Malaysia

Centre for Independent Journalism
$15,000*
To improve the free flow of information and foster communication rights in Malaysia. The Center for Independent Journalism will launch advocacy campaigns to promote communication rights throughout Malaysia as well as produce a news and information radio show.

International Republican Institute (IRI)
$400,000
To strengthen the capacity of political parties and increase citizen awareness of electoral processes and voting rights. IRI and its local partners will commission national level polls to gauge the Malaysian public’s sentiment on key public policy issues, provide trainings for political parties on message development and responding to constituent needs, conduct a nationwide series of election observation training-of-trainers seminars, and develop voter education and get-out-the-vote materials in advance of Malaysia’s parliamentary elections.

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)
$175,000
To improve the effectiveness of political parties in constituent outreach, message development, and communications, and to encourage dialogue among political parties, civil society, and the public on issues of electoral reform in Malaysia. NDI will work to strengthen parties’ communication skills and support efforts to involve citizens, civil society groups, and all major parties in advocacy on issues of electoral reform in preparation for the 2008 national elections.

Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
$100,000*
To strengthen independent media in Malaysia. SEAPA will support the development of media outlets providing professional, responsible coverage of issues and news often ignored or distorted by the mainstream media, and conduct campaigns to strengthen the right of freedom of expression and the right to a free and independent media in Malaysia.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)
$80,000*
To promote human rights in Malaysia. Suaram will organize human rights campaigns on the issues of participatory democracy, the right to trial, and refugee and migrant workers. Suaram will also continue to issue its annual survey and evaluation of the human rights situation in Malaysia.