Thursday, September 20, 2007
Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar seeks release of Estrada (6:24 p.m.)
MANILA -- Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday sought the release of deposed Philippine President Joseph Estrada, who was sentenced to life in prison for plunder, calling his punishment "harsh."
The former Malaysian deputy prime minister had a close relationship with Estrada while the two were in power. Anwar himself was fired nine years ago and subsequently arrested and convicted of abuse of power and sodomy.
He was freed in 2004 when Malaysia's highest court overturned the sodomy conviction, and is considered one of Malaysia's most charismatic opposition politicians.
Addressing a Manila conference on Asian democracy, Anwar mentioned his gratitude to Estrada, who he said "has remained a true friend."
"I may be touching a raw nerve but please bear with me when I say that I do wish and pray that he will one day be really free," he said.
Anwar later said in a news conference that Estrada's punishment is "harsh," adding he has requested to visit him in detention. Anwar called Estrada by his popular nickname, "Erap" – a Philippine slang word for buddy.
Estrada thanked Anwar for his comforting words and laughed at their reversal of fortunes, recalling that when he was President, he planned to visit Anwar in jail but Malaysian authorities did not allow that.
"The situation has turned around, I'm the one in detention now," Estrada told The Associated Press by telephone from his sprawling villa outside Manila where he was being detained. (AP)
|
