Politics and the judiciary in Malaysia

Politics and the judiciary in Malaysia

Politics at the highest national level have never been far from the judicial scene and will not go away even if an appeal by (former Malaysian deputy prime minister) Anwar (Ibrahim) is rejected. Indeed, despite the prospect of a long prison term, Anwar is already indicating an intention to return to politics on his release.

Anwar's appearance in the dock with a black eye, the revelation that he had been beaten up by the police chief, plus a recital of police procedures and of the practices hidden within a fiercely conservative society lead to one conclusion.

A previously stable community has lost its innocence and political divisions are likely to become far more polarized.

In the long term, the greatest loser could turn out to be Malaysia's ruling party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

Mahathir's recent illness raises the question of how much longer the 73-year-old premier will continue in power and who would follow him. Though he may be behind bars for the rest of Mahathir's rule, Anwar will become the specter at Malaysia's political feast. He has been elevated to near-martyrdom in the eyes of his supporters: prison will complete the process.

Mahathir's well-established reputation and political powers should protect him for the time being. But the crisis has spawned another political force which could exert growing influence.

The National Justice Party launched by Anwar's highly regarded wife, Wan Azizah Ismail, will have an uphill task challenging UMNO at the election next April. Still, it can probably count on a considerable sympathy vote, and has everything to play for.

UMNO, meantime, must repair a split caused by the trial, as well as trying to lure international investors back to Malaysia. Even if Mahathir reasserts his grasp on power, the political landscape of Malaysia could be utterly changed by Anwar's trial.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong