Is Anwar Ibrahim’s political career over?
Once considered the rising star in Malaysia’s ruling party, former deputy prime minister faces more jail time.
Malaysia’s highest court has upheld opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s conviction on sodomy charges, losing his last chance at an appeal.
Anwar was once considered a rising star in the country’s ruling party. He rose as high as deputy prime minister, before he was sacked after clashing politically with the country’s popular leader Mahathir bin Mohamad.
He was soon arrested, and accused of sodomy and corruption, and sent to jail for six years before being released.
Last March, he was sentenced to five years in jail, after being convicted of a new sodomoy charge.
Anwar and his supporters said the case was political, and designed to stop him from becoming the country’s leader.
Is it a just verdict or political character assassination? And why has this gone on for so long?
Host: Kamahl Santamaria.
Guests:
Nurul Izzah Anwar, member of parliament and the daughter of Anwar Ibrahim.
Chandra Muzaffar, political scientist and former deputy president of the National Justice Party with Anwar Ibrahim.
Bridget Welsh, senior research associate at the Centre for East Asia Democratic Studies at the National Taiwan University.