Anwar Ibrahim loses court appeal

Producer: Valarie Tan
First broadcast: 15 September 04, Radio Singapore International

Malaysia’s former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has lost an attempt to reverse his conviction for corruption.

The country’s Federal Court has refused to review its decision to uphold the charges against Anwar and his 6-year jail sentence for corrupt practice.

Just yesterday, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi announced that the doors to UMNO, the country’s major political party, are closed to Anwar for now.

So what are the factors that led to the court’s decision?

A question Valarie Tan put to Chua Tian Chang, Vice President of Parti Nasional Keadilan in Malaysia.

CTC: Its very hard to say whether there’s political reason. But we’ve seen for the last few days there’s a lot of mobilization and a lot of statements made by high level ministers and leadership in the Barisan Nasional insisting that Anwar should not be allowed to return to UMNO, and insisting that Anwar should not be allowed to participate politically. I think this seems to be reflecting the general views of the ruling party that Anwar is still a threat politically to their power.

The court’s decision means that Mr Anwar cannot seek public office till 2008 and the next Malaysian General Elections is due in 2009. But whether or not Anwar holds office, many Malaysians believe he’s politically potent. Do you agree?

CTC: Ya. Anwar’s strength is not in his holding office. Actually its not so important whether he holds public office or not. His political influence has been proven. And in politics, it’s a contest of ideas and Anwar has projected a vision that has been identified by a substantial number of the population. As long as he remains in the struggle for those ideals, I think he’ll continue to enjoy widespread support.

What kind of role will he be playing in the Malaysia’s political scene?

CTC: I think politically he’s recognized to be the symbolic leader for the reform movement and internationally he’s been seen as a victim of political persecution and one of the key leaders that has facilitated reforms and democratization in Malaysia. In any case, I think he’ll be able to lead a broad based political movement that includes civil society and opposition parties. And this he will effectively post an alternative leadership to the government.

Would Anwar’s political career in the future be any different if the court had agreed to reconsider the appeal?

CTC: It actually makes no difference whatever results that the court has decided. That decision would not affect the political involvements of Anwar Ibrahim.

But according to Dr. Abdul Aziz Bari, Professor of Law from the International Islamic University in Malaysia, Anwar’s political career would have been different if the court had ruled in his favour.

AAB: He would be able to straightaway participate in the elections. And that would be great for the opposition. As someone who was previously with the government so he’s got a lot to offer in terms of leading the opposition and probably offering a more workable and practical alternative to the existing government.

What’s the likelihood of Anwar getting a royal pardon from the King?

AAB: Given what he’s said in the past, I don’t think that is the option he’ll be taking, or contemplating even. Because we know that he’s a man of principle and he’s been saying that he would rather go through this first than seeking a pardon. That I think is something everyone knows as something like admitting all these charges. So I don’t think that’s the option as far as he’s concerned.

So if he doesn’t take the royal pardon option, what will he be doing then?

AAB: People have been saying that he’ll be leading and advising the opposition. And become something like the unifying figure for the opposition parties or the alternative parties.