Our Work

Since 2024, MANDIRI has organised programmes and initiatives dedicated to political education, youth and student organising, democratic participation, and social justice. Our work brings together young people, activists, students, academics, and civil society organisations through forums, workshops, leadership development programmes, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots organising initiatives.

Guided by the values of freedom, justice, and solidarity, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers while strengthening progressive movements in Malaysia and across the region.

Political Education

MANDIRI believes that political education is fundamental to building a democratic and progressive society. Through initiatives such as Sekolah Mawar, Kuliah Aktivisme, and Bedah Film, we create spaces for young people to critically engage with issues of democracy, social justice, human rights, gender equality, and political organising. Our programmes are designed not only to raise awareness, but also to develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for meaningful social change.

Youth & Student Organizing

MANDIRI works to strengthen youth and student movements across Malaysia through organising, leadership development, and movement-building initiatives. Through projects such as Mahasiswa Bangkit and Liga Mahasiswa Malaysia, we support student leaders in building democratic and progressive movements within and beyond their campuses. We also collaborate closely with youth organisations and grassroots initiatives to strengthen solidarity and collective action.

Forums & Public Engagement

Creating spaces for dialogue and critical discussion remains central to MANDIRI's mission. We regularly organise public forums, workshops, panel discussions, and documentary screenings featuring activists, academics, policymakers, and community leaders. These programmes provide accessible platforms for young people to discuss contemporary political, economic, and social issues while encouraging meaningful civic participation.

Advocacy & Campaigns

MANDIRI actively advocates for democratic reforms, social justice, and institutional accountability. Our advocacy efforts include campaigns against corruption, draconian laws such as the Sedition Act 1948 and restrictive provisions of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, as well as initiatives promoting academic freedom and student rights, including the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU). We remain committed to defending fundamental freedoms and strengthening democratic participation in Malaysia.

Leadership Development

Building future leaders is at the core of MANDIRI's work. Through structured political education, mentorship, and movement-building initiatives, we equip young people with the tools to organise, lead, and contribute meaningfully to society. Our programmes focus on developing critical thinking, organising skills, and values-based leadership among emerging activists and changemakers.

Annual Flagship Programmes

MANDIRI organises annual flagship programmes that bring together youth leaders, activists, students, and civil society organisations from across Malaysia. The Youth and Student Congress serves as a platform for collective reflection, strategic discussions, and movement-building among young people, while Pesta Perlawanan Anak Muda celebrates youth resistance, solidarity, and progressive culture through forums, performances, exhibitions, and community engagement activities.

Regional Solidarity & Research

MANDIRI believes that social change requires both local action and regional solidarity. We stand in solidarity with individuals and movements working to advance democracy, human rights, and social justice across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. While maintaining a principled position of non-interference in the domestic political affairs of other countries, MANDIRI remains committed to expressing solidarity in the face of human rights violations, particularly those affecting human rights defenders, activists, students, and marginalised communities. Through research, focus group discussions, and community engagement, MANDIRI also seeks to better understand the aspirations and challenges facing young people and translate these insights into meaningful programmes, advocacy efforts, and acts of solidarity.