Malaysian Faces Contempt Charge
International Herald Tribune
August 3, 1999

A top official of a Malaysian opposition party was accused Monday of contempt of court and ordered to appear before a judge this month, a development that could remove from politics one of the most eloquent critics of the government.

Chandra Muzaffar, an ally of Anwar Ibrahim, the former deputy prime minister who is now on trial for sodomy, was told to appear before Judge Arifin Jaka on Aug. 16 over a statement he made last week about Mr. Anwar's trial.

Mr. Chandra is widely considered to be the brains behind the National Justice Party, which was formed this year by Mr. Anwar's wife and which is challenging the 18-year-rule of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.

If found guilty, he could face a long time behind bars. Under Malaysian law, sentencing for contempt of court is entirely at the discretion of the judge.

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