KUALA LUMPUR (May 16): The release of PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a “landmark moment for human rights” in Malaysia, says Amnesty International. 

“Anwar’s long overdue release is an important step towards the restoration of justice and human rights in Malaysia, after so many years of political persecution,” Amnesty International secretary-general Salil Shetty said in a statement. 

Anwar was released from prison today, after receiving a full pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

According to the global human rights watchdog, Anwar should never have been jailed in the first place. He had been imprisoned twice on what Amnesty International called politically-motivated “sodomy” and corruption charges. 

Shetty called for the new government to “repeal the repressive laws that muzzle freedom of expression and assembly”, which were previously used against critics and human rights defenders. 

“The new government must not stop here. Rather, this should be the first of many positive changes,” Shetty said. 

Amnesty International has campaigned on Anwar’s behalf when he was first arrested 20 years ago, with its members participating in numerous letter-writing campaigns, calling for his release.

Anwar was first arrested in 1998 after calling for political reform, while still holding office as deputy prime minister. At that time, he was charged with corruption and committing illegal homosexual acts. 

In 2008, a second sodomy case was brought against him. The High Court acquitted him of the charge in January 2012, but the Court of Appeal overturned the acquittal in March 2014 and sentenced him to five years in prison. This decision was upheld in February 2015 by the Federal Court.