Justice fell short of vindicating itself two weeks ago on Sept 2. Lady Justice may have balanced the 'dacing' (scales), but she definitely was not blindfolded. Typical to the Asian culture of non- confrontation and compliance, the judges had to ensure that their employers and bosses did not 'lose face'.

The judges had to listen to their conscience and in studying the case before them had no choice but to release Anwar Ibrahim and uphold his appeal, which is a departure in itself from previous trends.

However, they had to put it into their judgment what in legal terms is called an obiter dicta (personal opinion).

They had to do this so that the ex-prime minister would have some 'face' left. Even then, on Sept 2, Dr Mahathir Mohamad comes out true to his fiery style saying that he has a clear conscience and that he still believes that Anwar is guilty.

He believes it so strongly and yet refused to testify before a Malaysian court on Anwar's guilt.

And the Federal Court, as if having a prepared script, also comes out to say that they, too, believe that Anwar is a homosexual. And the newspapers, after Anwar left the country for Germany, highlighted this aspect of the judgment.

The majority of Malaysians however, already decided six years ago that the court trials were a circus fanfare aimed at politically killing off Anwar.

But let the spin-doctors do their bidding. Just as George W Bush's and Tony Blair's spin-doctors have been exposed, so to will the present ones.