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MESSAGE FROM ANWAR IBRAHIM
FORMER DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA, PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE
Sungai Buloh Prison
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
1 FEBRUARY 2004
Dear Friends at the 3rd Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy,
Congratulations on your choice of the land of the Mandelas and the Sisulus as the venue for the 3rd Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy!
Recalling The Long Walk to Freedom from my prison cell near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I send to you my awe and deep respect for the valiant struggles and sacrifices of the South African people in dismantling the Apartheid regime. I anticipate this sense of history will enhance the vibrancy and the spirit of the discourse of the participants, and assure you that the solitary confinement imposed by the Malaysian government to dampen my spirit has only strengthened my resolve in the struggle for democracy, human rights and justice.
A tremendous amount of energy was released, and enormous sacrifices were made in most developing countries in their fight to gain freedom from colonial powers. Tragically, after half a century of Independence, some have come to suffer under other forms of oppression, being ruled by leaders who have clung to power by sheer Machiavellian machinations. Most disgusting is their disdain and condescending view of their citizens whom they regard as incapable of participation in governance or exercising democratic rights. These rulers reneged on their promise to protect the Constitution and fundamental liberties against inherent and consequential abuses.
The machinations of these autocrats continue unabated. In many some countries known to us, general elections are neither free nor fair, with phantom voters continuing to roam the electoral streets. The virtual one-party governments manipulate the media, use draconian laws and other repressive methods to hover over the heads of opposition leaders, democrats and civil society activists, and their judiciary are subject to executive whims. These ploys and other forms of subterfuge only serve to perpetuate corruption. Every person, organisation, political party and movement involved and associated with democratic struggle has to undergo a test of faith - whether it be imprisonment, arrests, torture and even political assassination.
Notwithstanding the seeming invincibility of autocrats and dictators, or others masquerading in the guise of "illiberal democracies", repressive regimes are ultimately unsustainable. Incidentally, there is a temporary reprieve for autocrats, when they exploit the new bogey on the war against terrorists to legitimize their repression against democratic forces in their own countries. More pathetic is when these autocrats gloat, claiming that even the United States has finally come to terms in adopting their draconian legislation!
But as we have witnessed events in Africa, South America, former Eastern Europe and Asia, the tenacity and power unleashed by citizens against oppressive regimes is a continual source of inspiration. The passion for democracy is gaining ascendancy as a universal agenda. The fire in all of us - for peace, freedom and justice - is unstoppable and burns ever so bright. The vociferous chorus championing democracy and abhorrence of autocratic and corrupt rule in Durban this week will vibrate throughout the world.
For Malaysians seeking an end to authoritarianism, it is the multiple movements for democracy gathered in Durban that inspire us. For me personally, it certainly helps to reinvigorate the democratic spirits despite trials and tribulations that I am undergoing. All of the movements for democracy and freedom that are represented at the Assembly are testimonies that international solidarity, justice and democracy will prevail.
I wish all of you a successful conference.
Thank you.
In solidarity,
Anwar Ibrahim
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
Prisoner of Conscience
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