Many people were taken aback by the Anwar verdict. The opposition is rejoicing, many are questioning it, and still others are lauding the independence of the judiciary. But the full written judgement is not yet available for scrutiny. And the case is not over until all legal avenues are exhausted, that is, should the prosecution decides to appeal. It's best therefore to keep things in check now until it's is finally over. Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served. There must be justice for Saiful too, have we forgotten that?
There are two points unrelated to the verdict that need to be said. First, who is bigger - Anwar or the nation? We have been giving too much attention to Anwar that we forget there are bigger and far more serious matters to think about than one single person, regardless of his purported influence (which is a separate issue altogether). As things stand now, there are far too many local and international issues that need our serious attention. More importantly, the nation needs to move on.
Second, a more pertinent point is obvious for all to see. Would the opposition have kept quiet if the judge had returned a guilty verdict? Did they keep quiet after the first sodomy trial? No, they took to the street. In this second trail, before the verdict, Anwar's supporters were up in arms, their knives drawn. They would have painted the town red and created more unrest if he was found guilty.
So who is more prone to violence here? Which side respect the rule of law more? Which side is being more rational, tolerant and level-headed? The opposition may rejoice all they want, but who really has the advantage now? Something for the voters to ponder.
Read what some of the pro-Anwar foreign media are saying:
1. ABC News
2. The Guardian
3. New York Times
4. The Australian (Anwar vows to topple the government)
5. Sydney Morning Herald
6. Arab News
7. Amnesty International (Calls for the scrapping of our sodomy law)
There are two points unrelated to the verdict that need to be said. First, who is bigger - Anwar or the nation? We have been giving too much attention to Anwar that we forget there are bigger and far more serious matters to think about than one single person, regardless of his purported influence (which is a separate issue altogether). As things stand now, there are far too many local and international issues that need our serious attention. More importantly, the nation needs to move on.
Second, a more pertinent point is obvious for all to see. Would the opposition have kept quiet if the judge had returned a guilty verdict? Did they keep quiet after the first sodomy trial? No, they took to the street. In this second trail, before the verdict, Anwar's supporters were up in arms, their knives drawn. They would have painted the town red and created more unrest if he was found guilty.
So who is more prone to violence here? Which side respect the rule of law more? Which side is being more rational, tolerant and level-headed? The opposition may rejoice all they want, but who really has the advantage now? Something for the voters to ponder.
Read what some of the pro-Anwar foreign media are saying:
1. ABC News
2. The Guardian
3. New York Times
4. The Australian (Anwar vows to topple the government)
5. Sydney Morning Herald
6. Arab News
7. Amnesty International (Calls for the scrapping of our sodomy law)
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