December 21, 2009

Anuar Ibrahim Dianugerah Pingat Demokrasi

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

Every year the IAPC awards its Democracy Medal to the individual or organization who epitomizes the IAPCs commitment to democracy and words and actions. Previous recipients of the Medal include Morgan Tsvangerai of South Africa and Martin Lee of Hong Kong.

In 2008 Anwar Ibrahim was selected as the recipient of the Medal for his courageous and unrelenting efforts to restore democratic governance to Malaysia. After spending a decade in the political wilderness the political tsunami that he led in the March 2008 General Election has forever changed the political landscape of Malaysia. There is greater accountability in government and there has been a general awakening in the public as Malaysian citizens rediscover the power of their vote.

Anwar Ibrahim recaptured his parliamentary constituency in Penang in August 2008 and has since served as opposition leader in the Malaysian parliament. He continues to be a leading voice for reform and change in the country. Foreign Policy Magazine recently named him among the top 100 global thinkers and the Royal Institute of Strategic Studies included him in its list of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. Also in 2008 he was named in Time Magazines top 100 list.

Presenting the award to Anwar Ibrahim is IAPC Board Member Mr. Robert Murdoch.

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