Apology ends Anwar's suit over beating
Agence France-Presse
August 4, 2005

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia's former deputy premier, Anwar Ibrahim, has won an apology and undisclosed damages in a suit against the government over a beating he received after his 1998 arrest, his lawyer said Wednesday.
 
Anwar had demanded a public apology and compensation in a civil suit that opened Monday against the government; the former prime minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad; and the former police chief, Rahim Noor, who has admitted to carrying out the beating.
 
In a settlement, Rahim agreed to make a written apology that was read out in court, Anwar's lawyer, Gobind Singh, said. Also, it was agreed that details of the damages would not be disclosed, he said.
 
"The only two facts we can make public is that there is payment of an unspecified amount and that Rahim makes a public apology to Anwar and his family," he said.
 
Singh said Anwar was happy with the deal and was looking forward to putting the matter behind him.
 
"No, he doesn't get a public apology from Mahathir or the government, but he is of the view that the apology given by Rahim is sincere and very strong so he's very happy with that," Singh said. "My client has maintained from the very beginning that this action is not about money but it was more about showing the police force that they cannot do as they please, abuse their position and get away with it."
 
Anwar was Mahathir's deputy and heir apparent before he was dismissed in September 1998. He then led a massive anti-government protest that triggered his arrest and subsequent beating.

Admitting he had lost his temper with Anwar, Rahim assumed full responsibility for the assault and announced his resignation a few months later.
 
The attack gravely embarrassed Mahathir's government and Rahim was jailed for two months in 2000 for the incident, although rights groups said the sentence was too lenient.

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