Today marks day 610 of Anwar Ibrahim's incarceration.
Following last month's surprise meeting and hand shake between Anwar Ibrahim and Dr Mahathir[1], Anwar cast aside any calls to dismiss the olive branch offered by Dr Mahathir by stating that the fixation of the public shouldn't be on him but on more important issues at hand that effects public interests. Noting that his family and supporters have suffered immensely, what is more important is the present and to fight the transgressions by the current ruling party.
On the 19th of September, Anwar and Dr Mahathir issued a joint statement condemning the National Security Council (NSC) act.
"We notice that almost all institutions in the country, such as the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Attorney-General and Bank Negara are fully under Prime Minister Najib Razak's control."
"Thus, we are united with the people to fight the NSC, and to bring change and reform to protect the rights and freedoms of Malaysians and to bring progress to Malaysia once more."[2] The statement signed by both of them read.
Legal Team New Addition
A new addition to Anwar's legal team was announced on 9th of September. International human rights lawyer, Kimberley Motley who gain stature through her litigation and human rights battle in Afghanistan[3], arrived in Kuala Lumpur to meet up with the legal team to discuss the upcoming review of the case at the Federal Court on October 12th. She also requested to meet her client Anwar but was declined initially prompting her to a press conference calling for the right to legal access for Anwar[4].
Motley described Anwar's case as one of the most "horrendous travesties of justice of the 21st century".
"I travelled thousands of miles to see my client and I am being denied access. What happened to him is a political issue more than a legal issue.
"I intend to talk globally about the way Anwar has been treated within the legal system."
The following day Home Minister Zahid Hamidi allowed Kimberly a brief visit to meet Anwar after wide coverage from the press on the incident.
Bersih 5
Election and electoral watch group Bersih 2.0 announced that Bersih 5 peaceful street rally is going to be held on 19th of November. Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah announced that this time a nationwide convoy will be held featuring "Bersih torches", which will be passed throughout 246 stops around the country. The intention is to create a national debate on the issues of election and electorate fairness, rule of law, reform and for Prime Minister Najib to step down[5].
Bersih 2.0 held four hugely succesful rallies previously, amassing hundreds of thousands of people from all background.
Institute Darul Ehsan (IDE) Survey
In a survey conducted by IDE, a think tank and pollster, on Selangor voters Anwar remains the most popular personality ahead of Dr Mahathir, Hadi Awang and other leaders. It is a testament that although behind bars, Anwar still remains relevant and important to the movement for a better Malaysia[6].
October 12 Final Court Review
Anwar will hear his final review of his case at the Federal Court on October 12. It will be his last chance under the Malaysia court system to prove that there was a miscarriage of justice, and the decision against him should be set aside.
It must be said that it will be an uphill task as the previous decision against him at the Federal Court decision was unanimous. After the review the only outlet left for Anwar is for a Royal Pardon by the King of Malaysia. For the record Anwar has applied for it once but it was turned down on technicality as the Prime Minister and Attorney General is on the board of advisory that advises the King of Malaysia.
I am reminded at difficult times like this on the optimism and perseverance of Anwar. He is resolute in his fight to clear his name and bring significant change to the country.
Please spread the word on the Anwar's latest development. We need to create more pressure on the Malaysian government internationally. The latest website for Anwar is linked and we seek more signatories to join the pledge made by world leaders, NGO's, academicians, human rights activists to release Anwar.
Thanks for the support and prayers.
Best
Khairul
Watch Kimberly Motley on TED Talk
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