The Malaysian Insider

PUTRAJAYA, July 2 – After losing his appeal to move his Sodomy II trial back to the Sessions Court Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that although he was disappointed he expected the decision by the Court of Appeal.

“Of course I am very disgusted at the decision by the court. I’m not surprised however because we have said repeatedly said that the judiciary needs to improve its stature as an independent impartial body. From listening to the grounds of judgement I am perturbed,” said Anwar.

The crowded courtroom remained silent as Justice Datuk Abdull Hamid Embung who headed the three-man bench read out the Federal Court's decision.

The Opposition Leader who was seated next to his wife could be seen shaking his head and muttering words of frustration as the judge read out the grounds of judgment.

Some of Anwar’s supporters who filled the courtroom appeared angry with the decision but most remained calm.

“Kangaroo Court,” one supporter was heard muttering.

Anwar’s wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail seemed disappointed and somber as she left the court quietly as reporters and photographers swarmed her husband.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom Anwar's lawyer Sankara Nair, who also represented Anwar in his 1999 trial, said he hoped this would not be a repeat of his first trial.

“I hope this decision is not a trend that was set last time, where I was defending him, where we lost at every level, every court. Except the one very, very qualified acquittal,” said Sankara.

Comments (4)

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form