Lim calls for release of Anwar report

Lim calls for release of Anwar report

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian opposition leader Lim Kit Siang called on Sunday for the release of a police report into the black eye and other bruises sustained by ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in police custody.

"Today is the full third month of the first detention of Anwar Ibrahim, the day he said he was physically assaulted by police when in custody in Bukit Aman until he lost consciousness," he said in a statement.

Lim, who heads the Democratic Action Party and is also opposition leader in the federal parliament, said the delay in releasing the report was "another national and international scandal" for Malaysia.

Even though it was submitted to his office a month ago, Lim noted that Attorney-General Mohtar Abdullah was "still sitting on the report of the independent police investigation team into the outrageous incident... showing no sense of urgency or seriousness in the case."

Lim recalled that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had said the government would not allow the alleged assault to be covered up.

"If this is the case, he should direct the immediate publication of the police findings on the three-month old Anwar black eye -- and demand a public explanation from the attorney general (for) the inordinate delay," he said.

Lim also voiced support for an appeal by Anwar's wife Azizah for her husband to be released on bail for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, which started on Sunday.

"During the holy month of Ramadhan, we appeal to the government to allow him to come home," she told reporters Saturday. "He should come home to be with us."

Anwar, fired on Sept. 2 and arrested 18 days later after leading a huge protest in the capital, is on trial on four corruption charges related to allegations that he used his position to cover up claims of sexual misconduct.

He faces another corruption charge and five charges of sodomy, carrying maximum penalties of up to 20 years jail.

Complaining of limited access to his lawyers, Anwar is appealing a high court ruling rejecting his application for bail.

Last Saturday, the court of appeal said a decision was expected within one to two weeks.