Even before Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as deputy prime minister, I was very drawn to this man's policies in government and his stand o­n issues such as aid to the hardcore poor irregardless of race, housing for the poor, housing for the police, and anti-corruption measures.

Kim Quek's observation of the man is quite accurate.

Even Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad must have realised this man's capacity to serve the people, by looking at the way Anwar had risen to become his right-hand man. It was o­nly because of a personal reason and the threat to Dr Mahathir's position that their relationship is where it is now.

Many Chinese I know used to watch the Umno general assembly o­n TV because the two of them were such dynamic and charismatic people. From a purely 'good for Malaysia' view, keeping such talent and charisma in jail is such a waste to the country and the world at large. There is no reason why Anwar Ibrahim should not be prime minister today if o­ne is to purely look at his resume.

I think everyone in the country and the world is convinced that the trial was stage managed and he was indeed framed o­n trumped-up charges. They could not even get him o­n any genuine corruption charge or any genuine fault in his character. To me, this speaks volumes for the man.

His perpertrators are either out of the country, hiding in Putrajaya (terrified that he could be a free man), dead or in a coma. Why is it that this man, whom the government claims is irrelevant, is still able create such a stir?

The reason is because the rakyat have not forgotten. They may be quiet and their views and voices suppressed, but the majority are shocked that such a man could be treated in such a way.

We go to protest by the thousands against the injustice and reckless use of power by the US o­n Iraq, when right here in our own kampung , we allow injustice, abuse and cruelty to be lashed out at o­ne man who stood up for the rakyat . It is nonsensical and ironic.