Call for the pardon of Anwar to free him from prison  and restore his political and civil rights  to end the three-year political  and national trauma to allow the country to start anew as an united and  dynamic people to face the challenges of globalisation and information technology


Media Statement
by Lim Kit Siang
 

(Petaling Jaya, Saturday): The withdrawal of the five remaining criminal charges against former Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is welcome although it does not materially alter the situation as Anwar is already undergoing draconian 15-year jail terms.

For the past three years, the Anwar trials have caused a trauma on the political and national psyche.

Faced with a new economic crisis from the United States economic slowdown and the unprecedented challenges of globalisation and information and communications technology, bold, courageous and visionary steps are in order to end the deep and bitter divisions in the country.

Anwar should be pardoned, freed from prison and restored his political and  civil rights so that Malaysians  can put the past three years of political trauma, turmoil and turbulence behind them and move forward as one united and dynamic people to take on the challenges of the new era.

The ball is in the court of the  Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as to whether he could envisage and effect  a new start for Malaysia, beginning with the pardon for Anwar.

(12/5/2001)


*Lim Kit Siang - DAP National Chairman