The Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) 9th Civil Society Award Ceremony 2024, held on 10 December at the Cheng Yi Auditorium, was a momentous occasion honouring individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to civil society. The event highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance social justice, community development, and the rights of marginalised groups. The evening began with a welcome speech by KLSCAH President Mr. Ngan Teng Ye, who set the tone by emphasising the importance of unity in protecting civil rights. This was followed by a compelling keynote address by former Malaysian Bar President Karen Cheah Yee Lynn, who delved into the critical issue of judicial reform, particularly the need for a clear separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor to uphold justice.
Among the nominees, DAWN stood out as a first-time recipient of the award, recognised for its unwavering advocacy for the rights of the Deaf community. Alongside DAWN, Dr Michael Jeyakumar and Borneo Komrad were also honoured for their exemplary contributions. For DAWN, receiving this award marked a significant milestone, reflecting the growing recognition of the systemic challenges faced by the Deaf and OKU (Persons with disabilities) communities. The organisation highlighted the urgent need to move away from viewing people with disabilities as objects of charity and towards recognising their rights to accessibility, equality, and justice. Despite progress in raising awareness, DAWN pointed out that many barriers remain, including unequal access to education, employment, and public services, underscoring the pressing need for transformative action.
This recognition is a call to action for the government to address these disparities with greater commitment. For the Deaf and OKU communities to thrive, systemic barriers must be dismantled through comprehensive policies rooted in human rights. Accessibility should be prioritised across all public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation. The availability of BIM interpreters and assistive technologies must be standardised, catering not only to the Deaf but also to other OKU groups, such as the blind and wheelchair users. Education systems must evolve to provide equal opportunities, while inclusive employment policies should ensure workplaces are adapted to accommodate and celebrate diversity. Furthermore, the formal recognition of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as an official language, through standalone legislation rather than its current inclusion in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, would be a significant step towards acknowledging the Deaf community’s cultural and linguistic identity. True equality requires a proactive vision, fostering a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and independence.
This year’s nominees represented a diverse and inspiring group of individuals and organisations committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. They included:
- Jaringan Rawang Tolak Insinerator (JRTI)
- Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation, Malaysia (DAWN)
- Kachin Refugee Learning Centre
- Teoh Lee Lan, sister of the late Teoh Beng Hock
- Beyond Borders Malaysia Founder, Mahi Ramakrishnan
- Borneo Komrad
- Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF)
- PACOS Trust
- SIUMAN Collective
- Parti Sosialis Malaysia Chairperson, Dr Michael Jeyakumar
Each nominee exemplifies an unwavering commitment to creating a fairer, more inclusive society, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of civic engagement.
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