Political parties are a key component of liberal democracy. The policies they espouse ‐ if they are in power, the legislations they introduce – have direct effects on the lives of Malaysian. That is why Malaysia’s Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (www.IDEAS.org.my) decided to make engagements with political parties a key part of their work in 2010.

The publication released by the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) in March this year, entitled “New Economic Model for Malaysia Part 1” (hereinafter referred to as the “NEM report”) represents the government’s blueprint for the country’s economy as we move towards the year 2020. As such, the ideas contained in the New Economic Model (NEM) carry significant consequences for the fate of Malaysia’s economy and the country as a whole.

“Training and enhancement are both significant requirements for strengthening and developing medium-size enterprises", stated Mr. Lufti Amin, head of the Planning Department of Wonosobo District. “I share this thought! The dual system should be implemented again in Indonesia”, added Mr. Atte Sugandi, national congressman and head of the delegation. “Yes, that’s a good idea. When we get back to Indonesia, we will regularly hold a round-table meeting to discuss the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)”, stated Mr. Purnomo Dana Rahardjo from the Ministry of Co-Ops and SME. And during the assessment activity of the visit schedule, Mrs. Hayani Usman, also a congresswoman, said: “The FNF in Yakarta is deeply knowledgeable of the medium-sized enterprise situation, both in Indonesia and Germany; that is why the FNF in Indonesia should take part at the round table”.