ISA Strengthens Suspicion of Political Conspiracy

Anwar Ibrahim's arrest was not unexpected. The authorities had been hinting of it practically every day since 2 September. That the authorities were forced to act on Sunday evening, before the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, only confirms that they have become worried about the gathering support for Anwar. The arrest, which follows several large rallies held by Anwar, is also an admission that the Malaysian people are not convinced of the unsubstantiated charges that have been levelled against him.

Aliran strongly deplores the commando-styled arrest of Anwar. There was never any imminent confrontation between the authorities and Anwar's supporters. Since 2 September, Anwar has consistently stated that he was prepared to be arrested and charged in a court of law. Unlike the case of the arrest of former Menteri Besar of Selangor Harun Idris two decades ago, neither Anwar nor his supporters had barricaded themselves or prevented his arrest. Hence, the methods deployed in arresting Anwar, to the point of storming his residence, were particularly reprehensible.

Aliran strongly condemns any detention of Anwar under the ISA. If Anwar is
being detained for disrupting public order, as the public has been told, there are specific laws which the authorities can use to charge him. The use of the infamous ISA only serves to strengthen the suspicions of Malaysians that the charges against Anwar were trumped up as part of a conspiracy to terminate Anwars political career in a hurry.

In the name of democracy, justice, and plain decency, Aliran calls upon the authorities either to charge Anwar in a court of law immediately, or release him unconditionally. If the authorities persist in detaining Anwar under the ISA, they will have no credibility whatsoever in this matter.
 

Aliran Executive Committee
21 September 1998