Leaked document shows Soros’ interest in Malaysian politics
Business magnate’s foundation’s efforts to support fair elections discussed in June last year
A leaked document outlining minutes of a meeting that discussed strategies for the upcoming general election by the Open Society Foundation (OSF) funded by George Soros clearly shows the billionaire’s personal interest in the matter.
The meeting, titled “Malaysia Programme – Portfolio Review Outcome Summary” which was held in June 2015, outlined OSF’s efforts to support civil society efforts, empowerment of indigenous groups, youth and women, and rural areas, as well as free and fair elections.
The meeting was attended by OSF president Christopher Stone and Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research director Ibrahim Suffian, among others.
Coupled with the perceived importance of the 2013 general election, it led to OSF heightening the level of urgency in the work and leveraging its network of networks, bringing in outside expertise and conducting advocacy in Washington, DC.
OSF’s Malaysia programme considered grant-making its most successful intervention and was instrumental in organising and bringing hundreds of thousands of people to the streets.
The document said through its grants “large-scale local election monitoring occurred for the first time, and the first dedicated media monitoring project was undertaken”.
OSF added that its support was particularly impactful for youth participation, where hundreds of young people were mobilised.