With the distracting circumstances surrounding the Anwar trial removed, politicians can focus on the real issues confronting Malaysia: corruption, rising national debt, declining energy reserves, the gulf between rich and poor, and inter-religious and inter-ethnic issues, writes Anil Netto.
Many Malaysians heaved a huge sigh of relief this week at opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal on charges of sodomy, a criminal offense in this Muslim-majority nation. While there was a sense of closure in a case that has dominated the country’s politics over the past three years, it is still not certain if the state prosecution will appeal the decision.
Still, the acquittal removes a psychological millstone that has weighed against the country’s politics and reform prospects. With the distracting circumstances and charged rhetoric surrounding the trial removed, politicians can and should move on to focus on the real issues confronting the nation: corruption, rising national debt, declining reserves of oil and gas, the gulf between the rich and the poor, and inter-religious and inter-ethnic issues.
Read the full article on Asia Times Online.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
