Malaysia an illiberal democracy, says Anwar
R MageswariPublished: Mar 6, 2001 9:15 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
exclusiveSacked deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has branded Malaysia as an "illiberal democracy" in his first public response to the recent general elections.
"The elections in an illiberal democracy is far from being free and fair," Anwar said in a hand-written message to malaysiakini. His answers to a number of questions posed by malaysiakini were written on papers issued by the Sungai Buloh prison where he is being held.
Nevertheless, Anwar expressed his satisfaction on the performance of the opposition Barisan Alternatif despite the superiority of the ruling Barisan Nasional machinery.
"Despite the limitations and having to confront the BN's money, machinery and media, the BA managed to garner almost half of the total votes."
The opposition coalition obtained 44 per cent of the total votes while Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's Umno lost much of its credibility among the Malay community following its dismal showing in the Nov 29 polls.
While BN retained its two-thirds parliamentary majority, Umno obtained only 72 seats compared to the 94 it held in the last parliament. In addition, the party lost Terengganu to PAS and failed to re-capture Kelantan. It was estimated that the party garnered only 45.3 per cent of the popular votes in 41 parliamentary constituencies where Malays made up at least 80 per cent of the electorate.
Anwar also said the strength of the reform movement was translated into the "impressive showing" of the opposition front. The one-time heir apparent launched the reformasi movement aimed at reversing corruption, cronyism and nepotism following his shock dismissal from the government in September 1998.
He is currently serving a six-year jail term for corruption and is standing trial for sodomy and sexual misconduct. Anwar had consistently denied all charges saying they were trumped up to end his political career.
On the recent no-contest ruling for Umno's top two posts, Anwar said the resolution could be described as an indiscreet message to the delegates to follow the leadership's decision or face dire consequences.
"It is also an indication that there is not going to be a departure from the climate of fear perpetrated by the BN regime," Anwar said.
Umno Supreme Council imposed a no-contest resolution for the position of party president and deputy president early last month. The council also nominated deputy premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the party's deputy president.
While congratulating Abdullah on his appointment, Anwar dismissed him as being indecisive and unable to make decisions on pertinent issues. "Abdullah is merely parroting Dr Mahathir, subdued by him and (Finance Minister) Tun Daim (Zainuddin) and remains oblivious to the reports on corruption but bold on repressive acts against dissidents and the opposition."
The prime minister in-waiting came under attack from opposition political parties and NGOs for the arrests of opposition activists while Mahathir is away on a three-week overseas holiday.
Well-known lawyer cum politician Karpal Singh together with KeADILan vice president Marina Yusoff and Harakah editor Zulkifli Sulong and printer Chia Lim Thye were arrested and charged under the Sedition Act while Anwar's long-time aide and KeAdiLan youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor was charged under the Official Secrets Act.
"This is a clear reflection of the government using repressive laws to stifle dissent and directed against the opposition leaders," Anwar said.
Describing his current imprisonment as a constraint to lend support to the opposition front, Anwar nevertheless expressed confident that his wife, KeADILan president Dr Azizah Ismail, was competent enough to articulate the need for reforms in the country, the party's direction and BA's political agenda.
"I can only render limited support but am committed to the reform agenda. The support by Malaysians for democracy, the rule of law and vibrant but humane economy is reassuring," Anwar said.
"The elections in an illiberal democracy is far from being free and fair," Anwar said in a hand-written message to malaysiakini. His answers to a number of questions posed by malaysiakini were written on papers issued by the Sungai Buloh prison where he is being held.
Nevertheless, Anwar expressed his satisfaction on the performance of the opposition Barisan Alternatif despite the superiority of the ruling Barisan Nasional machinery.
"Despite the limitations and having to confront the BN's money, machinery and media, the BA managed to garner almost half of the total votes."
The opposition coalition obtained 44 per cent of the total votes while Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's Umno lost much of its credibility among the Malay community following its dismal showing in the Nov 29 polls.
While BN retained its two-thirds parliamentary majority, Umno obtained only 72 seats compared to the 94 it held in the last parliament. In addition, the party lost Terengganu to PAS and failed to re-capture Kelantan. It was estimated that the party garnered only 45.3 per cent of the popular votes in 41 parliamentary constituencies where Malays made up at least 80 per cent of the electorate.
Anwar also said the strength of the reform movement was translated into the "impressive showing" of the opposition front. The one-time heir apparent launched the reformasi movement aimed at reversing corruption, cronyism and nepotism following his shock dismissal from the government in September 1998.
He is currently serving a six-year jail term for corruption and is standing trial for sodomy and sexual misconduct. Anwar had consistently denied all charges saying they were trumped up to end his political career.
On the recent no-contest ruling for Umno's top two posts, Anwar said the resolution could be described as an indiscreet message to the delegates to follow the leadership's decision or face dire consequences.
"It is also an indication that there is not going to be a departure from the climate of fear perpetrated by the BN regime," Anwar said.
Umno Supreme Council imposed a no-contest resolution for the position of party president and deputy president early last month. The council also nominated deputy premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the party's deputy president.
While congratulating Abdullah on his appointment, Anwar dismissed him as being indecisive and unable to make decisions on pertinent issues. "Abdullah is merely parroting Dr Mahathir, subdued by him and (Finance Minister) Tun Daim (Zainuddin) and remains oblivious to the reports on corruption but bold on repressive acts against dissidents and the opposition."
The prime minister in-waiting came under attack from opposition political parties and NGOs for the arrests of opposition activists while Mahathir is away on a three-week overseas holiday.
Well-known lawyer cum politician Karpal Singh together with KeADILan vice president Marina Yusoff and Harakah editor Zulkifli Sulong and printer Chia Lim Thye were arrested and charged under the Sedition Act while Anwar's long-time aide and KeAdiLan youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor was charged under the Official Secrets Act.
"This is a clear reflection of the government using repressive laws to stifle dissent and directed against the opposition leaders," Anwar said.
Describing his current imprisonment as a constraint to lend support to the opposition front, Anwar nevertheless expressed confident that his wife, KeADILan president Dr Azizah Ismail, was competent enough to articulate the need for reforms in the country, the party's direction and BA's political agenda.
"I can only render limited support but am committed to the reform agenda. The support by Malaysians for democracy, the rule of law and vibrant but humane economy is reassuring," Anwar said.
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