KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia continues to reinforce its role and voice in regional democratic leadership with the appointment of political leader Karen Kasturi as the country’s representative to the Asian Democratic Leaders Alliance (ADLA) for the 2025–2028 term.
Karen was nominated and elected by the Malaysian ADLA leadership during the 15th Anniversary of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Young Political Leaders Caucus (KASYP) held in Singapore on October 22, 2025.
The event brought together ADLA community members from Batch 1 to Batch 15, representing multiple generations of political leadership across Asia.
For the new term, 14 Asian nations including Malaysia, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan and Timor-Leste will collaborate under ADLA to advance democratic leadership and good governance in the region.
ADLA is a non-partisan, non-profit regional alliance of leaders and organisations committed to ensuring democracy truly serves the people. Supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) through its Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia based in Singapore, ADLA seeks to strengthen democratic leadership, ethical governance, and cross-border cooperation.
Its core objectives include:
• Building a community of accountable and responsible leaders;
• Providing platforms for policy dialogue on peace and sustainable development; and
• Promoting inclusive networks that champion integrity and democratic values.
“The selection reflects Malaysia’s commitment to democratic values, ethical leadership, and regional cooperation. I aim to contribute towards a more inclusive, progressive Asia centred on people’s well-being,” said Karen.
Karen Kasturi currently serves as Executive Committee Member and Deputy Treasurer of the KEADILAN Central Women’s Wing, and is actively engaged in various international platforms focusing on women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and governance reform.
Her appointment marks a significant recognition of Malaysian women leaders’ role in shaping the future of Asian democracy, aligning with the nation’s aspirations for a resilient, progressive, and reform-driven society. -MalayaDailyToday
