your say 'This problem of injustices in Malaysia can only be solved by Malaysians. It is the Malaysians who need to rise to the occasion and put a stop to these blatant abuses.'

 

Ex-US envoy: Will Anwar be jailed immediately?

Swipenter: To jail or not to jail, that is the key question. The non-Malays saved Umno during the jailing of Anwar Ibrahim in Sodomy I, but this time they are not going to be misled and fall into the same trap and make the same mistake twice. That is why Umno is playing the racial and religious cards even more blatantly; they're hoping to win back the Malay votes lost in 2008.

We will see more intense racial/religious politics and the demonising of the opposition political parties and politicians in the near future. If the Malays have the same sense of injustice and outrage at the despicable treatment meted against Anwar as occurred in Sodomy I, Umno/BN days are as good as finished.

Transparency: You hit the nail on the head, John Mallot, when you pointed out that Malaysia does not have a jury system, thus rendering one person, the judge, to be solely responsible in passing judgment for a man's life. How fair, just and equitable is that in the face of adversity? Especially in a country that has lost the very essence of democracy.

Malaysia practises its own form of democracy - the type that suits those in power, as and when they deem it so.

However, I disagree on the point that should Anwar be found guilty, Malaysia will lose the will to fight against corruption, cronyism, lack of political freedom and economic decline. Mr Mallot, Malaysia is a country made of many people, it does not rest in the hands of just one man.

Habib RAK: John Malott, thank you for your views. As much as the support is appreciated, this problem can only be solved by Malaysians. It is the Malaysians who need to rise to the occasion and put a stop to these blatant abuses.

By the way, the dynamics regarding Anwar Ibrahim has changed significantly. PKR and Pakatan Rakyat are no longer reliant on Anwar. Of course, Anwar was indeed the one responsible for bringing the coalition together. Once he gave it life, it is now a force of its own.

You can observe how the younger MPs and state assemblymen/ women from the coalition are speaking up and are thriving. Anwar has become a symbol for fighting for justice. Any adverse actions taken on Anwar will only reinforce and motivate the coalition to greater heights.

Day by day, the rakyat is getting more and more angry and upset with Umno/BN.

Susah Kes: Malott, I note your criticism of US President Barack Obama's silence on the matter. Not only has Obama been silent, but he found it in him to have a photo op with PM Najib Abdul Razak. Notwithstanding the fact that Najib has enough scandalous allegations hanging over his head to sink a submarine, I am also disappointed that there appears to be no follow-up from John Kerry's office as chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

After issuing what appeared to be an early warning to the Umno government regarding Sodomy II, the Senate has gone quiet. This despite the fact that Sodomy II has clearly inherited the shameful shenanigans of Sodomy I.

That brings me to my point: the non-American public doesn't see that much of a difference between Obama and his predecessor. Sure, Obama doesn't barge with his soldiers into other countries (not yet anyway). But other than that, it's business as usual at the White House. And that is politics.

Bene: Malott, please get the Obama administration to do justice on behalf of democracy for which US claims to be the leader. If Obama refuses to do anything, get the Senate to speak up. Don't let democracy decay in Malaysia, or else you will have one less nation to align to.

Amaso: It makes no difference whether the Obama administration is silent or outspoken on the Sodomy II trial simply because Anwar has to be found guilty and jailed as he is the biggest threat to BN in the next general election.

Another possible reason for Obama being silent on this issue when he met Najib for the first time is that as far as diplomatic relations is concerned, it is not nice to be outspoken when we meet new friends for the first time.

BTN: John Malott, you wonder why Obama keeps his mouth shut when such an injustice is happening here in Malaysia? He has chosen to align himself to the government of the day and refuses to speak out or raise concerns on this issue. What has happened to America - the so-called the custodian of democracy and justice?

CarL: Ex‑US ambassador Malott does not count for anything. It is time for the US to know that just because it is big, and we all depend on it for trading, don't believe that the US does not need us for trading too. It is a two-way street.

If Anwar goes to jail, we can handle it. It's best that Malott go help the writer of the ‘Jolly Hangman' book in Singapore.

Kgen: The Wall Street Journal is an influential newspaper read by investors. They do not read Utusan Malaysia or New Straits Times . What an indictment for Malaysia. Who wants to invest in a banana republic where the judiciary is corrupt to the core?

Ferdtan: A friend in need is a friend indeed. Former US ambassador John R Malott is one good friend, indeed.

I call upon Anwar's other influential friends, both within and without the country, to do the same, to keep alive the fight for 'justice for Anwar' by highlighting the injustices of the trial, and to call on their respective governments to put pressure on the Malaysian government to give Anwar a fair trial.

 

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