Former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan has been bestowed France's highest award, the Chevalier de Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) for her work in human rights advocacy.

ambiga s award at french embassy 2 In her acceptance speech at the French embassy in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Ambiga ( right in photo ) said the award was not for her, but for all civil society.

"This honour belongs to the civil society in Malaysia. I think it is important to appreciate all the work civil society has been doing."

Ambiga also gave special mention to the Bar Council that she says has long fought against the Internal Security Act, since the time when it was a "lone voice" on the issue.

French ambassador to Malaysia, Marc Barety who presented Ambiga with the award said she was "especially entitled to get this award because she is a strong supporter and defender of human rights."

Past recipients include Michelle Yeoh

He also acknowledged her work with the Orang Asli, an issue that Ambiga had made a point to raise during her speech, pledging the civil society's continued support for the marginalised community.

Barety said that only about 25 such award have been conferred to Malaysians, whose past recipients include the Agong, top military commanders and personalities such as actress Michelle Yeoh.

Apart from her various human rights work, Ambiga who is also Bersih 2.0 chief reiterated her resolve to move forward with the electoral reform group's eight-point demand.

Another recipient of the award is Bank Negara governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz who will receive her award at a later date.

VIDEO l 7.16 min