FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA STATEMENT
I find it extremely disturbing that the Malaysian government refuses to condemn the 20 year imprisonment sentence, and by extension the death sentence towards the President of Egypt, Mohamed Morsi – recently handed down by the Egyptian courts.
In an answer to my question in Parliament, the Malaysian Foreign Minister has taken the stance of non-interference towards Morsi’s sentence, on the basis of respecting sovereignty of other nations.
Such a stance is an affront to the government’s pronouncement to be more Islamic through the announcement of Malaysia’s very own Shariah Index.
Clearly, condemning an illegal junta’s persecution of democratically elected leaders is not a priority for the Datuk Seri Najib Razak government. This is despite the teachings of Islam for its followers to speak out against injustice.
“Indeed, We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth so you may judge between the people by that which Allah has shown you. And do not be for the deceitful an advocate.( An Nisa’ 105)”
As a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the Malaysian government should show leadership and courage in voicing out against the injustices taking place worldwide; especially with regards the removal of a democratically elected representative of the people. The ministry should recognise the fact that Mohamed Morsi is the rightful president of Egypt, the first and the only freely elected by the Egyptian to office by winning over 52 percent of the votes until his illegal removal through the 3rd July 2013 coup-de-tat by the El-Sisi regime.
Malaysians must never condone its government’s decision to ignore the persecution of Mohamed Morsi. It is worth repeating that the sentencing of President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt to 20 years imprisonment and death on dubious charges warrant unequivocal rejection from all quarters.
The El-Sisi regime to date has sentenced to death more than 3000 political prisoners through sham trials, including President Mohamed Morsi. These trials were severely criticised by human rights organisations around the world. There are also tens of thousands prisoners of conscience still remaining in jail.
Malaysia, as part of the UN Security Council and as a member of OIC has the moral obligation to officially demand that the El-Sisi regime immediately free Mohamed Morsi and all existing political prisoners. This is not the time to remain silent. Human lives, the pursuit of justice, as well as moral accountability, are at stake.
NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
MALAYSIAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEMBAH PANTAI
VICE PRESIDENT ELECT & ELECTION DIRECTOR OF THE PEOPLE’S JUSTICE PARTY (KEADILAN)
