Saturday, 19 July 2008
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim yesterday challenged to debate anybody (mostly referring to the US) questioning the country's rule of law. He said unauthorized and unqualified people should not question Malaysia’s rule of law.
"We, just like the United States, also have our own systems and procedures. The position of Kuala Lumpur in the rule of law is unquestionable."
Rais was responding to US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, who said the arrest of Anwar had raised "serious concerns".
McCormack also urged Kuala Lumpur to resolve the matter "in a manner that builds confidence in the impartial rule of law in Malaysia".
It appears that the showdown expected between the US and Malaysia on the Anwar Ibrahim case is heating up. It is improbable though the US will debate Yatim on such an issue but it will be appropriate for the Party Keadilaan Rakyat (PKR) to suggest who can debate Rais Yatim on the issue of rule of law in Malaysia.
Many people, local and foreigners, have questioned the way Anwar was arrested on Wednesday 16th July with several commandos and criminal division officers taking Anwar out of his car “in a rough manner” said his lawyer.
Anwar himself complained that he was manhandled almost manu-militarily by the police in a repetition of his first arrest which was carried out by the encircling of his house in Damansara and the breaking of a closed door while his main door was wide open, said an observer.
The showdown between the US and Malaysia is in connection with the detention of Anwar Ibrahim over the sodomy allegation by the latter’s former aide.
Rais said foreigners who questioned the former deputy prime minister's detention could "come and inspect the country's rule of law themselves".
"We want them to examine which part of the enforcement of the law is flawed or questionable and under what jurisdictions they are speaking against us.
"I would like to enter a debate with these people. I always welcome this for the sake of knowledge."
Earlier this month, Malaysia issued a formal protest to the United States over its earlier comments on the investigation into the sodomy allegations, accusing it of meddling in the country's internal affairs.
Two US rights groups had also expressed concerns about the arrest and said they hoped the investigation into the sodomy claims was not used as a political tool to silence Anwar.
Japan, meanwhile, will seek information on Anwar's arrest during an Asean meeting next week.
Other countries might follow in the event Anwar Ibrahim is arrested again while many well known figures in the Muslim world has signed a declaration supporting Anwar Ibrahim and condemning any conspiracy against him.
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