Malaysia gained independence from Britain in 1957. Since then, a coalition led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) has ruled the country. The government restricts freedom of expression and assembly. An “Internal Security Act” allows for detention without trial for up to two years.
FNF has been working in Malaysia for more then 20 years. We promote democracy and liberalism. FNF cooperates with political parties, civil society organisations, think tanks and a media organisation.
FNF shares liberal values with the Gerakan Party, the most liberal component of the government coalition, and with the Keadilan Party, Malaysia’s largest opposition party. We provide political consultation, organize workshops and contribute to the training of party members. In 2008, Pakatan Rakyat, an alliance of three opposition parties, won the 47 percent of the popular vote. Pakatan now governs four of Malaysia’s 13 states.
FNF works with Malaysiakini, Malaysia’s leading online news portal. Freedom of expression is an inseparable part of a truly democratic society. In Malaysia, most media organisations are owned either by the government or by the ruling parties. Independent online-media like Malaysiakini, blogs, podcasts and new social media like facebook and twitter try to counter state censorship of television and radio stations.
The foundation’s civil society partners in Malaysiainclude the Education and Research Association for Consumers (ERA Consumer) and Sisters in Islam (SIS), an independent NGO promoting rights of women in Islam. Recently, SIS-member Norhayati Kaprawi presented an important documentary: “AKU SIAPA”. by showing that the headscarf was not worn widely by women in Malaysia 20 – 30 years ago, Norhayati argues that women do have a choice whether to wear it or not.
FNF also works with the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). Ranked 18th as the best new think tank globally in 2010, IDEAS promotes market-based solutions to public policy challenges. IDEAS is a non-profit organization, unbound by party-politics, ethnicity or religion. Another important partner of the foundation in Malaysia is the Merdeka Center, the country’s leading polling institute.
FNF and the Merdeka Center recently worked together with the Goethe Institute and Lembaga SurveiIndonesia, we jointly conducted the “Muslim Youth Survey 2011” in Malaysia and Indonesia. Following events in Jakarta and Berlin, the results of the Survey were launched in Kuala Lumpur in July. The survey sheds lights on values, dreams and ideals of young (15-25 yrs.) Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia. Please download the Survey-Report.
Over the years, more than 200 Malaysians have attended seminars at FNF´s International Academy for Leadership (IAF) in Gummersbach, Germany (www.visit.fnst.org). Today, an extensive network of IAF Alumni – FAN Malaysia – is a platform for Liberals and a vibrant forum for political discussions. FAN Malaysia replicates seminars and organizes workshops.