The Rule of Law in Asia

Monday, October 10, 2011, 16.15–17.45, Žofín Palace, Forum Hall

Opening Remarks:

Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan

 

Keynote Speech:

Kiichi Fujiwara, Professor of International Politics, University of Tokyo, Japan

 

Moderator:

Surendra Munshi, Sociologist, India

Panel Discussion:

Marites Vitug, Journalist, Chair, Advisory Board, Newsbreak, Philippines

Steven Gan, Editor, Malaysiakini, Malaysia

 

 

The panel discussed the rule of law in Asia and Asia’s process of democratization. Surendra Munshi opened the discussion by saying, “you cannot divorce rule of law with morality,” which coincides with Asian cultures. Yohei Sasakawa noted that there are highly diverse societies within Asia; while some countries have achieved economic success, it does not necessarily mean that they have guaranteed human and political rights.

 

Kiichi Fujiwara asked: “has the transition to democracy enhanced the rule of law in Asia? Well, it’s not necessarily so.” He listed the different types of democracies and gave specific examples from Asian history. There are new and young democracies in Asia, but because of the various types, there are no perfect democracies in the region. There is a slow transition from authoritarianism to democratization, and Fujiwara emphasized the development of a democracy that can coincide with the rule of law.

Marites Vitug listed three points that are crucial for a young democracy, specifically in the Philippines: education, openness of government (i.e. transparency and accountability), and public trust in the government. Steven Gan discussed the development of “democracy babies,” and how proper nurturing will lead to proper growth. He highlights the role of public opinion and how “the internet has been seen as a weapon to promote democracy.” Gan put this idea into context by commenting on the Arab Spring. A recurring topic discussed during the panel was the role of technology and the media. All speakers agreed that these are powerful tools during the process of democratization in Asia and throughout the world.