2009 International Women of Courage Awards
Hiliary Clinton's Introductory remarks on Ambiga Sreenevasan below. Congratulation Ambiga.
Ambiga Sreenevasan, has a remarkable record of accomplishment in Malaysia. She has pursued judicial reform and good governance, she has stood up for religious tolerance, and she has been a resolute advocate of women’s equality and their full political participation. She is someone who is not only working in her own country, but whose influence is felt beyond the borders of Malaysia. And it is a great honor to recognize her and invite her to the podium.
Ambiga Sreenevasan Speech (video) at American State Department Washington
The First Lady Mrs. Obama, Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton, ladies and gentlemen, I am humbled to be in the company of seven extraordinary women receiving this award for courage, and I am deeply honored to now speak on their behalf and on mine.
We accept this award in all humility, remembering that we have been fortunate in being singled out from among countless courageous women in our countries who are dedicated to the cause of equality and justice.
It is also timely for us to remember all the women in other conflict-ridden territories, like Palestine and other countries, who have to show courage every single day in their struggle to survive and to keep their families together.
Each of us fights causes that promote equality and justice, and by presenting us with this award you honor those causes and all the people who work tirelessly for them with unflinching dedication.
This award will help to bring to the international stage our voices and our advocacy on these important issues. This occasion gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the rule of law in promoting the rights of women around the world. When the rule of law is upheld, equality is upheld, the cause of justice is upheld, and human rights are upheld.
Today, we are witnessing a struggle for the souls of our nations, taking place between the forces of the old and the forces of change. We see our commitment to the rule of law, fundamental liberties, and the independence of our institutions being tested. The strength of our nations will depend on how well they withstand this test.
There are those who claim that democracy is a Western concept and is unsuitable elsewhere. There are yet others who perpetrate injustices behind a veneer of democracy. We say that democracy is universal, and a true democracy and the rule of law will prevail when the collective voices of the people are raised in its support.
On my part, I have for the past two years had the privilege to lead and serve the Malaysian Bar, a professional organization consisting of approximately 13,000 lawyers. History will bear testament to the fact that the Malaysian Bar has always been true to its first article of faith, to uphold the cause of justice without regard to its own interests or that of its members uninfluenced by fear or favor. In a sense, I was merely stepping into the shoes of the many other brave leaders of the bar who came before me, whereas many of the awardees today are pioneers in their struggle for justice.
This award has given us the opportunity which we would not otherwise have had, to share our stories, our successes, our failures, to reach out across our borders and to establish a base upon which we can build a meaningful network of support. These stories must be told in all our countries. By this experience, we are both enriched and enraged; enriched by what we have shared, and enraged that so many of our sisters endure intimidation and suffering in their countries. Nevertheless, ours is a message of hope that something has been achieved, despite the odds.
Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This means that although we may come from different walks of life, our struggle is common. And each success is a success for all, just as each failure is a failure for all. When we unite on a human rights platform, whether domestically or internationally, above politics and political alliances, we create more enduring partnerships and relationships. When we pursue freedom and empowerment for others, we reaffirm and protect our own.
In my interaction with the other awardees present here today, it was evident that the passion we feel for our causes is driven by the love of our homelands and our people. That, in turn, drives our passion for what is right and what is just. Our people deserve nothing less. We all believe in striving for ideals that are– if I may borrow the words – self-evident; namely, the ideals of truth, justice, goodness, and universal love and understanding. Our stories are a testament to the universality of these ideals.
We are truly and deeply honored by this award, more so, when it comes from you, Madame Secretary, yourself a woman of courage, who has inspired women around the world to reach great heights. Your untiring efforts in championing women’s rights worldwide are well known. Your immortal words that, “Human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights,” resonate with all of us here.
We would also like to express our deep admiration for the First Lady Mrs. Obama, and we would also like to express our appreciation for your sharing this moment with us. Madame Secretary, on behalf of all the awardees, I thank you. And we accept the honor with humility and pride. Thank you.
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/03/120285.htm#
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARDS
PRESIDEN BADAN PEGUAM MALAYSIA KELUAR KENYATAAN AKHBAR
Kenyataan Akhbar Presiden Badan Peguam Malaysia: Gangguan Mesti Dihentikan.
Intisari : Kedaulatan Undang-undang mesti dijaga dan dipelihara.
Kerajaan janganlah mengkhianati rakyat yang meletakkan nilai yang tinggi terhadap demokrasi, kedaulatan undang-undang serta keluhuran Perlembagaan.
Kesilapan serta persepsi negatif tentang BPR janganlah berulang.
SPRM harus elakkan ianya tidak memiliki kewibawaan serta reputasi buruk.
Dua kes terbaru di negara kita agak merisaukan iaitu kes MB Selangor dan Speaker DUN Perak.
Rakyat sentiasa memerhati (mereka tidak buta dan dungu). Mereka dambakan institusi yang tidak berat sebelah, bebas, berani dan dihormati.
Press Release: Harassment Must Cease
There are countries around the world where the Rule of Law means little. In these countries, institutions that are meant to serve the interests of the public are instead tools of the Government. Those that have views opposing those in power are harassed and harangued in order to wear them out or silence them.
The democratic systems in these countries are constantly under attack or subjected to manipulations by those in power. The governments in these nations betray their citizens who value democracy and the Rule of Law.
In Malaysia we have pledged to uphold the Constitution and to respect the Rule of Law. We must all abide by this.
When launching the MACC two days ago, the Prime Minister gave the sobering advice that the MACC must not end up with the same perceptions that afflicted the ACA - of not being independent, of being a toothless tiger, of practising selective enforcement and of not being professional in their investigations, all of which damaged the ACA's reputation and credibility.
Yet a few days before that, the MACC director, in an unusual move, had made a public statement about investigations against the Menteri Besar (MB) of Selangor in a way that raises serious questions about the impartiality of the Commission. Then, yesterday, the MACC reportedly interrogated the Speaker of the Perak Legislative Assembly for three hours. The day before that, the police had interrogated him for a few hours.
These events give rise to two concerns. One is of the harassment of the Speaker and an interference with his duties, and the other is that there is an unusual haste and publicity in relation to the MB's case when far more serious reports against others appear to have been put aside.
How then is the MACC seeking to remove the negative perceptions the Prime Minister spoke of? These events also cause to question what regard the authorities really have for the interests of the public and the public perception.
The public are ever watchful of what is unfolding before them. They know what is happening. They do not wish to see our institutions undermined. They want our institutions to be impartial, independent, courageous and respected. They know that the Rule of Law is vital and that democratic institutions must be strong. The public must never be underestimated in their appreciation of these issues.
Respected members of the Bar have been appointed to the MACC's Anti-Corruption Advisory Board, Operations Review Panel and Complaints Committee. We urge them, as members of the Bar, to immediately and urgently take steps to address the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the MACC's actions and to play their role in ensuring that the Rule of Law is upheld at all times.
We must ensure that we do not go down the path of becoming a nation that is looked upon as one which has little regard for the Rule of Law. For we all know that if that happens it will be very difficult to turn back.
Dato' Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar
26 February 2009
