"Shame on those who lie in bed planning evil and wicked deeds and rise at daybreak to do them, knowing that they have the power!" Micah 2:1

The Society for Christian Reflection(SCR) is most perturbed with the manner in which Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been sacked from his post as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister and expelled from UMNO.

Don't We Have A Right To Know?

The Prime Minister has informed us that Anwar Ibrahim was sacked because of his "low morals". No details have been disclosed to the public. As a result, despite the vast amount of media coverage devoted to this issue the public is still in the dark as to the real reasons behind this drastic move.

Anwar Ibrahim had been the Deputy Prime Minister since 1993 and was regarded by many as the future Prime Minister.Therefore the manner of his dismissal from these positions is the legitimate concern of all

Malaysians. It is unacceptable that the Prime Minister does not see the necessity to explain his actions to the rakyat.

As citizens we have a right to know and it is not enough for the Prime Minister to say that he is convinced. The Prime Minister is accountable to the people and he cannot demand blind obedience. This is a reflection

of the utter scorn and contempt the Prime Minister has for the opinion of Malaysians.

It is pathetic, how, many leaders in government can voice support for the Prime Minister's actions merely on the basis that the Prime Minister

"must have had good reasons"!

Innocent Until Proven Guilty

A person is innocent until proven guilty.

No specific charges have been leveled against Anwar Ibrahim. However the result of the wide circulation of the book "50 Dalil" and oblique references made to him in affidavits filed in connection with Nalla's

case had implicated him of various wrongdoings. The onus of proving guilt is on those who allege and accuse.

The Role Of The Media

The way in which the media has allowed itself to be manipulated and used is utterly reprehensible. Political assassination by inference and innuendo appears to be the order of the day. Allegations against Anwar Ibrahim, found in various affidavits filed by the prosecution in connection with the Nalla case were given great coverage. In contrast Nalla's response to these affidavits, in a statement released by his lawyers on 7 September, received scant attention!

By allowing itself to be so blatantly abused the Malaysian media has lost whatever little credibility it had.

What Hope?

The manner in which the former Deputy Prime Minister has been treated is a shock to most Malaysians. If one so prominent can be treated in such a manner, what hope is there for the ordinary Malaysian citizen?

The events of the past few days reveals the tremendous concentration of political power in the hands of an elite few. The media has shown that it will do its every bidding. The power of the elite is so great that it seems to have even undermined the independence and integrity of institutions of state like the Police, the Attorney-General's office and the Judiciary.

The erosion of fundamental rights and liberties, the manipulation of the media and the blatant undermining of the institutions of state entrusted with the task of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice and fair play should not go unchallenged! We must refuse to be intimidated. In times like this Malaysians should stand up and be counted.

"Let justice roll on like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream"
Amos 5:24

Christopher Rajaselvan
o/b Executive Committee
Society For Christian Reflection
12 September 1998