Eco-Challenge Sabah
Friday, 25th August 2000
78 persons in the Eco-Challenge Sabah encountered flooded rivers over a 2-week race in Malaysian Borneo. A number later found themselves infected with leptospirosis.
Anwar Ibrahim convicted of sodomy
Tuesday, 8th August 2000
Anwar Ibrahim was given a nine-year jail sentence for sodomy (engage in an unnatural sexual intercourse) with his family driver Azizan A## B###r. According to Azizan, Anwar was behind him for 15 times between between 1992 to 1997. The prison sentence came on top of a six-year jail term which Anwar is currently serving for corruption would keep Malaysia's main opposition figure in political wilderness until at least 2014. During the highly-charged climax of the 14-month trial, High Court Judge Arifin Jaka ruled that Anwar (age 52) and his adopted brother, Sukma Darmawan (age 39), were guilty of sodomy. Brother Sukma was given six years in prison and four strokes of a cane. Anwar who turns 53 was spared canning, as caning is limited to convicts aged 49 years and below in Malaysia. Prisoners, who show good behaviour in Malaysia, generally serve two-thirds of their jail-terms.
Commandos Ended a 4-day Standoff
Thursday, 6th July 2000
The Malaysian commandos ended a 4-day standoff and forced the surrender of 27 militants of Al-Ma’unah (Brotherhood of Inner Power), led by Amin Razali. 2 non-Muslim hostages were slain in the process. 8 August 2000, 29 members of the Al-Ma’unah Islamic sect were charged with treason. 19 cult members were found guilty Dec 27, 2001.
Philippine gunmen in Sipadan Island
Sunday, 23rd April 2000
Philippine gunmen abducted 20 people from a Malaysian resort on Sipadan Island. Islamic insurgents took credit for the attack. They later freed 2 hostages and demanded $2.4 million in ransom for 19 captives.
Survivor Pulau Tiga.
Monday, 13th March 2000
CBS began filming its "Survivor" show on the Malaysian island of Pulau Tiga. Filming lasted to 20 April and the last survivor was to be awarded a $1 million prize. 23 August 200, The final winner of the "Survivor" TV contest set on Pulau Tiga island was broadcast to as many as 40-50 million viewers. Richard Hatch, age 39, a corporate trainer from Newport, R.I., won the $1 million grand prize. Interestingly in 2006, Hatch was convicted on three counts related to tax evasion and was sentenced to 51 months in Federal prison plus three years of supervised probation.
Anwar Sodomy Trial
Sunday, 6th June 1999
High Court Justice Arifin Jaka begins hearing case against Anwar and his adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja for allegedly sodomising (engaging in an unnatural sexual intercourse) Anwar's family driver Azizan Abu Bakar. Azizan testifies in court he was sodomised 10 to 15 times by Anwar between 1992 and 1993.
Anwar Jailed For Corruption
Wednesday, 14th April 1999
After 77 days of trial, Anwar is sentenced to six years’ jail by High Court Justice S. Augustine Paul on four counts of corrupt practice. The trial was started in November 1998 and resulted in Anwar Ibrahim being convicted and given a 6 years prison sentence on four counts of corruption.
Azizah Ismail Formed A New Political Party
Sunday, 4th April 1999
Azizah Ismail, the wife of Anwar Ibrahim, announced the formation of the National Justice Party and called on opposition forces to topple Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
64000 Pigs Exterminated
Thursday, 18th March 1999
An outbreak of encephalitis caused a order for the extermination of 64,000 pigs and the evacuation of 11,000 people. It was later reported that some 111 people had died from a new virus that was believed to be spreading from pigs to humans.
Abdul Malek arrested
Friday, 25th September 1998
Abdul Malek was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA), at the height of the "Reformasi" (Reforms) demonstrations following the sacking and arrest of deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. In 2007 a Malaysian court awarded Malek 740,000 dollars for his wrongful arrest and assault in custody. It was the first time that a Malaysian court had awarded significant compensation for illegal detention and abuse.