-911 global paranoid and finally, the 308 political tsuna- mi which eventually saw the end of the rule of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the rise of Najib Tun Razak amidst controversies. Speaking for the Reformasi Generation (SFTRG) is a book which speaks of the events that marked this past decade. Author Liew Chin Tong is arguably the emerging voice of this generation. A scholar, political strategist and now Mem- ber of the Malaysian Parliament, Liew who was a college student Asian Social Democracy Journal >>39 Book Review

during the 1998 Reformasi period, could not as Teresa Kok, Fong Kui Lun, DAP Supremo Lim have been in a better position to, so to speak, Kit Siang and eventually, to the Secretary- speak for the Reformasi Generation. General of DAP and the future Chief Minister The Reformasi Generation of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, Liew wrote from the The Reformasi Generation (R-Generation) is perspective of a participant, drawing from his roughly the Generation Y of Malaysia. Emerg- personal encounters with the issues and play- ing from the confused modernism of Gen X, ers of the political scene of the country. the R-Generation is in effect the real heir of In a way, SFTRG reads like an autobiog- the Baby Boomers, if only by our shared com- raphy of this young emerging political leader mitment to counterculture movement. of Malaysia. It probed into the author’s mind We grew up in the era of Mahathirism, of on thoughts ranging from national history to mega projects and political hegemony. Liew economics to politics to social issues such as echoed many young Malaysians of our times gender, housing, foreign workers and public when he wrote, “We were a generation grow- transportation. ing up without knowing any other Prime Min- But on the other hand, SFTRG is also the ister except Dr Mahathir”. biography of a Nation in transition. For Ma- Mahathir gave this generation unprec- laysia, just like for the R-Generation, the pe- edented access to the Internet, and therefore riod between 1998-2008 was a period where access to a source of infinite ideologies and we were going through late adolescence into thoughts, via his Multimedia Super Corri- another level of maturity. After more than dor (MSC) pet project. It was Mahathir who two decades of authoritarian-rule of Mahathir gave this generation its most revered icon of where fundamental freedoms such as intel- counterculture, Anwar Ibrahim when he paved lectual freedom, press freedom and freedom the way for the latter in national politics and of association were greatly suppressed, the eventually appointed him as his Deputy in Nation and along with her, the R-Generation 1993. And it was also Mahathir who gave rise thirsted for these dynamics. the opportunity for the birth of the Reformasi In his own way, Liew had managed to movement when he sacked Anwar Ibrahim in chronicle this transition, beginning with his 1998. own stories of participating in the Reformasi Ironically, it was Mahathir and his Ma- street protests and then proceeding to using hathirism which the R-Generation rebelled his skills as a political scholar to analyse the against the most. different events and milestones which even- A Biography of A Nation in Transition tually shape our Nation in her present form. Liew was not merely a passive observer of For a generation often muffled from history the events in the last ten years. As political other than those portraying the ruling UMNO- aide to a number of key Opposition leaders Barisan Nasional Government in positive light, from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) such Liew the scholar-analyst re-tell for us history

40<< Asian Social Democracy Journal Book Review

beyond official history. ruptions of UMNO-Barisan Nasional’s half-a- Thoughts on PAS century rule. One of the most interesting sections of the From the perspective of R-Generation, SFTRG must be the part on Parti Islam Se-Ma- Liew’s diagnosis of our Nation’s problem is laysia or PAS. UMNO, in order to win votes had acute. In his own words, “our problems are always painted PAS as the extremist Islamic much more serious than contesting in elec- party and DAP as the extremist Chinese social- tions and winning political matches. They ist party. By portraying its political opponents are becoming permanent, and the country is as religious far-right and communalist far-left, caught holding the short end of the stick as UMNO had managed to sell itself as the mod- the international economy evolves in ways erate centre party, although there were many that threaten to make us a failed state.” instances when it tried to out-Islam PAS to But the R-Generation is a generation win the Malay-Muslims’ votes. of change, it is after all a generation of Liew’s perspective into PAS therefore, is a “reform”. very much welcomed fresh air. He was not only Liew spoke for many of us when he wrote, writing as a scholar whose main research was “the essential differences between us - those on the Islamic party, but also as a leader of who desire reforms - and them - those who DAP, a party which was demonize by UMNO favour the status quo and thus decline - are along with PAS and a party which had bit- that we crave new ideas and knowledge, we ter-sweet relationship with PAS since their go beyond the usual racial caricatures and partnership in the Barisan Alternatif (BA) in embrace not only all Malaysians but also the 1999. world, and we believe that essential change It is interesting to note that at the end of is possible”. the section on PAS, Liew identified himself not only with, but as one of the Erdogans, a label given to the progressive section of the Islamic Steven Sim party. This perhaps is a glimpse of a new era The author is the Executive Secretary of of co-operation between DAP and PAS even as the Network of Social Democracy in Asia and both parties struggled to form the political was formerly Special Assistant to Penang State alternative to UMNO-Barisan Nasional. Executive Councillor for Youth and Sports. He A Generation Where Change Is Possible is currently pursuing his post-graduate degree The R-Generation had enjoyed the benefits in Philosophy. In 1998 during the Reformasi of unprecedented wealth from the rapid mod- movement, he was a 16-year old student. ernization of the Mahathir era. Yet, precisely Speaking For The Reformasi Generation is because of this reason, we are more exposed available for purchase at to progressive political idea of rights and http://www.refsa.org/books.html therefore are more keenly aware of the cor-

Asian Social Democracy Journal >>41 2011 Socdem Asia International Workers’ Day Message

In the capitalist system the ever present others, sacrificing the best part of his or her need for workforce is accompanied by the the life without any hope of reaping a return. ever present oppressions of the workers. While This situation is very real in Asia with studies workers everywhere observe this year’s Inter- showing only about 25% of workers in major national Workers’ Day, we are aware of the parts of the region are covered by some kind ongoing challenges and new obstacles work- of pension schemes. Governments in this re- ers face as the world moves into the second gion must begin to listen to the cries of the decade of the 21st century. Today, escalating workers. The recent revolutions in Africa and food prices and cost of living made it impos- the middle east displayed the strength of the sible for many wage earners to live a decent working class who will react when govern- life in their own countries. Many of these ments continually ignore our pleas. The work- workers eventually have to seek employment ers who generate economic growths can also in other countries. The workers have no coun- generate political changes. try, so goes the old saying. This is even truer Finally, we hope that this year’s observa- for migrant workers because not only they are tion of the International Workers’ Day will give strangers in the countries where they work, strength to workers to continue our struggle but more often than not, they receive no pro- for a better world. Comrades, let us arise and tection from their home countries. move forth stronger in unity. Happy Interna- SOCDEM Asia is committed to advocate for tional Workers’ Day. the strengthening of social security in par- ticular here in Asia. The right to social secu- In solidarity, rity must be extended to both domestic and migrant workers. Workers who labour for the Steven Sim country must be allowed to enjoy the fruits Executive Secretary of their labour, share in the nation’s prosper- Network of Social Democracy in Asia ity and be cared for in return when they can 01 May 2011 no longer contribute their labour. Without social security, a worker labours in vain for 42<< Asian Social Democracy Journal Willy Brandt (18 December 1913–8 October 1992)

Wir wollen mehr Demokratie wagen. Wir wollen eine Gesellschaft, die mehr Freiheit bietet und mehr Mitverantwortung fordert.

We want to dare more democracy. We want a society that offers more freedom and calls for more responsibility. Participants of Conference of the Network of Social Democracy in Asia: “Growth, Social Balance and Sustainability: Perspectives for Social Democratic Economic Policies in Asia”, 19 – 22 October 2010, Jakarta/INDONESIA