Strengthening Public Support for
the Freedom of Expression
(SPS-FoE)

2022 – 2025

The overall goal of the SPS-FoE Project in Malaysia was to improve public understanding that protecting the information space and supporting the freedom of expression (FoE) enables a diversity of opinion that will, in turn, lead to a more inclusive society and a stronger democracy. The SPS-FoE activities were designed to show how freedom of expression rights impact one’s daily life, and in turn, impact one’s ability to engage in governance. To this end, and to achieve its overall goal, the project pursued the following interconnected objectives: (1) through a unique collaborative approach between filmmakers and civil society, shape and build alternative and reimagined narratives on the freedom of expression by developing effective public engagement tools; (2) improve civil society effectiveness in strengthening public understanding and support for freedom of expression by implementing a tailored CSO training program, supporting a freedom of expression public awareness campaign, and amplifying these narratives by encouraging others to create and distribute pro-freedom of expression media; and (3) support civil society action to advocate for legal and policy reforms that promote and protect freedom of expression, resulting in greater access to information, support the adoption and operationalization of the UN Rabat Plan of Action, and engagement in the establishment of a Media Council.