In defense of human rights

Vice President Al Gore deserves our respect for his brave action taken in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when he criticized the politics of human rights of the Malaysian government in the Conference of Cooperation of Asia and the Pacific (APEC).

In the banquet offered by the First Minister Mahatir Mohamad, Gore in a very respectful way referred to those who criticized Malaysia for keeping Anwar Ibrahim behind bars.

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Karen Best

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Gore's reaction is the result of being concerned for the political situation in Malaysia, which has caused continuous popular protests against the government of Mahatir.

The reasons of these protests have been the political persecution of the government against Anwar Ibrahim, head of a group who wants to introduce democratic reforms in Malaysia and update the politic system of the country.

Ibrahim, who was the vice-minister, was taken to jail in September for sexual and corruption charges.

Gore's declarations have caused a great controversy.

According to reviewers, Gore went too far and his actions taken were not adequate and appropriate.

But according to my opinion the critics are wrong. Gore is right to affirm that democracy has to go hand with hand with a growing economy.

To what point are critics extended that the economics interests justify the abusive behavior used?

This only shows a problematic situation in regards of human rights.

The Malaysian Government accuses Gore of interfering in its internal business problems.

But as we all know human rights are no longer internal problems of any one country. Even in United States we can not say that our problems are only ours.

Gore is right to say that these countries have not only economic problems but also, serious problems related to human rights.

Karen Best is a public relations major.