NGO leaders to meet Obama on Sunday

During his three-day visit to the capital, United States President Barack Obama is scheduled to meet Malaysian leaders of civil society on Sunday evening. However, some NGO leaders are still keeping the details of the meeting under wraps.

It has been reported that those slated to meet the American head of state are Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, lawyer and human rights advocate Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih chairman Maria Chin Abdullah, Malaysian Bar Council president Chris Leong and council member Honey Tan, Tenaganita programme director Aegile Fernandez, and Islamic Renaissance Front chairman and Director Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa. A representative from the Council of Churches is also expected to meet Obama.

When contacted by Astro AWANI, Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa said that the meeting is expected to be around 30 minutes with an opportunity for each representative to present their concerns.

He also said that the venue of the location cannot be disclosed and has not been finalised.

“It will not happen at the US Embassy as reported. We also do not know where it is going to take place as we will only be informed prior to the meeting," he said.

Dr. Ahmad Farouk also clarified that the NGO leaders did not seek an audience with the American head of state. Instead, the group were invited by the US Embassy last Monday.

“We have no power to seek an audience with the President. It is up to his discretion who he wants to meet during this trip and he invited us.

“It is also a great opportunity for us to express our views and to share what is really happening to the country,” said Dr. Ahmad Farouk.

As the leader of the IRF, he said he will present the issue of religious persecution in this country.

“We want to be seen in the eyes of the world as leading the movement of moderates but we should position ourselves as moderates at home first,” he added.

Meanwhile, other NGOs did not want to comment on the meeting with Obama.

A representative for Sisters in Islam said they will only comment after the meeting.

In an SMS to AWANI, Bersih Chairman Maria Chin Abdullah wrote: “I cannot disclose the issues until after the event.”

Tenaganita Programme Director Aegile Fernandez also said she would only comment after the meeting.

General Secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia Rev Dr. Hermen Shastri declined to be interviewed at this point in time.

Obama is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and launch the Malaysia Global Innovation and Creativity Center (MaGIC) tomorrow.

He expected to leave for the Philippines on Monday.