all too Malaysian

here's something for all us Malaysians to be proud of!

Dated March 2009

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama present give away the Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage to Malaysia 's Ambiga Sreenevasan (Malaysian Bar Council) at the State Department in Washington , DC (AFP).


In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Department of State announces the recipients of the third annual Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage. This is the only award within the Department of State that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide. It recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice and human rights.

This year, the Secretary of State will pay tribute to honorees representing Afghanistan, Guatemala, Iraq, Malaysia, Niger, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. They are among over 80 exceptional women nominated by U.S. Embassies worldwide for their extraordinary work in advancing human rights. The women will be in Washington from March 8 – 12 for a program of meetings with government officials, NGOs and the media. The Office of International Visitors is partnering with the Office of International Women’s Issues on this project.

Ms. Ambiga Sreenevasan of Malaysia is an accomplished lawyer who became President of the Malaysian Bar Council, Ambiga Sreenevasan masterfully uses the rule of law to advance human rights, the status of women, and religious tolerance. In the face of death threats and intimidation, Ms. Ambiga has emerged as a strong voice of tolerance and justice.

source: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/03/120070.htm
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Congratulations Ms Sreenevasan! Thank you for making the nation proud! I love it that you are representing Malaysia on stage in one of our traditional outfits that signifys your heritage and country.


but, is MALAYSIA really proud? Lets not argue why the proud news of this little Indian Lady being honored with such a prestigious and internationally recognized EPIC award is left unknown to the country. unknown. Where are the news coverage? should we not be proud that one of our people has made a difference in society? should we not acknowledge that Malaysia has once again made it to the international platform? why are we not allowed to learn about our achievements? why are the media silencing this? who is making the media hush hush about such an important event?

I know i would be super duper proud if i read this on the newspaper. i will be like yeah, Malaysia boleh! it would be like Nicol David winning the squash championship or that badminton guy getting the olympic silver. but no, apparently social justice and advancing human rights means nothing to this country. hmm..

and yet, the story of this Malay girl's failed (but courageous and honourable) attempt to cross the english channel made it to the front page of the news.

this is all to dejvu and all too Malaysian.

but lets not start this endless argue again shall we?

Lets be proud of Ambiga's Sreenevasan's achievement! Join me, and give three proud Malaysia Boleh cheers to Ms Sreenevasan!

*updated : an epic win for Malaysia sadly ignored. This is something too great not to be known, dont you think so? Lets be the proud Malaysian that we are and share this story, let it be known that we still have admirable and capable leaders with greatness to look up to. Share Ambiga's Sreenevasan's story on your blog!