The controversial sodomy trial of Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s charismatic opposition leader, is due to resume in the Kuala Lumpur High Court on 2 August.
Observers and leaders around the world concur with Anwar’s claim that the charge against him is baseless and politically motivated, but the authorities seem determined to proceed with it.
The trial looks set to be a replay of the shameful trials he went through in 1998-99, which were universally condemned and resulted in a lengthy prison sentence, much of it spent in solitary confinement. Already a number of unfair rulings have been made, making it very difficult for his lawyers to mount an effective defence. Both the chief of police and the Attorney General, personally involved in this high-profile sequel, had earlier been shown to have played a role in fabricating evidence for Anwar’s ’98-99 trials.
In recent days, yet another scandal has emerged: renowned blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin revealed that one of the Federal Counsel team was having an affair with Saiful, Anwar’s accuser and the main prosecution witness. She was swiftly removed from the line-up.
This new trial should be viewed as part of a wider, concerted attack launched against Anwar and political leaders close to him, which has gained considerable momentum over the last year. These include frequent blackening of his name in the mainstream media (almost exclusively owned or controlled by the ruling party), as well as determined efforts to bring about the collapse of the opposition-controlled state governments – especially Selangor, which is both the richest state and the flagship of Anwar’s party – by means of both political and judicial manipulation.
During the last month, renewal of the publishing permit for the official organs of all three of the main opposition parties was either denied or delayed. The PAS newspaper, Harakah, has now had its permit renewed but with stifling distribution conditions attached.
The trial is scheduled to continue until the end of the month.
Issued by the INTERNATIONAL BUREAU of the PEOPLE’S JUSTICE PARTY (KEADILAN)
30 July 2010
