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Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Anwar out of ISA

Ex-DPM to be remanded in prison

By Lourdes Charles

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to be released from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) today but will be held at the Sungai Buloh Prison since the High Court has rejected his bail application.

It is not immediately known whether police set any conditions for his release from ISA detention.

A federal police spokesman confirmed Anwar's impending release and that the sacked deputy prime minister would be remanded at the prison.

He also said police obtained a High Court order yesterday afternoon to remand Anwar.

However, Anwar, who is now being held at Bukit Aman, has filed a notice of appeal at the High Court registry yesterday over the decision to deny him bail.

His lawyer S.N. Nair, who filed the notice at noon yesterday, said no date had been given for the hearing yet.

The High Court has also fixed Oct 24 to hear the habeas corpus application by Anwar's wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, to free Anwar from alleged unlawful detention.

Once at the high-tech Sungai Buloh Prison, sources said, Anwar would be treated like any other remand prisoner without any special privileges.

Anwar's lawyers would be allowed to see him as often as they want but would have to do so only during office hours, and that too to discuss matters pertaining to his defence, a prison source said.

The source also said Anwar's family would be allowed to see him once a week but prison rules stipulate that only two of them would be able to see him at any one visit.

Anwar was arrested on Sept 20 under Section 73(1) of the ISA after thousands of his supporters caused disturbances in several places in the city.

He was charged in the Sessions Court here on Sept 29 with five counts of corrupt practice and four counts of sodomy. He was charged with another count of sodomy the following day at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court. He pleaded not guilty to all 10 charges.

The cases were transferred to the High Court and Anwar was charged again before Justice Augustine Paul on Oct 5.

Justice Paul fixed hearing from Nov 2 to 14 for four charges of corrupt practice.

No dates have been fixed for the six other charges.

Copyright © 1998 Star Publications (M) Bhd (No: 10894-D). All rights reserved

Mahathir off to Japan this week for five-day visit

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (AFP) - Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad leaves Thursday for a five-day visit to Japan amid reports that Tokyo is considering 2.7 billion dollars in aid to the country to prevent its further isolation.

Mahathir is to arrive Friday morning in Tokyo and will meet with businessmen from the Japan Federation of Economic Organisation (Keidanren) before attending a conference sponsored by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, a source said Wednesday.

The source said Mahathir would also attend an African development conference and two receptions hosted by Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi on Monday, before meeting lawmakers and attending a conference sponsored by the Mainichi Shimbun and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on Tuesday.

Jiji Press, quoting Japanese government sources, said earlier Wednesday that Tokyo was considering plans to extend 2.7 billion dollars in aid to Kuala Lumpur to prevent Malaysia from isolating itself further from the international community following the arrest of ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Noting the concern over the Anwar case among Asian neighbours as well as the United States, the Jiji report said Japan wanted Malaysia to exert some "self-restraint" and would make its stance clear during Mahathir's visit.

The report said Obuchi would formally announce 1.9 billion dollars worth of low-interest yen loans to Malaysia in mid-November when he attends the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Kuala Lumpur.

The rest of the aid will be 300 million dollars in loans through the Export-Import Bank of Japan and 500 million yen worth of trade insurance to help improve the country's industrial infrastructure, the report said.


©AFP 1998

The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

Japan may give 2.7 billion dollars aid to Malaysia: report

TOKYO, Oct 14 (AFP) - Japan may give 2.7 billion dollars in economic aid to Malaysia as part of a large financial package to help Asia overcome its economic crisis, a report said Wednesday.

Although the money will officially be given as economic aid, Tokyo is also trying to prevent Malaysia from isolating itself further from the international community, Jiji Press news agency quoted government sources as saying.

Tokyo has already started making arrangements to give the aid, which is part of a 30 billion dollar aid package for Asia, unveiled by Japan's Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa in Washington this month.

Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi will formally announce 1.9 billion dollars worth of low-interest yen loans to Malaysia in mid-November when he attends Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meetings, it said.

The rest of the aid will be 300 million dollars in loans through the Export-Import Bank of Japan and 500 million yen worth of trade insurance to help improve the country's industrial infrastructure, it said.

 


©AFP 1998

The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

Anwar support intensifies as counter-offensive launched

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (AFP) - The political and legal campaign supporting detained former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim intensified Tuesday as newspapers reported a counter-offensive against growing outrage among opposition groups.

On the political front, one of two opposition coalitions formed last month launched a "white ribbon" campaign against the alleged "tyranny and oppression" of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his government.

"The small white ribbon is a way to show our longing for justice. It can be a powerful message to the authorities that the people are defying the culture of fear," Coalition for People's Democracy (Gagasan) chairman Tian Chua said.

Chua told reporters the coalition would urge people to pin the white ribbon on their chests as a symbol of the "struggle for justice" following the arrest and alleged beating of Anwar.

Chua himself alleged earlier he was beaten and kicked by police when he was detained while observing a protest last month.

Gagasan, comprising three opposition parties and led by a human rights group, is one of two coalitions with overlapping members formed last month to campaign against the Internal Security Act (ISA) under which Anwar is being held.

The other group, the Malaysian People's Justice Movement (Gerak), is led by Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS), which controls the northern state of Kelantan.

Other protests, arranged by Gerak, include sending postcards to Mahathir asking him to stand down or hold elections, switching off household lights for 10 minutes every Tuesday and switching on vehicle headlights on Wednesdays.

Opposition leaders say anger at Anwar's treatment is simmering among Malaysians, especially ethnic Malays who make up more than half the population.

Anwar, who appeared in court earlier this month with a black eye and a bruised arm, goes on trial next month on four corruption charges.

In a related development the United States said Tuesday it was puzzled by a Malaysian charge of US "interference" in the judiciary and in the handling of the case involving Anwar.

While it did not plan to pursue the matter, embassy spokesman Charles Barclay said US officials were puzzled by comments by Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over an alleged call to a Malaysian judge who is handling Anwar's trial.

The caller claimed he was an unidentified US senator and told High Court Judge Augustine Paul he would be closely monitoring Anwar's trial, according to Malaysian news reports over the weekend.

Barclay said the call was clearly a hoax.

"We find it confusing that the foreign minister should categorically label it an official interference," Barclay said.

Newspapers meanwhile reported Tuesday Rural Development Minister Annuar Musa had announced a postcard campaign to combat the one planned by Gerak.

Malaysian Education Minister Najib Tun Razak also warned Tuesday any unconstitutional or illegal efforts to topple the government would lead to anarchy, the official Bernama news agency reported.

"In the absence of peace and public order, no one will have confidence in this country, there will be anarchy and our country will be destroyed," he was quoted as saying.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court meanwhile set October 24 to hear an application from Anwar's wife Azizah questioning the lawfulness of her husband's detention.

The official Bernama news agency said the application filed last week had named Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police Abdul Rahim Noor as the respondent.

At the same time, sources said lawyers filed a high court notice Tuesday seeking an appeal against Judge Paul's refusal to grant bail to Anwar.

In a related development, the Justice International Commission on Human Rights said the "grave concern" over Anwar's case expressed at a weekend meeting of the Malaysian Bar Council would be conveyed to the British Bar Council.

John Platts-Mills, the 91-year-old Queen's Counsel who heads the London and Washington-based commission, said Anwar's case was "quite extraordinary" as it had aroused an intense amount of foreign interest.

Platts-Mills said he and another lawyer tried but failed to meet with Malaysia's attorney-general and other officials involved with the case.

"One chap actually refused to see us," he said. "Another chap they said was out of town, although we had just followed him into the building."

The commission hopes to return for Anwar's trial starting November 2.

 

Police ban rally by supporters of Malaysia's Anwar
05:34 a.m. Oct 14, 1998 Eastern

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Police have banned a rally planned by fundamentalist Moslem supporters of sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim, the national Bernama news agency said on Wednesday.

But the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which is organising the rally, said it was going ahead with the gathering on Thursday in Pokok Sena in the northern state of Kedah, the birthplace and stronghold of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

``We have a verbal agreement from the Kedah police chief that we can hold the rally if it's held within our fenced (office) quarters'' and not in public, Mahfuz Omar, deputy chief of the PAS youth wing, told Reuters.

Hussain Bapoo, head of the police precinct in Kedah's capital Alor Setar, warned that police would act against anyone who defied its ban.

``The police will take appropriate action...if the organiser and the public defy the ruling on illegal assembly,'' he said in a warning issued through Bernama.

Public political rallies without police approval are banned in Malaysia. Any gathering of three or more people in a public place can be deemed an unlawful assembly.

Hussain said police had to ban the rally as the PAS was hosting the event for the Malaysian People's Justice Movement, or Gerak, a new but unregistered human rights group.

The movement is supported by PAS and two other opposition parties -- the Democratic Action Party and the Malaysian People's Party.

Hussain said police also believed the rally would somehow be linked to Anwar, charged with sodomy and corruption since his sacking from the Malaysian cabinet last month.

Since the High Court in Kuala Lumpur has barred any comments on the case outside of court, Hussain said the police felt it right to ban the rally.

He said PAS officials in Kedah had been informed of the police decision.

Mahfuz on Tuesday that Gerak was not championing Anwar's cause as a politician. ``But we feel he has been the victim of injustice and that we will say,'' he said.


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

 

 


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.Reuters News Service
 

 

Malaysia's Anwar held on remand, not under ISA
02:54 a.m. Oct 14, 1998 Eastern

By Reme Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday was transferred to a prison outside the capital where he will be held on remand rather than under the powerful internal security laws, police said.

Anwar, 51, arrested on September 20 under the Internal Security Act, was moved from the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to Sungai Buloh prison, 25 km (15 miles) to the north.

``He's going to be released (from) under ISA, he's going to be remanded in Sungai Buloh,'' Musa Hassan, a spokesman for the police at Bukit Aman, told Reuters. ``He's going to be remanded as an ordinary remand prisoner.''

The ISA, enacted under British colonial rule to combat a communist insurgency that has since dissipated, allows indefinite detention without trial.

Kuala Lumpur High Court recently denied bail to Anwar. Anwar's lawyers on Tuesday lodged an appeal against the court decision to deny him bail. It was not known when the appeal would be heard.

Sungai Buloh, the newest prison in Malaysia, is often described as ``high-tech'' due to security features which include closed-circuit cameras, electrical fencing and computer-controlled doors.

Anwar was sacked as deputy prime minister and finance minister on September 2, and later detained under the ISA for allegedly inciting followers to riot and topple Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, in power for 17 years.

Mahathir, 72, had called Anwar morally unfit when sacking him.

A week after his arrest under the ISA, Anwar was charged in court on 10 counts of sodomy and corruption.

Anwar has denied all the charges against him, saying he was the victim of a high-level conspiracy to end his political ambitions and prevent him from exposing corruption and cronyism in the government.

The attorney-general's office, which brought the charges against the former cabinet minister, said on Wednesday that his transfer to Sungai Buloh was the prerogative of the police.

A decision to drop the use of the ISA to keep Anwar in detention could appease rights groups and foreign governments, which have accused Malaysian authorities of using the sweeping law to muzzle opponents led by the former cabinet minister.

Even foreign heads of state, including those of countries neighbouring Malaysia, have spoken out for Anwar, much to the Mahathir's irritation.

``Anwar being a former deputy prime minister and finance minister should not be treated like a common criminal,'' Philippine President Joseph Estrada told reporters aboard a ferry travelling between the Indonesian island of Batam and Singapore.

``At least during his trial he should be in house arrest only,'' Estrada said.

Malaysia has said it viewed as interference any attempt by foreigners to get involved in Anwar's case.

At least 17 people along with Anwar were detained under the ISA and accused of inciting violence. All but a handful have since been released.

The ISA has been widely criticised by opposition leaders and rights groups as giving authorities virtually unlimited power to stifle opposition.

Anwar's trial in the High Court is set to start on November 2 in the capital. The hearing before a single judge is set to recess on November 14, three days before Asia-Pacific leaders including U.S. President Bill Clinton gather in the Malaysian capital for a two-day summit.

Anwar appeared in court last month with a black eye and said he had been beaten unconscious while handcuffed in detention. Police are investigating the allegation.


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.Reuters News Service

 




Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Free Shaari, urges PAS

ALOR STAR: PAS president Datuk Fadzil Nor has urged the Government to free Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) president Haji Shaari Sungip, who has been detained under the ISA.

He said Gerak would seek an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar to deliver a memorandum on the latest developments in the country.

Copyright © 1998 Star Publications (M) Bhd (No: 10894-D). All rights reserved




Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Gagasan launches ribbon campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: The Gagasan Demokrasi Rakyat (GDR) yesterday launched a white ribbon campaign as a symbol of its struggle for justice.

"We call upon Malaysians to join in the campaign. The small white ribbon is a way to show our longing for justice," its chairman Tien Chua said.

The GDR comprises the DAP, PAS, PRM, Socialist Party of Malaysia and 14 non-governmental organisation.

The Malaysian People's Justice Movement (Gerak) which comprises PAS, DAP and with NGOS, was launched at the PAS headquarters last month.

Chua said Gagasan also called on the people to continue to switch off their lights at 8pm every Tuesday and turn on their vehicle's headlights the next day.

Copyright © 1998 Star Publications (M) Bhd (No: 10894-D). All rights reserved




Wednesday, October 14, 1998

We want to see justice done, says rights group

By Shahanaaz Sher Habib

KUALA LUMPUR: Justice International Commission on Human Rights said its interest in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's trial is to "see that justice is obtained."

Director Sayyaf MohyEddeen voiced concern over the manner in which Anwar was arrested and the injuries he sustained while under detention.

"It can happen to anyone of us at any time. We look to the law to protect us," he told a press conference yesterday.

MohyEddeen said the group supported the Malaysian Bar Council resolutions which, among other things, reaffirmed that the "Internal Security Act is an obnoxious piece of legislation."

Anwar, who was sacked from the Government and Umno and detained under the ISA, faces five counts of corruption and another five for sodomy.

On Nov 2, the High Court will hear four of the five corruption charges against him. MohyEddeen said the group planned to be "observers" at the trial.

Justice International chairman Queen's Counsel John Platts-Mills said that in his 70 years of law practice, no other trial had aroused such international interest.

"The intensity is quite extraordinary," he said.

Justice International is an independent international network of lawyers, set up in 1982, to promote human rights standards, justice and a fair trial around the world.

Copyright © 1998 Star Publications (M) Bhd (No: 10894-D). All rights reserved

 

 


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.Reuters News Service
 

 

Philippines' Estrada urges house arrest for Anwar
01:43 a.m. Oct 14, 1998 Eastern

BATAM, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Philippine President Joseph Estrada said he may urge Malaysia to release sacked former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim from jail and place him under house arrest during his trial on charges of sodomy and corruption.

``Anwar being a former deputy prime minister and finance minister should not be treated like a common criminal,'' Estrada told reporters aboard a ferry travelling between the Indonesian island of Batam and Singapore.

``At least during his trial he should be in house arrest only.''

It was the latest salvo in an escalating dispute between Malaysia and its Southeast Asian neighbours over the arrest of Anwar, whose trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, just a few days before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur on November 14.

Describing Anwar as an honest, dedicated and intelligent public servant, Estrada said he may write a letter to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urging more lenient treatment for his sacked deputy.

The populist and newly-elected Philippine president called Anwar a friend of the Philippine people, drawing parallels between the former Malaysian official and Jose Rizal, the national Philippine hero executed by the Spanish in 1896.

But Estrada said he was expressing his personal views, and that he did not wish to interfere in the domestic affairs of a neighbouring nation.

``We might write a personal letter to Prime Minister Mahathir to give Anwar due process of law,'' Estrada said.

``...and at the same time, it's not just Anwar who is suffering but also his family, his relatives.''

Mahathir sacked Anwar last month, accusing him of being unfit for office. Three weeks later, Anwar was arrested under Malaysia's controversial Internal Security Act.

Anwar has denied the charges, alleging a high level political conspiracy to end his political ambitions and prevent him from exposing corruption and cronyism in the Malaysian government.

Estrada, who said he was surprised by the charges against Anwar, said he would probably attend APEC. Indonesian President B.J. Habibie has yet to confirm his attendance.

Habibie cancelled a planned visit to Malaysia this month, which was to be his first overseas trip since taking office in May. But he made time to visit Estrada on Batam, a short ferry ride from Singapore, where the Philippine president was on a four-day visit.


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.




Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Wan Azizah wants to learn from Aquino

MANILA: Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says she wants to learn from the Philippines' struggle against the late Ferdinand Marcos to push the so-called democratic reform movement started by her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a recent letter to former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, she said she would continue her husband's peaceful struggle for political reforms.

"I would be most grateful if you can further share with me your wealth of experience gained during the period of the oppressive Marcos regime," Dr Wan Azizah said in her Oct 7 letter, adding that she wanted to personally meet Mrs Aquino. -- AP


Copyright © 1998 Star Publications (M) Bhd (No: 10894-D). All rights reserved

Nation


Wednesday, October 14, 1998 |

Anwar out of ISA
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to be released from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) today but will be held at the Sungai Buloh Prison since the High Court has rejected his bail application. It is not immediately known whether police set any conditions for his release from ISA detention.

Be sensible, Malaysians told
Acting Umno Youth chief Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Hussein yesterday urged Malaysians to get their act together and not allow "external forces" chart their destiny.

 


Steer clear of trouble, embassy tells Indons
Indonesians, whether permanent residents or contract workers, have been urged not to take part in illegal assemblies, protests and demonstrations.

We want to see justice done, says rights group
Justice International Commission on Human Rights said its interest in the Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's trial is to "see that justice is obtained."

Probe into free trips
Police are investigating Information Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Rahmat's claim that villagers were offered free trips to the federal capital and then forced to take part in illegal gatherings.

Gagasan launches ribbon campaign
The Gagasan Demokrasi Rakyat (GDR) yesterday launched a white ribbon campaign as a symbol of its struggle for justice.

Wan Azizah wants to learn from Aquino
Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says she wants to learn from the Philippines' struggle against the late Ferdinand Marcos to push the so-called democratic reform movement started by her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

US: We are puzzled by Abdullah's statement
The United States said yesterday that it was puzzled by a Malaysian charge of US "interference" in the judiciary and in the handling of the case involving detained former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Barisan Youth to counter attacks abroad
The Barisan Nasional Youth will use its ties with youth movements overseas to explain the country's political developments.

Teachers may get more powers
Discipline teachers will be accorded auxiliary police powers if the proposal receives unanimous support from teachers' unions and associations.

Have trial runs for new info service, says union
The new telephone information service Tele-UPU Celcom, set up to allow students to check on the status of their university applications, should have trial runs before it is open to students next year, the National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general said.

Some want, while others reject double promotion
Some of the 333 Year Three pupils in Penang who qualified for double promotion have expressed reservations about the offer when the Penilaian Tahap Satu (PTS) results were released yesterday.

King Mswati visits twin towers
King Mswati of Swaziland toured the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers yesterday as part of his six-day state visit to Malaysia.

Dialogue on rules pertaining to foreign soil
The Agriculture Ministry will meet ground perishables and pebble importers for a dialogue on the national regulation prohibiting the entry of foreign soil.

DOE aims for better links between agencies
The Department of Environment aims to make better co-ordination between government agencies one of its objectives under the Eighth Malaysia Plan.

Malaysia awaits new market regime
Malaysia wants to see the introduction of a new market regime which will not only solve the current economic crisis but also lead to a better world economic order. Speaking on the need for rules and regulations to govern the increasing globalisation, Petronas chairman Tan Sri Azizan Zainul Abidin said Malaysia was, at the same time, aware of the importance of market forces.

Chua: Deeper study on effects of Viagra needed
Malaysian men will have to wait a little longer to try the anti-impotence drug Viagra. Although the special investigative report ordered by the Health Ministry says that the product has "very strong points" in its favour, a deeper study into the adverse reactions of the popular product would need to be conducted, Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said.

Marina: Public may frown upon condom machines
Condom vending machines may be a good idea, but they could spark moral and religious controversies, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir said yesterday.

No rise in prices of Deepavali goodies
In appreciation of the government's decision to extend the permits of foreign workers in restaurants, some 4,000 Indian restaurant owners nationwide have decided not to raise the prices of sweets and savouries for the Deepavali season.

Officers detect two cases of cooking oil smuggling
The enforcement division of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (Johor branch) has detected two cases of cooking oil being smuggled into Singapore.

Enough cooking oil 'but not in small quantities'
Consumers in rural areas are finding it difficult to buy cooking oil in loose form although there is adequate supply in Penang.

Expressway soil erosion peril
A study by Institut Teknologi Mara (ITM) has found that several areas along the North-South Expressway are prone to soil erosion which can cause landslides.

Watch on roads vulnerable to weather
All Public Works Department district engineers have been directed to identify roads and slopes in the country which are exposed to the effects of La Nina.

Canals to protect rubber trees
The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) will build irrigation canals to prevent rubber plantations from being flooded when La Nina hits.

60 sirens at danger zones to warn residents
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage has installed 60 sirens in flood-prone areas nationwide in anticipation of the La Nina weather phenomenon.

Currency controls lauded
Japan's federation of economic and business companies, Keidanren, yesterday welcomed Malaysia's currency control measures implemented last month.

RM3.4mil drop in tithe collection
Zakat or tithe collection this year has been affected by the economic slowdown, parliamentary secretary in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Muhamad Abdullah said.

Child sexual abuse in high society, too
The rich and powerful are in a better position to hide cases of sexual abuse of children, said Ipoh Hospital's consultant community paediatrician Dr Amar Singh.

Ministry boosts healthcare for families
The Health Ministry has expanded its efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare for families to cope with the changing social and economic climate. Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng said although the quality of life for Malaysians had improved, more families were experiencing problems such as those related to adolescents and social woes.

Free Shaari, urges PAS
PAS president Datuk Fadzil Nor has urged the Government to free Pertubuhan Jemaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) president Haji Shaari Sungip, who has been detained under the ISA.

 

 

Anwar no longer held under harsh security act, but stays in jail

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (AFP) - Deposed Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was Wednesday released from detention under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA), but remains in prison due to the charges against him, the official Bernama news agency reported.

Anwar was on Wednesday taken from the Bukit Aman police headquarters and transferred in a police vehicle to the Sungei Buloh prison north of here, Bernama quoted Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Director Yaacob Mohamed Amin as saying.

Police obtained an order for Anwar's remand on Tuesday.

A federal police spokesman was quoted in the Star newspaper as saying Anwar would remain in prison since the High Court had earlier rejected his application for bail.

©AFP 1998

The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

Anwar to be released from ISA detention, but will remain in prison

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (AFP) - Detained former Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim will be released from detention under the harsh Internal Security Act (ISA) but will remain in prison, a report said Wednesday.

A federal police spokesman said Anwar would be released under ISA but would remain at the Sungei Buloh prison since the High Court had earlier rejected his application for bail, the Star newspaper reported.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has set October 24 to hear an application by Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail seeking his release from police detention, sources said Tuesday.

Lawyers have also filed a high court notice appealing Judge Augustine Paul's refusal to grant bail to Anwar, who is to stand trial from November 2 to 14 on four charges of corruption.

Anwar was sacked from government on September 2, and arrested on September 20.

He was detained under the ISA, which provides for indefinite detention usually without trial.

When Anwar appeared in court nine days after his arrest he had a black eye and a bruised arm.

 


©AFP 1998

The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

 

Malaysia's Anwar treated horrifically - U.S.
06:26 a.m. Oct 14, 1998 Eastern

SINGAPORE, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Malaysia's sacked Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was treated horrifically after his arrest last month, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Stanley Roth said on Wednesday.

``It is horrifying treatment, I think, for one of the most respected of Asia's new generation of leaders,'' Roth told a news conference.

Anwar has alleged he was blindfolded and beaten to unconsciousness after being detained under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act last month.

He was sacked by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and charged with sodomy and corruption. Anwar denies the charges and says he is the victim of a high-level conspiracy to end his political carreer.

Roth said the detention was a grave cause for concern, given the allegations that Anwar was denied access to lawyers and his family when first arrested.

``It is extremely important that due process is observed and we were greatly distressed by statements that he had been denied access to lawyers and his family, both of which I believe have been corrected,'' Roth said.

But he said fears for Anwar's safety were compounded by the former Deputy Prime Minister's appearance in court with a black eye.

Anwar alleged he suffered the bruises in systematic beatings by his jailors. In a subsequent court appearance, he wore a neck brace.

``The initial concerns were compounded by his public appearance when certainly he appeared to have been beaten and I think medical examinations have confirmed that,'' Roth said.


Copyright 1998 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Philippines' Estrada urges house arrest for Anwar
BATAM, Oct 14 - Philippine President Joseph Estrada said he may urge Malaysia to release sacked former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim from jail and place him under house arrest during his trial
Wed 14 Oct 1:43 Reuters News Service

Malaysia's Anwar To Be Moved To Jail - Newspaper
KUALA LUMPUR - A Malaysian newspaper said Wednesday that sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim would be released from detention under a powerful security law but kept under police custody in a
Wed 14 Oct 2:05 Reuters News Service

Malaysia's Anwar held on remand, not under ISA
By Reme Ahmad KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 - Sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday was transferred to a prison outside the capital where he will be held on remand rather than under
Wed 14 Oct 2:54 Reuters News Service

Police ban rally by supporters of Malaysia's Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 - Police have banned a rally planned by fundamentalist Moslem supporters of sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim, the national Bernama news agency said on Wednesday.
Wed 14 Oct 5:34 Reuters News Service

Malaysia's Anwar treated horrifically - U.S.
SINGAPORE, Oct 14 - Malaysia's sacked Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was treated horrifically after his arrest last month, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific
Wed 14 Oct 6:26 Reuters News Service

Malaysia's Anwar appeals against no bail -lawyer
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 - Sacked Malaysian finance minister Anwar Ibrahim has launched an appeal against a court decision to refuse him bail on his indictment for sodomy and corruption, his lawyer said
Tue 13 Oct 4:58 Reuters News Service

Malaysia's Anwar to be shifted to jail -newspaper
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 - Sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim would be released from detention under a powerful security law but kept under police custody in a prison near the capital, a Malaysian
Tue 13 Oct 23:10 Reuters News Service

Malaysia court to hear Anwar appeal on Oct 24
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 - A Malaysian court will hear on October 24 an appeal by sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim to be released from detention, one of his lawyers said Monday. Anwar's lawyers
Sun 11 Oct 22:55 Reuters News Service

Malaysia lawyers urge Anwar release, repeal of law
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 - Malaysia's Bar Council on Saturday demanded the release of sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim and others detained under the country's tough Internal Security Act. The
Sat 10 Oct 5:06 Reuters News Service

Malaysia Anwar sees lawyers as students protest
By K. Baranee Krishnaan KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 - Lawyers for sacked Malaysian minister Anwar Ibrahim met him in his police cell on Friday to prepare his defence against charges of sodomy and corruption
Fri 9 Oct 8:41 Reuters News Service

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Mahathir daughter says Malaysia anti-AIDS drive hampered by religion

Oct 14 1998
18:28

Malaysia's national campaign against AIDS is being hampered by religious beliefs, the daughter of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying in news reports Wednesday.

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Mahathir off to Japan this week for five-day visit

Oct 14 1998
18:06

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad leaves Thursday for a five-day visit to Japan amid reports that Tokyo is considering 2.7 billion dollars in aid to the country to prevent its further isolation.

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Mahathir asked to act on reported police killings

Oct 14 1998
18:05

Dozens of Malaysian non-government organizations on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to set up an independent inquiry into reports of extra-judicial killings by police.

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Anwar sent to new jail after release from detention under security act

Oct 14 1998
16:26

Malaysian police Wednesday released ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) but remanded him in custody at a new prison on other charges.

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Indonesian leader may make flying Malaysia visit for APEC: Philippines

Oct 14 1998
16:15

Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has told Filipino officials President B.J. Habibie may make a flying visit to Malaysia for an Asia-Pacific summit next month, the Philippines presidential palace said Wednesday.

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Japan may give 2.7 billion dollars aid to Malaysia: report

Oct 14 1998
15:12

Japan may give 2.7 billion dollars in economic aid to Malaysia as part of a large financial package to help Asia overcome its economic crisis, a report said Wednesday.

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Anwar no longer held under harsh security act, but stays in jail

Oct 14 1998
14:50

Deposed Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was Wednesday released from detention under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA), but remains in prison due to the charges against him, the official Bernama news agency reported.

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Japan's Keidanren voices support for Malaysian currency controls

Oct 14 1998
14:01

Japan's top business federation, the Keidanren, has endorsed currency controls imposed in Malaysia last month, hailing the measures as necessary to stabilize the economy, newspapers reported Wednesday.

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Malaysian palm oil prices at noon

Oct 14 1998
12:55

Palm oil prices in Malaysian ringgit per tonne at the close of morning trade Wednesday at the Kuala Lumpur Commodity Exchange:

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Malaysia completes Viagra tests but holds back on final approval

Oct 14 1998
12:03

Malaysia has completed evaluating the anti-impotence drug Viagra but is withholding final approval pending further information from manufacturer Pfizer Inc., newspapers reported Wednesday.

 

*Oct 14 1998
10:24

A Moslem intellectual group has demanded the release of its leader who has been detained under the harsh Internal Security Act (ISA), press reports said Wednesday.

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Anwar to be released from ISA detention, but will remain in prison

Oct 14 1998
10:08

Detained former Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim will be released from detention under the harsh Internal Security Act (ISA) but will remain in prison, a report said Wednesday.

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More Malaysian bailouts likely, led by Malaysia Airlines

Oct 14 1998
9:54

More bailouts of leading Malaysian companies are expected over the next few months as the government moves to head off systemic risk in the banking sector, analysts say.

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Anwar support intensifies as counter-offensive launched

Oct 13 1998
22:59

The political and legal campaign supporting detained former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim intensified Tuesday as newspapers reported a counter-offensive against growing outrage among opposition groups.

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Mahathir's office says dates clashed for Indonesian trip

Oct 13 1998
19:25

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's office on Tuesday said he had declined a speaking engagement in Indonesia next month because the date clashed with the visit here of a head of state.

©AFP 1998




Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Currency controls lauded

Japanese firms welcome move

By J. Sebastian

PENANG: Japan's federation of economic and business companies, Keidanren, yesterday welcomed Malaysia's currency control measures implemented last month.

Its strategic policy unit chairman (Asia-Pacific region) Datuk Hiroshi Maeda said exchange rate stability was "extremely important" for export-oriented Japanese companies.

"We appreciate the strong measures of (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). We are also against short-term and speculative capital moves worldwide," he said when commenting on Malaysia's currency control measures to stabilise the ringgit.

Star Online Pix alt
BIRTHDAY HONOURS . . . Hamdan bestowing the DSPN award to Maeda while Dr Koh looks on.

Maeda, who is Toray Industries Inc executive counsellor, said although there was a tendency for liberalisation of economic activities, a very strong policy was needed to protect one's country in view of the financial crisis.

"Even for Japan, we hope there are some kind of substantial government moves to deal with the country's financial crisis," he said after calling on Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Dr Haji Hamdan Sheikh Tahir.

Keidanren has several thousand members, including most of Japan's public-listed companies.

Maeda, who retired four months ago as senior managing director of Toray's international division which includes the RM3bil Toray Pen-Group operations in Malaysia, received the Darjah Setia Pengkuan Negeri (DSPN) award in conjunction with Dr Hamdan's 77th birthday recently.

On the fixed RM3.80 level for one US dollar, Maeda said the ringgit and the yen had devalued at almost the same value against the US currency.

He said the yen had devalued about 35% against the US dollar over the past five years.

Earlier, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon described Maeda as a good friend of Penang and that the state was proud that Toray's biggest facility outside Japan was sited in the state.

Maeda said the Toray group had made three reinvestments over the past 27 years, adding that such reinvestments were made possible because of Malaysia's favourable business incentives.


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