US, EU, UK, And More Countries Are Disappointed At Malaysia For Convicting Anwar

US embassy statement:

"The United States is deeply disappointed and concerned by the rejection of Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal and his conviction.

The United States has followed the trial of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim closely. The decision to prosecute Mr. Anwar, and his trial, have raised serious concerns regarding the rule of law and the independence of the courts.

The United States and Malaysia have a strong partnership, and in the context of this relationship, we have regularly raised our serious concerns regarding the Anwar case with Malaysian officials and emphasized that fairness, transparency, and the rule of law are essential to promote confidence in Malaysia’s judicial system and democracy."

usembassy.gov

Statement by the Spokesperson on the conviction of Malaysian opposition politician Anwar Ibrahim:

"The conviction and sentencing of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim raises serious questions regarding due process of law.

The European Union regards Malaysia as a key political and economic partner in South East Asia. In that spirit of partnership, the EU wishes to underscore that trust in the administration of justice is an essential component of the democratic process."

europa.eu

Amnesty International said the Anwar conviction and sentence was an oppressive ruling that would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country.

“This is a deplorable judgement, and just the latest chapter in the Malaysian authorities’ relentless attempts to silence government critics. The ‘sodomy’ charges against Anwar Ibrahim have always been politically motivated, and he should be released immediately.

theguardian.com

The High Commission of Canada in Malaysia issued the following statement in response to the conviction of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim:

“The conviction of Anwar Ibrahim is of deep concern to Canada. It raises serious questions about judicial independence and selective prosecutions in Malaysia.

Mr. Anwar’s conviction also comes at a time when Canada and other countries have conveyed concerns regarding selective prosecutions in Malaysia, including under the Sedition Act.

Canada values its long-standing and warm relationship with Malaysia, and we will continue to encourage Malaysia to apply the rule of law in a transparent and fair manner.”

facebook.com

Australia foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop said: “As a friend of Malaysia, Australia encourages the Malaysian government to consider the impact of recent decisions, including the Anwar verdict and the retention of the Sedition Act, on its international standing and its commitment to human rights.”

theguardian.com

Minister for Asia, Hugo Swire, responds to the Malaysian Federal Court’s decision to dismiss Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal against a charge of sodomy.

"I am deeply concerned by the imprisonment of Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

His case raises worrying questions about the independence of the judiciary and rule of law in Malaysia. As such, we have consistently raised our concerns with the Malaysian government.

We encourage Malaysia to recognise the importance of international confidence in its judicial system and to restore trust in its commitment to human rights."

www.gov.uk

UMNO’s decades-long vendetta against Mr. Anwar has brought discredit on Malaysia’s government and political culture. It is likely to accelerate the ruling party’s loss of support from a maturing population repulsed by such dirty tricks. Prime Minister Najib Razak’s failure to call an end to this farce is a stain on his legacy.