Thailand must embark on Mandela's road to democracy

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Thailand must embark on Mandela's road to democracy



Demonstrators hold up a portrait of late South African President, Nobel laureate and global icon Nelson Mandela, with a quote reading

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun speaks about the "Long Walk to Democratic Governance" at Chulalongkorn University to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18. Here's the concluding part of his speech.

Nelson Mandela contributed greatly to the emergence of a new Constitution for South Africa in 1996 which embedded human rights and the Rule of Law in his country. The 1996 Constitution is appreciated globally as ground breaking in a variety of ways. It underlines the concept of "human dignity" as an overarching rationale and linchpin, a concept closely linked with human rights. And it contains a Bill of Rights entrenching a broad range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, while clarifying also whether those rights are absolute and what is to be permissible when a state of emergency is to be imposed.

Fourth, accountability and transparency should be guiding principles for governance. What plagues many governments is the opaque nature of power, replete with the ominous three C's, namely (1) Corruption; (2) Cronyism; and (3) Clientelism. Where accountability and transparency are jeopardised, good governance is compromised and democracy is undermined.

As with all settings, there is a need for checks-and-balances to prevent abuse of power and to ensure responsibility and accountability of actions. The South Africa which emerged with Nelson Mandela and the advent of democracy tried to address this equilibrium by means of a variety of institutions and processes. For instance, there is an active Constitutional Court which has used the notion of "human dignity" to press for changes in the economic sphere and a more effective response to overcome poverty.

There is also a National Human Rights Commission which helps to keep a check on executive action, especially where the latter infringes basic rights, with the possibility of redress against violations.

The presence of national pillars embodying power at the top is complemented by decentralisation and respect for the provinces and other localities. Interestingly, the South African Constitution set up a Parliament consisting of not only the National Assembly, but also the National Council of Provinces, with both houses participating in the legislative process so that there is a balance between the centrality of the State and the plurality of its provinces.

To promote democratic governance, even where democracy has in appearance arrived, various entry points need to be explored to nurture a sense of responsibility, particularly among those in power.

For instance, access by the public to information held by governments is crucial to promoting transparency and responsible decision-making.

In regard to politicians and law enforcers, there is a need to select capable candidates who possess integrity, to provide them with adequate remuneration, and to evaluate their performance with appropriate motivational incentives.

Likewise, there is a need for laws, policies and practices for the prevention and elimination of monopolies and the promotion of competitiveness; and a need for education and capacity-building to foster responsible behaviour from a young age, including a sense of duty to contribute to the collective interest and welfare of society.

Fifth, a vibrant civil society is a key to ensuring a responsive government and safeguarding against executive excesses. Nelson Mandela recognised well the critical role of civil society, and a vocal press. Indeed, his emergence from years of imprisonment was largely due to assistance by those elements to remind and mobilise the global and local communities to pressure for his release.

In South Africa, the post-apartheid era has thus flourished with a plethora of civil society actors, including non-governmental organisations and community groups, which address a range of societal concerns and keep a watch over governmental and bureaucratic actions.

Further, the health of a democracy can be measured by the authenticity of its civil society and the extent of citizen participation in public policy-making. Civil society provides an important source of information for intelligent debate on matters of public interest.

Civil society also provides a mechanism whereby the collective views of citizens can shape and influence government policy. By bringing into the public domain arguments and information as a context for examining policy, a democratic government is forced to present counter-arguments or to modify its position. Such exchange strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Finally, it is clear that when the deliberative process within a political system accepts the role played by civil society, it also implicitly agrees that citizens have a role to play in checking government in decision-making. A vibrant civil society thus ensures more thorough decision-making in a democracy.

Sixth, responsive leadership that answers to the needs of the people is critical. Whatever "pathways" are opened to democratic governance, the aperture would be incomplete without transparent and responsive leadership.

Nelson Mandela's achievements are not only to be measured by what he did during his term of office, but also by what he did after the end of his Presidency. He was a key supporter of a range of humanitarian concerns, including programmes and services for disadvantaged groups. He became, and remains today, a great role model for all of humanity.

The qualities of leadership for sustainable democracy are to be found in those who act in an honest, transparent and accountable manner. They are consensus builders, open-minded and fair. They are committed to justice and advancing the public interest. And they are tolerant of opposing positions.

The seventh and final pathway that I want to emphasise concerns the need to promote broad-based education and knowledge sharing. The work which Nelson Mandela initiated continues and cannot be considered to have finished. Its mission depends on building the knowledge base, attitude, skills and behaviour responsive to human rights and democracy.

Democracy starts with the wisdom of the voting public, however that wisdom is acquired. The voting public must understand its responsibilities in a democracy and have access to the means to exercise choice in the democratic process.

Much depends on an educational setting that helps to open up the mind and avoid dogma and prejudice. Learning by doing is essential, underlining not only access to formal educational settings but also participation in community work to nurture a sense of care and commitment for the less advantaged.

A struggle in many developing countries is how to channel resources to make education more relevant to the tasks of daily life, to change the emphasis from rote memorisation to creativity and independent thinking, and to extend the outreach of education programmes to all, including girls and women living in poverty.

The heart of democracy beats not only with universal quality education, but also with the participation of all citizens in exercising their rights - first, to call for inclusion of issues of concern to them in the political agenda, and second, to choose among those whom they feel would best address their concerns in the political process.

In Asia as in the West, democracy is won not just through the ballot box. The real struggle is fought out on the streets by students, farmers, workers and other ordinary citizens who come out en masse to express their dissatisfaction. For democracy to live, citizens must resist the temptation to being apathetic. This is part of democratic governance. Each community, workplace and school needs programmes for promoting grassroots democracy. We must enable the process to mature through our sustained commitment and actions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I started my statement by alluding to Nelson Mandela's legacy and the critical link between the values he stood for and the path to democratic governance.

I would like to end my statement today with a quote from a 1999 speech by Mr Mandela:

"It is true that South Africa was often brought to the brink of destruction because of differences. But let us reaffirm this one thing today: it is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not! "

Let us draw from these words of wisdom in our collective efforts to build a stronger foundation for democracy in Thailand.

Let us strive to avoid the mistakes of the past and continue our mission to complete the "long walk to democratic governance."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thailand-must-embark-on-Mandelas-road-to-democracy-30239150.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-23

[Mister Max]

Democracy is an inferior form of government.

[NongKhaiKid]

A Thai Nelson Mandela ?

[EnzoRippo]

And Peace Nobel Prize for Prayuth?

[canuckamuck]

The system of occasionally tossing out governments has been working for the last 80 years. What's the problem?

[Payboy]

Or settle for the next best, Morgan Freeman's road to product endorsements.

[chainarong]

I think Thailand should stick with what it knows, the Mandela road is exactly what you don't need , South Africa is not a fine example of democracy, more like a population out of control, very similar to some of the political members and supporters in Thailand, keep focust on what Thailand knows, if you insist in copying some country for a democracy model, look no further than the West, just quietly Thailand lift your game.

[tonbridgebrit]

Nelson Mandela, regarded as a hero by America and Britain, and indeed most of planet earth, IS actually an example of freedom and how politics should take place.

The man was almost a legend in his own life-time, surely regarded as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century.

I can't say that I reckon the Nation is an excellent newspaper, I'd much rather cheer on other Thai newspapers, but sometimes, the Nation gets it right, (or actually, what I think is right).

Well done, Nation newspaper. Actually, all you're doing is saying what the bulk of planet earth reckons.

[binjalin]

Thailand IS in desperate need of a 'Mandala'

a clean, honest and ethics driven leader but none of the current lot match up to 5% of a Mandala. If he/she is there step out of the shadows your time has come!

[jaidam]

It's a sobering thought that in the last 25 years Thailand has gone from having the honest Anand as PM, to the nest of vipers that was the TRT,PPP,PTP. Not what I call progress at all.

[noitom]

The Nelson Mandela signage and quote that the Thai press refers to above is advocating liberation for the Palestinians. Yet in earlier Thai press ramblings, it states that Thailand supports both Israel and Palestinians. This incongruity and the use of this particular photo and slogan in the Thai press indicates that the Thai press doesn't understand the fundamental things that it uses for its own source material.

[tominbkk]

[timmyp]

I love the clear shot of "Jacky Tattoo" in the background.

[noitom]

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

[SABloke]

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

Everyone was a terrorist according the Apartheid government

[binjalin]

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

Everyone was a terrorist according the Apartheid government

yup just like the Israeli's stance

anyway back to a 'Thai Mandala' would it not be a magnificent thing to have an ethical, focused honest leader that all sides could rally around? a pipe dream i guess *sigh*

[jaidam]

LOL, one of the funniest pics in the Thaksin propaganda campaign. Thaksin ought to have had a negro's hand transplanted, if he wanted people other than the cult members to swallow this one.

[Emster23]

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

Same was said about Israelis to be when they blew up King David hotel during establishment of Israel. Boston Tea Party could also be called terrorist activity. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter.

[jayboy]

LOL, one of the funniest pics in the Thaksin propaganda campaign. Thaksin ought to have had a negro's hand transplanted, if he wanted people other than the cult members to swallow this one.

Actually it is a genuine picture as was discussed and proven on this forum at the time.I have no idea of how or why it was arranged - but I fail to see the point of pretending it didn't take place.

As for Anand's ludicrous piece it's weird to think this old buffer was once regarded as statesmanlike.

As for the late Nelson Mandela it hardly requires a genius to work out which side he would support in Thailand's current conflict.

[jaidam]

LOL, one of the funniest pics in the Thaksin propaganda campaign. Thaksin ought to have had a negro's hand transplanted, if he wanted people other than the cult members to swallow this one.

Actually it is a genuine picture as was discussed and proven on this forum at the time.I have no idea of how or why it was arranged - but I fail to see the point of pretending it didn't take place.

As for Anand's ludicrous piece it's weird to think this old buffer was once regarded as statesmanlike.

As for the late Nelson Mandela it hardly requires a genius to work out which side he would support in Thailand's current conflict.

Sorry, but I do not consider a few red frothers throwing their toys out of the pram as "proving" anything.

[Franky Bear]

Mandela is a terrorist!!!

[tomyummer]

LOL, one of the funniest pics in the Thaksin propaganda campaign. Thaksin ought to have had a negro's hand transplanted, if he wanted people other than the cult members to swallow this one.

Just a friendly side observation. I would bet a case of Budweiser to say you are probably not an Amercian?

[klauskunkel]

Demonstrators hold up a portrait of late South African President, Nobel laureate and global icon Nelson Mandela, with a quote reading

...with a quote reading.... - blank -

they couldn't find a French translator with a valid work permit? Google translate was down?

Edited July 23, 2014 by klauskunkel

[weegee]

Thailand IS in desperate need of a 'Mandala'

a clean, honest and ethics driven leader but none of the current lot match up to 5% of a Mandala. If he/she is there step out of the shadows your time has come!

They already have one.....he's runnng the country now.....TOP JOB!!... mght add.

Cant deny that can we.

[Soutpeel]

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

We could debate this terrorist/freedom figher thing all day, but the thing one should explore is the Mandela legacy as there are some striking parallels between SA today and Thailand up to this point.

In SA, the white "elite" has been replaced with a "black elite" - An "elite" issue in Thailand

In SA, sitting members of parliament have been involved in numerous criminal activites, including gun running, rape and quite a few other things - In Thailand similar

In SA, "the head of state" has been accused of Rape and pilfering donations made by the British goverment to build himself a new house - In Thailand numerous PM's have been accused and caught out involved with "criminal" activity

In SA, the treasury is regularly "looted" by people for their own personal gain - simillar to Thailand

In SA, there is cronyism, nepotism and corrpution within the goverment, administrative structures

In SA, Adminstraitve goverment offices/departments are ineffective in their fuunctions - much like Thailand

In SA, the law and order side of things is rapidly becoming ineffective and not functioning properly - same a Thailand

In SA, the poor are still poor and the "rich" still rich - same as Thailand

The list goes on and on

But yes all citizens have have the vote now and "democratic rights", same as Thailand

So what can we conclude from all this, the democratic South Africa is or is rapidly becoming what Thailand already is, so maybe not the best model for Thailand to be following in their apsirations for change and create a "new" Thailand

[Oziex1]

We Celebrate the likes of Mandela, Ghandi and other outstanding figures of history, as we should. Sadly when they're gone, we revert to the primitive. South Africa is not a leading light for democracy or the enlightenment of the human race.

Edited July 23, 2014 by Oziex1

[jayboy]

LOL, one of the funniest pics in the Thaksin propaganda campaign. Thaksin ought to have had a negro's hand transplanted, if he wanted people other than the cult members to swallow this one.

Actually it is a genuine picture as was discussed and proven on this forum at the time.I have no idea of how or why it was arranged - but I fail to see the point of pretending it didn't take place.

As for Anand's ludicrous piece it's weird to think this old buffer was once regarded as statesmanlike.

As for the late Nelson Mandela it hardly requires a genius to work out which side he would support in Thailand's current conflict.

Sorry, but I do not consider a few red frothers throwing their toys out of the pram as "proving" anything.

The meeting was confirmed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation.It was a meeting, no more or less - and there's probably not much significance to it.

What is however completely unquestionable is what position Nelson Mandela would have taken on the Thai political conflict, specifically whether his sympathies would have rested with the poor majority or the feudal/military elite.That's why it's stomach turning and rather sad to see a foolish once respected old man try to make the case (by inference) for the opposite.I'm not arguing the case against checks and balances on political power - but in Thailand ther's a legitimate argument these have been suborned to vested interests (as in present day South Africa if truth to be told).

You can call it "red froth" or whatever else you like.It's the usual thicko response to any kind of dissent.But intelligent and perceptive people know the truth.

[JoeThePoster]

I'm not holding my breath till they open a Mandela Fried Chicken outlet here.

[Rykbanlor]

Thailand IS in desperate need of a 'Mandala'

a clean, honest and ethics driven leader but none of the current lot match up to 5% of a Mandala. If he/she is there step out of the shadows your time has come!

They already have one.....he's runnng the country now.....TOP JOB!!... mght add.

Cant deny that can we.

If you are referring to Khun Por, then no we can't. If you're referring to Prayuth, it might be worthwhile giving it a little more time before we start sucking his d**k left right and centre.

[ronwparker]

We have had many criminals in Government in Thailand,the Shiniwatra family is just an example and you allow them to leave the country,pay no taxes and laugh at you!Thailand has never had a real democracy and until you make people pay some taxes and get better social benefits you will never have a real democracy

But I agree with most of the points made below.

Just for the record, Nelson Mandela was a terrorist before he became a freedom fighter. There is a very thin line between a terrorist and a freedom fighter.

We could debate this terrorist/freedom figher thing all day, but the thing one should explore is the Mandela legacy as there are some striking parallels between SA today and Thailand up to this point.

In SA, the white "elite" has been replaced with a "black elite" - An "elite" issue in Thailand

In SA, sitting members of parliament have been involved in numerous criminal activites, including gun running, rape and quite a few other things - In Thailand similar

In SA, "the head of state" has been accused of Rape and pilfering donations made by the British goverment to build himself a new house - In Thailand numerous PM's have been accused and caught out involved with "criminal" activity

In SA, the treasury is regularly "looted" by people for their own personal gain - simillar to Thailand

In SA, there is cronyism, nepotism and corrpution within the goverment, administrative structures

In SA, Adminstraitve goverment offices/departments are ineffective in their fuunctions - much like Thailand

In SA, the law and order side of things is rapidly becoming ineffective and not functioning properly - same a Thailand

In SA, the poor are still poor and the "rich" still rich - same as Thailand

The list goes on and on

But yes all citizens have have the vote now and "democratic rights", same as Thailand

So what can we conclude from all this, the democratic South Africa is or is rapidly becoming what Thailand already is, so maybe not the best model for Thailand to be following in their apsirations for change and create a "new" Thailand