Editor's Note - Issue 2003: 3
The Appeal�s Court decision as well as the recent merger of Keadilan-PRM and what the future portends for the new entity are among the subjects discussed by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in her interview with AM. Accompanying this interview is an account of the bizarre court proceedings which led Anwar to declared the judges as �spineless�. Desmond Tate wonders if Malaysians are ashamed at all about what has happened. Francis Loh�s back cover story on a dialogue between visiting Asian scholar-activists and several Penang NGOs doubles up as an enlightening introduction to Penang-based NGOs. Fathi Aris, meanwhile, is critical of Malaysian intellectuals who are beholden either to the BN or to the Opposition. They should build an autonomous public space to consolidate our democracy, he suggests. Other articles highlight the plight of estate workers Kamiri, Perak, now threatened by eviction, and a Jerit-organised demonstration in Ipoh calling for laws to protect the dispossessed. A special feature by Rajen Devaraj discusses political developments in Iran. Finally, remember to read the one-page statement by Desmond Tutu and his colleague, who remind us during this dark period of war and occupation to acknowledge our despair and yet to also highlight the progress made in expanding the global movement for justice and peace. |
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Perhaps because of the US invasion of Iraq or because of the SARS epidemic or more likely because of a virtual media blackout, most Malaysians were unaware of the Appeal Court�s rejection of Anwar Ibrahim�s appeal to overturn his conviction on a charge of sodomy. Thus Anwar�s incarceration - now into its fifth year - continues.