PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anwar Ibrahim, opposition leader of Malaysia, and Justice Party (PKR)
advisor, along with Democratic Action Party (DAP) Secretary General Lim
Guan Eng and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Secretary General of
Mustafa Ali met with United States National Security Advisor Ambassador
Susan Rice this morning in Kuala Lumpur. Also present was US Assistant
Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel.
In the meeting Ambassador Rice conveyed a personal message from
President Barack Obama to Anwar Ibrahim. President Obama said he sends
his regards and best wishes to Anwar and wishes to be informed of the
progress made in the meeting. Ambassador Rice also offered her
condolences on the passing of the late Karpal Singh.
Anwar expressed his appreciation for the personal reference made by President Obama and on his being concerned.
In the meeting several important facets of the US-Malaysia bilateral relationship were discussed.
Ambassador Rice requested input on strategies to improve the
bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the United States and
recommended an honest conversation about the negotiations for the Trans
Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
Anwar indicated he believed it is important to explore all avenues of
bilateral cooperation and made reference to the United States’
comprehensive partnership framework in engaging with neighbouring
Indonesia and Vietnam. In those countries, engagement was truly
comprehensive covering trade and commerce, security, education,
environment as well as issues of human rights, good governance and
democracy. Anwar suggested the United States create a Working Group on
governance and human rights that included representatives from civil
society and opposition as one critical way to strengthen the
comprehensive partnership announced during President Obama’s visit.
On the issue of the TPPA Anwar believes that Malaysia is a trading
nation that must attract Foreign Direct Investment to survive in a
challenging global economy. He explained to Ambassador Rice that Pakatan
Rakyat has voiced its concerns about the TPPA, specifically regarding
its stipulations about the agricultural sector, pharmaceutical sector
and the exposure to complex and costly litigation that Malaysia may face
upon signing the agreement. Anwar further explained that efforts to
engage with the Federal Government to convey Pakatan Rakyat’s concerns
and suggestions have been rejected. Ambassador Rice noted the need to
facilitate a broader conversation in Malaysia about the agreement to
ensure all parties understand it, to not vilify the US, and to ensure
that the negotiation process is more transparent and inclusive.
Guan Eng, who is also Chief Minister of Penang, highlighted concerns
about electoral integrity in Malaysia. He informed Ambassador Rice that
despite the fraudulent conduct of May 2013 elections (which has been
documented in a joint study by Harvard and the University of Sydney),
the opposition still garnered 52% of the popular vote. Guan Eng
explained to Ambassador Rice that Anwar Ibrahim should be the rightful
Prime Minister of Malaysia right now. Following the 2013 elections, Guan
Eng informed Ambassador Rice that the opposition rallied millions of
Malaysians from across the country and around the world to protest the
fraudulent outcome. Although never conceding defeat, after six weeks of
sustained protests, the opposition agreed to move forward with the
business of governing in the interests of avoiding civil strife.
Mustafa Ali stated that Malaysia suffers from the failure of
federalism. The states rely heavily on the federal government for
development, education and social welfare programs. Mustafa explained to
Ambassador Rice that the federal government controlled by the
UMNO-dominated BN coalition will resort to punishing states that are
controlled by the opposition, such as by withholding development funds
(e.g. the Petroleum Royalty for Kelantan). Ultimately the people suffer.
Mustafa also emphasized to Ambassador Rice the need for a free media
and an independent election commission to correct these problems.
Anwar expresses his appreciation on the availability of Ambassador Rice for these candid and frank discussions.
After the session with Pakatan Rakyat, Anwar and Ambassador Rice
continued for a one-on-one session for approximately 20 minutes.
PRESS OFFICE
OFFICE OF ANWAR IBRAHIM
28th APRIL 2014
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