Politician Anwar Ibrahim lauds Malaysian reform movement

JAKARTA: Malaysia’s reform movement is on the right track, the country’s veteran politician Anwar Ibrahim said on Sunday at a press conference with former Indonesian President Bacharudin Jusuf Habibie.
A week after he was sworn in, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is making good on his promises by replacing key government officials with those who are committed to reform, Ibrahim added.
He was in Jakarta for a two-day visit at the invitation of Habibie, who ushered in reform in Indonesia after three decades of dictatorship.
“Indonesia’s experience of transforming from the old system was able to change society into a democratic system,” Ibrahim said.
A team from Malaysia should evaluate and review Indonesia’s experience in reform, from Habibie’s administration to that of current President Joko Widodo, Ibrahim added.
Key government institutions in Malaysia, such as the judicial system, should be led by officials who are committed to reform and willing to serve the people, he said. Habibie said both countries can learn from each other about reform.
Ibrahim said he told Mohamad that the probe against former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak over the alleged misuse of state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) should be in accordance with the law.
“I firmly told… Mahathir to follow the law. Do not punish before we have a thorough investigation,” said Ibrahim. “Do not repeat what they did to me. Just do it according to the law.”
He said Mohamad gave assurances to Razak that the judges will be free from any political influence, and he advised the former prime minister to find a good lawyer.
The visit was Ibrahim’s first trip abroad since he was released from jail and cleared of all sodomy charges last week.

Politician Anwar Ibrahim lauds Malaysian reform movement