Opposition leader’s daughter seeks US pressure on Malaysia
Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Pic: AP.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The daughter of imprisoned Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is urging U.S. officials to press the government to allow him medical treatment and release him.
Nurul Izzah Anwar has been visiting Washington with a message that political persecution of Malaysia’s opposition is intensifying. She is herself a lawmaker and vice president of her father’s political party.
Anwar Ibrahim was jailed for five years in February when he lost a final appeal against a conviction for sodomizing an aide. The U.S. has strongly criticized the conviction.
Malaysia’s jailed opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim. Pic: AP.
Nurul Izzah said Friday authorities are denying her father treatment for a shoulder injury.
She spoke to The Associated Press after meeting lawmakers and State Department Counselor Thomas Shannon.
President Barack Obama is expected to attend an Asian leaders summit in Malaysia this autumn.
