Fri, 16 Apr 1999

Inglorious verdict

The six-year prison sentence passed on Malaysia's former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday is considered by many to be overly harsh and a violation of the principles of natural justice. The defendant himself called it "an absolute disgrace" to his country's judicial system.

Anwar, who was convicted of corruption and abuse of power after a 78-day trial, said he was dealt "a judgment that stinks to high heaven" and that he would appeal against the verdict that could destroy his political career.

Reformist Anwar, 51, a one-time heir to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has been in the limelight in the regional, if not international, media since his trial began seven months ago because of his sudden controversial ouster as deputy premier and finance minister on Sept. 2 last year. It followed accusations of sexual misconduct and the leaking of state secrets, charges Anwar totally denied. A day later Anwar was expelled from the dominant United Malays National Organization party in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. As explanation, Mahathir simply said: "We find him not suitable, that's all."

On the night of Sept. 20, after addressing a huge rally at Kuala Lumpur's national mosque, Anwar was arrested by a unit of the elite special force which stormed his house while he was giving a news conference. Charges were sedition, treachery and illicit sexual acts.

Nine days after his arrest, Anwar appeared for the first time in the capital's courthouse amid tight security, bearing a swollen black eye and bruised arm. He charged he was beaten in his cell by police officers on the very night he was arrested. He also said he was denied medical treatment. Mahathir, however, hinted the injuries might have been self-inflicted.

Only months later did the Malaysian public and the international community know that Anwar had told the truth regarding his injuries. Former police inspector general Abdul Rahim Noor admitted that he punched Anwar in the prison cell because he became enraged after his detainee addressed him impolitely.

From the onset of Anwar's ouster and subsequent events -- including retractions of testimony by several witnesses who claimed they made false confessions under duress and the flimsy evidence of the alleged crimes -- observers and human rights activists in the region have shared similar views that he has been treated unfairly by those in power in Malaysia.

Besides, people in the region still recall how Mahathir, who has ruled virtually unopposed for 18 years, violated Malaysia's judicial system more than a decade ago when he fired judges who disagreed with him.

It stands to reason that, despite a call by deputy prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for Malaysians to accept High Court justice Augustine Paul's verdict, Anwar's supporters were enraged. They have protested the verdict by throwing stones at the windows of the court building and clashing with riot police. The demonstrators -- some of whom were brutally beaten and dozens arrested -- also shouted antigovernment slogans and demanded the resignation of Mahathir, a leader they consider unreceptive to the Malaysian younger generation's demand for political and economic reform.

It is also understandable that Wednesday's conviction of Anwar, who claimed his sin was "wanting to protect truth, justice and the interest of the people" and that he was a victim of a political conspiracy, has triggered international outrage.

Amnesty International, calling for Anwar's immediate and unconditional release, said "the charges were brought against him as a pretext to remove him from further participation in public life". Philippine President Joseph Estrada stated the conviction was very unfortunate and hoped Anwar would be cleared of the charges on appeal.

It remains to be seen whether Anwar's imprisonment will discourage Malaysia's reformers in their struggle for greater democracy or be a catalyst for political and economic change, considering that his resolute wife, Azizah Ismail, has set up the new opposition National Justice Party. Only Malaysians know how to answer.