The leader loses appeal against sodomy conviction , suspended for two years . The government denied the case was political , saying the government is independent . HRW : This is supposed to be a big year for Malaysia , serving as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) when the ASEAN Economic Community is to become a reality , and holding a seat at the UN Security Council . Malaysia is brewing a heady period of authoritarianism and corruption .
The leader loses appeal against sodomy conviction , suspended for two years . The government denied the case was political , saying the government is independent . HRW : Malaysia is brewing a heady period of authoritarianism and corruption .