The imprisonment of Anwar Ibrahim six years ago and his recent release shows the nature and character of the Malaysian judiciary.
Under conditions of control from above, the judiciary could not function in an independent manner and this explains why Anwar Ibrahim had to undergo his prison ordeal.
However, if leaders are prepared not to interfere in the affairs of the judiciary, then it is possible for the latter to function objectively and impartially.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has provided the right direction for the function of the judiciary. Hopefully, it will be only a matter of time before persons detained under the Internal Security Act are released unconditionally.