Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir lauds High Court decision to acquit the opposition leader.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Information and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir lauded the High Court decision today to acquit Anwar Ibrahim of a sodomy charge.
“I think it’s a great day for the Malaysian judiciary. So many things were said about our judiciary in the past and it was very very dangerous.
“People had no confidence in the judiciary, but today they (judiciary) have redeemed themselves,” the Amanah’s deputy president told reporters at the court steps.
Abdul Kadir, who spoke after Anwar exited the court, said the decision must be taken as a great opportunity to re-establish the independence of the judiciary.
Asked why he was here, he said simply “to hear the verdict”. On whether he was present in his capacity as an Umno member, he said he was representing Amanah.
“I’m happy for Anwar. I’m happy because I have followed this trial and what the judge did was the common sense thing to do.
“If the decision was otherwise, lawyers will shudder at our judiciary,” he said. “Citizens and investors must realise that rule of law will prevail.”
Asked if his statement amounted to an admission that Umno had interfered with the justice system, he said: “No comment”.
He nevertheless added: “It’s true that people were uncomfortable in the independence of our judiciary, there was a big question mark there.”
Meanwhile, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said the result may “swing both ways” – for BN or Pakatan.
“PM Najib Tun Razak may be thinking about elections. But it’s hard to say. It can go both ways. It may also help Najib ‘prove’ his reform agenda,” said Liew.
Liew also revealed that in the court of public opinion, surveys showed that 15% are aware of the corruption in Umno, but they are not ready for Pakatan.
“Polls show that 60% are aware of Umno’s corruption but only 45% said they’ll vote Pakatan. This verdict may well cancel each other’s benefit out,” he said.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Information and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir lauded the High Court decision today to acquit Anwar Ibrahim of a sodomy charge.“I think it’s a great day for the Malaysian judiciary. So many things were said about our judiciary in the past and it was very very dangerous.
“People had no confidence in the judiciary, but today they (judiciary) have redeemed themselves,” the Amanah’s deputy president told reporters at the court steps.
Abdul Kadir, who spoke after Anwar exited the court, said the decision must be taken as a great opportunity to re-establish the independence of the judiciary.
Asked why he was here, he said simply “to hear the verdict”. On whether he was present in his capacity as an Umno member, he said he was representing Amanah.
“I’m happy for Anwar. I’m happy because I have followed this trial and what the judge did was the common sense thing to do.
“If the decision was otherwise, lawyers will shudder at our judiciary,” he said. “Citizens and investors must realise that rule of law will prevail.”
Asked if his statement amounted to an admission that Umno had interfered with the justice system, he said: “No comment”.
He nevertheless added: “It’s true that people were uncomfortable in the independence of our judiciary, there was a big question mark there.”
Meanwhile, DAP strategist Liew Chin Tong said the result may “swing both ways” – for BN or Pakatan.
“PM Najib Tun Razak may be thinking about elections. But it’s hard to say. It can go both ways. It may also help Najib ‘prove’ his reform agenda,” said Liew.
Liew also revealed that in the court of public opinion, surveys showed that 15% are aware of the corruption in Umno, but they are not ready for Pakatan.
“Polls show that 60% are aware of Umno’s corruption but only 45% said they’ll vote Pakatan. This verdict may well cancel each other’s benefit out,” he said.
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