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AWAM’s Press Statement

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    Since March 2012 AWAM has been under attack by a group of people who are unhappy over the election of an individual as an office bearer of AWAM.

    It is clear and apparent to AWAM that all efforts by AWAM to act in good faith in resolving the matter has been manipulated and that the group is creating a media circus over the issue and not only dragging AWAM but also organizations associated with AWAM into a trial by media.

    The matter as AWAM sees it is in respect of a single matter that is the appointment of an individual as an office bearer of AWAM.    This in clearly evident by the fact that the attacks by the group only began upon the election of the office bearer which is a good 20 months after the mediation efforts by AWAM in a private matter involving the individual concerned.  The group is now blowing the matter out of proportion and questioning the mediation efforts of AWAM which acted in good faith on the matter and the conclusion of which was not questioned or brought in issue for 20 months.

    In respect of the appointment of the individual concerned as an office bearer, AWAM’s stand is as follows:

    1. The individual was nominated and seconded for the post by members of AWAM as provided in AWAM’s Constitution.
    2. The election of office bearers was held at an AGM of AWAM and all requirements under AWAM’s Constitution were complied with.
    3. The individual was duly elected unopposed as an office bearer at the AGM.
    4. The outgoing Exco of AWAM has no powers to reject or oppose the nomination of a candidate which nomination is in compliance with AWAM’s Constitution.
    5. The Constitution of AWAM is silent on the ability of the outgoing Exco of AWAM to support or oppose any nomination.
    6. By convention, the outgoing Exco of AWAM does not play any active role in the appointment of the new office bearers to preserve the independence of the election of office bearers by members to lead them in the new term.

     

    In the circumstances, any assertion that the outgoing Exco of AWAM should have rejected or opposed the nomination of the individual is not justified as the outgoing Exco of AWAM does not have the power to do so.

    The group in attacking AWAM has, in the opinion of AWAM, not acted in good faith.  They have engaged in bullying tactics by disrupting events organized by AWAM and also by organizations associated to AWAM.  The group has also resorted to unauthorised recording of telephone conversations and internal AWAM meetings which AWAM considers to be grossly unethical.

    In the latest turn of events the group attempted to disrupt and event organized by an organization associated with AWAM and only backed off upon the agreement by AWAM to meet with them.

    In discussions leading to the meeting, the group insisted on terms and conditions which in AWAM’s opinion were contrary to the spirit and intention of the meeting.  These demands have evolved to threats and bullying which AWAM cannot and will not succumb to.

    AWAM has time and again reiterated its desire to engage in a friendly meeting with all parties concerned to resolve the matter.  Regrettably, all AWAM’s efforts have been in vain and there does not appear to be any desire of the group to amicably settle the matter. On the contrary, every effort by AWAM is being manipulated and used to corner and bully AWAM into engaging in a media circus.

    This has to stop and AWAM has made a decision that it will not engage in any further discussion on the matter unless it is done with good faith and with the expressed intention of amicably resolving the matter.

    AWAM calls on all parties concerned to act with decency and decorum and not to disrupt public events which are organized for the good of all in general and women in particular.

    ###

    To view chronology of events, please refer to our website at www.awam.org.my.

     

     

    The Updated Timeline and Chronology of Events

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      An Open Letter to Our Members – Chronology of Events from 2009 – 2013

      Despite issuing our standard response statement in the face of attacks on our organisation, which we had hoped would clarify the matter; the attacks on AWAM have not only continued but have also intensified. Based on this, we are now issuing a timeline or chronology of events for our members and supporters to clearly appreciate and understand the sequence of events and AWAM’s position and actions.

       

      Date

      Event
      8 April 2009

       

      		 The alleged incident was said to have happened around 7.30pm during a dinner amongst friends at a seafood restaurant in Bangsar Village.

       
      24 April 2010

       

       

      		 A year after the alleged incident, the matter was for the first time officially brought to the attention of AWAM by way of an e-mail from the Complainant alleging that an incident which she found offensive had occurred in the course of a private dinner between her and a member of AWAM. This member was not an office-bearer of AWAM at that time.

      Despite the fact that the alleged incident took place outside of AWAM; that the matter essentially involved two friends who were engaged in a private/personal discussion at the time; and that the Complainant was not a member of AWAM, when approached, AWAM helped to look into the matter in good faith and reached out to both parties to mediate the incident through an internal inquiry by a Committee which heard them out.
        After speaking to the Complainant and the member, the Committee’s view was that the incident complained of was inappropriate behaviour on the part of the member.
      1 July 2010 The Committee explained its views to the Complainant in a meeting that lasted for one and a half hours.
      11 July 2010 The Complainant acknowledged and signed off on the views of the Committee. A letter was then issued by AWAM to the member complained against and the matter was deemed closed.
      13 March 2012 In preparation for its AGM, AWAM released the list of nominees for office bearers proposed and seconded by AWAM members for the election of office bearers for the year 2012 – 2014.

      The member was nominated by AWAM members in accordance with the provisions of AWAM’s constitution for the post of Honorary Treasurer.
      24 March 2012 At the Annual General Meeting of AWAM, the member was duly elected by the voting members present to the position of Honorary Treasurer for 2012 – 2014.

      The Nominations and the Elections was conducted in accordance with the provisions of AWAM’s Constitution.

      This included circulating a notice beforehand informing all members of nominations for election.

      No objection was received after the issuance of the notice in respect of the nomination of the member.

      The list of nominees was also posted up and read aloud at the AGM. Again there were no objections raised on the election of the member and she was duly elected as an office bearer of AWAM.
      27 March 2012 AWAM received an e-mail from the Complainant registering her disappointment in the election of the member.

      AWAM acknowledged receipt of the Complainants e-mail and an attempt was made to have a face-to-face meeting with the Complainant who was not available at the current time.
      29 March 2012 Inquiries were received from certain quarters including journalists and individuals in respect of the election of the member complained against.
      30 March 2012 Complainant and her associate inserted postings on AWAM’s Facebook page questioning the election of the member complained against and insinuating that there was no transparency in AWAM and that AWAM’s silence will not protect AWAM.
      30 March 2012 The member complained against approached the Executive Council of AWAM and offered to step down from the position of Honorary Treasurer on account of the negative Facebook postings against AWAM and her election as an office bearer.

      The ExCo of AWAM advised the member complained against to reconsider as she was duly elected in accordance with AWAM’s constitution.

      AWAM has followed due process in the election of office bearers at the AGM.  The nomination of office bearers is not determined or dictated by AWAM and is the process of a democratic right of choice of AWAM Members in accordance with AWAM’s constitution.

      Furthermore, the nominations for office bearers  was subject to official election by voting members present at AWAM’s AGM on 24 March 2012 where any oppositions to the election of the office bearers could be voiced and heard.

      AWAM’s Constitution does not permit AWAM to reject any nomination received in accordance with the provisions and neither does it give any right to AWAM to campaign for or against any nomination.

      As the election of the member complained against was proper and in accordance with AWAM’s constitution, AWAM advised the member that she should not feel obliged to step down as the accusations in respect of her appointment were baseless.

      Acceding to the demands of the disgruntled group would be going against the free choice made by AWAM members and not respecting AWAM’s constitution.
      1 – 18 April 2012 The Complainant and her associates continued to insert postings in AWAM’s Facebook page in respect of the election of the member as an office bearer and also questioned the credibility of AWAM as a feminist organisation and its commitment to fight Sexual Harassment.

      AWAM issued statements clarifying the situation and reaffirming its policies in respect of its role as a feminist organisation.

      The Complainant and her associates however persisted in continuing to hurl accusations and making unjustified comments.
      18 April 2012 Acting on the advice of its legal advisors that AWAM is legally accountable for the content of its Facebook page and that the escalation of the accusations being made in the Facebook page may expose AWAM to legal sanctions, AWAM decided to delete all postings related to the matter in its Facebook page.
      April – August 2012 The Complainant and her associates were not happy and started a campaign of attacks against AWAM which included:

      a) The setting up of alternative Facebook pages to pursue discussion on the matter.

      b) Inserting postings on the Facebook pages of sister organizations as well as making appearances at public functions organized by the sister organizations and demanding to speak on the matter.

      c) Writing to a funder of AWAM complaining and making accusations against AWAM.   The funder after hearing AWAM out responded to the Complainant and voiced their support of AWAM – ‘We hold our partner in Malaysia in high regard and up until this point have had no reason to doubt the high integrity of the organization.’

      The Complainant was not happy with this response and inserted postings on the funders Facebook page publicly criticising the funder for standing by AWAM.

       
      13 August 2012 A senior officer of a sister organization wrote to the Complainant offering to mediate and have a meeting with the complainant to hear her grievances against AWAM.

      1. The setting up of alternative Facebook pages to pursue discussion on the matter.
      2. Inserting postings on the Facebook pages of sister organizations as well as making appearances at public functions organized by the sister organizations and demanding to speak on the matter.
      3. Writing to a funder of AWAM complaining and making accusations against AWAM.   The funder after hearing AWAM out responded to the Complainant and voiced their support of AWAM – ‘We hold our partner in Malaysia in high regard and up until this point have had no reason to doubt the high integrity of the organization.’

      The Complainant was not happy with this response and inserted postings on the funders Facebook page publicly criticising the funder for standing by AWAM.

      The complainant replied declining to meet the senior officer and stating that she wants to continue her campaign against AWAM and also JAG for supporting AWAM.
      29 August 2012 AWAM called for a meeting of AWAM members to discuss and clarify the matter and the actions taken by AWAM.

      The members in attendance were in agreement and fully supported the stand and action taken by AWAM.
       
      2 September 2012 An article appeared in a prominent English daily implying improper handling of the matter by AWAM and also critical of the actions of JAG in the matter by name.

      An official letter of complaint was issued to the English daily and an apology to JAG was published.
      5 Oct 2012 The Complainant continued to target organisations that AWAM chose to work with, including writing to a prominent organisation that decided to partner with AWAM on several projects.
      Oct 2012 – March 2013 The Complainant and her associates intensified the attacks on AWAM through the media as well as sending a series of e-mails to AWAM’s partners and sister organisations aimed at pressuring the organisations to withdraw their support of AWAM.
      6 February 2013 AWAM posted its Standard Response Statement on its website to clarify the issue.
      8 March 2013 The Complainant and her associates launched the Hold AWAM Accountable (HAA) blog.
      8 March 2013 The Complainant and associates showed up at AWAM’s International Women’s Day event.

      They proceeded to raise their grievances during the Q and A session of the programme. Attempts were made to answer their questions but the complainant was not ready to hear AWAM out.

      The Complainant and her associates left the event once members of the audience made it clear that they didn’t agree to the raising of their personal grievances at an event such as this.
      March – May 2013 The complainant and her associates continued with the onslaught against AWAM and intensified their efforts.

      They also had begun to be critical of any organization that was viewed by them to be supportive of AWAM and individuals in AWAM as well as the organisations.

      Despite numerous attempts to clarify the matter the complainant and her associates remained adamant and the attacks continued.
      26 May 2013 JAG held the 2nd Annual Aiyoh…Wat Lah Awards at Leonardo’s, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar.  The complainant and her associates made an appearance at the entrance together with a reporter / videographer from an online media. In the interest of preventing any disruption to the event the organisers decided to deny entry to the complainant and her associates.  Upon being denied entry the complainant and her associates tried to force their way in and had to be physically blocked from entering.  The complainant and her associates then started distributing leaflets they came prepared with and created a scene at the entrance. To allow the event to go on undisturbed, the organizers requested that the group break up and a quiet meeting be held elsewhere. Following this the complainant together with six of her associates, a representative of JAG and two representatives from AWAM adjourned to a nearby restaurant to discuss the matter.  The reporter / videographer insisted on being present and proceeded to take photographs and videotaped the discussion.  In the discussion it was agreed that a meeting between the parties be held on 16th June.
      28 May 2013 An associate of the complainant called a Past President and current Secretary of AWAM in respect of the proposed meeting.  The telephone conversation disintegrated to personal attacks and accusations on the Past President and current Secretary of AWAM.
      28 May 2013 The associate of the complainant sent an e-mail to the Past President and current Secretary of AWAM stating that she had recorded the earlier telephone conversation and attached a transcript of the telephone conversation. In the transcript the associate of the complainant revealed the they also had a recording of an internal AWAM meeting on the matter.
      31 May 2013 AWAM sent an e-mail to the complainant following up on the proposed meeting on 16th June and requesting for confirmation of the date and time of the meeting.
      1 June 2013 The complainant responded by e-mail confirming the date and time of the meeting.  The complainant also set out suggestions on the number of representative to attend the meeting, that a professional and independent mediator be engaged and that the meeting be videotaped.  The complainant also offered to pay first for the rental of the venue and other costs but expects to be reimbursed by AWAM / JAG subsequent to the meeting.
      3 June 2013 The complainant sent an e-mail to AWAM that they have found a suitable meeting venue with recording facilities which has been tentatively reserved.  The complaint requested for confirmation of the booking of the venue and the engagement of the independent mediator and stated that if they do not hear any objection by AWAM by end of  5 June they will assume that AWAM is agreeable with the arrangements.
      4 June 2013 AWAM replied to the complainant stating that AWAM has concerns in respect of the proposal and will revert as soon as possible.
      4 June 2013 The complainant replied insisting that AWAM revert by 5 pm on 5 June 2013.
      5 June 2013 AWAM sent an e-mail to the complainant reiterating that they have concerns over the proposals and required further consultation on the matter and that AWAM will revert latest by 9 June 2013.
      6 June 2013 The complainant sent an e-mail to AWAM thanking AWAM for its e-mail and hoping to hear from AWAM soon.  The complainant categorically stated that having an independent mediator and a videographer present at the meeting is non-negotiable for them.
      7 June 2013 The complainant sent an e-mail to AWAM requesting confirmation on the appointment of the mediator.
      9 June 2013 The President of AWAM reverted to the complainant voicing AWAM’s unhappiness on the confrontational tone set for the meeting and that AWAM cannot agree to the non-negotiable demands in respect of an independent mediator and videographer as it is contrary to the purpose and spirit of the meeting.  AWAM requested the complainant for thoughts on how to proceed and was hoping and looking forward to having a friendly and fruitful meeting with the complainant.
      11 June 2013 The complainant replied by e-mail to the President of AWAM rejecting AWAM’s views on the matter and that they will attend the meeting on 16 June and in the event AWAM /JAG fail to turn up, they will issue a press statement to the effect that AWAM and JAG have reneged on their agreement to meet.
      12 June 2013 The complainant and her associates uploaded the entire correspondence between AWAM and the complainant on their Hold AWAM Accountable blog.
      14 June 2013 AWAM sent an e-mail to the complainant regretting the tone and conditions set by the complainant for the meeting and that AWAM cannot accede to her demands nor succumb to threats or being bullied.  AWAM reiterated its desire to meet with the complainant if the complainant is amenable to a friendly meeting and not one that is laced with hostility.
      15 June 2013 Upon the request of the members of JAG, AWAM sent an e-mail to the complainant stating that in light of the circumstances, JAG will abstain from the meeting.
      15 June 2013 The complainant and her associates posted the latest correspondence on the matter in their Hold AWAM Accountable blog and stating that AWAM and JAG are reneging on the agreement to meet with them.
      16 June 2013 On account that the complainant had not withdrawn her demands nor agreed to a friendly meeting not laced with hostility, AWAM did not attend the proposed meeting at 2.30 pm.
      16 June 2013 AWAM issues a press statement on the matter.

       

      POSITION VACANT

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        All Women’s Action Society (AWAM), a leading women’s human rights organisation since 1985, has a vacancy for the following position:

        Assistant Programme Officer / Programme Officer 

        The incumbent will be required to assist in the planning, organising and coordinating of AWAM’s programmes including providing full secretarial support to the Committee assigned. Based on the capacity of the incumbent, the job scope will involve public education and training; media liaison, information & communication and publication work.

        Requirements:

        • Commitment to human rights and gender equality.
        • Bilingual in BM and English. Knowledge of Mandarin would be an advantage.
        • Preferred: Experience in coordinating, organizing and training.
        • Added Advantage: IT skills such as website management and familiarity with social networking tools.
        • Some outstation travel will be required.
        • Able to work independently, as well as in a team.

        Salary will commensurate with experience.

        The position is available immediately.

        Send resume no later than 25th June, 2013 to Ms Emily Octavia, Senior  Finance & Administration Officer  by email to:  finance-admin@awam.org.my with the subject heading: Application for Assistant Programme Officer / Programme Officer position.

         

        Petition to End Child Marriage In Malaysia

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          The Joint-Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has created a petition to End Child Marriage aimed at the Malaysian Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Razak.

          You can click here to access the petition.

          ——————————————————————————————————————–

          The public outcry against the recent case in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah of the 40-year old alleged rapist marrying his 13-year old rape victim highlights again the prevalence of child marriage in Malaysia.

          Contrary to popular belief, the incidence of child marriage is not isolated in Malaysia. The 2000 Population and Housing Census revealed that 6,800 girls under the age of 15 were married, with Selangor recording the highest number, followed by Sabah. Malays recorded the highest incidence of child marriage at 2,450, followed by other bumiputeras 1,550, Chinese 1,600, Indians 600 and others 600. In terms of incidence per population, Sabah leads, followed by Malacca, Penang and Selangor.

          The 2000 census data also showed there were 235 children between the ages of 10 and 14 who were already widowed and 77 divorced or permanently separated.

          Early marriage has lifelong negative consequences, in particular for child brides. Child brides are less likely to complete their education, which in turn affects their future and keeps them mired in poverty. Their vulnerability puts them at a higher risk of being physically, sexually and mentally abused, and contracting deadly diseases, such as HIV. Maternal health risks are particularly troubling. Young brides are more likely to become young mothers, and the risk of death in pregnancy and delivery for girls under the age of 15 is five times higher than for women in their 20s. Together, the costs of this practice are too high to be ignored.

          You can help change this. Take a stand against child marriage and let the Malaysian Government know that we do not accept a practice that threatens the well-being of our children and endangers our daughters, in terms of economic, social and health risks. We should not rob our children of their childhood. Their right to life, health, education, and security must be upheld. 


          “Meet the Mentors” – In Collaboration with the National Council of Women Organisations (NCWO)

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            Lend them your ears and through their very own powerful words, take a gentle walk through the journeys of three inspiring women in this innovative and intimate transportation into the world of Malaysia’s women movement. Come join us Saturday, 1st June for this exciting journey. Come with open hearts, minds and souls and get ready to be inspired.

            AWAM, in collaboration with the National Council of Women Organisations (NCWO) will be hosting a ‘Meet the Mentors’ session next Saturday specifically for girls aged 20-35. Details as follows:

            Date: 1st June (Saturday)
            Time: 9 AM (Breakfast served)
            9.30 AM (Event commences)
            Venue: The Bee, Jaya One

            There will be three speakers, all of whom share a rich tapestry of historically significant events that have long since only lived in their memories. We will get to uncover all these stories and more when we take a walk down memory lane with Datuk Bhupalan, Dato Gurusamy and Ho Yock Lin as they guide us through important milestones of the women’s movement in Malaysia. Do join us on this day and bring a friend or two along!

            Please RSVP by calling Anisa 017 376 0256. You can also RSVP via e-mail: breakfastwithmentors@gmail.com

            If you don’t fit the age criteria, do not despair as we have plenty of other events for you. Do pass on the word to a woman or two who would be eligible so that they can benefit from this.

            We look forward to your presence and hope you can join us!

            An Open Letter to Our Members – Chronology of Events from 2009 – 2013

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              Despite issuing our standard response statement in the face of attacks on our organisation, which we had hoped would clarify the matter; the attacks on AWAM have not only continued but have also intensified. Based on this, we are now issuing a timeline or chronology of events for our members and supporters to clearly appreciate and understand the sequence of events and AWAM’s position and actions.

              Date

              Event
              8 April 2009 The alleged incident was said to have happened around 7.30pm during a dinner amongst friends at a seafood restaurant in Bangsar Village.
              24 April 2010 A year after the alleged incident, the matter was for the first time officially brought to the attention of AWAM by way of an e-mail from the Complainant alleging that an incident which she found offensive had occurred in the course of a private dinner between her and a member of AWAM. This member was not an office-bearer of AWAM at that time. Despite the fact that the alleged incident took place outside of AWAM; that the matter essentially involved two friends who were engaged in a private/personal discussion at the time; and that the Complainant was not a member of AWAM, when approached, AWAM helped to look into the matter in good faith and reached out to both parties to mediate the incident through an internal inquiry by a Committee which heard them out.
              After speaking to the Complainant and the member, the Committee’s view was that the incident complained of was inappropriate behaviour on the part of the member.
              1 July 2010 The Committee explained its views to the Complainant in a meeting that lasted for one and a half hours.
              11 July 2010 The Complainant acknowledged and signed off on the views of the Committee. A letter was then issued by AWAM to the member complained against and the matter was deemed closed.
              13 March 2012 In preparation for its AGM, AWAM released the list of nominees for office bearers proposed and seconded by AWAM members for the election of office bearers for the year 2012 – 2014. The member was nominated by AWAM members in accordance with the provisions of AWAM’s constitution for the post of Honorary Treasurer.
              24 March 2012 At the Annual General Meeting of AWAM, the member was duly elected by the voting members present to the position of Honorary Treasurer for 2012 – 2014. The Nominations and the Elections was conducted in accordance with the provisions of AWAM’s Constitution. This included circulating a notice beforehand informing all members of nominations for election. No objection was received after the issuance of the notice in respect of the nomination of the member. The list of nominees was also posted up and read aloud at the AGM. Again there were no objections raised on the election of the member and she was duly elected as an office bearer of AWAM.
              27 March 2012 AWAM received an e-mail from the Complainant registering her disappointment in the election of the member. AWAM acknowledged receipt of the Complainants e-mail and an attempt was made to have a face-to-face meeting with the Complainant who was not available at the current time.
              29 March 2012 Inquiries were received from certain quarters including journalists and individuals in respect of the election of the member complained against.
              30 March 2012 Complainant and her associate inserted postings on AWAM’s Facebook page questioning the election of the member complained against and insinuating that there was no transparency in AWAM and that AWAM’s silence will not protect AWAM.
              30 March 2012 The member complained against approached the Executive Council of AWAM and offered to step down from the position of Honorary Treasurer on account of the negative Facebook postings against AWAM and her election as an office bearer. The ExCo of AWAM advised the member complained against to reconsider as she was duly elected in accordance with AWAM’s constitution. AWAM has followed due process in the election of office bearers at the AGM.  The nomination of office bearers is not determined or dictated by AWAM and is the process of a democratic right of choice of AWAM Members in accordance with AWAM’s constitution. Furthermore, the nominations for office bearers  was subject to official election by voting members present at AWAM’s AGM on 24 March 2012 where any oppositions to the election of the office bearers could be voiced and heard.AWAM’s Constitution does not permit AWAM to reject any nomination received in accordance with the provisions and neither does it give any right to AWAM to campaign for or against any nominationAs the election of the member complained against was proper and in accordance with AWAM’s constitution, AWAM advised the member that she should not feel obliged to step down as the accusations in respect of her appointment were baseless.Acceding to the demands of the disgruntled group would be going against the free choice made by AWAM members and not respecting AWAM’s constitution.
              1 – 18 April 2012 The Complainant and her associates continued to insert postings in AWAM’s Facebook page in respect of the election of the member as an office bearer and also questioned the credibility of AWAM as a feminist organisation and its commitment to fight Sexual Harassment. AWAM issued statements clarifying the situation and reaffirming its policies in respect of its role as a feminist organisation. The Complainant and her associates however persisted in continuing to hurl accusations and making unjustified comments.
              18 April 2012 Acting on the advice of its legal advisors that AWAM is legally accountable for the content of its Facebook page and that the escalation of the accusations being made in the Facebook page may expose AWAM to legal sanctions, AWAM decided to delete all postings related to the matter in its Facebook page.
              April – August 2012 The Complainant and her associates were not happy and started a campaign of attacks against AWAM which included:1. The setting up of alternative Facebook pages to pursue discussion on the matter.

              2. Inserting postings on the Facebook pages of sister organizations as well as making appearances at public functions organized by the sister organizations and demanding to speak on the matter.

              3. Writing to a funder of AWAM complaining and making accusations against AWAM. The funder after hearing AWAM out responded to the Complainant and voiced their support of AWAM – ‘We hold our partner in Malaysia in high regard and up until this point have had no reason to doubt the high integrity of the organization.’

              The Complainant was not happy with this response and inserted postings on the funders Facebook page publicly criticising the funder for standing by AWAM.
              13 August 2012 A senior officer of a sister organization wrote to the Complainant offering to mediate and have a meeting with the complainant to hear her grievances against AWAM. The complainant replied declining to meet the senior officer and stating that she wants to continue her campaign against AWAM and also JAG for supporting AWAM.
              29 August 2012 AWAM called for a meeting of AWAM members to discuss and clarify the matter and the actions taken by AWAM. The members in attendance were in agreement and fully supported the stand and action taken by AWAM.
              2 September 2012 An article appeared in a prominent English daily implying improper handling of the matter by AWAM and also critical of the actions of JAG in the matter by name. An official letter of complaint was issued to the English daily and an apology to JAG was published.
              5 Oct 2012 The Complainant continued to target organisations that AWAM chose to work with, including writing to a prominent organisation that decided to partner with AWAM on several projects.
              Oct 2012 – March 2013 The Complainant and her associates intensified the attacks on AWAM through the media as well as sending a series of e-mails to AWAM’s partners and sister organisations aimed at pressuring the organisations to withdraw their support of AWAM.
              6 February 2013 AWAM posted its Standard Response Statement on its website to clarify the issue.
              8 March 2013 The Complainant and her associates launched the Hold AWAM Accountable (HAA) blog.
              8 March 2013 The Complainant and associates showed up at AWAM’s International Women’s Day event. They proceeded to raise their grievances during the Q and A session of the programme. Attempts were made to answer their questions but the complainant was not ready to hear AWAM out. The Complainant and her associates left the event once members of the audience made it clear that they didn’t agree to the raising of their personal grievances at an event such as this.
              8 March 2013 till to date The Complainant and her associates continue with the onslaught against AWAM and have intensified their efforts. They have also begun to be critical of any organization that is seen by them to be supportive of AWAM. Despite numerous attempts to clarify the matter the Complainant and her associates remain adamant and the attacks continue.

               

              AWAM condemns the unfair and malicious accusations made against AWAM

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                [Note: This same post was also published on the 6th of February 2013]

                Since late March 2012, the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) has been under attack by a group of people. We decry the barrage of denunciations and accusations that have been levelled at us and wish to set the record straight as follows.

                1. On 24 April 2010, AWAM received an email from a Complainant alleging that an incident which she found offensive had occurred in the course of a private dinner between her and a member of AWAM. This member was not an office-bearer of AWAM at that time. Despite the fact that the alleged incident took place outside of AWAM; that the matter essentially involved two friends who were engaged in a private/personal discussion at the time; and that the Complainant was not a member of AWAM, when approached, AWAM helped to look into the matter in good faith and reached out to both parties to mediate the incident through an internal inquiry by a Committee which heard them out.

                2. After speaking to the Complainant and the member, the Committee’s view was that the incident complained of was inappropriate behaviour on the part of the member.

                3. On 1 July 2010, the Committee explained its views to the Complainant in a meeting that lasted for one and a half hours. On 11 July, 2010, the Complainant acknowledged and signed off on the views of the Committee and the matter was deemed closed.

                4. About nearly one and a half years later, when the member was elected as an office bearer of AWAM on 24 March, 2012 according to the organisation’s Constitution, the Complainant mounted her accusations which began in a stream of disparaging posts on our Facebook Page. When AWAM responded, further accusations were hurled at our direction. In view that the postings could potentially invite a legal suit against AWAM for providing the platform for such comments to be made in public, we discontinued this conversation in the Facebook and appealed to all interested to contact us directly for an explanation.

                5. While we uphold the principle of free speech, AWAM will not allow an official platform of the organisation to be abused to unfairly damage the organisation. The disparaging comments then shifted to new Facebook spaces created by the Complainant, e.g., ‘Hold AWAM accountable’ and ‘Malaysians stand up to sexual harassment’. The Complainant has bombarded their attacks by writing to AWAM’s funder and other organisations that have worked with AWAM. These attacks against AWAM continue till today.

                6. On 29 August 2012, AWAM held a members’ meeting to discuss this matter. At the end, those present affirmed the organisation’s position and the actions taken. Further angered by this news, the Complainant and her friends embarked another round of attacks by contacting the media with their story.

                7. Thus far, any person or organisation that supports AWAM’s position has been subjected to a series of ad hominem attacks based on a serious misrepresentation of facts. Silence on the part of any individual or organisation has been deemed as complicity, tantamount to supporting violence against women, although in most cases people have merely wanted to stay clear of the mud-slinging and verbal assaults by the Complainant and her friends.

                8. AWAM will not relent to bullying, harassment and subterfuge. Nor will we be coerced into meeting the Complainant’s demands to remove the member as office-bearer who was duly elected through a democratic process.

                9. We fully believe that we have not done anything to compromise our integrity as a feminist organisation. We remain committed to social justice and to ending gender-based violence in this country. AWAM has attempted to resolve this matter as best as we can despite the fact that the incident is essentially a private matter between the two individuals.

                10. AWAM hopes that the matter stops here and parties concerned could resolve the matter at their personal level if needs be.

                 

                Movers and Shakers: Training for AWAM Members

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                  Where are all the women leaders?

                  Interested in women’s rights and becoming an agent of change? Then join and become a member of AWAM! We are looking for committed and passionate people who want to help become trainers for AWAM.

                  The All Women’s Action Society is organising, with the support of the Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), a Pre-Institute Training for members who want to develop their facilitation and leadership skills.

                  At this Training, we will utilise WLP manuals and participatory leadership training methodology to help our members become more effective trainers and advocates for gender equality and social justice. This is in line with our vision of producing greater numbers of women leaders in Malaysia.
                  Objectives of the Workshop:

                  • To develop the Self for Leadership
                  • To Create Learning Partnership
                  • To Advocate for Change

                  It will be a three day training from the 21st – 23rd June 2013.
                  If you are keen on being part of this Training, email bettyyeoh.awam@gmail.com or awam@awam.org.my for registration form and more information, by Friday 14th June 2013.

                  We’re Reviving WAVES!

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                    A long, long time ago, The All Women’s Action Society published a newsletter called WAVES where members and friends had the space to write about relevant issues concerning women and feminism in Malaysia.

                    Its 2013, and AWAM has decided that its time to ride some new waves again and would like to resurrect this newsletter in the form of e-Waves!

                    We’re so excited about our first e-Waves and are calling out for writers to submit articles, opinion pieces, musings, thoughts, and rants by the 12th of June.

                    The theme for our first e-Waves newsletter will be Exploring the F-Word.

                    If you’re interested, please contact us at awam@awam.org.my.