02/27/2015 3:30pm-5pm
Hamilton 304, Columbia University
116th St & Broadway, New York, NY 10027
On February 10th, 2015, the Malaysian top court rejected opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s appeal against his conviction for alleged sodomy. He will consequently be serving a second prison term that would effectively bar him from competing in the next general elections in 2018. Claimed by many to be a politically-motivated maneuver to oust a powerful threat to the incumbent government, this court decision has garnered the condemnation of the international community and fueled the anger of many Malaysian citizens.
What are the ramifications of Anwar Ibrahim’s conviction for the future of democracy in Malaysia, and what does this event reveal to us about the political and social dynamics in contemporary Malaysian society? In particular, this important panel will aim to explore the role of the legal system and the potential need for reform, as well as the relationship between the media and the government.
Joining us will be:
Muhammad Ihsan Anwar, son of Anwar Ibrahim
Shanmuga Kanesalingam, LoyarBurokker with the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism & Human Rights
Sim Tze Tzin, Member of Parliament (Bayan Baru) & Strategy Director for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Kean Wong, journalist based in Washington, D.C.
Light refreshments will also be provided at the event!
For more information, please visit
https://www.facebook.com/events/674993522626263