FED: ALP, Democrats, call for tough stand on Anwar jailing

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-1999
FED: ALP, Democrats, call for tough stand on Anwar jailing

CANBERRA, April 15 AAP - The jailing of former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim for six years on corruption charges has been condemned as a tragedy by the ALP while
the Australian Democrats called for Malaysia's expulsion from the Commonwealth.

Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said the verdict was a tragedy for Australia.

"Anwar Ibrahim was a friend of Australia," Mr Beazley said.

"This is a sad day for Malaysia, and it's a sad day for our relationship."

The Australian Democrats went further, calling on Malaysia to be suspended from the
Commonwealth.

"Anwar Ibrahim was arrested on spurious charges that were motivated by political
difference," Democrats foreign affairs spokeswoman Vicki Bourne said.

"The whole trial process was a farce, which undermined judicial integrity and independence
in Malaysia."

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer stopped short of direct criticism, while making clear
Australia was not entirely satisfied with the way the case against Anwar had been conducted.

"I note with concern the sentencing in Kuala Lumpur today of Anwar Ibrahim," he said in a
statement.

Mr Downer specifically referred to criticism of the trial and allegations of judicial bias.

"I must emphasise our hope that the appeal process will address the legal concerns raised
by Anwar's defence team and also previously by the Malaysian Bar Council in a fair and
transparent fashion," he said.

AAP ss/jnb/de

KEYWORD: MALAYSIA ANWAR AUST DAYLEAD

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