Nurul Izzah Arrest Not Political Vengeance: Malaysian Ambassador

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Malaysian Police detained on Monday, March 16, opposition politician Nurul Izzah—the eldest daughter of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Nurul Izzah was released later that night due to a lack of evidence.

Nurul Izzah was arrested for insulting the Malaysian justice system, calling those in the system had sold their souls to satan. She is charged with the Malaysian Law on Incitement Act.

Nurul, however, said her arrest was laden with political interests and an act of vengeance. Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim spoke to Tempo recently to shed light on the matter. 

What is Malaysian Government’s reason for arresting Nurul Izzah? 

It is because she violated the Incitement Law, meaning that the police can arrest her. What has recently taken place was that the police detained her for an interrogation in the opposition’s act of demonstration. The police were investigating that matter. After her words were noted, the police let her go. The police will perform follow-up investigation when there is a case. This is legal conduct, not a political revenge. 

Nurul Izzah claimed that she was arrested as she was attempting to reveal the massive corruption, allegedly done by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak? 

Corruption is a greater issue. She must have proof. She can report to the Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia, just like the Corruption Eradication Commission in Indonesia. Therefore, there is legal proceeding heading to the court of law. 

Based on an interview with Tempo, Nurul Izzah claimed that Prime Minister Najib Razak was panicked as her side was trying to reveal 1MDB (1Malaysian Development Berhad) corruption scandal? 

The 1MDB issue needs to be brought before the parliament, for a further audit by auditor general. If a mistake is found in 1MDB, the prime minister has ordered that it needs to be taken care of immediately. 

Nurul Izzah argued that she spoke of the mater in the parliament. Therefore, she should not be arrested. 

That is another issue. The police argued that they detained Nurul Izzah Anwar for an ongoing investigation. Nurul Izzah was arrested under the Incitement Law to help the police investigate opposition rally. She was also arrested for making insulting statement against the Malaysian Justice System. She was released once her statements had been recorded. She spoke of the matter when it was in a rally, not in a parliament. I wonder, why this matter gets overrated. 

NATALIA SANTI