Anwar: It won’t derail my election plans

Anwar (center) accompanied by his wife Azizah arrives at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Thursday

Asiaone News

By AUDREY EDWARDS and FLORENCE A. SAMY

PETALING JAYA: The sodomy charge against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will not derail his plans to contest in the upcoming Permatang Pauh by-election.

Anwar said he was looking forward to the campaigning period to meet voters in his home constituency.

The de facto PKR leader reiterated his concern over the integrity of the electoral process where, to date, evidence of phantom voters and “ballot box stuffing” had yet to be addressed by the Election Commission.

“The poor handling of the use of indelible ink in the general election gives all Malaysians, particularly those in Permatang Pauh, reason to be concerned about the conduct of polling this month,” he said in a statement read out during a press conference at the PKR headquarters here yesterday.

Anwar urged the commission to take the opportunity of the by-election to restore some credibility to its reputation.

When asked whether the charges would affect voting in Permatang Pauh, he said it was the decision of the voters in the constituency, adding that the rakyat had been following the case closely and knew all the “tricks”.

His focus during the campaign would be on change and the economy.

“God willing, we will win in Permatang Pauh. God willing, we will win convincingly. I look forward to joining my colleagues in Parliament to prepare for the historic transition that the country is eagerly awaiting,” he said. [more]

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Sorry sodomy story: BN has lost all moral ground

Malaysiakini.com
Dr Mathew | Aug 6, 08 5:14pm

Right now the subject of sodomy in Malaysia seems to be the only boring but common issue around. Everybody is directly or indirectly promoting sodomy as if this is a Malaysian tourist attraction. Frankly almost everybody seem to be contributing to this sodomy issue. It has become so grotesque that of our top leaders was even allegedly involved in sodomy with a foreign girl who was murdered in Malaysia.

But let me get straight to the point. A young, tough strapping 23-year old man claims that he has been sodomised by a 62-year-old man suffering from chronic back pain. Who is this man? It is Anwar Ibrahim, and I would reckon he is probably the last statesman left in this country perhaps for another 200 years, who has a vision for the peoples and the nation. Having analysed his speeches and dialogues both within the country as well as all over the world, it is evident that he is the busiest politician or I dare I say, busiest human being in the country.

He is an intellectual, a Muslim spiritualist, a leader with incredible charisma, almost to the point where people just adore to be in his presence. I have been told that he is a man with monumental networking abilities to a point of being a networking genius. He is a skilled and tactical organiser of incredible proportions. A talented orator in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. I must also state here that he is a wonderful husband and a fantastic father. A husband who has devoted himself to his wife and vice versa for the last 26 years or so I think.

If there was an ounce of doubt, then they would have separated after six years in jail. But no, they have become stronger even after six years of forced separation, him being thrown in jail. Their children are strongly support their father. In short, they are a family bonded by extreme love and affection. I must also state here the following: Anwar’s wife is no ordinary wife. She is a medical specialist by profession. Let it be known to everyone that if a person has homosexual characteristics, then any doctor would easily detect these characteristics. [more]

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Charges may derail Anwar Ibrahim’s campaign

ABC, Radio Australia

Malaysia’s opposition politician Anwar Ibrahim will be charged with sodomy later today.

A statement from Malaysian police said prosecutors had decided to charge Anwar with “carnal intercourse against the course of nature”. The move will potentially derail Datuk Seri Anwar’s plans to return to parliament and to oust the government through MP defections. The former deputy prime minister has consistently denied allegations he had sex with a male aide, saying the accusation was aimed at derailing his political comeback.

Presenter: Steve Holland
Speakers: Anwar Ibrahim, Keadilan leader, Wan Azizah Ismail, parliamentarian and wife of Anwar Ibrahim

HOLLAND: The constituency of Permatang Pauh, an industrial area in northern Penang state is the scene of a political battle. The community is divided. It’s difficult to find anyone who will share their political leanings in an area where conflicting views of such a topic can result in volence.

But 28-year old Jo Wahim, a street vendor provides an insight and the accusations against Anwar Ibrahim won’t affect his choice:

HOLLAND: And you don’t believe what thay say about him?

JO: Yeah. I don’t believe them.

HOLLAND: So you’ll vote for him?

JO: Yeah I’ll vote for him, I’ll vote for Anwar in this place we can talk about him … this politics makes people agree with me ok, I’m in business.

HOLLAND: So if I speak to you about politics people don’t like it?

JO: People don’t like.

HOLLAND: Anwar Ibrahim’s wife, Wan Azizah Ismail last week vacated the seat of Permatang Pauh opening the door for her husband’s return to parliament.

HOLLAND: How do you respond to criticism which suggests that you may have let down voters by resigning from your former post? [more]

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Anwar Ibrahim denies sodomy charge

The Australian

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been charged with sodomy in court and pleaded not guilty to the offence, which carries a penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

“This is a slander, it is a malicious allegation and I am not guilty,” Mr Anwar said from the dock in the Sessions Court after the reading of the charge.

It is alleged he sodomised 23-year-old aide Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 26.

Mr Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was jailed a decade ago on sodomy charges that were later overturned. The latest charge comes just weeks before a by-election that was expected to return him to parliament.

In Malaysia, a conservative and predominantly Muslim country, sodomy is outlawed and punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.

Mr Anwar has denied the accusations, which he said were fabricated to prevent him from toppling the Government, after the March elections handed the opposition an unprecedented one-third of the parliamentary seats. He announced last week he would contest an August 26 by-election for a seat vacated by his wife.

The Election Commission said Mr Anwar could still contest the by-election after the charges were laid, although he would be disqualified if he was found guilty and jailed. [more]

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Court releases Anwar on RM20,000 personal bond; Sept 10 set for mention

The New Straits Times Online
By : Lydia Gomez and Sushma Veera at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court

Sessions court judge SM Komathy Suppiah allowed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be released on personal bond of RM20,000 with no surety.

Earlier, Anwar claimed trial to the charge of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature. Komathy set Sept 10 for mention.

This will enable the de facto PKR leader to go on his campaign as PKR candidate for the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.

The four-man prosecution team, led by solicitor-general Datuk Idrus Harun, had proposed bail at RM20,000 with one surety and asked for his passport to be surrendered.

Counsel for Anwar, Sulaiman Abdullah – who leads the nine-member defence team – however asked for a personal bond.

Anwar charged with sodomy

New Straits Times Online

By : Lydia Gomez and Sushma Veera

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was charged at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature.

The alleged offence was committed against Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at Unit No 11-5-1 Desa Damansara Condominium at Bukit Damansara on June 26 between 3.01 pm and 4.30pm.

The charge under Section 377B of the Penal Code carries a jail term of between 6 years and 20 years. If convicted, he is also liable to whipping.

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Anwar arrives at Sessions Court to face sodomy charge, issues statement

The New Straits Times

PARTI Keadilan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived at the Jalan Duta Sessions Court at 9am today amid cheers of Reformasi to face the sodomy charge against him.

Four FRU trucks and traffic police were stationed at the Sessions Court at early as 6.30am today.

Some 300 plainclothes, traffic and regular policemen are currently stationed around the complex where PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be charged with sodomy at 10am.

A slight commotion occurred outside the Sessions Court where some 30 journalists and photographers, both foreign and local, are trying to get into the court room. The police, however, are allowing only one from each Press while the online media are put on the waiting list.

Only one reporter from each Press organisation was allowed in at 9am to cover the event and press tags were checked at the entrance.

In a statement released as he arrived at the court, Anwar claimed the charge is a “political persecution”.

He also claimed that it was the nation, and not he, who is being put on trial.

He said if detained or refused bail, PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be coordinator for the counsel.

Saiful thankful Anwar finally brought to justice

The Star.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan is thankful to Allah that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will finally be brought to face justice.

His lawyer Zamri Idrus said in a statement that Mohd Saiful, who was Anwar’s former aide, would give full co-operation to ensure that the judicial court process ran smoothly.

“Mohd Saiful also hopes that all Malaysians will pray that the legal process is carried out smoothly so the truth can be proven in a just manner,” he said yesterday.

Zamri also said he would hold a watching brief for Mohd Saiful today.

In another development, the doctor (Mohamed Osman Abdul Hamid) who examined Mohd Saiful has failed to report for work after going on leave and cannot be contacted, said Hospital Pusrawi. [more]

Amnesty International Press Release about Anwar Ibrahim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2008 3:41 PM	CONTACT: Amnesty International USA AIUSA media office 202-544-0200 x302
Charges Against Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim Politically Motivated, Claims Amnesty International Human Rights Group Considered Anwar a Prisoner of Conscience
WASHINGTON – August 6 – Sodomy charges against Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim may be an attempt to stop him from running for election to parliament, Amnesty International said today. “Ten years ago, the government used a similar charge of sodomy against Anwar Ibrahim and kept him in jail for six years. The conviction was ultimately overturned,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director. “In 1998, Amnesty International considered Anwar Ibrahim a prisoner of conscience. Today, there are again indications that the government is not playing by the rules in this case.”  A male aide, Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, had filed a complaint stating that Anwar had forcibly sodomized him. On July 28, the medical examination report of Azlan by a doctor at a private hospital was leaked to the press. The report indicated that he had not been sodomized. However, the doctor advised him to go to a government hospital for a second examination, which he reportedly did later that day. The whereabouts of the doctor are currently unknown.  “We are also concerned about the safety of all the witnesses in this case, particularly Dr. Mohamed Osman, and we call on the government to provide adequate protection to them,” Zarifi said.  Amnesty International called on Malaysian authorities to grant bail to Anwar if and when they do charge him. He was previously denied bail in 1998 on “national security” grounds.  “It’s fair for the Malaysian people and the international community to judge the Malaysian government’s respect for the rule of law based on how they proceed with this case,” said Zarifi.  Background:   Malaysian police informed Anwar on August 6 that he would be formally charged with “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and should present himself to the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court at 10 a.m. on August 7. Also on August 6, the Elections Commission announced that the by-election for the Permatang Pauh, Penang parliamentary seat, which Anwar is contesting, would be held on August 26.  Armed police officers wearing masks arrested Anwar on July 16 and held him overnight after Azlan filed a complaint stating that Anwar had forcibly sodomized him. The investigation was reported to have concluded on July 31.  Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad removed Anwar from his position as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in September 1998, after disagreement between them on Malaysian financial policy related to the 1997 Asian economic crisis and Anwar’s public criticism of the Prime Minister. In April 1999, Anwar was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for corruption and was further sentenced to nine years for sodomy in August 2000. The Federal Court overturned the sodomy conviction in September 2004 after Anwar had spent six years in prison. His corruption conviction disqualified him from running in elections or holding political office until April 2008.  Anwar began campaigning on August 1, 2008, a day after the resignation of his wife, Dr. Wan Azizah, from her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.  Anwar is the de facto leader of the Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Alliance), a coalition of three parties opposing the ruling Barisan Nasional, which has led Malaysia since its independence in 1957. The Pakatan Rakyat won 82 of the 222 parliamentary seats in the March 2008 general elections. This was the first time since 1969 that the Barisan Nasional lost its two-thirds majority in the Parliament, the number required to defeat any veto attempts and to amend the Malaysian Constitution.  Anwar has called for a no-confidence vote against the government by September 16. He has stated that he can get at least 30 members of parliament from the ruling coalition to join the motion, thus ending the Barisan Nasional’s decades-long rule.

Human Rights Watch: Political Motivations Undermine Anwar Case

[New York, July 21, 2008] – Malaysian government allegations that opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim forcibly sodomized a male aide lack credibility, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch is concerned that Anwar’s arrest was a politically motivated attempt to derail the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat’s (People’s Alliance) much-publicized campaign to form a new government by September 16, 2008.

The Malaysian government’s record provides little basis to believe this is anything other than a partisan political attack on Anwar. Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch urged the Malaysian government to ensure any investigations are transparent, impartial, and in accordance with international standards of due process.  
 
“The Malaysian government’s record provides little basis to believe this is anything other than a partisan political attack on Anwar,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “In light of past false allegations and his unfair trial, Anwar has good reason to worry that his rights won’t be respected.”  
 
The police have to date refused to release the first information report lodged by former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan on June 28. Anwar’s lawyers have repeatedly requested the report, which under Malaysian law is a public document. A person named in a first information report has the right to a copy of the report. The refusal of the police to make the original report public has fueled suspicions that it may be altered. Saiful remains under police protection.  
 
Human Rights Watch said that the arrest of Anwar on July 16, one hour before he was due at Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters for questioning, was unnecessary and heavy-handed. Anwar has repeatedly pledged – the last time just before his arrest on July 16 – to fully cooperate with the investigation. Some 20 police officers in 10 cars stopped Anwar, who was returning home by car, and took him in a police car for questioning. Many wore balaclavas to hide their identities. After more than five hours of questioning, police kept Anwar in a holding cell overnight with no bed. He had to sleep on a cement floor despite a well-known back problem.  
 
“The police operation to arrest Anwar was designed to intimidate and punish,” Adams said. “This inquiry has already raised serious concerns about police bias, transparency, and the government’s willingness to flout the law for political ends.”  
 
Sodomy, even if consensual, is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment. It is unclear whether Anwar will be formally charged with sodomy. The standard practice in Malaysia is that once police conclude investigations, they forward the investigation papers to the Attorney General’s Chambers to evaluate the evidence and decide whether to prosecute. Human Rights Watch said that recent comments by senior Cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi and Home Minister Syed Hamid that Anwar should provide a DNA sample to the police constitute improper interference.  
 
On July 18, Prime Minister Abdullah said “If he is not guilty, why worry about giving a new DNA sample. If he is indeed innocent, there is nothing for him to fear… If he has not done anything, than provide a sample. Do it. I want to see it. Let’s see the result which could prove that he did not do it.” Anwar had refused to voluntarily provide his DNA sample, due to concern that it could be manipulated against him.  
 
“Comments by government ministers about Anwar’s case are improper pressure on the police and prosecutor,” said Adams. “Malaysia claims to be a well-ordered democracy wedded to the rule of law, but the Anwar investigation says just the opposite.”  
 
Background: Anwar Prosecution, Take Two  
 
Human Rights Watch said that the current case bears a strong resemblance to the previous politically motivated corruption and sodomy charges against Anwar in 1998, while he was serving as deputy prime minister and finance minister. Those charges came after Anwar challenged then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad over accusations of corruption, cronyism and mismanagement of the Asian financial crisis, leading to Anwar’s dismissal.  [more]

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Reminder: Amnesty International Press Statement in 2004 at the release of Anwar Ibrahim

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

AI Index: ASA 28/013/2004 (Public)
News Service No: 218
2 September 2004

Malaysia: Anwar Ibrahim’s release renews confidence in judicial independence
Amnesty International warmly welcomes today’s decision by Malaysia’s highest court to uphold the final appeals of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and his adopted brother, Sukma Darmawan. Both men had been convicted on charges of sodomy.

“The Federal Court’s decision to release Anwar Ibrahim marks an historic milestone in the restoration of confidence in the rule of law and respect for human rights in Malaysia,” said Catherine Baber, deputy Asia director at Amnesty International.

The significance of Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest and prosecution went far beyond the fate of one individual.

“It exposed a pattern of political manipulation of key state institutions including the police, public prosecutor’s office and the judiciary, all of which are crucial in safeguarding the human rights of Malaysians,” said Catherine Baber.

Amnesty International hopes today’s ruling will serve as a lasting reminder of the role the judiciary must play in scrutinising executive actions and preserving key principles — including freedom of speech and of political dissent — which are enshrined in Malaysia’s constitution and international human rights standards.

Noting how the Federal Court drew attention to abuses by police as seeking to elicit an involuntary ‘confession’ from Sukma Darmawan, Amnesty International urged the government to continue efforts to reform the police and other justice institutions. Amnesty International welcomed Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi’s creation earlier this year of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to examine the police and urges the Commission to make recommendations for wide-ranging reform. The commission is due to report in early 2005.

Background

Anwar Ibrahim was detained in 1998 on politically motivated charges of ‘abuse of power’ and sodomy. He had been dismissed from his government posts after policy disagreements with former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, and subsequently led a series of mass public protests calling for political reform.

In a first trial Anwar Ibrahim was found guilty in 1999 of ‘abuse of power’ and completed his sentence in 2003. In a second trial he and Sukma Darmawan were found guilty on charges of sodomy in 2000. They were sentenced to nine years and six years in prison respectively.

The trial was unfair in many ways. Police used severe physical and psychological pressure to force ‘confessions’ from witnesses; defence lawyers were intimidated; and government leaders publicly criticized Anwar Ibrahim, prejudicing his right to be presumed innocent.

Sukma Darmawan, a 42 year-old businessman, had never been involved with the police or played any political role. Amnesty International believes he was prosecuted solely to secure a conviction against Anwar Ibrahim

Both Sukma Darmawan and Anwar Ibrahim were ill-treated by police while in detention. In 1998 Anwar Ibrahim was brought to court with a swollen eye and bruised arm having been beaten by the former national police chief. Sukma Darmawan testified in 1999 that his initial confession of sodomy had been forced from him after 12 days of aggressive and humiliating interrogation during which police made him stand naked, groped his genitals and taunted him.