Suaram: One year of arbitrary detention of Anwar Ibrahim

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) condemns the continued detention of Anwar Ibrahim and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

The arrest and detention of Anwar Ibrahim has been condemned globally by all quarters for a myriad of reasons that threaten to undermine the legal institution and human rights in Malaysia. The government of Malaysia cannot in good conscience remain apathetic and deny all responsibility for the arrest and detention of Anwar Ibrahim.

The manner in which state controlled-media have publicised and spun the case against Anwar Ibrahim and the judiciary’s decision to accept evidence that had been tampered with in manners non-compliant with recognised standard operating procedures have cast a shadow of doubt on the legitimacy of the case against Anwar Ibrahim and reaffirmed the sentiment that his case was politically motivated and that the whole prosecution and detention was designed to weaken the opposition coalition in Malaysia.

The conclusion drawn by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) in November 2015 with regard to the arrest and detention of Anwar Ibrahim clearly affirms this sentiment. Despite the conclusion by UNWGAD, the government has wilfully chosen to deny the findings and refused to take actions to address the injustice done to Anwar Ibrahim.

The callous manner in which the government has responded to the UNWGAD findings can only be interpreted as an act of denial and an effort to maintain the government’s façade of compliance with international human rights norms and principles.

Once again, Suaram reiterate its strongest condemnation of the arrest, prosecution and detention of Anwar Ibrahim and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

Sevan Doraisamy is executive director of Suaram.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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