De Lima urges Duterte to heed Malaysia’s Anwar advice

FILE: Senator Leila De Lima (Photo: Leila De Lima/ Facebook)

President Rodrigo Duterte should listen to Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim’s advice saying not to abuse power to get back at his administration’s critics and opposition leaders, Senator Leila De Lima said on Friday, September 7.

“Instead of harassing opposition leaders, Duterte should listen to the advice of Datuk Seri Ibrahim by respecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening our country’s criminal justice system,” de Lima said.

“If he is indeed the strongman that he projects himself to be, Mr. Duterte should stop using his power to silence dissenters and oppress opposition leaders, especially Sen. Sonny (Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV) who does not cower at the threats of dictators,” she added.

Anwar, who will be the next to take over as the Malaysian prime minister, was earlier asked about the current events happening inside the country, particularly the controversial revocation of the granted amnesty to Trillanes which hit the headlines just a few hours before the Malaysian premiere-in-waiting met the press.

“My consistent view is that you cannot abuse power to victimize the opposition or dissident,” Anwar said on Tuesday told reporters in Makati City.

While saying that he has no idea on the basis of the charges against Trillanes, Anwar gave a piece of advice to the Philippines’ Chief Executive.

“If I am to meet President Duterte, I will also say I would support some of his measures but I would certainly want him to continue to ensure that there’s a vibrant democracy and respect for the rule of law in the Philippines,” he said, adding that it is for Duterte and the Filipinos to decide on how they are going to do it.

Apart from Trillanes, the press also sought for Anwar’s comment regarding the case of De Lima who was detained for her alleged involvement in illegal drug trade.

“I also made my position known that except for a pure or specific criminal case or charge where due process is respected, I do not condone it, I do not agree, that political leaders, dissidents, journalists are treated in that manner,” he stressed.

De Lima, in her statement, urged Filipinos not to allow the President’s “evil ploy” to stop them from voicing out their condemnation against any attempt of the President to ‘undermine’ the Philippine democracy and to disregard human rights and the rule of law.

“We should not allow Duterte’s evil ploy to stop us from speaking out for what is right and condemn what is unjust,” she said.