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Anwar's deteriorating health has sparked concern and anxiety

Jailed ex-deputy premier Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahims's deteriorating health -- mainly as a result of the attitude of an uncaring and callous government -- is causing much concern and anxiety in the country. It is alarming that that there seems to be a total absence of compassion for a man who is suffering acutely because the best medical attention sought by him is being deliberately denied him.

The government must squarely bear the consequence of his worsening health condition as it has not addressed his situation in a manner reflecting our humanity and spirituality. It is the common medical perception that any delay in granting him the medical treatment of his choice will soon lead to his paralysis. Anwar's situation is extremely urgent, critical and compelling and deserves our utmost concern.

We are aware that, by and large, Anwar has been confined to a wheelchair for the last three years, suffering and enduring excruciating pain that has seen no relief. In spite of repeated appeals from family members and lawyers as well as from the international community, the Barisan Nasional government has dismissed these pleas of distress with an air of nonchalance that doesn't speak well of our efforts in creating a caring society. If anything, we are overcome with disbelief that this government can maintain a stoic demeanour in the face of a situation that warrants our immediate and humane response.

Why is medical attention of his choice being denied Anwar? What is the rational for this continued denial of his treatment of choice? Is it security or cost?

The health minister's view that "We are not considering allowing him to go overseas because all (forms of) treatment required are available here, and it is not a complicated operation" is not acceptable. If "all forms of treatment are available here" then why was it necessary for some to seek treatment overseas? Would he have dared to give that advice to the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Endon? Does it not suggest something?

The minister is actually missing the point. It is a fundamental right to exercise one's choice of treatment. That preference cannot be denied on any grounds. The fact that Anwar is a prisoner has no bearing on his right of choice just as it was the inalienable right of Datin Seri Endon to seek the medical treatment of her choice anywhere in the world. Let's understand some basic notions of justice.

It is understandable if Anwar is apprehensive in undergoing this dangerous operation locally. How could he feel comfortable with the system that has treated him so cruelly and unjustly? It is a delicate surgery involving a great deal of risk that requires only the best in skill and facility.

This is the system that has treated him so unjustly and in a disgraceful manner. When in police custody, instead of receiving protection, he was handcuffed and blindfolded and almost beaten to a pulp. The officers of the law who knew of this dastardly attack lied through their teeth and denied any knowledge of it.

Then we have that ludicrous situation where the court could not remember receiving the vital documents presented by Karpal Singh in open court that would have provided the crucial evidence for Anwar's defence. On top of that, the court refused to provide the notes to ascertain this fact.

When the system had apparently conspired to deny him his protection and grant him his justice, why should he trust that tainted system with his life? How could he in all fairness take that kind of risk in all good conscience?

It is within the power of Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi to allow Anwar the treatment of his choice in Germany. And he cannot refuse this request without appearing to be cruel, uncaring and mean. If in this instance, he does not respond humanely how can he claim that his government has a human face to it?

If our humble plea for Anwar to be granted his right of choice of treatment does not move him to act in a manner befitting a compassionate leader, then we would like to remind him of the Holy Prophet Muhammad's saying, ""The person who violates his brother's right is not a believer in the Unity of God."

P Ramakrishnan
President
16 July 2004

This statement was sent to the local media including The Star and the Sun. We have stopped sending statements to the New Straits Times as they have never been carried.