International support for Anwar Ibrahim

The attempt to smear and defame Anwar Ibrahim has been thoroughly rejected by the international community. Statements condemning the arrest of Anwar Ibrahim and stating concerns over the credible dispensation of justice have been made by groups which view they entire conduct of this case as suspiciously, similar to the fraudulent allegations made in 1998.
Open letter by prominent Muslim leaders in support of Anwar Ibrahim
We, the undersigned, believe the honorable brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to be of the highest ethical and moral integrity, a devout Muslim and a devoted father and husband. He is universally recognized as an advocate for justice and fairness, and he has a long history of promoting Islam and championing Islamic ethical and charitable causes.
Signatories include: Prof. Dr. Akbar Ahmed, Amina Rasul, H.E. Shaykh Prof. Dr. Mustafa Cerić, Prof. Dr. H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal, Prof. Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Yusuf Islam
[read entire letter]

International Crisis Group
The International Crisis Group condemns the arrest of our Board member, Anwar Ibrahim, former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Anwar Ibrahim was arrested outside his home in Kuala Lumpur on 16 July 2008 on charges that are obviously politically motivated, relating to his position as an opposition leader. Though released on bail the following day, the allegations against him remain and are clearly a deliberate attempt to smear him. We call on the Malaysian government to drop the charges against Anwar Ibrahim and for its leaders not to improperly use the police and judiciary for their partisan purposes.
Signatories include Gareth Evans, Ambassador Thomas R Pickering, and Lord Patten of Barnes
[read entire statement]

AccountAbility
AccountAbility’s Chief Executive, Simon Zadek: “We are seeing declines in almost every international indicator of good governance and citizens’ confidence in the democratic process. Malaysia has a unique opportunity to lead the way, in Asia and globally, in demonstrating how complex societies should manage their affairs”…

AccountAbility asks that the Malaysian Government provide exemplary global leadership at this pivotal moment in the nation’s history - by advancing the principles and practice of good governance and accountability advocated by our Honorary President, Anwar Ibrahim and so many other global leaders.
[read entire statement]

Senator Joe Biden
“A decade ago, the spectacle of Mr. Anwar’s mistreatment and imprisonment on transparently political grounds greatly discredited Malaysia in the eyes of the world community. The action tarnished the reputation of then-Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad. I certainly hope that the current Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi, does not repeat the mistakes of the past. I urge him to drop this political attack on a respected opposition figure, and commit himself to rule of law and good governance in Malaysia.”
[read entire statement]

National Democratic Institute and International Republication Institute
“The arrest of political leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 16 is of great concern to us and the international community. A similar charge that was filed against him 10 years ago was ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court. The timing of the current charge is of particular concern given his re-emergence on the national political scene since the ban on his involvement in politics expired in April 2008. We hope that the investigation into the allegation is not used as a political tool to silence an outspoken government critic. It is essential that the investigation is conducted in a transparent and fair manner that upholds the rule of law, and affords Mr. Ibrahim full protection of his legal rights. We also urge the citizens of Malaysia to remain calm and pursue resolution of their concerns over his arrest in a peaceful manner.”
[read entire statement]

Anwar Ibrahim