Anwar urges vigilance in Asian democracies

MANILA, Philippines - Former Malaysian deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has recognized the “fragility” of emerging democracies in Asia and urged people to be more concerned and vigilant to make democracy work.

Speaking at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law in Diliman, Quezon City on “Asian Renaissance and the Fourth Wave of Democratization” yesterday, Malaysia’s popular opposition leader said the principles of freedom and good governance could not be compromised.

“A vibrant democracy needs a vibrant opposition,” he stressed.

Anwar said the fragility of democracy stems from the lack of resolve to build democratic institutions, including judicial independence and the failure to address parliamentary issues.

He also called the staging of coups d’etat as “endemic corruption” in governments, which directly affect the strength of institutions and become threats to the conduct of good governance and liberal or constitutional democracy in a nation.

“We must have more concerned, more vigilant citizens, media, (and) academia (to maintain strong and free institutions),” he said.

Anwar also stressed the importance of a transparent election, saying a fair election is the first step to liberal or constitutional democracy.

Local observers said the Malaysian leader’s pronouncements come at a time when the Philippines is geared towards what could be the most important election in history, and amidst controversy regarding appointment of the country’s next chief justice.

Anwar said nations need “the wisdom of having or gaining independent election commission” and “allow independent international observers to ensure that the elections are clearly transparent.”

He added that governments must protect the rights and liberties of minorities, “even if it entails the loss of popularity.”

But assuming that fair and transparent elections are in place, Anwar explained that the fruits of democracy must be guarded by ensuring the protection of civil and other liberties, as entrenched in constitutions.

He also pointed out the importance of instituting civil society participation as well as independence of the judiciary as check and balance of the legislative and executive branches of the government.

Anwar then recognized the need to adopt “active engagement through sustained dialogue” to avert a clash of interests, which could undermine the objective and gains of democracy.

He said the region faces new challenges as it goes into the new century, such as underdevelopment, marginalization, and endemic corruption.

But he encouraged nations to have a global outlook, the inner strength and conviction to surpass these challenges and preserve democracy.

He said he believes that the renaissance of the Fourth Wave of Democratization would emerge in Asia. -- Katherine Adraneda