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Beyond Transparency

*
Isabel A. Kelly

he organizers of this important Congress have invited

T me to speak on the topic. "Transparency in Government".
This is a dangerous and perhaps arrogant thing to do in a country
other than ones own. but I have agreed to do so because I believe
that the challenges facing all societies with respect to Governance
are common. I also believe that even in my country. Canada. or in
Thailand and other countries in this region that consider them-
selves to be democratic. democracy and all implies is always frag-
ile. and the processes. policies and institutions of a democratic
government require constant nurturing and rewiew.

Thailand has made remarkable progress in the intro-
duction of laws to implement the new constitution. and toward
the establishment of the institutions that guarantee the establish-
ment of a democratic form of government. There is every reason
to be confidant that the process of democratization embodied in
the 1997 constitution will proceed to full implementation. but I

would like to speak to you from my personal experience of gov-
ernment in a democracy. and to suggest that the challenge for the
next century will go beyond formal institutions and laws. beyond
legislat.ion and the form of democracy. to the way in which power
is exercised by those elected and appointed to govern. to the
integrity of the public service and to the relationship and trust
that must begin to exist between these people and the citizenry.

The term "Transparency" could be considered the cur-
rent buzzword of those involved in political improvement. It em-

* Isabell Director of SEAFILD