What does International Recognition for Anwar Mean to Us?

Unlike the silence in MSM, Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today reported that Pakatan Rakyat leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was invested with the Democracy Award for 2008 by the International Association of Political Consultants (IAPC) today at a ceremony in Shah Alam. Read more about it AT THIS LINK and alsoOVER HERE.

By Masterwordsmith

The International Association of Political Consultants (IAPC), founded in 1968, is a professional global organization of senior political and public affairs advisers dedicated to fostering democracy throughout the world. Their 100-plus members are from more than 20 nations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

I am not going to repost what Malaysiakini and Free Malaysia Today has published with the exception of the following quotes extracted from Malaysiakini:

• Anwar said despotism of the majority occurred when governments abuse power and develop dictatorial tendencies on account of numerical strength in legislatures.

• “The Umno-led ruling coalition, having since the nation’s independence controlled the Federal Parliament with a two-thirds majority, remains unrepentant in their arrogant display of power,” he said.

• “Intolerant of criticism, dissent or anything seen as a stumbling block to their vested interests, they ride rough shod over the aspirations of the people by bull-dozing through oppressive laws and the Federal budget,” enumerated Anwar.

• Anwar said for democracy to flourish, institutions that guarded its integrity like an independent judiciary, a professional police force and graft-combating agency, and an opposition that holds the powers that be to account, were vital as props.

Certainly, he did not mince his words in going to the heart of the problem of our nation, even at such a defining moment in his life. Is it any wonder then that DSAI has been recognized not once but many times internationally for his contribution to world politics?

For your information, DSAI holds the chair as Visiting Prof, Malaysia Chair of Islam in SE Asia and is Honorary President, Accountability Department in the PRINCE ALWALEED BIN TALAL CENTER FOR MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN, Georgetown University.

DSAI also made it to The 2008 TIME Finalists and you can read about it AT THIS LINK.

He also won the Muslim Moderate of the Year 2005 that was conferred on him by the Centre for the Study of Islam and Democracy which you can read about AT THIS LINK.

“In the midst of Asian Financial Crises of 1997, do remember that Anwar was hailed for guiding Malaysia through this period of instability. He backed free market principles and called for “creative destruction”, highlighting the need to reconsider the proximity of business and politics in Malaysia. He advocated for greater accountability and refused to offer government bail-outs to companies facing bankruptcy. He also instituted widespread spending cuts and gut government expenditure on mega projects. These prescriptions saved the Malaysian economy and earned Anwar many accolades, including the title “Asian of the Year” by Newsweek International in 1998.” (extracted from THIS LINK)

There are still many awards that DSAI has received in recognition of his leadership capabilities and contributions. The latest award given to him is an international endorsement of DSAI’s potential as a world-class leader. Being human, no one is perfect – something that we all know, but find so difficult to accept especially when it comes to leaders. Yet, in the international circuit, others are willing to accept and recognize DSAI but not that many in his own country. Isn’t that very sad?