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| moreAboutEastAsia |
| The Straits Times, September 3, 2004 Anwar freed in surprise court verdict Former Malaysian deputy PM's sodomy conviction is overturned. Released after six years, he vows to press for reform By Reme Ahmad KUALA LUMPUR - Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim stepped into his home yesterday for the first time in nearly six years - freed by Malaysia's highest court in a watershed decision that set aside his conviction in August 2000 for sodomy. Yesterday was exactly six years to the day he was sacked from his post as deputy prime minister, precipitating the country's worst political crisis. 'I thank God I am free, not only free but vindicated by a court of law, although six years is a long time,' said Datuk Seri Anwar, who turned 57 last month. He immediately vowed to continue his drive for political reform. When asked about the man responsible for his rise and fall, retired prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, Mr Anwar said: 'I bear no malice against him. Let him retire. I feel vindicated. This is all about justice.' Tun Mahathir told a news conference yesterday that he was 'mildly surprised' by the verdict. When told what Mr Anwar had said of him, he said: 'He must be a generous person indeed.' Earlier, outside the Palace of Justice complex in Putrajaya, an emotional crowd of more than 300 supporters greeted the verdict by waving party banners. Many poured out their joy in tears. Mr Anwar's first priority will be to travel to Germany to seek treatment - he had been warded at Kuala Lumpur General Hospital since mid-June for a chronic back ailment - and he could leave as early as this evening, from Bangkok or Singapore on a plane owned by Saudi Arabia's monarchy. They have offered to pay his medical expenses, his father, Mr Ibrahim Abdulrahman, told The Associated Press. Yesterday at home, Mr Anwar lopped off the waist-length pigtails of three supporters who had refused haircuts for six years to protest against his imprisonment. Since last week, Kuala Lumpur had been abuzz with rumours of Mr Anwar's imminent release but the news of the Federal Court's 2-1 decision that his conviction was unsafe still surprised many. The news shoved the KL stock market up nearly 2 per cent to a six-week high and bolstered bond prices. Investors said the verdict was seen as lowering Malaysia's political risk and restoring faith in the independence of its much-maligned judiciary. Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Amnesty International joined the chorus hailing his release. Mr Anwar also thanked Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi for saying he would not interfere with the court. 'This is a good start and it gives hope for a more credible justice system. I am also grateful to the two judges that had the strength and resolve to rule in my favour,' he told a news conference at home. Outside, a parade of cars and at least 15 mobile stalls selling food and drinks and political memorabilia packed the road till late, even after thanksgiving prayers and Mr Anwar's brief address to the hundreds of National Justice Party (Keadilan) faithful. He had been sentenced to six years for abuse of power and nine years for sodomy. Yesterday, Judge Abdul Hamid Mohamad said his conviction for sodomy was flawed as the chief prosecution witness, driver Azizan Abu Bakar, kept changing the dates on which he claimed to have been sodomised. He said: 'We are not prepared to uphold the conviction. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the conviction and the sentence.' Judge Tengku Baharudin Shah Tengku Mahmud concurred but Judge Rahmah Hussein dissented. Mr Anwar, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, held a brief impromptu press conference in the packed room. He credited Datuk Seri Abdullah with his release, saying that if it had been Dr Mahathir, he would still be in jail. 'I have to give credit to the Prime Minister for not interfering with the judiciary,' he said. PM Abdullah said the government accepted the court's decision. Mr Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was ecstatic. She said, beaming: 'It's like a healing process for our family and the nation.' |
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