Veranstaltungsberichte
The 16th batch of the Konrad Adenauer School for Young Politicians (KASYP) has officially begun its transformative two-year training program. Selected participants from 13 countries—including Bhutan and the Maldives—gathered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the first module, which focuses on Political Parties in Democratic Societies. This module marks the beginning of their journey to becoming responsible and effective political leaders, with a curriculum designed to enhance their understanding of democratic governance, party politics, and leadership development.
Learning Visit to the Malaysian Parliament
One of the key highlights of the program was a visit to the Malaysian Parliament, facilitated by KASYP alumna Venissha Kennedy from Batch 15. The visit provided a first-hand look at Malaysia’s political system, beginning with an insightful briefing by the parliamentary secretariat, followed by an exploration of the Senate and the Parliament Museum. The most engaging part of the visit was attending a live Parliamentary Session, where ministers debated pressing issues related to youth, sports, and education.
In the hallways of Parliament, participants had the rare opportunity to engage with several high-ranking Malaysian politicians, including:
- Two MPs from the Democratic Action Party (DAP)
- The Deputy Speaker of the House
- The Deputy Minister from Sabah
- Staff from both the Lower and Upper Houses
The day concluded with a special lunch discussion featuring three KASYP alumni who have successfully transitioned into political leadership roles. Their experiences and advice were a source of great inspiration for the new batch, reinforcing the program’s role in nurturing young political leaders.
Engaging with the People’s Justice Party (PKR)
Another enriching experience took place at the People’s Justice Party (PKR) headquarters, where participants were welcomed for an interactive session on "Party Challenges and Milestones in Democracy Promotion." The session was led by YB Senator Fuziah Salleh, the Secretary-General of PKR and a founding member of the party. She shared valuable insights on the evolution of PKR and its role in Malaysia’s current Unity Government, highlighting the perseverance needed to drive democratic change.
The discussion, moderated by KASYP alumnus Raiyan Abdul Rahim, Deputy Chief of Strategy and Member of the PKR Supreme Council, covered a range of important topics, including:
- The need for stronger representation of women in politics
- The dynamics of intra-party politics and leadership structures
- Malaysia’s role as the current chair of ASEAN and its engagement in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
This exchange underscored the importance of resilience and commitment to political service, leaving participants with valuable lessons to carry forward in their leadership journeys.
Strengthening the KASYP Alumni Network
Beyond the learning sessions, the gathering also reinforced the strong network of KASYP alumni, many of whom have gone on to hold key positions in government and civil society. KASYP PDA hosted a special dinner reception for the new batch alongside Malaysian alumni, recognizing the significance of long-term engagement in the region. Alumni continue to play a pivotal role in KASYP’s broader initiatives, including the Asia Pacific Roundtable, Summer School, and Conferences on Energy and Climate.
With such an action-packed start, KASYP Batch 16.1 is now well on its way to becoming the next generation of impactful and responsible political leaders. We look forward to following their progress throughout this journey and on meeting the batch again in August for KASYP 16.2