Parliamentary Human Rights Group Vice-Chair, Jeremy Corbyn MP, will head a delegation to the Malaysian High Commission in London at 2.30pm tomorrow to express the deep concern among British Parliamentarians at the detention of Malaysia's former deputy-Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar's arrest under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on charges of Sodomy and abuse of power, following his sacking from office on September 2nd, has plunged Malaysia into crisis. His supporters claim that the charges against him are without foundation and that his call for Government reforms in the wake of South-east Asia's financial crisis have made him the target of a concerted smear campaign by associates of Malaysia's beleaguered Premier, Dr Mahathir.

Earlier today Mr Corbyn said:

"Tomorrow afternoon I will be delivering a letter to the High Commissioner signed by a number of prominent Labour backbench MPs who deplore the way the former deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia has been treated and urging that he be given full access to his lawyers and due process of law so that he can properly defend himself against these serious charges in a just and fair trial."

Commenting on Anwar's court appearance earlier this week when he showed visible signs of having been assaulted while in detention, Mr Corbyn went on:

"I am deeply shocked at the allegations that he has been assaulted and tortured while in police custody and believe that a full and independent inquiry should be immediately set up so that those responsible for his injuries can be brought to justice."