Human Rights Training by FAN Malaysia

Friedrich Naumann Foundation Alumni Network, known as FAN Malaysia, organized the first training on Human Rights and Liberalism in Johore Baharu on 15 – 16 July 2006.

The Human Rights Training held in Johore Baharu was the first training organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation Alumni Network, known as FAN Malaysia. The objectives of this training are: to replicate the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) training, the way all members of FAN Malaysia have experienced and learnt from Germany; and to extend and widen the networking of FAN Malaysia.

The training was organized by Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Liasion Coordinator in the Southern Region and fully supported by the steering committee of FAN, Malaysia. Jonson Chong, the Chairperson, and Nora Murat, the Deputy Chairperson, were the resource speakers. Nora has recently re-visited Gummersbach for Human Rights seminar where she was offered to co-moderate in some sessions. Jonson obtained a law degree and a master degree in Human Rights. Ng Yeen Seen, Treasurer, came from Kota Bahru to assist the training and also to co-moderate a session on Liberalism.

The training utilized the participatory approach; the approach used at the IAF to have interactive training. However, the training module was modified to suit the one and a half day session without leaving out the important subjects of the topics. Topics covered were:

• What are Human Rights
• Why are Human Rights important and consequences if it is not exercised?
• Human Rights problems and political environment
• Case study – Violations of Human Rights in Malaysia
• • Article 11 (Freedom of Conscience, Assembly and Expression)
  • KLCC: Police Brutality (Freedom of Assembly and Expression)
  • Banning of Newspaper because of Cartoon (Freedom of Press)
  • Marital Rape
• Liberalism and Human Rights

Participants found the training very useful particularly on the concept, the importance and the law of human rights. Most recommended that a similar training should be conducted in other communities. Some viewed it as eye-opener. “This training workshop gives us a space to exchange idea, especially for people who have different background. It is very important to promote human rights knowledge to more people” one participant said. Many required a training workshop on liberalism per se as they feel that not many people understand what liberalism is all about.

FAN Malaysia will conduct five more trainings throughout 2006. Topics will cover freedom of press, human rights, education and new public management: lean state, lean government and liberal youth. Further details on FAN training will be updated on this website.

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