The most prominent news item in Malaysia that has hogged the media dial of every major newspaper and television channel is the conviction of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy.

The media organisations would pick apart the repeat of the nightmare that occurred 15 years ago.

And when they have exhausted their coverage, we will see only one pattern emerging and it would point to a systematically choreographed political persecution using the judiciary to prematurely end the political career of one man.

This is the second time Anwar has been charged for sodomy, a draconian law that strips the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the country.

It does not take very much to do the math, as one would say, to figure out the desperation to convict Anwar.

The Court of Appeal hearing was fast-tracked, the judges deliberated for 90 minutes and it took them only an hour to seal the fate of a leader of whom the government and Umno are terrified.

We can all analyse and criticise the Kajang move. But Anwar obviously had a viable political plan that had sent the shivers down Umno's spine.

His leadership of Selangor would have not just further developed the state but also acted as a springboard for him and the Pakatan Rakyat to take over the federal leadership.

Anwar, as an opposition leader, has pulled off many political masterstrokes. So the question here is why tremble over the Kajang move?

Wrong move for Umno?

We can all safely say the government and Umno knew how to handle current Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. Anwar, in direct contrast, would remain a thorn in their side. Negotiations with Anwar would leave Umno boys scrambling for shelter. So Anwar had to be stopped.

But the support from the people of Kajang for Anwar and the opposition coalition clearly shows that the clock is ticking for Umno and Barisan Nasional.

The need to put a lid of this is what led to the court drama and a five-year jail term for Anwar.

I have to give it to the crafty and vicious brains of Umno's politicians who can swiftly come up with devious plans to short-circuit Anwar's career.

However, in doing so they have clearly demonstrated their weakness and fear of the opposition.

As I write this, my Twitter buzzes nonstop with people venting their anger against the court verdict and thousands of supporters have gathered at the Kajang Stadium to pledge solidarity with Anwar, his family and Pakatan Rakyat.

Once again Prime Minister Najib Razak and the other Umno leaders have miscalculated the spirit of the rakyat.

This verdict will spell the end for Najib and his party. It's a checkmate.

CHARLES SANTIAGO is Member of Parliament for Klang.