Global progressives blast Sodomy II as regressive
Published: Feb 26, 2015 1:00 AM | Updated: Feb 26, 2015 3:06 AM
An international network of political parties and non-government organisations are the latest to join the chorus of condemnation on the prison sentence meted out recently on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
The Progressive Alliance - comprising 120 organisations from five continents - said the Permatang Pauh MP’s case had raised ‘”internationally-worrying questions” about the independence of Malaysia’s judiciary and rule of law.
An international network of political parties and non-government organisations are the latest to join the chorus of condemnation on the prison sentence meted out recently on opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
The Progressive Alliance - comprising 120 organisations from five continents - said the Permatang Pauh MP’s case had raised ‘”internationally-worrying questions” about the independence of Malaysia’s judiciary and rule of law.
“The selective and politically-motivated prosecution of members of the opposition has a dramatic detrimental effect on the political and social development of Malaysia,” said the alliance in a statement.
“We call for fairness, transparency and the rule of law. Malaysia’s government has to recognise the importance of confidence in its judicial system and has to restore trust in its commitment to human rights."
The group also expressed its “full solidarity” with opposition parties PKR and DAP, Anwar’s friends and family, the people of Malaysia and Anwar Ibrahim himself.
“We have and will never stand inactive in witnessing injustice and violation of human rights," declared the group.
Worldwide solidarity with Anwar
DAP international affairs bureau executive secretary Howard Lee Chuan How told Malaysiakini the Progressive Alliance’s statement was proof Malaysians were “not alone” in facing “oppression and persecution”.
“It also shows the international community, specifically progressive political parties, are making themselves heard in that they share DAP's view.
“It’s quite a big deal to have 120 parties from all five continents agree to a statement,” he noted.
Lee also pointed out there has been various messages of solidarity and condemnation from all over the world following Anwar’s imprisonment - but not a single one expressing support for the Malaysian Federal Court’s decision.
Anwar, who is now being incarcerated in the Sungai Buloh prison for five years following his recent sodomy conviction, has always maintained that he is a victim of a political conspiracy.
The Malaysian government, however, has denied such claims.
The Progressive Alliance - comprising 120 organisations from five continents - said the Permatang Pauh MP’s case had raised ‘”internationally-worrying questions” about the independence of Malaysia’s judiciary and rule of law.
“The selective and politically-motivated prosecution of members of the opposition has a dramatic detrimental effect on the political and social development of Malaysia,” said the alliance in a statement.“We call for fairness, transparency and the rule of law. Malaysia’s government has to recognise the importance of confidence in its judicial system and has to restore trust in its commitment to human rights."
The group also expressed its “full solidarity” with opposition parties PKR and DAP, Anwar’s friends and family, the people of Malaysia and Anwar Ibrahim himself.
“We have and will never stand inactive in witnessing injustice and violation of human rights," declared the group.
Worldwide solidarity with Anwar
DAP international affairs bureau executive secretary Howard Lee Chuan How told Malaysiakini the Progressive Alliance’s statement was proof Malaysians were “not alone” in facing “oppression and persecution”.
“It also shows the international community, specifically progressive political parties, are making themselves heard in that they share DAP's view.“It’s quite a big deal to have 120 parties from all five continents agree to a statement,” he noted.
Lee also pointed out there has been various messages of solidarity and condemnation from all over the world following Anwar’s imprisonment - but not a single one expressing support for the Malaysian Federal Court’s decision.
Anwar, who is now being incarcerated in the Sungai Buloh prison for five years following his recent sodomy conviction, has always maintained that he is a victim of a political conspiracy.
The Malaysian government, however, has denied such claims.
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