Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has praised yesterday's acquittal of Anwar Ibrahim in the sodomy trial as proof of positive  "transformations" taking place in the country.

NONE "I am confident that the Malaysian public and the international community (can see) Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's earnest efforts in the process of bringing (reform) and transformation to the country," he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

“(This is) something which can be clearly seen in yesterday's court verdict."

He stressed that the verdict has vindicated Najib of conspiracy charges and clearly shows that the courts and justice system are free of political interference.

"I am certain that foreign countries can understand truly and accurately. I hope they will not be influenced by the opposition and others who blame the government, as if what was done in Malaysia is devoid of justice," added Muhyiddin.

He said he believed the not guilty verdict would improve the people’s faith in Malaysia’s democratic practices and the three institutional branches of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary, which support one another but are inherently independent.

Muhyiddin was commenting on the decision by the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday to acquit Anwar, who is Permatang Pauh MP, on the second sodomy charge that has been levelled against him.

The court ruled that there was not enough evidence to back up and corroborate the charge against Anwar.

‘No pressure from Anwar verdict’

Asked if Anwar’s newly-won freedom would have an impact or pressure Umno to redouble it efforts in the coming general election, Muhyiddin dismissed any such concern.

“Who is pressuring? What happened was a court decision. Our preparations are not because of any pressure. To us, it is business as usual. We are proceeding as we usually do, we are not pressured at all.”

However, he did admit that Umno’s battle against the opposition was being fought on new grounds and in new ways.

“It is a new situation. We have to be ready, indeed we are more than ready.

“We know we’re facing them and they are arranging their strategies and we must do the same,” assured Muhyiddin, who is also Pagoh MP.