Twenty-nine British parliamentarians have supported a motion moved by nine of their colleagues expressing concern over the appeal hearing of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and his deteriorating health condition, according to local human rights organisation Suaram today.

The motion was moved in the British Parliament on May 10 urging the government to 'impress' upon Malaysia the need for a just and fair decision.

The nine who moved the motion were Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, Harry Cohen, Neil Gerrad, Mike Hancock, Paul Holmes, Elfyn Llwyd, Alice Mahon and John Mcdonell.

In their motion, they said the House must "register its concern that the Malaysian Court of Appeal (sic) is about to announce its decision in the case of Anwar Ibrahim, who was imprisoned for sodomy in 2002, the trial having been criticised by a UN special envoy for compromising the independence and impartiality of the Malaysian justice system by, amongst other things, excluding senior judges from hearing the case".

They added that the House must also note that "previous trials were deemed not to have met international standards of fairness (and) further note Anwar's ever-deteriorating health in detention".

In view of these, the MPs called on "her Majesty's government to impress upon the Malaysian government the importance of a just and fair decision in Anwar's case, which would only serve to improve Malaysia's standing in the international context of human rights".

The 29 MPs who expressed support were Harry Barnes, John Barret, Peter Bottomley, Tom Brake, Ronnie Campbell, Ann Cryer, John Cummings, Andrew Dismore, Sue Doughty, David Crew, Clive Efford, Edward Garnier, Jane Griffiths, Win Griffiths, Lynne Jones, Nigel Jones, Terry Lewis, Rob Marris, Kevin Mcnamara, Adam Price, Chris Ruane, Jim Sheridan, Clare Short, Llew Smith, Simon Thomas, Paul Tyler, Rudi Vis, Hywel Williams and Derek Wyatt.

In a press statement, Suaraam coordinator Yap Swee Seng said the support for the motion was a sign of the international community's increased concern over the appeal hearing and the upcoming final judgment.

Final bid for freedom

Anwar's appeal is at the Federal Court, his final avenue. The court yesterday, after hearing submissions from all parties, reserved judgment to an unfixed date. However the outcome of his bail application will be known tomorrow.

If he fails to get his conviction overturned, he would have to remain in prison for at least another five years.

The former deputy premier was sacked in 1998 by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He was subsequently convicted for sodomy and corruption.

Anwar claims the charges were fabricated by Mahathir and his associates after he began cracking down on corruption during his tenure as deputy prime minister.

However, Mahathir and the authorities have dismissed this charge.

Anwar's trials have also received widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally.