Her Father’s In Jail. Now What? Nurul Izzah Has These 3 Messages To Malaysians

Nurul Izzah Anwar sheds some light on what young Malaysians can do in regards to Anwar Ibrahim's situation.

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On 10 February 2015, the Federal Court delivered the final verdict, finding Anwar Ibrahim guilty of sodomy. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

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Since then, there are reports of the 67-year-old's less than tolerable jail conditions, aggravating his spine problems and affecting his health

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SAYS asked Nurul Izzah, Lembah Pantai MP and daughter of Anwar Ibrahim, what young Malaysians can do to to help. This is her message:

1. Focus on the call to action

**Nurul Izzah**: Right now it's important to ask everyone to focus on the call [to] action. **There's the petition that was sent by John Malott (former US ambassador to Malaysia) to the White House. There's also the postcards that we've prepared**, so at least we keep the prisoner (her father) in the abreast of what's happening and that people have not forgotten him and the plight for a better Malaysia.

Nurul Izzah holding a 'March 2 Freedom' postcard.

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2. It's an emotional time for many but don't let it be a hindrance from significant actions being taken

**Nurul Izzah**: We are also saddened and heartbroken, but it's very important to understand not to allow the oppressors to have the right to make you feel that way. So it's about moving forward. […] **You can even write to the Home Minister** to ensure that his status as a prisoner and the fact that Malaysians from all stripes would have a fair treatment under the law because [there is] greater crackdown. Zunar was also arrested after merely tweeting on the outcome, Rafizi and many other politicians would fall victim to the Sedition Act, when will it end?

3. Don't give up hope, make use of the resources we have at hand

**Nurul Izzah**: I would probably just stress that you must always focus on the call [to] action in terms of doing your bit. […] **I also believe in the wisdom of the electorate and of the people in this day and age where social media is really the main thing that everyone is gravitating to. The issue is how can you make best use of it**. We'll figure out more things as we go along.

Before she left, she ended with one very short but important piece of message:

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Anwar Ibrahim's guilty verdict came as a disappointment not only to Malaysians but also from the international counterparts who questioned the fairness of Malaysia's judiciary system

The sodomy trial against Saiful Bukhari was seven years in the making. With this five-year jail sentence, he would not be eligible to compete in the 14th general election.

Even after the final verdict, Anwar continued to maintain his innocence while Saiful Bukhari expressed relief that he and his family can finally move on

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