Why did Mahathir criticise public judgment of political opponents?

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Mahathir Criticised Public Judgment of Political Opponents, Citing Trial by Media

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad criticised the tendency to make public judgments about political opponents, stating that legal matters should be resolved through the courts rather than by the media. He argued that such "trial by media" undermines democratic principles, advocating instead for due legal process. This stance was articulated during the "Turun Anwar" rally, where he also challenged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to prove any alleged wrongdoing in court.
Opposition to Trial by Media

Dr Mahathir's address at the rally specifically condemned the practice of prejudging individuals in the public sphere, particularly political figures. He asserted that judicial processes are the appropriate avenues for determining guilt or innocence, and that circumventing these through public pronouncements or media narratives is detrimental to a functioning democracy. This principle, he suggested, should guide how political adversaries are treated.
Previous Public Judgment by Mahathir

The narrative of Mahathir's criticism is juxtaposed with his own past actions. In 1998, shortly after the arrest of his former deputy, Anwar Ibrahim, Mahathir publicly declared Anwar to be a "sodomist." This statement was made during a press conference and preceded any judicial finding on the matter, presenting a clear instance of public judgment by Mahathir himself.
The Principle of Presumption of Innocence

Underpinning the discussion is the fundamental human right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. This principle is considered a cornerstone of legal systems and human rights, as affirmed by Article 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The article posits that individuals are entitled to a public trial where their guilt can be legally established, without prior public condemnation.

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Why did Mahathir criticise public judgment of political opponents?

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