U.S. Congress resolution on Anwar 'unacceptable'

U.S. Congress resolution on Anwar 'unacceptable'

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian minister criticized on
Thursday an appeal by U.S. legislators for a new trial "under
fair and transparent procedures" for jailed ex-deputy premier
Anwar Ibrahim.

The resolution by seven members of the House of
Representatives was unacceptable and politically motivated, said
Rais Yatim, a minister responsible for legal affairs.

Local newspapers said the resolution, submitted on Oct. 27,
called on the Malaysian government to give Anwar due process
"either by offering him a new trial under fair and transparent
procedures or by dismissing all charges against him."

It said his corruption and sodomy trials were marred by
serious irregularities.

"We are steadfast in our stand that a judicial decision made
by a court of law in Malaysia stands on its own merit," Rais was
quoted by the official Bernama news agency as saying. He said the
resolution, "being a political move, could be taken as a
political finding."

The Malaysian government has reacted angrily to attempts by
Anwar's supporters to publicize his plight overseas. Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysians who criticized their
leaders overseas were "traitors" because they could deter foreign
investment.

Last week the Singapore Straits Times said Anwar's backers had
engaged Washington-based public relations firm Janus Meritt
Strategy in August under a four-month retainer fee for $50,000.
It did not say who the backers were.

Officials from the National Justice Party, headed by Anwar's
wife Azizah Ismail, said they were not involved in hiring the
firm.

Anwar was sacked by Mahathir on Sept. 2, 1998 and arrested 18
days later following mass anti-government rallies.

In April 1999 Anwar was jailed for six years for abuse of
power and in August was imprisoned for nine years for sodomy. The
sentences will run consecutively, meaning he will be in jail
until 2014 unless granted remission.

Anwar says Mahathir orchestrated a conspiracy to frame him
because he was seen as a political threat. The government denies
any plot.

Legislator Jamaluddin Jarjis said parliamentary backbench
members would introduce a motion next week condemning the US
resolution.

"We regard it as another interference by the West, like in
Indonesia and the West Bank, an arrogance akin to colonialism
although Malaysia is an independent country," he said.

Jamaluddin said the congressmen should look at their own
backyard, for instance their own legal system which he alleged
discriminated against black people, before attempting to
interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

But Fadzil Noor, president of the opposition Parti Islam
SeMalaysia, said that in a globalized world everyone had a right
to express their opinions.

"If we can oppose the actions of Israel (against
Palestinians), why should we dispute this?" he said.

Azizah said the congressmen were fighting for freedom and
human rights.