Malaysian human rights lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar was awarded the 2009 Bindmans Law and Campaigning Award in London on last night, marking a controversial milestone in a country that likes to think itself a champion of democracy. Organised by British-based human rights magazine, Index on Censorship, this particular award is given to outstanding human rights activists who have set legal precedents in the fight against injustice.
"At the same time, it's sad. There were other people from Egypt, Zimbabwe, a Filipino who were nominated for their struggle to change the system.
"What does this say about our country? The world now sees us on par with Zimbabwe and Egypt," Imtiaz highlighted, adding that it was "not a great honour" for Malaysia to be associated with the democratically resistant countries like Zimbabwe and Egypt.
He hopes the government will not treat his award as an excuse "to block views" but to allow more room for dissenting views to be heard as befits a democracy.
Rightly said here. It is sad to receive such an award because of the state our country is in for decades and it is getting nowhere except spiralling downwards.
However, we should not allow the sorry state of our country to undermine Malik Imtiaz's deeds and achievements in his work to uphold the law and constitution of this country in the name of humanity.
Syabas, my friend. You truly deserve this recognition.
1 comment:
Dear Mr Whisperer
this recognition for Mssr Malik Imtiaz is comforting because they are still good people out there to fight for us. May God Bless Him Always!
Take care sir!
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