Strengthening inter-parliamentary collaboration to respond to global challenges
be little doubt that the presidential election in the United States captured world attention to an extent not wit- nessed since the days of the election of President John Kennedy. I am sure that Members of the CPA will join with me in wishing the new President every success for his tenure. However, the hopes and aspirations of people across the world that President-Elect Obama will bring a new order have surely been dampened by the onset and severity of the current eco- nomic crisis.Thus in a sense it is, as Charles Dickens said,“the best of times and the worst of times” – “best”, in that democracy continues to flourish in the world’s most powerful nation where the first black citizen in its history was elect- ed president. It is interesting to note that he has family connections with one and possibly two of our Commonwealth member states,Kenya and possibly Tanzania. It is the “worst” of times in the sense that the
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any momentous events have occurred since my first “View from the Chair” a few months ago.There can
Hon. Dato’ Seri
Mohd. Shafie Apdal, MP
Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Minister of Unity, Culture,Arts and Heritage, Malaysia
world economic crisis has already impacted adversely in nearly every nation across the globe. Many are los- ing jobs, businesses are failing and – inevitably and tragically – poverty levels will rise.These events have been exacerbated by the wild fluctuations of the price of oil from US$147 a barrel four months ago to the price, as I write, of around US$50.This is already causing considerable economic problems not just for the producing nations but also for energy-dependent nations. It may well be that we are witnessing the closing days of the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement and that we are entering a new era of world eco- nomic management. What – you might be inclined to ask – has this got to do with the future direction of the CPA? My answer is simple, but in two parts. First, the direct consequence of the economic downturn is bound to place stress and tension on even the most
294 The Parliamentarian 2008/Issue Four
mature parliamentary democratic processes. Secondly, I suggest on a more optimistic note that current events provide us in the CPA with a new opportunity to posi- tively influence international dialogue on the future of world economic macro-management. However, I believe that we have to redouble our efforts and forge a stronger unity of purpose and more effective relationships within our association, if we are to continue and enhance our support for the devel- opment of parliamentary democracy and if we are to rise to the challenge that the new opportunities bring.As I pointed out in my speech to the CPA earlier this year, I think there is still much more we can do as an association to enhance collaboration and promote our common purpose. The kind of unity I am proposing does not mean that everyone has to fol- low an identical democratic or parlia- mentary blueprint.To put it another way,“oneness” does not mean “same-
ness”.The CPA is a unique organization consisting of Member Parliaments and Legislatures from every continent in the world: Some are in mature devel- oped nations, some are in the process of development and some are struggling to build and strengthen their nation states. Our association contains Members from each group and is like a kaleidoscope of parliamen- tary experience and know-how.Thus, there is no doubt in my mind that if we can harness this diversi- ty through stronger networks and support each other especially during these difficult times, the prize of success will be more than significant. I will expand on this theme a little further. First, I would like to see the CPA use its influ- ence in the creation of a more equitable world eco- nomic order. As I said earlier, the Bretton Woods Agreement may have run its course and there will in all likelihood have to be major systemic and structural changes. Surely, it is no longer going to be acceptable or even practical for one nation or