By Dr Chen Man Hin, DAP life advisor
It is common knowledge that the accused person in a criminal case has the right to face his accusers and to question them in a court of law.
However laudable it is that Anwar Ibrahim has been given permission to face his accusers/witnesses in a court of law, it is disappointing that Anwar was not allowed to question the witnesses and must remain silent in court.
This is unusual and runs contrary to established practice, where the accused is permitted to confront his accusers/witnesses and to ask them questions.
In most countries, the law has a Confrontation Clause where in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him, and the defendant usually has a right to cross examine the witnesses. It was reported that the witnesses harboured a sense of uneasiness in his presence, as he had an aura of power to influence their thinking. This impression is well known as Anwar was reported to possess charisma when he addresses a public gathering. The audience appeared to be hypnotised by Anwar’s oratory.
Word also has spread among the people that Anwar has a knack to read people’s mind and also an ability to influence their thinking. Some even say that Anwar has psychic powers. All these sentiments have inspired fear with the witnesses.
However, in the court it is the law that matters and all must abide by the rules, including the witnesses.
Anwar Ibrahim should be allowed to question the witnesses.