‘ANTI-SODOMY LAW ARCHAIC, UNJUST’
It must be amended to ensure justice, says PKR president-elect
DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes Malaysia’s anti-sodomy law must be amended to ensure there is justice.
DATUK Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes that the country’s antisodomy law is archaic and unjust, as seen in the two charges that landed him behind bars.
In an interview on Al-Jazeera English’s UpFront programme, the PKR president-elect told host Mehdi Hasan that the law was a legacy of British colonialists.
“This is not only archaic, it is British colonial law introduced in India and replicated in Malaysia. It is completely unjust because one can be accused without any proper evidence, as in my case.
“The law must be amended to ensure there is justice.”
Anwar also voiced out his opinions against religious laws adopted by some states.
He commented on the recent public caning of two women in Kuala Terengganu, allegedly over lesbianism.
“I have condemned the caning of lesbians by the Islamic party in Terengganu.
“I thought this was clearly unjust. Although they use syariah as a basis, we cannot defend such action.”
Anwar also criticised Pas’ interpretation of religious laws through a proposal made to boost the powers of syariah courts.
“It is its interpretation that is being introduced, and we reject that. At least allow a forum to discuss this.
“This is not even hudud. It is its interpretation, or some aspects of it.
“We’ll have to relook at the whole issue of this narrow and obscure interpretation of the syariah, which we cannot endorse.”