US expresses 'serious concerns', Japan seeks more info

July 17, 2008

In remarks certain to infuriate the Malaysian government, United States said the arrest of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim raised "serious concerns".

"We urge Malaysian authorities to resolve this matter in a manner that builds confidence in the impartial rule of law in Malaysia," said US States Department spokesman Sean McCormack in a statement.

Malaysia earlier this month issued a formal protest to the United States over its earlier comments on the investigation into the sodomy allegations, accusing it of meddling in its internal affairs.

Government leaders have also attacked Anwar as a "snitch" for the Americans.

Two US rights groups also expressed concerns about the arrest and said they hoped the investigation into the sodomy claims was not used as a political tool to silence him.

Japan seeks more info

Meanwhile, Japan said today it will seek information on Anwar's arrest during an Asean meeting next week.

Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura is due to head next week to Singapore for meetings with his colleagues from the Association of Southeast Asian nations.

"Japan hopes to use the occasion to grasp the situation so as to decide how to react on the matter," chief government spokesman Nobutaka Machimura told reporters.

Anwar was freed on police bail today after being arrested on new accusations of sodomy, which he dismissed as a conspiracy to thwart his plans to topple the government.

Japan considers Southeast Asia a key area of influence and entered a free-trade agreement with Malaysia in July last year.