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Change Your Life! |
Anwar unleashes verbal assault against Malaysia's PM |
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News
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April 6, 2000
KUALA LUMPUR, APR 5 (AP) - Jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday unleashed a verbal assault against Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in a last-bid effort to force the country's leader to testify in his sensational sex trial.
"Dr. Mahathir must appear in this honorable court," the ousted deputy prime minister wrote in an 18-page sworn document filed in court Wednesday. "He is truly the mastermind behind the evil conspiracy to ruin me." |
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Anwar insists that his former mentor used his executive powers to manipulate the judiciary and police and ruin his political career. He wants the chance to challenge Mahathir in court.
"He must not run away from his responsibilities and hide behind his immunity, just because he controls the entire government machinery," Anwar said.
Both men have resorted to submitting lengthy court documents to justify why Mahathir should, or should not, appear in court. Anwar has written two affidavits so far, while Mahathir has replied once.
Mahathir's trusted associates, including Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin and former political secretary Aziz Shamsuddin, have also filed several affidavits to fight off Anwar's attempts at subpoenaing them.
If Mahathir and Anwar were to meet in court, it would be their first encounter since the 74-year-old leader sacked his deputy in September 1998 and triggered off the most tumultuous period in Malaysian politics.
Anwar, who was subsequently arrested, charged and tried, is serving a six-year jail term for corruption and is standing trial for sodomy.
On Wednesday, High Court Judge Ariffin Jaka ordered the prosecution to deliver Anwar's sworn statement to Mahathir.
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