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Hugo Swire concerned by imprisonment of Malaysian opposition leader

Minister for Asia, Hugo Swire, responds to the Malaysian Federal Court’s decision to dismiss Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal against a charge of sodomy.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Hugo Swire, said:

I am deeply concerned by the imprisonment of Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

His case raises worrying questions about the independence of the judiciary and rule of law in Malaysia. As such, we have consistently raised our concerns with the Malaysian government.

Malaysia is an important partner and friend to the UK. We continue to believe that the integrity of the rule of law is a key part of its success, as are the values of moderation and tolerance. We encourage Malaysia to recognise the importance of international confidence in its judicial system and to restore trust in its commitment to human rights.

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Published 10 February 2015