The recent hoo-ha by the Umno leadership on Anwar Ibrahim's readmission into Umno could have influenced yesterday's Federal Court decision corruption review appeal.

It had occurred to me that the sudden discussions by the Umno top brass on Anwar's readmission - although Anwar has not given the slightest hint of rejoining - was aimed at putting a positive decision (for Anwar) in jeopardy.

To me, and I am sure to most of us, the manoeuvring is no surprise. This is the way, in Malaysia that is, for the executive to influence the decisions of the judiciary. It is not necessary for a directive or a telephone call to be made.

Added to the various statements and opinions aired by Umno bigwigs since Anwar was released was the unanimous decision by the Umno Supreme Council on Sept 14 to close the party's doors to Anwar. All these are indications for the courts to take cognisance of.

It looks it will take a long, long time for the judiciary in this country to be really free from the influence of the executive. I do not know if I still live to see that come through.