Susanna Liew, missing pastor's wife, wins int'l courage award

Susanna Liew, the wife of disappeared pastor Raymond Koh, has been named among the 12 International Women of Courage (IWOC) for 2020.

The announcement was made by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur who confirmed that Liew, a former school principal and educator, was selected for her human rights work following the abduction of her husband, allegedly by state agents.

"Liew has fought tirelessly on behalf of religious minorities who disappeared under similar circumstances.

"Despite harassment, she continues to advocate for the disappeared because of their rights as Malaysians and human beings," it added.

The US Embassy went on to laud Liew for fighting on behalf of members of religious minorities who disappeared in Malaysia under similar circumstances -including Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy, and his wife Ruth - or who face persecution for their beliefs.

"Liew (right in photo) actively pursued justice for her husband and others during the Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) 2018-2019 public inquiry into enforced disappearances and continues to push the government to investigate these cases and prosecute those responsible," it said.

It was also cited that Liew and Koh founded Hope Community in 2004, a non-profit organisation that works with the poor, needy, and marginalised. 

"I want to continue to highlight this case in the international scene, not only for pastor Raymond, but for the three other activists who have disappeared - Amri, Joshua and Ruth."

"Religious freedom is a basic human right and everyone should have their right to express their beliefs. Anyone can get involved in activism, regardless of their background and abilities, and this would make the country a better place when women speak out for their rights," said Liew in a video statement released by the US Embassy today.

Later today, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo will host the annual IWOC Awards at the US Department of State to honour 12 extraordinary women from around the world, and US First Lady Melania Trump will deliver a speech recognising their achievements.

Now in its 14th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognises women around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk and sacrifice.

Since the inception of this award in March 2007, the Department of State has recognised 134 women from 73 countries. This year will bring the total to 146 awardees from 77 countries. US diplomatic missions overseas nominate one woman of courage from their respective host countries. The finalists are selected and approved by senior Department officials.

Following the IWOC ceremony, the 12 awardees will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) visiting various cities throughout the country, before reconvening in Los Angeles for the conclusion of their programme on March 16.

Malaysians who have won the award in the past include former Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan (above) in 2009, for championing law, transgender rights advocate Nisha Ayub in 2016 and M Indira Gandhi in 2018 for her legal battle to find her lost daughter.

The late Tenaganita chairperson and human rights activist Irene Fernandez was nominated for the award in 2013, but did not win.

The other women selected this year are Zarifa Ghafari (Afghanistan), Lucy Kocharyan (Armenia), Shahla Humbatova (Azerbaijan), Ximena Galarza (Bolivia), Claire Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso), Sayragul Sauytbay (China), Amaya Coppens (Nicaragua), Jalila Haider (Pakistan), Amina Khoulani (Syria), Yasmin al Qadhi (Yemen) and Dr Rita Nyampinga (Zimbabwe).

Many are journalists, lawyers and civil society activists who have been speaking up in adverse circumstances to defend women and minority rights causes.