Dewan Perhimpunan China Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor
The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
To:
8 August 2008
Dear Sir/Madam,
Invitation to Attend Civil Society Award ceremony
The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) will be having its Civil Society Award ceremony on 28th August 2008. 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 first Civil Society Award to be given away by the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) starts from 2008.
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.
Individuals who are Malaysian citizens or organisations in Malaysia are eligible for nomination. The Award is given once a year, which can be conferred on up to three individuals or organisations 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. Two thematic speeches will be delivered at the ceremony as to analyze the concept of civil society and the current situation of the country. The speaker will touch on the relationship of ethnic identity and civil society so as to promote dialogue and understanding among different communities.
Details of the event:
Organizer : The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
Data : 28 August 2008 (Thursday)
Time : 7.30 p.m.
Venue : Auditorium of KLSCAH
Agenda :
07.30pm registration and dinner
08.30 pm promulgation ceremony and speeches
1. Greetings by Tan Yew Sing, Deputy President of KLSCAH
2. Introduction by Ser Choon Ing, Chairman of the Civil Society Award
3. Brief history of the Malaysian civil society
4. “Ethnic Identity and Civil Society??? by Mr Lee Ban Chen, veteran political commentator
5. Social movement and music performance by Mr Amin Iskandar, artist and writer
6. Civil society in today’s Malaysia by Mr Haris Ibrahim, human rights lawyer
7. The judges' note
8. Closing (Music: Wind of Change)
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, Chan Kim Ming , 03-22746645.
Thank you.
Cordially,
Ser Choon Ing
Chairman of the Civil Rights Award Organizing Committee
