The interference by the Australian members of parliament (MPs) in Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy charge is an act of arrogance which goes against the ethics of non-interference in the sovereignty of another country, the National Indigenous Organisation (Perkasa) said.

Independent MP Ibrahim Ali said a letter signed by the 50 Australian MPs was also unwarranted, reflecting an uncivilised and ignorant act on their part with regard to Malaysia's laws and political scenario.

"However, I do not blame your act as I presume you and your colleagues have been 'misled' and do not know the actual background to the case and the persons involved," Ibrahim, who is Perkasa president, said in his protest note to the chairperson of the Australian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, Michael Dandy, today.

A foreign news agency had recently reported that more than 50 Australian lawmakers had lodged a formal protest, urging Malaysia to drop the opposition leader's sodomy trial.

Member of governing Labour party Michael Danby handed the protest note to Malaysian High Commissioner Salman Ahmad in Canberra on Friday.

In his note, Ibrahim who is also the MP for Pasir Mas, offered to meet the Australian MPs to explain the whole episode.

"My willingness to meet face-to-face with you and other Australian MPs is with the intention to clear any doubt as well as to maintain the good relationship we have enjoyed all this while.

"I surely hope, the meeting would enlighten you and other MP's of the true situation while at the same time give a clearer picture of the true political scenario in Malaysia," he said.

'Judiciary has integrity'

Touching on the case, Ibrahim pointed out that the MPs' allegations that there was conspiracy on the part of the government as Anwar had led the opposition to major gains in the March 2008 general election was 'totally untrue'.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian National Congress of Indian Muslims (Kimma), which also condemned the interference by Danby, said it would send a protest note to the office of the Australian High Commissioner on the matter.

Kimma president Syed Ibrahim Kader said in a statement that the move was to urge Australian Prime Minister Kevin Howard to explain the stand of his government and at the same time demand that Danby to retract his controversial statement which had offended Malaysians.

"As a Commonwealth member country, Australia should understand and respect the laws of this country.

"The country's judiciary, as an independent body, has integrity in ensuring justice to everyone," he said.

Meanwhile, he also urged the Home Ministry to take stern action, including charging those who still disputed the decision of the courts in the country, especially in the case to decide the legal Perak menteri besar, under the Sedition Act.

- Bernama