The US embassy in Malaysia announced Cynthia as its nominee for the award which honours women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength and leadership in acting to improve the lives of others.

“Cynthia is a key human rights advocate and anti-corruption leader who has shed light on multiple corruption scandals.

“She has spent her professional life advancing and promoting human rights, good governance, rule of law, anti-corruption and democratic freedoms,” it said in a statement today.

Cynthia has been vocal most recently about the share ownership issue clouding Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki, as well as the need for institutional reforms in the anti-graft agency.

The International Women of Courage Award, under the US Department of State, started in 2007 as an initiative to bring global attention and support to women who have worked tirelessly to improve their communities.

Every year, US diplomatic missions nominate one woman from their respective host countries.

Past winners and nominees of the award from Malaysia include Ambiga Sreenivasan, Susanna Liew, Nisha Ayub, M Indira Gandhi and Qyira Yusri.