Malaysia's crackdown

Malaysian authorities closed Kuala Lumpur's main square on Sunday, after the fourth anti-government protest in a week. More demonstrations are planned against the increasingly autocratic behavior of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Sunday's rally came just a week after former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim was detained under Malaysia's Internal Security Act, legislation dating from colonial times and aimed at halting the spread of communist terrorism.

Anwar is under investigation for alleged sodomy and treason. He denies the allegations and says he is the victim of a conspiracy to end his political career. But it appears Mahathir is happy to use one example of British law while ignoring another -- the concept of innocent until proven guilty. He has launched a campaign against Anwar, even asserting he had spoken to Anwar's alleged sexual partners and it is clear that he is guilty.

But the Malaysian leader has made clear his contempt for the courts and for due process. If the prime minister has proclaimed Anwar's guilt, Malaysia's judges will have to ensure he gets a fair trial. And anything less than a fair trial will cause further internal tension and further besmirch Malaysia's international reputation.

-- The Australian, Sydney