Another case of truth is stranger than fiction: For 16 years Malaysia’s establishment has managed to thwart the political efforts of the country’s opposition leader, whose followers have remained loyal despite the horrendous allegations against him. Now, once again, a Malaysian court has dealt him a setback. International affairs analyst Jonathan Manthorpe looks at the big picture. Excerpt of his new column:
Today’s conviction of Malaysia’s opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, for sodomy in a clearly politically motivated trial, may well backfire on the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition and bring its downfall in the next elections. A Court of Appeal in Kuala Lumpur today upheld an appeal by the state, overturned Anwar’s 2012 acquittal by the High Court, and sentenced him to five years in prison for sodomizing an aide, Mohd Saiful Bukairy Azlan. Anwar is free on bail and expected to take his final line of recourse to the Federal Court. The judicial persecution of Anwar by the government has been going on for 16 years …
Log in to read the column, Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar again convicted after fake trial.* You will certainly wish to revisit Manthorpe’s previous column — with a title that explains all: Murder of Mongolian fashion model dogs Malaysia’s Prime Minister.*
*Jonathan Manthorpe’s columns are available to monthly subscribers or with a $1 day pass to Facts and Opinions. Independent, non-partisan and employee-owned, F&O performs journalism for citizens, funded entirely by readers. We do not carry advertising or solicit donations from non-journalism foundations or causes.