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Anwar’s situation remains dire Letters from Anwar's lawyers to UNESCO president and Sg Buluh Prison director
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United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation New York Your Excellency, Re: Anwar Ibrahim I would like to draw your attention to the current plight of Anwar Ibrahim, a former president of the UNESCO General Conference. But allow me to first register my appreciation for the concern you have expressed over the Malaysian authorities’ mistreatment of him and my gratitude for the efforts you have made on his behalf. Anwar’s family and supporters, are aware that UNESCO has, on a number of occasions, sought the Malaysian government’s explanation of the issue. However, the officials assigned to explain the Malaysian government’s position cannot be expected to give an honest and fair picture of the situation. They will not, for instance, admit that the judiciary remains under the thumb of the Cabinet, although almost every politically aware Malaysian knows this. The stock response to the charge that Anwar’s trials were unfair is to simply dismiss it by saying that he was defended by the country’s best lawyers. Of course, the government knows that not all Malaysians are naïve enough to accept that explanation; but then, it knows too that not many would go too far in challenging it for fear of victimisation through the many draconian laws that can and have often been used against dissidents.
As you know, spinal surgery is complicated and carries high risks. After extensive research and consultation, we are convinced that Munich’s Alpha Klinik offers the best possible surgical method for his condition, at least in terms of safety and the chances of full recovery. The National Human Rights Commission has stressed that there was no legal impediment for Anwar - or indeed any prisoner in Malaysia - to travel overseas for the medical treatment of his choice. But the Malaysian government is adamant in denying him this right, as adamant as it is in denying him bail pending his appeal against conviction. We are dismayed that until today Anwar - either personally or through his family or lawyers - has not been given the proper opportunity to present his argument for overseas medical treatment. I personally believe that his only chance lies in persistent pressure on the Malaysian government by international agencies such as UNESCO. I therefore appeal to your good office to continue demanding that he be allowed his right to travel to Munich for medical treatment. Thank you very much. Yours sincerely, S N NAIR & PARTNERS Counsel for Anwar bin Ibrahim 19 April 2004 The Director of Sungai Buloh Prison Sir, Dato Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim’s Health  Concerned international organisations have been asking us to confirm the government’s claim that Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim is provided with proper and satisfactory health and medical care, particularly for his spinal disease.
We are therefore obliged to clarify the situation. Firstly, Dato Seri Anwar has not had a single physiotherapy session since the general election a month ago. No explanation has been forthcoming from the authorities. The sessions were started just a few weeks before the election; so one cannot be faulted for suspecting that the decision to provide physiotherapy treatment to the former deputy prime minister at Hospital Kuala Lumpur was not one borne of sincere respect for his rights. Rather, it appears now to have been merely an election gimmick. Secondly, we have yet to see the fulfilment of a promise that a specialist would conduct blood tests to find out why Dato Seri Anwar is experiencing so much pain. The delay has gone on for two months. We would very much appreciate your cooperation in rectifying the situation. Yours truly, S. N. NAIR & PARTNERS s.k.
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After extensive research and consultation, we are convinced that Munich’s Alpha Klinik offers the best possible surgical method for his condition, at least in terms of safety and the chances of full recovery.
