Malaysia
Malaysia’s opposition leader acquitted
By John Roberts, January 10, 2012
The High Court decision deals a significant blow to the government’s efforts to jail Anwar as it prepares for elections.
Malaysian government moves for early election
By John Roberts, November 8, 2011
The preparations for an early poll are driven in part by government concerns over the global impact of the economic crises in the eurozone and the United States.
Australian government signs punitive refugee deal with Malaysia
By Will Morrow, July 27, 2011
Labor’s policy will send at least 800 asylum seekers to Malaysia, a country notorious for its mistreatment of refugees.
Malaysian government cracks down on opposition protesters
By John Roberts, July 23, 2011
The fact that the government has whipped up a communist scare campaign reflects deeper fears in Malaysia’s ruling circles of growing social tensions and the potential for unrest.
Malaysian government cracks down on electoral reform rally
By John Roberts, July 11, 2011
Despite the limited character of the Bersih coalition’s call for electoral changes, the government was clearly unnerved by the rally.
Judge endorses prosecution case in Malaysian opposition leader’s trial
By John Roberts, May 20, 2011
The court not only ruled that the prosecution had a prima facie case against Anwar, but declared that the evidence of its chief witness was “reliable”.
Defence lawyers demand acquittal of Malaysian opposition leader
By John Roberts, May 6, 2011
Any ruling by the judge to acquit Anwar would run counter to the government’s determined campaign to remove the opposition leader from the political scene.
Malaysian opposition leader suspended from parliament
By John Roberts, December 29, 2010
Through Anwar’s suspension the government has regained the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to change the country’s constitution at will.
US praises Malaysia’s autocratic government
By John Roberts, November 29, 2010
Visits to Malaysia by Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates earlier this month amounted to a US endorsement of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)-led coalition government.
Malaysian government plays the communal card
By John Roberts, March 26, 2010
Tacitly backed by the government, Muslim hardliners are continuing to stoke communal tensions over the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.
Trial of Malaysian opposition leader begins
By John Roberts, February 9, 2010
A sodomy conviction would effectively end Anwar’s political career and undermine the opposition, which made significant inroads at the 2008 national election.
Malaysian government continues persecution of opposition leader
By John Roberts, December 28, 2009
The Malaysian government is continuing its prosecution of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim following a High Court ruling dismissing his application for sodomy charges to be struck down.
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