Stop interfering in our affairs - Petition to White House

Unhappy with what is perceived as interference from the US in the Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy II case, a petition was filed addressed to the United States government to respect the country’s sovereignty.

“We peace-loving Malaysians urge that USA stop interfering in Malaysia's judiciary and rule of law,” the petition read.

“We the citizens of Malaysia are outraged by the White House's statement expressing its deep disappointment with Anwar Ibrahim's conviction questioning the rule of law and Malaysia's judicial system fairness,” it said.

“The DNA that supported this case matched 16 out of 16. Anwar also chose not to offer his own samples in court which could have cleared him. Initially, Anwar offered 14 witnesses, but none came forward. He refused cross-examination,” it added.

The petition also called on the US government to address its Guantanamo Bay detention centre issue if its serious about championing human rights issues.

On Tuesday, the US embassy here issued a statement expressing its ‘deep disappointment’ with the conviction citing that the decision to prosecute the 67-year-old leader and the conduct of his trial raised heavy concerns about the rule of law and the transparency of the judicial system in Malaysia.

Following his imprisonment, an online petition calling for Anwar's release was posted on the White House's website.

The petition, addressed to the Obama Administration is seen as a call for the President of the United States to assist in securing the freedom of the 67-year-old politician who is currently serving his five-years’ jail sentence at the Sungai Buloh prison in Selangor.