I was shocked to read in this morning's newspapers of the alleged assault upon Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim while in detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

I had, in the past, defended the Malaysian Police against sweeping criticisms of its alleged tendency towards brutality.When a few NGOs wanted to put the police on trial, I had argued that while the police had many shortcomings it would be wrong to subject it to blanket condemnation. On my release from detention under the ISA on 18 December 1987, I had publicly stated that the Police had treated me well.

But after yesterday's disclosure in the Sessions Court by Anwar Ibrahim, I must confess that I am totally disillusioned with the Malaysian Police, or rather the top brass within the Police. There is no justification at all for subjecting any detainee or any human being in police custody to assault or torture. When the victim is the former Deputy Prime Minister of the country who, when he was assaulted, had not even been formally charged in Court, the people have every right to feel angry and incensed.

Indeed, the assault upon the former Deputy Prime Minister has set many hitherto passive, uncommitted Malaysians thinking. They are asking: What is happening to our country? Have we lost our sense of decency? How is it that the men who manage the security of the nation have become so cruel and so inhuman that they seem to be bereft of even an atom of compassion? Have we deteriorated to such a despicable level that we are no longer distinguishable from Pinochet's Chile and Abacha's Nigeria?

This is why it is just not enough for the Police to conduct an inquiry into the alleged assault. The Malaysian public demands a full and honest explanation from the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Home Affairs. Anwar should also be given a fair hearing in Court so that the world will know the whole truth behind the assault.

Since Anwar continues to be detained under the ISA, it is only right and proper that his health, safety and well-being are protected. Towards this end, the International Movement for a Just World proposes:-

i) That a team of medical doctors check on Anwar Ibrahim's physical condition at regular intervals and report to the public on his well-being.

ii) That a panel of his lawyers be allowed to visit Anwar regularly to

ensure that his constitutional rights are protected,including his right not to be harassed or intimidated. At the same time, access to Anwar would enable his lawyers to prepare the assault case and other cases involving charges of sodomy and abuse of power.

iii) That his wife, Dr. Wan Azizah, their children and other family members be allowed regular visits. Their visits are not only important for Anwar's emotional well-being; they will assure the general public that Anwar is well and, in that way, help to defuse tensions.

Dr. Chandra Muzaffar
President
International Movement for a Just World
30 September 1998