JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT
BY BARISAN ALTERNATIF (BA)

GOVERNMENT MINISTERS MUST BE FAIR TO ANWAR

We are shocked and dismayed by the statements made by Foreign Minister Dato’ Syed Hamid Albar and Health Minister Datuk Chua Jui Meng, as reported in the media on 27th and 28th March 2001 respectively, regarding the necessary operation on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar’s wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail and his lawyer S.N. Nair have adequately responded to Syed Hamid’s statement, and therefore, we need not repeat their arguments here. Nevertheless we find it necessary to reiterate their view that, based on the amended conditions that was signed by Anwar, dated 5th March 2001, Minister Syed Hamid appears to have been grossly misinformed.

As for Minister Jui Meng, he seems to be overreacting to the medical report submitted by Dr Hoogland Thomas on Anwar’s case. Reading his reported statement in the media, we wonder if he had ever read Dr Hoogland’s report or if he had read it carefully.

In his report Dr Hoogland pointed out that he had “discussed the case with a panel of experts of the Kuala Lumpur Hospital including 3 orthopedic surgeons, 3 neurosurgeons, 2 radiologists, 1 neurologist and 1 anesthesiologist”. He further reported that “The panel agreed, that the endoscopic procedure would be the safest option for the patient and the surgery is necessary and should not be delayed too long, because of neurological compromises of the patient and the existing risk of worsening of the situation”.

Nevertheless, in the final conclusion of his report, Dr Hoogland, who has performed more than 4000 cases according to the endoscopical procedure, suggested that “the procedure would have the lowest risks and best prognosis if performed at the Alpha Klinik in Munich”. Dr Hoogland “investigated the possibility of performing this procedure in the HKL”.

But he noted, “It appeared that the operating rooms where spinal procedures are normally performed were on reconstruction. We therefore inspected a neurosurgical operation suite, which was well equipped except for an appropriate operation table and C-arm/x-ray equipment.” Furthermore, he observed that “The anesthesiologists do not have the experience with spinal procedures under local and intravenous anesthesia”.

We do not think that Dr Hoogland was trying to insult Malaysia’s highly recognised healthcare system, as alleged by the Health Minister. He was making specific observations, which have to be answered specifically and not in sweeping general terms. If indeed his specific observations are true, should not Jui Meng, as the Minister responsible, make sure that any shortcoming must be rectified?

At no part of his report did Dr Hoogland say or imply that “local anesthetists were not competent enough to be in the team to treat Anwar” as apparently accused by Jui Meng. If these remarks attributed to him are true, then perhaps the Minister needs to be more responsible with them. It is common knowledge that the operation theatre at HKL is being renovated and would perhaps be in operation only in six month’s time. Anwar cannot wait that long because, according to Dr Hoogland, he “should undergo endoscopic spinal surgery within 4-6 weeks”.

Jui Meng thinks that Anwar “should reconsider using the services of the specialist from Munich”. He is reported as remarking, “As health Minister, I find Dr Hoogland's remarks derogatory, unethical and inexcusable. If I am the patient, I will definitely reject his services because he has insulted my country”.

We understand Jui Meng’s verbal display of patriotism. Unfortunately it is misplaced. He has attributed many things to Dr Hoogland that the latter never said in his report. In fact, it is Jui Meng who has shown clearly that it is his own remarks, which are “derogatory, unethical and inexcusable”. He may only bring greater discredit to his office and to the country.

We wish to emphasise that Anwar himself has never requested to be operated on overseas. Dr Hoogland only suggested that “it would have the lowest risks and best prognosis if performed at the Alpha Klinik”. In a statement released by Anwar’s lawyer dated 27th Mach 2001, it is stated the Malaysian government, according to a letter to Anwar dated 23rd March 2001, has decided to make further offer of assistance in terms of personnel and equipment to Dr Hoogland. We believe that should this Dutch specialist decide to perform the operation in KLH, the government will be magnanimous to render him the fullest assistance necessary.

Finally, we are surprised to read media report of a statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday that the government cannot allow Anwar to go overseas for medical treatment because he may not come back to serve his jail sentence. To say the least, this is a ridiculous statement. Should Dr Mahathir fear so much that Anwar would “run away”, then he could arrange for an inter-governmental agreement with Germany, to ensure that Anwar returns to Malaysia after his treatment in Munich, if he is allowed to go there. If Mahathir has the good sense and magnanimity, we feel that nothing is impossible.

Signed by:

YB Datuk Ustaz Fadzil Noor, President of PAS
YB Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, President of keADILan
YB Kerk Kim Hock, Secretary General of DAP
Dr Syed Husin Ali, President of PRM

30th March 2001