While the International Movement for a Just World welcomes the recently launched inquiry into the alleged assault of the ex-Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim while he was under police detention, the movement would also like to voice its serious concern over the fact that the team that has been put together is made up of senior members of the police force itself.

       Taking into account the somewhat extraordinary circumstances of the case involved, and the fact that it has attracted the attention of not only the Malaysian public but also of foreign governments, it could be argued that there is all the more reason to appoint an independent panel made up of individuals who are not at all linked to the police force itself.

       Such a panel could consist of prominent Malaysian judges, lawyers, public servants and medical practitioners. They should in turn be allowed to carry out their inquiry with the full co-operation of the authorities concerned. And most important of all, the findings of such an inquiry should be made public. Such measures would help to clear the air that is full of rumours and speculation at the moment. It would also help to restore public faith and confidence in the Malaysian government, our public institutions and the police force.
 

Dr. Farish A. Noor Secretary-General International Movement for a Just World

2 October 1998