US warns against 'politically-motivated' probe

Tuesday July 1, 2008 MYT 12:37:45 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Washington has warned Malaysia against any "politically-motivated" investigation or "prosecution" of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to an AFP report, Tom Casey, spokesman for the US State Department, is quoted as saying:

"The main point for us is that the rule of law needs to stand above politics. And we would certainly oppose any use of law enforcement or judicial procedures for anything other than legitimate purposes of the law."

Adding that Anwar had faced similar charges in the past and his conviction was overturned, Casey added, "So, we would hope that there's not a pattern here.

"But, certainly, we would be concerned that anything that is done be done in a way that is appropriate, that is a legitimate investigation of charges that might exist under Malaysian law, and would not be anything that was a politically motivated investigation or prosecution."