President Obama discussed America's faults Friday with young Asian leaders, saying the U.S. suffers from "pitfalls" such as income inequality, a political system controlled by the wealthy and political parties divided along racial lines.
Human-rights groups say Malaysia has a poor record on issues such as human trafficking and have accused the State Department of upgrading Malaysia's status on human rights so the country could be included in Mr. Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.
Human Rights Watch said the ruling party in Malaysia "has engaged in a strong crackdown on civil and political rights" since losing the popular vote in 2013, and that Prime Minister Najib Razak has strengthened a sedition law after promising to repeal it. The group also said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim received a five-year prison sentence this year on "trumped-up sodomy charges," and that Sharia (Islamic law) courts "have increasingly been used to prosecute alleged LGBT activity."
After meeting with Mr. Razak on Friday, Mr. Obama said they discussed "the importance of civil society and issues not just in Malaysia, but in the region generally, and how we can promote those values that will encourage continued development and opportunity and prosperity."
Mr. Razak said of Mr. Obama, "we take into account some of his views and concerns."
"But Malaysia is committed to reforms, and we are committed to reassuring at the same time there's peace and stability," the prime minister said.
Speaking at a town-hall event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Obama said the biggest problem in the U.S. is the influence of the wealthy on the government. Fourteen more months.
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
11/21/2015 12:44 Comments ||
Top||
#7
"Speaking at a town-hall event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Obama said the biggest problem in the U.S. is the influence of the wealthy on the government."
Mr. President is, if nothing else, entertaining (in a dark and foreboding manner.).
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