About Mandiri
MANDIRI is an independent, youth-driven organisation founded in May 2024 by Amir Hadi, Mohamad Alshatry, and Dobby Chew. Guided by the principles of social democracy and the values of freedom, justice, and solidarity, MANDIRI is committed to empowering young people, strengthening democratic participation, and advancing progressive ideas towards building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
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At the heart of MANDIRI's work is political education, youth leadership development, and grassroots organising. The organisation believes that young people should be active participants in shaping Malaysia's political, economic, and social future. Through its programmes and campaigns, MANDIRI equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to become effective changemakers within their communities and beyond.
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MANDIRI works closely with youth organisations, student movements, civil society groups, and community leaders to strengthen progressive networks and build collective action. Through initiatives such as the Mahasiswa Bangkit Project, MANDIRI supports student leadership and democratic participation across universities in Malaysia, while empowering emerging youth movements through collaboration, mentorship, and capacity-building.
Political education remains central to MANDIRI's mission. Its flagship monthly programme, Sekolah Mawar, provides political education sessions covering democracy, social justice, human rights, gender equality, political ideologies, and movement-building. MANDIRI also organises public forums, workshops, dialogues, and film and documentary screenings that encourage critical engagement with contemporary political and social issues.
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In addition, MANDIRI organises two of its flagship annual programmes: the Youth and Student Congress and Pesta Perlawanan Anak Muda. These platforms bring together young leaders, activists, students, and civil society actors from across Malaysia to exchange ideas, strengthen solidarity, develop collaborative initiatives, and build a vibrant progressive movement committed to democratic values and social justice.
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Beyond education, MANDIRI actively advocates for democratic reforms and social justice. Its advocacy includes campaigns against corruption and draconian laws that undermine fundamental freedoms, including the Sedition Act 1948, restrictive provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, and the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). The organisation remains committed to defending freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, academic freedom, and meaningful youth participation in public life.
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Rumah MANDIRI in Petaling Jaya serves as the organisation's headquarters and a hub for progressive action, bringing together activists, students, and civil society actors to learn, collaborate, and organise. Through political education, advocacy, research, and grassroots engagement, MANDIRI continues to build a democratic and progressive movement rooted in freedom, justice, and solidarity.
Rumah Mandiri
Rumah MANDIRI serves as the central hub for youth empowerment and progressive action. It is a space dedicated to fostering leadership, collaboration, and activism, providing resources for workshops, training, and community-building activities. At Rumah MANDIRI, young leaders and changemakers come together to drive meaningful societal transformation.
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We welcome everyone to utilize the space for forums, discussions, and training sessions. Whether you’re an organization, community group, or individual, Rumah MANDIRI is here to support your efforts in creating positive change. Click the button below to enquire about using the space.