JAN 9 — The Sodomy II trial is over, barring an appeal by the prosecution. Putrajaya touts it as proof of an independent judiciary; the opposition says it’s a case that shouldn’t have even seen daylight. We can debate this till the cows come home. Or we can move on. The question whether Anwar Ibrahim is guilty of sodomy has been answered. The question left to be answered is whether Malaysia will be prosperous in the future, under either coalition’s rule.
While the thousands who showed up to support PKR’s de facto leader were seen shouting triumphantly and even breaking into tears upon hearing the court’s verdict, Anwar remained calm and composed, greeting supporters and hugging his family.
His first remark? To simply say that he felt “vindicated” by the decision.
But the opposition leader later told The Malaysian Insider what he really felt was closure, and how the end of the two-year long trial meant a chance to finally move on and focus on leading Pakatan Rakyat (PR).
“Why didn’t I react emotionally? Simply put, I’ve gone through a lot,” he said during a brief interview at his home in Bukit Segambut.
Anwar said that while the Sodomy II trial had had an impact on his life, it did not break his resolve or will to push for the political reforms he believed in.
After two sodomy charges — the first of which was in 1998 and resulted in his sacking from the government — Anwar said he had come to expect the worst of attacks from his political foes and detractors.
“I do not (usually) display much public outburst... (Sometimes) you have got to be made of sterner stuff,” said Anwar.
The one-time deputy prime minister said “strength of character” meant that he needed to try his best to be strong and level-headed even during the worst of times.
“My family, relatives, close friends, they are there to comfort me, I have felt and seen their emotions and their happiness today,” said a smiling yet visibly tired- looking Anwar.
Dozens of guests, mostly close friends and relatives, thronged Anwar’s home to congratulate the man was once a step away from becoming prime minister.
The ever-candid Anwar posed for photographs with his guests and, at one point, even posed with reporters and photographers.
The PKR leader believes that PR needed to move on beyond his sodomy trial, saying his acquittal would shift focus towards presenting PR as a viable federal government to voters.
“Even when I was giving ceramahs last week, back to back, the focus on my speeches was not just about the trial.
“I spoke about the need to tackle corruption, unemployment, changes that benefit the civil service, quality education... we have plans to provide the people with all this when we take over Putrajaya.”
Anwar said the upcoming PR convention in Alor Setar this weekend would iron out the coalition’s election manifesto.
“We will come out with a major ingredient for the election,” he added.
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