Thousands of people gathered in the car park of the Duta High Court giving support to Anwar Ibrahim

“The crows sing before the storm”

Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah ruled yesterday that the prosecution had not done enough to prove that Anwar Ibrahim had committed sodomy against his former aid, Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

The court could not rule 100 per cent that the DNA samples were not compromised. Without that, the court is reluctant to convict the accused based on the evidence produced by the prosecution.

Thousands of people gathered in the car park of the Duta High Court giving support to Anwar Ibrahim

Forgive me for not jumping on the bandwagon and my scepticism, but too much has happened since and too much is at stake for the current regime. With the forthcoming General Elections approaching, one false move could result in a catastrophic public backlash similar to that of the Reformasi 1999 when the Opposition parties garnered a landslide victory by utilising Anwar’s sentencing and playing on public sympathy.

Upon the release of the verdict, Barisan Nasional’s Information Minister, Datuk Seri Rais Yatim immediately released a press statement on the Government’s behalf stating that the verdict of Anwar’s case proves that the judiciary is indeed independent and not a tool employed by the government to remain in power. Based on the articles published and input provided by several reliable resources, it is to be concluded that:

1) Barisan Nasional think-tanks would have warned the current administration of the potential impact of sentencing Anwar at the present. Sources believe the verdict was left to the last minute to gauge public perception.

2) The prosecution still has a 14 day period in which they are allowed to appeal. This could possibly drag on the issue until elections, barring Anwar from contesting, as a person is not allowed to represent a party or a constituency when faced with a criminal conviction.

3) The case put forth by the Information Ministry that the judiciary is independent is a fallacy. Cases such as Altantuya, Teoh Beng Hock, PKFZ and the recent NFC scandal, among others, should be hauled up before the judiciary. Only then can such claims be substantiated.

This event is merely an exercise of public relations by the current regime intended to fool the ignorants people who believe that miracles happen and that the Government made a positive reform. There is too much at stake for a coalition that has been in power for 5 decades. This has left many skeletons in the closet. Many within the administration know that if the Opposition were to take over, their future would be behind bars. The fact remains, guilty or innocent, Anwar Ibrahim was allowed to walk free at the discretion of the Government. The political high-lords are no fools – there is no doubt that there are bigger plans at work to ensure the upcoming General Election is favourable to certain factions.

This brings us to the question of where do we go from here? The battle won today is the first of many for it was not down to one man’s freedom, but the freedom of this country and it’s people from oppression. Pakatan Rakyat still has a long way to go, but today marked its first step towards Putrajaya as the verdict laid a positive outcome that could not have been predicted.

For so long, both Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar Ibrahim have been bogged down by the charges thrown against him that the fundamental issues of policy were neglected. Questions were asked with regard to Anwar’s leadership – whether he is capable to lead the Opposition to the ‘promised land’. The verdict will restore some faith to supporters and neutrals alike. It will replenish the energy lost in a man who had to stand trial against accusations that has tarnished not only his image but his family’s as well.

Anwar Ibrahim's speech after his acquittal. Photo: Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters

There is no doubt Pakatan Rakyat will carry on fighting with renewed confidence. Perhaps now, we as the Rakyat should begin to see their plans and policies for a better Malaysia as their focus moves to the issues that matter. Fifty-four years of a single party ruling system has crippled this country change is much needed now.

As to what the future holds for the political landscape of Malaysia, yesterday’s verdict will be a landmark decision for the people of Malaysia. Their watchful eyes throughout the proceedings allowed justice to be served. The generation leading this revolution are the youths of today. Although Anwar Ibrahim may never take over Putrajaya and become Prime Minister but there is still hope for Malaysian politics.

 

The writer is a born and bred Malaysian currently pursuing his LLB (Hons), a diehard Liverpool FC fan and passes his time interpreting the subtle nuances of the many voices of the planet while sipping...

7 replies on “The Aftermath of #901 – What’s next?”

  1. i feel that no body cares about anwar any more, it about missed oppurtinity of having a political scarifical lamb.

    More people in the PR hope that they lock him up. after the verdict……Tisch …tisch .
    An ungrateful lot….have consider his family sufferings.

  2. Bloggs: My sincerest apologies Sir, I was unaware that you were allowed to stand for elections even though you were being charged for criminal conduct. Thank you for pointing it out.

  3. I am a civil lawyer but you might wanna get your facts right.''as a person is not allowed to represent a party or a constituency when faced with a criminal conviction'' is totally false.Only when a person is convicted he is not allowed to stand for office.Anwar was accused of sodomy before he stood at Permatang Pauh and won handsomely.

  4. I share the same views. Anwar is actually will be in deeper trouble. Just wait and C. Too much is at stake for the ruling party. Desperate people will do desperate things. Worse things are yet to come.

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