Invitation to Attend The 3rd Civil Society Award Ceremony
The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) will be having its 3rd Civil Society Award ceremony on 12 December 2011. The NGOs, activists and the public are invited to attend in order to acknowledge individuals and organizations on their contributions to civil society and to open up the democratic space.
The promotion and strengthening of freedom and democracy depend on the growth of civil society. The purpose of the award is to acknowledge individuals and organizations on their contributions to civil society and to open up the democratic space and at the same time encourage such participation by more individuals and organizations.
This award also serves as an evaluation to the civil society organizations and even to the overall performance of civil societies. Besides, we should recognize the importance of civil societies as the third-sector and NGOs are moving our society to be more progressive. We hope that this would encourage the communal organizations to be more open and be more proactive in the public affairs.
Individuals who are Malaysian citizens or organizations in Malaysia are eligible for nomination. The Award is given once a year, which can be conferred on up to three individuals or organizations in no particular order.
The winner of the civil society award will be announced by the award committee. All nominees will be granted testimonials as recognition and encouragement of their contribution to the civil society while the winner will be awarded RM5000, trophy as well as testimonials. A thematic speech will be delivered at the ceremony as to analyze the concept of civil society and the current situation of the country.
Details of the event:
Organizer : The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Date : 12 December 2011 (Monday)
Time : 7.00 pm (Dinner provided)
Venue : Auditorium of KLSCAH
Agenda:
07.00 pm Registration and dinner
08.00 pm Promulgation ceremony and speeches
1. Greetings by Ser Choon Ing, Chairman of the Civil Society Award Organizing Committee
2. Brief history of the Malaysian civil society
3. “My Consti and the challenges we face” by Edmund Bon, Human rights lawyer
4. Prize Ceremony and Judges’ note
5. Q & A section
6. Closing
KLSCAH hopes that this initiative will encourage more individuals and organizations to participate in pushing for social progress and to establish a civil society. The growth of civil society requires participation of all ethnic groups and all segments of the society. We thus invite all to join us in this activity and welcome feedback so that we can move forward to a more open and progressive society.
Should you have further enquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the assistant secretary of the KLSCAH, Chia Wei Loon , 03-22746645.
Thank you.
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman of the Civil Society Award Organizing Committee
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Appendix 1: The Award Committee
A seven-member Selection Committee shall be formed by prominent scholars and community leaders. The committee will verify the eligibility of nominees and select recipients of the award.
Appendix 2: Criteria for Selection
The committee will select recipients of the award according to the following criteria:
(a) Playing an important role in defending freedom of political participation and fighting for greater space for social freedom and democracy;
(b) Actively promoting the cooperation of civil groups from different background and areas;
(c) Initiating and pioneering social reforms;
(d) Promoting communications and interactions among different ethnic groups.
