To the layman on the street, let alone the experienced medical eye, it is plainly obvious that former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is in severe physical pain. This clinical perception is reinforced by his numerous requests for his preferred medical option of therapy.

It is well recognised medically that pain due to a neurological aetiology is extremely excruciating. But more critically, unless elective surgery is undertaken to relieve the spinal cord compression, he may become paralysed from the waist below, unable to feel any sensation in his legs and eventually lose all form of control of his bowel and bladder functions. This medical time bomb, is potentially avoidable only by some humane or heavenly intervention.

To set the record straight and counter some of the malicious and irresponsible letters on this issue, the latest by Nik Hassan Mohd Amin , I have chosen to quote a few extracts from Suhakam's press release of May 31, 2001.

A colleague neurosurgeon and myself presented ourselves before Suhakam commissioners, then chaired by Musa Hitam, to detail the medical status of Anwar's unalienable rights as a patient. Prior to meeting us, they heard the testimony of government doctors treating Anwar and interviewed Anwar himself.

The document released consequent upon this fact-finding mission, among others, stated: "Suhakam observes that there are no prohibitions in law for Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim to be sent abroad for medical treatment. Further, it is accepted medical practice to respect the patient's choice of treatment even if it is against the advice of his or her attending physicians."

Suhakam further added: "In addressing the concerns of the authorities, DSAI has reassured Suhakam that he is willing to bear all risks and expenses should he be allowed to pursue his personal choice of medical treatment overseas. DSAI has also intimated that he is willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the government including those restricting him from taking any actions of a political nature."

And in concluding the press statement, Suhakam noted that Anwar has been "provided with the best of medical care at Kuala Lumpur Hospital and the Sungair Buloh Prison and this was acknowledged by DSAI during Suhakam's visit.

However, Suhakam reiterated that from the "medical, legal and human rights perspective, DSAI should be allowed to exercise his right of choice of medical treatment".

Despite the vicious attempts by various quarters, politicians and media to trivialise and prejudice the somatic sufferings of Anwar, the cardinal medical issues at hand remains relatively simple and straight-forward.

The raison d'etre of Suhakam is to protect the basic human rights of each and every Malaysian citizen regardless of race or religion, rich or poor, friend or foe, the imprisoned or the freed.

In this specific high-profile case, Suhakam discharged its duties admirably and set an excellent precedent. The commission has taken a very serious and severe view of any attempt by any individual or government to usurp a Malaysian citizen of his very basic human right and his rights as a patient.

My plea to our honourable Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad is that his humane and judicious call on this chronic medical issue will be well vindicated by the position of Suhakam.

I truly believe that the PM's benevolence and magnanimity in respecting Anwar's choice of medical care will help to alleviate his physical suffering and will also go a long way towards healing the hurt that has much fractured this great nation of ours.