by HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM
> Verdict shows neither politics nor politicians have influence over dispensation of justice: Najib
PETALING
JAYA: Barisan Nasional leaders said the verdict in the Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim sodomy trial proves that the judiciary is independent, as
opposed to what is alleged by opposition leaders.
Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday’s court ruling has seen
the government cleared once and for all of the many baseless
accusations of political interference and conspiracy against the
opposition leader.
“Today’s
verdict shows once again that, despite what many have claimed, the
Malaysian judiciary is an independent institution where neither politics
nor politicians have any influence over the dispensation of justice,”
he said.
Najib
said this further strengthens the clear separation of powers of
each branch of the Malaysian government, with neither branch interfering
with the workings of the other.
“As
head of the executive branch, I respect the decisions of the
other branch of government, the judiciary,” the prime minister said in a
statement issued after his return yesterday from a visit to South
Africa.
The
High Court acquitted and discharged Anwar, 64, on a charge
of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 26, in
2008. Najib said this case was brought by a private individual and it
was important that he had his accusations heard in court. “Far from
being a politicallymotivated prosecution, it has been an
unwelcome distraction from the serious business of running our country
in the interests of the people,” he said.
*
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz told
theSun that the decision proves what the Opposition has claimed is
wrong.
“Unlike them (the Opposition), we respect the decision of the judge. All this while, they have said our judiciary
is not fair but now it is proven that the courts are very independent.”
*
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah: “As
lawabiding citizens, the outcome of the trial must be accepted
and respected.” On claim of an unfair judiciary system, he said: “I have
always respected the judiciary institution so there is no question on
its independence.”
Kota
Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the decision is vindication for
the judiciary. Although the prosecution has the right to appeal the
verdict, Abdul Rahman however felt that the country needs closure and
should move on.
“We
now need to focus on nation building. I personally believe although law
provides for appeal, looking at the bigger picture, the court decided
that there was not enough evidence and so because of that, Anwar was
acquitted.
“How are you going to appeal on that basis unless there is new evidence presented.”
*
Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam tweeted: “The verdict
on Anwar should put an end to all accusations of a manipulated
judiciary.”
*
Gerakan deputy president Datuk Chang Ko Youn in a statement called on
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders to apologise to the public for “the wild and
baseless allegations made against the judiciary and the government with
regard to the trial”.
“It
is only fair they apologise to the public because over the past
three years, they have made wild, spurious and unfounded allegations
against the judiciary and government of manipulating the judicial
process.”
*
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Rais Yatim said the verdict shows that the country’s judiciary is
independent and able to deliver judgment without fear or favour.
“The
judgment has been made, and with this, it is proven that the
country’s judiciary is reputable, and its judgments are on par with
those made in the developed countries, which are based on the rule of
law,” he said.
In
a statement issued earlier, Rais noted Anwar’s acquittal proved that
the government did not hold sway over judges’ decisions.
*
Land and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal
said the verdict proved that the judiciary is independent and there
is no interference from the authorities.
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