中文
BMThrough the organizing of the 2ndCivil Society Award, we could cultivate civic literacy in order to avoid influence from politicians who encouraged populist movement. Hence, we were able to enhance mutual respect among multiracial and multicultural and fight for “Opening up Democratic Space，Enhancing Civil Society”, which was the theme of this award.
— Yong Yew Wei, Chairman of The Civil Rights Award Organizing Committee 2009
There were 9 nominees for the 2ndCivil Society Award, including Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sarawak Penan Community, BERSIH, Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF), Jawatankuasa Mempertahankan Sek. Asal dan
Memohon Sek. Kedua SJKC Damansara, Wong Chin Huat, Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT), Sisters In Islam (SIS) and Jawatankuasa Bertindak Menentang Penggunaan Cyanide Dalam Pelombongan Emas, Di Bukit Koman Raub, Pahang.
The Civil Rights Award Organizing Committee acknowledged and complimented the dedicated Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sisters in Islam（SIS） and Sarawak Penan Community Indigenous Peoples’ Movement. In addition, The whereabouts of Raja Petra was a mystery, so his award was kept till he appeared.
First Winner: Raja Petra Kamarudin
Reason for award:
Despite being a forerunner in Malaysian news, Raja Petra Kamarudin continues to taunt the authorities and remains a thorn in the side of the administration of Najib Razak.
Second Winner: Sisters in Islam（SIS）
Reason for award:
SIS is a group of Muslim professional women that committed to promote an awareness of the true principles of Islam, principles that enshrine the concept of equality between women and men, and to strive towards creating a society that upholds the Islamic principles of equality, justice, freedom and dignity within a democratic state.
Third Winner: Sarawak Penan Community Indigenous Peoples’ Movement
Reason for award:
The Penans struggle against powerful forces representing the collusion of political powers, business, police, military, timber companies and oil palm plantations, fighting for daily survival.