translation The 2005 Budget was announced by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Pak Lah) last Friday. There were a range of initiatives and incentives for the rakyat and the corporate sector, but yet these could not eclipse the issue of Anwar Ibrahim.

The fate of the former deputy prime minister, who was recently freed, continues to be the hot topic of discussion among Malaysians.

It is not only Umno members and reformasi supporters who are talking about what Anwar's fate will be after Sept 15; even Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik spoke about the former Umno deputy president at the party's general assembly last Saturday.

Like Dr Mahathir Mohamad and most of the Umno leadership, it seems Lim is still haunted by images of Anwar. In his speech, which was aired live by RTM to the whole nation, he went on to chastise the reformasi leader.

The Gerakan president wanted Anwar to be thankful to God, and grateful to the government for issuing his international passport in just one day so that he could depart quickly for Germany.

Lim also hoped that Anwar would not create "disturbances" on his return. His efforts at humiliating Anwar were greeted with laughs and smiles by Pak Lah, Najib Abdul Razak and the other Barisan Nasional leaders who were present at the general assembly.

As such, it looks like the story of Anwar has not ended. His freedom from incarceration on the charge of sodomy early this month appears to be the beginning of a new tale. Tomorrow, a new chapter will be revealed. Will he succeed in quashing the judgment passed on his corruption case, which had resulted in him being jailed for six years?

Political climate

All reformasi supporters are currently praying that the decision of the three-member panel of judges will favour Anwar. Unlike last Sept 2, when they had not expected a victory for Anwar, this time, their hopes are sky high.

They want Anwar's corruption charge expunged. Erasing that from his record is most important for his political career because that would allow him to be politically active again immediately. Without the crime of corruption against him, Anwar does not need to wait for another four years before resuming his political activities and to lead a political party.

No one knows what will happen tomorrow. However, in the present political and economic climate which is peaceful and stable, together with a judicial system which is now free, anything can happen.

However, as we wait with bated breath for the decisions of the judges in Putrajaya, who is the person whose heart is beating fastest? Wan Azizah Wan Ismail? Anwar? Reformasi supporters? Leaders and members of Umno? Ummi Hafilda Ali?

It is logical that all of them will be feeling full of suspense, but the person who is most anxious to hear tomorrow's outcome is none other than Mahathir. The whole nation knows that the Sept 2 decision did not cause Mahathir to lose any sleep.

But should the Federal Court decision once again favour Anwar, the Third World hero must accept that he has erred in his judgement. And if Anwar is cleared of all corruption charges, not only will that be a major blow for Mahathir, but many more political leaders in the nation will have cause for concern.

If Anwar is cleared by the court and is not prevented by chronic health problems, Anwar has many choices open to him. He can apply to rejoin Umno or lead Parti Keadilan Rakyat and form a new opposition coalition. If that is the scenario, we will witness an exciting future for the country.

Ban from politics

What are Anwar Ibrahim's options if the Federal Court decision tomorrow goes against him? He has two. Firstly, he can head some NGO, which can serve as the platform for his reformasi movement.

This is important to ensure that he has the means to continue to speak out, and to ensure that his presence in the nation continues to be felt. The ban from active politics will only end in April 2008.

The second option is something which will perturb Anwar, and most difficult for his supporters to accept - that is, for him to retire completely from politics. Is this likely to happen? Many political pundits opined that the likelihood is very slim indeed unless his health takes a turn for the worse.

A veteran political analyst believed that since Anwar has already tasted power, and been so close to the seat of power he so longs for, he will not easily give up. The analyst said the former deputy prime minister will return to politics, whatever it takes.

According to him, Anwar has revolutionary fervour coupled with high ambitions. He has been fighting politically since his student days and while leading Abim. As such, it is likely that he will continue fighting.

Whatever the expectations and analysis there may be about Anwar, tomorrow we will have the answer.