Lord Alderdice talked to Malaysians about his perspectives on Liberalism

In the afternoon of May 1st 2006, approximately 30 Malaysians from political and civil society organizations gathered in Kuala Lumpur to meet with Lord Alderdice, President of the Liberal International. Also present at the event was Mr. Hubertus von Welck, Regional Director and Mr. Rainer Heufers, Project Director, of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Mr. Jasper Veen, Secretary General of the Liberal International. The session was chaired by Ms. Nora Murat from Sisters-in-Islam.

The participants at the event consisted of IAF alumni members, Malaysian political organizations such as Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia and Parti Keadilan Rakyat as well as representatives from the local civil society and the Internet blogging community, comprising groups such as www.cicak.com, www.balairakyat.com and a few others.

Lord Alderdice began by recounting his experiences in growing in strife-torn Northern Ireland and how he came to see the practical application of Liberalism as one for the avenues for political solutions problems faced in his country.

In his 30 minute address, Lord Alderdice outlined the basic concepts of Liberalism by touching on the meaning and implications of Freedom, Democracy and Free Markets. He related his personal experiences as well as observations on international relations as explained how such concepts had been implemented towards the interest of the public in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

During the Question and Answer session, some notable questions related to the perceptions on the term “Liberal” which in the local parlance has sometimes been equated with indiscipline or unprincipled, to which Lord Alderdice replied that it was in the contrary as Liberalism stands for justice and rule of law but the fair and democratic application of such principles. Other questions included perspectives on the different shades of Liberalism being practiced in the West (e.g. between the United States and Europe), advice to local proponents as well as to those working in difficult and under authoritarian strictures.

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