For six years, though his body was incarcerated, his spirit remained free. His physical being was behind the bars of Sungai Buloh prison, but his shadow continued to haunt Dr Mahathir Mohamad. That was the charisma of Anwar Ibrahim.

Now he is free, after the Malaysian judicial system showed its courage. However, many questions surround the 2-1 decision reached by the Federal Court. A large portion of the public still cannot believe or accept the unexpected decision.

All this time, many felt that Anwar would remain in jail. There had been no sign that the former deputy prime minister would be freed, because the judicial system of the nation has long been emasculated.

However, on Sept 2, exactly six years from the day Anwar was removed from his posts in the government and Umno, he was suddenly given back his freedom.

Secret deal

Now, many parties wonder what was truly behind the freeing of Anwar. Some postulated that it had been prearranged. Supposedly, the freedom regained by Anwar was conditional.

A foreign media report openly alleged that a secret deal had been made between Anwar and the government to ensure that the charge of sodomy be quashed.

There was speculation that Anwar was required to rejoin Umno or to retire from politics. It was considered unlikely that Anwar was freed unconditionally as his presence outside the prison walls would otherwise be disastrous for Umno and the government.

Observers also opined that the character, image and charisma of Anwar could result in the formation of a strong opposition, capable of challenging Barisan Nasional.

However, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi adamantly denied the allegation in the foreign media report.

"I have not made any agreement with any party," he insisted last Saturday.

Ditching PKR

Even so, to those who are inclined to believe in the existance of a deal to free Anwar, it is only a matter of time before Anwar abandons Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

They are still anxious even though Anwar has already said that he will remain in the opposition and will continue with his reformasi agenda.

Genuine reformists, who were not members of any party prior to 1998 and truly supported Anwar, form the majority of those still talking about a deal made between Anwar and the government.

There were even some amongst them who expect Anwar and his closest supporters, who are also ex-Umno members, to rejoin the ruling party next year, after the arranged strategy has been fully executed.

According to them, we should not be shocked if the issues of the Malay harmony agenda and Islam are fanned again by certain parties in order that they can be used as the means to bring Anwar back into Umno.

Such strategies have often been used before, including during the re-admission of Semangat 46 members into Umno in the mid-1990s.

There were also some who postulated that Anwar will announce his retirement from politics, due to health reasons, on his return from Munich. That would be an excellent excuse, one which would be honorable and acceptable to Anwar supporters.

If either of the postulations become reality, it would be a major blow for PKR, the opposition and reformists who have sacrificed so much for so long - being chased by the FRU, sprayed with irritant sprays and tear gassed, as well as being hauled off to jail.

Should Anwar rejoin Umno, he will be considered a traitor, who only thought of himself, and all the sympathy that many have had for him over time will turn into hatred and curses.

Is Anwar willing to face that scenario? He will be hated by the rakyat who have supported him all along. He will be lumped together with all the other leaders who have left and then returned to Umno. Anwar will be seen as being similar to Ibrahim Ali!

The future

And Anwar must also bear in mind that his return to Umno will not guarantee a bright political future for him. His path to the top will be even more winding as he will then have many enemies both inside and outside Umno.

It is unlikely that Najib Abdul Razak will make way for him even though Muhyiddin Yassin may be ready to be sacrificed. Anwar cannot count on those who had once been his supporters in Umno, remaining so. The political situation in Umno has changed greatly since the retirement of Mahathir.

Anwar must remember the habits of Umno members. They are more comfortable with supporting someone who has clout and is capable of granting projects, contracts, shares and timber concessions. If someone only has saliva and idealism as capital, he will not be able to achieve much in Umno.

Anwar must consider seriously the words of Nazri Aziz that he (Anwar) is 'history'. If Anwar still opts to rejoin Umno, then he will face the same fate as Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah - destined to be a 'gurkha' forever. Umno itself will become Anwar's political coffin.

As such, if the 'si mata lebam' (black-eyed one) wants to continue to be respected and honoured, he must remain outside Umno. Anwar's political future is brighter in the opposition.

The former deputy prime minister can add a new dimension to the opposition even if he cannot participate actively.

Actually, the hopes that reformists have pinned on Anwar are very high. To them, the freeing of Anwar did not mark the end of their struggle. The fight for Anwar's freedom is only one aspect of their agenda.

To genuine reformists like Pak Din, Jonah, Budi Hikayat, Fathi Aris, Tian Chua, Malik Husin, Hishamuddin Rais, UBU and thousands more, the battle has just begun.

Anwar and Dr Wan Azizah Ismail ... don't disappoint them and break their spirit.