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Written question asked by Michelle Donelan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 March 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 March 2016 (named day). It was answered by Lord Swire (Conservative) on Monday, 21 March 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Malaysia: Political Prisoners

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will press for the release of former Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Answer

We have made clear on a number of occasions our deep concern about Anwar Ibrahim’s imprisonment. I made a statement on 10 February 2015, following his conviction and sentencing. The Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), raised Anwar Ibrahim’s case with his Malaysian counterpart during a visit to Malaysia in July last year.

A number of other Ministers have raised Anwar Ibrahim’s case with their Malaysian counterparts. Most recently, in separate meetings with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister in London in November 2015, the Home Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) and I raised our concerns, including about his health and medical treatment. I have also met Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, several times to discuss this case, most recently in February.

We are aware of concerns regarding judicial independence and the rule of law in this case. We will continue to raise our concerns and encourage Malaysia to recognise the importance of international confidence in its judicial system and to restore trust in its commitment to international human rights standards.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
31242
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Political prisoners Malaysia Ibrahim, Anwar
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk