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<title>CANADA CONCERNED OVER MALAYSIA'S USE OF THE INTERNAL SECURITY ACT</title>
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<p><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">September 28, 1998 No. 222</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADA CONCERNED OVER MALAYSIA'S USE OF THE </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">INTERNAL SECURITY ACT</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today expressed strong concern over the
Malaysian government's use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) to arrest and detain
Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar
Ibrahim was arrested on September 20 under the ISA, which allows for detention
without trial. Fourteen of his political associates have also been arrested under
the Act. The Malaysian authorities have placed restrictions on Anwar Ibrahim's
wife, Dr. Wan Azizah, and banned rallies by Anwar Ibrahim's supporters.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"Canada is very concerned about the use of the Internal Security Act to restrict
freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in Malaysia," said Mr. Axworthy. "We
call on the Malaysian authorities to release all those detained under the Act,
including Anwar Ibrahim, or to charge them in a court of law, so that they may
defend themselves according to due process."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Anwar Ibrahim was removed by Prime Minister Mahathir in early September, the day
after the government announced new economic policies. Anwar Ibrahim was arrested
following his participation in a political rally in Kuala Lumpur, where he openly
criticized Prime Minister Mahathir's policies.</font><font face="Courier"></font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"We believe all Malaysian citizens should be afforded the right to a fair and open
trial as provided for in Malaysian law and in the Malaysian Constitution," said
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Hilary Humphrey</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1852 </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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