The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcomes the acquittal of the Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges. Simultaneously, IBAHRI calls on the government of Malaysia to reform its criminal law and abolish the criminalisation of sodomy.

Sternford Moyo, IBAHRI co-chair, said, “The trial of Anwar Ibrahim has exemplified the importance of an independent judiciary in Malaysia and we welcome the outcome of the case.

“However, under Section 377 of the Malaysian penal code, and in direct breach of international law standards, sodomy remains a criminal offence and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. The IBAHRI strongly encourages the Malaysian government to repeal the anti-homosexual legislation and bring the country in line with international standards of law.“

Further, Phillip Tahmindjis, IBAHRI Co-Director, commented, “The IBAHRI condemns the reported decision of the prosecution to appeal the Malaysian High Court judgement, despite judge Zabidin Mohamad Diah stating clearly that there was no evidence to corroborate the accuser's testimony.“

Dr Tahmindjis added, “Recently, Malaysia’s former president, Tun Abdullah Badwin, chaired the Commonwealth Group of Eminent Persons. The group published a report reaffirming equality and non-discrimination on any grounds as core values of the Commonwealth. Malaysia’s government would do well to align domestic legislation with Commonwealth standards, as a matter of urgency.“

As the former deputy prime minister of Malaysia, Anwar was previously convicted of sodomy charges in 1998 and later had his sentence overturned in 2004, after six years in prison.

The most recent allegations against Anwar came from a former aide just months after the 2008 elections where Anwar’s opposition party won a two thirds majority, leading to widespread speculation that the allegations were politically motivated