The United States yesterday voiced
concern over what it says are politically motivated charges brought against
Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, urging Malaysia to ensure fairness
and transparency. 
In a long-running case which stretches back to
the late 1990s, the Malaysian Court of Appeals yesterday overturned Anwar's
acquittal on sodomy laws and sentenced him to five years in jail. He was freed
pending appeal.
"The decision to prosecute Mr Anwar, and his
trial, have raised a number of concerns regarding the rule of law and the
independence of the court," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki(photo).
"In this high-profile case, it is critical
for Malaysia to apply the rule of law fairly, transparently and apolitically in
order to promote confidence in Malaysia's democracy and judiciary." 
When asked whether this was still the US stand,
Psaki replied "It is."
Sodomy remains illegal in Muslim-majority
Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in jail.
Yesterday's ruling against Anwar, 66, overturns
his 2012 acquittal on charges he sodomised a male former aide – in a case which
has dragged on since 1998 and cut short his promising career during a bitter
power struggle with his rival then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Source: AFP
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