Post Speaker Program - Nan Aron

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 000781

SIPDIS

FOR EAP/PD AND EAP/MTS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPAO MY

SUBJECT: Post Speaker Program - Nan Aron


1. (U) SUMMARY AND COMMENT. As part of Embassy Kuala Lumpur's
public diplomacy efforts to promote rule of law, Post hosted U.S.
Speaker Nan Aron for a non-governmental organization (NGO) outreach
program in early September. During her visit to Kuala Lumpur, Aron
shared her expertise with a wide variety of rule of law-oriented
NGOs and other nongovernmental representatives with the goal of
enhancing their capacity and ability to advocate for change in
Malaysia.


2. (U) Post's civil society outreach program satisfied a
surprisingly large appetite for information and knowledge about
public interest promotion. In particular, the program was
well-attended by NGOs working on women's rights and health issues.
Aron's programs also reinforced the Mission's goal of promoting rule
of law and strengthened its relationship with civil society
organizations. END SUMMARY AND COMMENT.


3. (U) As part of Embassy Kuala Lumpur's public diplomacy efforts
to encourage voices in support of rule of law in Malaysia, Post
hosted U.S. Speaker Nan Aron for a non-governmental organization
(NGO) outreach program in early September. Aron is founder and
President of Alliance for Justice, a national association of
American public interest and civil rights organizations.


4. (U) Civil society organizations in Malaysia operate in an often
unwelcoming, restrictive environment which impedes their
effectiveness and ability to influence the government. During her
visit to Kuala Lumpur, she shared her expertise with a wide variety
of civil society representatives in order to enhance their capacity
and ability to advocate for change. Aron spoke about NGO
management, creating public awareness campaigns, and the role of
public interest litigation in shaping public policy with NGO
representatives, other public policy audiences, and the public.


5. (U) Aron's September 2 program at the Central Market Annexe in
Kuala Lumpur attracted an audience of 75 human rights,
environmental, arts, health, community assistance, animal rights,
good governance, and Muslim women's rights NGO representatives. The
diverse group included members of Sisters in Islam, Malaysian Aids
Council, Women's Aid Organization, Eco-Warriors, World Wildlife
Foundation, Era Consumer, Mercy Malaysia, National Cancer Society,
and many others. Aron emphasized creating effective communication
strategies, developing effective group spokespersons, fundraising,
and donor development and cultivation.


6. (U) At INPUMA (International Institute of Public Policy and
Management),Malaysia's premier public policy graduate program, Aron
focused on public interest litigation and the role of lawyers and
litigation in shaping public policy. The well-received program was
attended by civil society representatives from the Malaysian Bar
Council, Amnesty International, Transparency International, and
Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, as well as INPUMA staff and
students.

KEITH