SUARAM (Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd) is guided by the Memorandum and Articles of Association pursuant to the Companies Act, 1965. We believe in the universality, interdependence and indivisibility of all rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural.

SUARAM specializes in civil and political rights such as educational programs and trainings on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association; right to fair trial; freedom from torture, extra-judicial killings and cruel punishment; public accountability and genuine democracy-building. Together with other civil organisation and group partners who work on economic, social and cultural rights in Malaysia, we are able to collectively and comprehensively address all human rights.

How did SUARAM Begin?

1987 saw one of the most widespread crackdowns on social and political activists in living memory – Operasi Lalang. 106 opposition leaders, social activists, religious teachers and educationists were detained without trial under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA). Many were detained for up to 2 years.When the last of the detainees were released in 1989, the Detainees’ Family Support Group, ISA detainees and other activists formed ‘Suara Rakyat Malaysia’ or SUARAM to campaign for the abolition of the ISA. What started as a single-issue campaign evolved into an activist movement for human rights and democracy in the following years. Presently, SUARAM works towards the realisation of fundamental liberties, democracy and justice in Malaysia.

Is SUARAM partisan?

SUARAM is an independent and a human rights organisation which is not linked to any other agencies. We will always be on the side of victims of human rights violations, the poor and the oppressed, without fear or favour. Our mandate is enshrined in the Malaysian Human Rights Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus SUARAM’s main objective is the protection and realisation of human rights in Malaysia regardless of the government-of-the-day.

How is SUARAM funded?

SUARAM is funded by donations and grants from public and private sources. However, the most important source comes from private donations, local fund-raising events, sales of books and campaign merchandise. Funds are accepted strictly on the basis of non-interference of donors.

How does SUARAM operate?

As SUARAM (Suara Inisiatif Sdn Bhd) is registered under the Companies Act of Malaysia, our operations and activities complies with our registration under the law.

SUARAM