[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 16 Aug 1999
Time: 21:00:32
Remote User: -
Anwar defends move to expose government "secret" documents
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (AFP) - Ousted deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday urged Malaysians to demand investigations and action against alleged corrupt leaders in Premier Mahathir Mohamad's administration.
"Responsible and patrotic citizens should demand investigations and appropriate action against corrupt leaders," Anwar said in a statement read by his wife.
Defending his move to expose the documents, Anwar said: "As an patriotic and loyal citizen, it is my duty to expose corrupt practices and abuse of power. It is equally irresponsible to condone and protect the corrupt."
Anwar also said the "secret" documents in his possession related to corruption and abuse of power, adding "I do not keep related documents to national security."
Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Nor, Anwar's former political secretary, revealed last Wednesday that Anwar had taken overseas at least six boxes containing government documents.
"The attempt by some cronies with the support of the local media to make an issue of national security is merely to divert attention from the central issue -- that is, corruption and abuse of power," said Anwar.
Following Ezam's admission, Anwar has come under strong attack by Mahathir and his administration, in particular members of his ruling United Malays National Organisation.
A Mahathir loyalist, Ibrahim Ali was quoted by the New Straits Times newspaper Monday as calling for the introduction of a Treason Act with the death sentence for those convicted under it.
"Government documents are being kept or hoarded abroad now and I'm certain it will happen again in future if not checked," he added.
Chandra Muzaffar, the vice-president of a new political party headed by Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail maintained that Anwar's secret documents has nothing to do with national security.
"The issue is not official secret. It is secret of some people. It is not national security," he added.
Anwar, once Mahathir's heir apparent, was dismissed last September. In April he received a six-year jail sentence for corruption, and he was returned to the dock in June to face a new charge of sodomy.
Last month, he lodged police reports of corruption against Mahathir and against two senior cabinet minister.
Mahathir had said he expected Anwar to file "many more reports" with police alleging wrongdoings by himself and other ministers, in an attempt to prolong the sodomy trial until after the elections.
General elections are due to be held next June but Mahathir is widely expected to call a snap poll amid signs of economic recovery.