Three unstoppable women, nominated for the “Be Bold for Change” award.

I have a delightful surprise for you, and something nice to talk about this Sunday morning!

The Wanita Berdaya Harapan Negara – Be Bold for Change Award

In recognition of their social activism work, and their courage to promote change in Malaysia, the following women, were nominated by Wanita Keadilan, for promoting women’s rights, and a variety of issues which plague Malaysian society. Issues which range from corruption to kleptocracy, from dress codes to despicable acts by politicians, from flooding to feminism.

They are:-

Maria Chin Abdullah

Maria picks up the award for the Bersih Activist.

Maria needs no introduction. She successfully galvanised Malaysians, both in Malaysia and 77 cities around the world, to express our anger at the worsening national crisis. She was thrown in solitary confinement for 10 days. She was arrested, all because she wants clean, free and fair elections in Malaysia.

If the authorities think they are going to see less of Maria, well, they can just think again!

Anis Syafiqah Mohd Yusof

Anis Syafiqah  represents the face of student activism.

This is the courageous young woman who led the charge in the rally to “Tangkap MO1“. Anis has given new meaning to student activism in Malaysia, which for many years was stagnating because of draconian laws and Vice Chancellors who act as puppet masters for political leaders.

Najib Abdul Razak will be seeing more of her this year. Too bad!

Mariam Mokhtar

I am honoured to receive the Wanita Keadilan for Activist Kebebasan Suara (Freedom of Expression Activist) 

Perhaps, I am the bigots and hypocrites worst nightmare! I do not suffer fools gladly.

Debt of Gratitude

Puan Halida Mohd Ali.

I am grateful to my friend, and Ipohite, who shares my passion for highlighting women’s and children’s issues, Puan Halida Mohd Ali, for receiving the Wanita Keadilan Award on my behalf. Thank You Kak Halida.

Finally, THANK YOU Wanita Keadilan for recognising and appreciating our efforts in our respective fields, Maria, Anis, and me, in helping to promote equality, striving for justice, fighting corruption and demanding change. 

Most important of all, we are indebted to you, the Malaysian rakyat, who have supported us, inspired us, and given us the courage to help everyone and work towards a better Malaysia. A Malaysia of Equals.

Terima Kaseh.