Kuala Lumpur, Dec. 10 : The outlawed Hindraf and the Penans of Ulu Baram in Sarawak have jointly been awarded the Suaram's Human Rights Award 2008.

A panel of judges selected the two from six nominations on Tuesday, reports The Star.

According to the panel, Hindraf had "captivated, mobilised and empowered vast numbers of Malaysians of Indian origin to struggle against very powerful interests and forces" in a short space of time.

Suaram said Hindraf's success could perhaps be seen "in the fear it has caused in the eyes of the Government to the extent it detained five of its leaders."

The panel said the Penans had been defending their lands from encroachment since the early 1980s. (ANI)