Modern Direct Democracy: Exhibition and Forum

The Embassy of Switzerland and the Asia-Europe Institute at the University of Malaya cordially invite you to the launching of the Modern Direct Democracy Exhibition and Forum.

Date & Time: Monday, 8 April 2019 at 0845 hours
Venue: Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya

Programme:

Modern Direct Democracy Exhibition

The exhibition aims to draw attention to modern direct democratic institutions in Switzerland and their peculiarities comparing with the developments in the host country, Malaysia.

The Modern Direct Democracy did not emerge seamlessly and painlessly from the form of indirect democracy which came into being with the creation of the Swiss federal state after the French revolution. In the 150 years of its history as a modern democracy, Switzerland has developed a form of direct democracy and federal participation in decision-making which is much more than just the victory of a majority over minority.

The objectives of this exhibition is to enable the visitors to learn about the history of direct democracy as well as new developments and challenges for the people, institutions and politicians in Switzerland as well as in Malaysia besides providing an ideal platform for bilateral exchanges of ideas.

Date: 8-19 April 2019
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Launching ceremony: 8 April 2019 - 9.00 am
Venue: Foyer of Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya

Forum by Adrian Schmid

Talk by Mr. Adrian Schmid in conjunction with the launching of the exhibition with an introduction and opening presentation by the moderator, Y.B. Charles Santiago (Member of Parliament, Malaysia) and a moderated panel discussion with Prof. Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor from University of Malaya, Mr Thomas Fann, Chairperson of BERSIH 2.0, and Dr Khoo Ying Hooi, Senior Lecturer with the Department of International & Strategic Studies, University of Malaya.

Date: 8 April 2019
Time: 10.00 am
Venue: Auditorium, Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya
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About Adrian Schmid

Adrian Schmid
Lucerne/Switzerland
Born 1956 in Switzerland

Adrian Schmid is a social scientist and currently CEO of the Swiss Heritage Society and President of the Swiss Democracy Foundation.

He is a former vice-president of the Swiss Green Party and was for almost two decades a member of the Lucerne city parliament, including being for some of that time its presiding officer.

He has been working for 35 years at management level for various non-profit organisations, such as the Lucerne Tenants’ Association and the Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz VCS (Transport & Environment)

As an active citizen Adrian Schmid has a long experience of direct-democratic processes at the local, regional, national and international level.

He was one of the founders of the Initiative and Referendum Institute Europe and the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy.

Jean Monnet Ambassador Lecture Series

Speaker: H.E. Michael Winzap, Ambassador of Switzerland to Malaysia
Topic: Direct Democracy: The Swiss Experience
Date: 17th April 2019
Time: 3.00 pm
Venue: Asia-Europe Institute, University of Malaya
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