Anwar’s verdict: What the people say

After almost 4 years of trial, Opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim finally has been acquitted of the sodomy charges on  January 9, 2012. Public perception varied, with some cooked up conspiracy theory, while some just relieved.

The day Anwar was acquitted (901) of sodomy charges by judge Mohamad Zaibidin Mohd Diah, reactions of the public varied.

Komunitikini spoke to the members of the public in order to grasp their views on the surprise verdict delivered by Justice Mohamad Zaibidin Mohd Diah.

Gan Choi Geok, 54, retiree

“My personal take was that Anwar would be acquitted. I am very happy for him, even for this (I think) temporary victory.

“To me, the acquittal is just a BN “sandiwara” in the hope to garner some brownie points from the rakyat and also to prove that the judiciary is independent and impartial.

“I think they will file an appeal and BN will continue to harass Anwar to distract and wear him out.

“Looking at how Anwar is holding out, I think that he is made of sterner material and I sincerely hope he can be the beacon to lead the rakyat out of darkness.”

Ooi Kok Leong, 44, IT Manager

“I was mentally and emotionally prepared to see Anwar in prison as I felt perhaps some good would come out of it.

“Now that he is free, I am prepared to accept him as our leader if he has completely changed from his old ways during his UMNO era and will continue with the fighting spirit – lawan tetap lawan! – for the rakyat.”

Nganasegaran Sam, 50,  an ex truck driver now retired, Kedah

“Well, most people who are familiar with Malaysian politics expected Anwar to be acquitted but I suspect there are a lot of hidden political agendas behind this verdict.

“I don”t think the judge made his own decision.”

Steven Lee, Photography Educator, Malaysian living in London

“Like many, I have been a little surprised by the acquittal.

“However, after reading his statement, I believe the judge made his decision based on facts, evidence and what could or could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

“At the end of the day, I believe sound application of the law must be the way forward for all cases, not just this one.

Cheah Kah Seng, Web Entrepreneur, Penang

She was amused to read about the Gerakan deputy president calling PKR to apologise, “What is there to apologise? The whole judicial process is a crying shame. The verdict is an eyewash to cover up a biased procedure.”

Debbie Mitchell, Mother of a teenage son

Debbie believed that the whole sodomy trial was a ‘circus’ which should not have happened in the first place as she believes that a person’s sexual orientation a private affair and a person’s privacy is protected under the constitution.

“It is a blatant disregard of the constitution and because the elections are drawing close, it was time to pull the curtains down on this circus.

Kee Thuan Chye, 57, Writer

“It is not over yet. The prosecution can still appeal.

That is when the government will get Anwar.

“However, I think it should all stop here, that the prosecution should accept the verdict and everyone should move on.

“Anwar has gone through a lot. Lets play fair and allow the general elections to decide what comes next.”