Anwar receives Clinton's call, discussed several major issues

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia Chronicle

Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed receiving a tele-conferencing call from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where both leaders discussed the need to defend fundamental civil rights, the importance of an independent judiciary, good bilateral ties and also his sodomy case.

According to PKR strategic director Tian Chua, the call lasted for half-an-hour between 8.30pm to 9.00pm.

"They were supposed to meet in the afternoon but her other meetings ran late and there was a prior appointment Anwar could not break because of the hectic by-election campaigning," Tian told Malaysia Chronicle.

Political persecution

But while some of Anwar's supporters were disappointed, Clinton left Malaysians in no doubt when she reiterated U.S. concern about the sodomy trial which many have labeled a "political persecution" by Prime Minister Najib Razak to derail Anwar's political comeback.

“It is well known that the United States believes that it is important for all aspects of the case to be conducted fairly and transparently. And in a way that it could bring confidence to the rule of law in Malaysia," said Clinton at a joint press conference with Malaysian foreign minister Anifah Aman.

Indeed, even Anifah's voice dipped to a near whisper each time he mentioned the word "political persecution" (see VIDEO Clinton confirms U.S. in regular contact with Anwar..).

“If there is a political prosecution, I think the Barisan Nasional government is much smarter than that. We might have stopped Anwar before he became a Member of Parliament and put the trial in open court," responded Anifah.

“What I can assure you as a member of Parliament and Cabinet that it is my interest and our interest to make sure that Anwar gets a fair trial because if there is such thing as political prosecution then what can happen to Anwar can certainly happen to us. So being an open trial, I think the world is able to judge what will be the outcome."

Clinton was welcomed by Deputy Prime Muhyiddin Yassin when she arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. On Tuesday morning, she spent time at a discussion with students, NGOs and opposition politicians to show U.S. support for democracy and civil society.

She leaves for Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.

"We can't say we are disappointed because she has managed to get the message through very clearly even though she and Anwar missed each other. Part of the reason is she was on a lightning tour and Anwar was also rushing because both the Batu Sapi and Galas by-elections are in the final lap," said Tian.

"But perhaps most of all, it was Umno who caused the greatest trouble. Because of the pressure they put on the U.S. side, it took a while before the arrangements could be finalized and that made it very difficult for us to juggle."