[asia-apec 622] malaysian ngo statement on anwar's dismissal

[PAN Asia Pacific]

4th Sept 1998, 12:00 am, Petaling Jaya

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ON DATUK SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM

We are greatly concerned and disturbed  by the manner in which
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim  has been summarily dismissed by the Prime
Minister. The total lack of transparency  in this episode is a
reflection of the utter contempt and disregard that the Prime
Minister has for the views of  the people of the country.

The dismissal of a Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister
during a time of severe economic crisis is a matter of great concern
for the citizens of the country. This is all the more so, when until
days ago, the Prime Minister had assured the people that all was well
between him and his deputy. The people have a right to know the
reasons for this sudden change of sentiment. Failure to provide a
full and reasonable explanation of the events leading to the
dismissal of Anwar, and the reasons for it will only lead the people
to believe that they have been deliberately misled all this while,
give rise to wild speculation and erode the last vestiges  of
credibility that this government has.

Furthermore,  failure to account properly for the dismissal of the
Deputy Prime Minister will certainly give credence to the conspiracy
theory that is being widely propagated. In fact, the events
surrounding the dismissal of Anwar strongly indicate that there is a
political conspiracy to remove him from all positions of power.The
people of the country have a right to be fully informed of the real
situation.

If indeed Anwar is guilty of serious crimes which warrant his
dismissal, he should be charged in open court and given a fair and
independent hearing.  The unsubstantiated affidavits,  vague
insinuations of treason and other nebulous accusations that have
been presented today through the media without right of reply are
unacceptable. 

This action on the part of the Prime Minister once again raises the fear
that oppressive laws such as the ISA and the OSA will be used to
ensure the political survival of  Mahathir and his cronies.
Malaysians, regardless of creed, race and political ideology should
stand up to protest against any such  repression of their
fundamental rights and liberties.

Signed by:
1. Amnesty International (Pro-tem Malaysia Group)
2. AWAM (All Women's Action Society) 
3. CENPEACE (Centre for PeaceInitiatives) 
4. COAC (Centre for Orang Asli Concerns) 
5. DAP (Democratic Action Party)  
6. INSAN (Institute for Social Analysis) 
7. LRC (Labour Resource Centre) 
8. MTUC (Malaysian Trade Unions Congress)
9. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita 
10. PRM (Parti Rakyat Malaysia)
11. SCR (Society for Christian Reflection)
12. Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Youth Section
13. SUARAM (Suara Rakyat Malaysia)
14. TENAGANITA
15. WDC (Women's Development Collective)