Nelson Mandela to receive inaugural Mahathir for global peace award

Malaysia has introduced the Mahathir For Global Peace Award in efforts to promote peace for all, with former South African President Nelson Mandela as the first recipient.

Current South African President Jacob G.Zuma will receive the award on Mandela's behalf during Zuma's scheduled official visit to Malaysia next week.

Mahathir Global Peace Foundation Committee member Ambi Mathe said the inaugural award was named after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed due to the earnestness and commitment shown by the former Malaysian prime minister in championing global peace all this while.

"The award will also recognise the efforts and contributions of individuals and organisations including the media, writers and bloggers in promoting global peace," she told a press conference, here, today.

The award presentation ceremony will be held on Aug 27 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Mathe said this particular award was only a start as there would be other awards to be introduced towards the end of next year, among them, the Peace Innovation Award, Peace Education Award and Peace Communication Award.

"For these awards, the candidates will be evaluated by a special panel comprising local and foreign professionals," she added.