Reminiscent of what was dubbed by some as the ‘trial of the century’ more than a decade ago, passionate cries of ‘Reformasi’ and ‘Hidup Anwar’ resonated once again this morning.

Some 100 supporters, armed with a banner depicting the infamous ‘black eye’ incident, thronged the Jalan Duta court complex where then deputy premier and now opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is facing his second sodomy trial.

 

NONE While the numbers may not be as impressive as the thousands who flocked to the courts during his first trial 12 years ago, they however made it up with zeal and enthusiasm.

It is learnt that some of the supporters were ferried to the nation’s capital from as far as Permatang Pauh in Penang, Anwar’s traditional fortress and parliamentary constituency.

The normally placid court house also overflowing with journalists, including those from the foreign media.

In his first trial, Anwar was found guilty of sodomy and spent six years in jail before his appeal was upheld by the Federal Court in 2004.

And just like then, the charismatic politician once again accused the Barisan Nasional government of authoring a conspiracy, this time to allegedly prevent the Pakatan Rakyat coalition from sweeping into power.

Among the prominent faces present to lend their support this morning were Anwar’s wife and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, PAS spiritual advisor Nik Aziz Nik Mat, DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang and PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali.

Also present to observe the proceedings were members of the diplomatic corps, including those from Britain, Switzerland, Japan, United States and Canada.

'Machinations of the dirty corrupt few'

As the opposition leader made his way into the courtroom, he was swarmed by journalists. And when quizzed on his trial, he simply remarked: "This is the machinations of the dirty corrupt few".

On Pakatan's future if he is convicted, he replied: "The coalition is strong, we have made alternative arrangements."

NONE Anwar is accused of sodomising his then aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 24, at a condominium in Bukit Damansara in June 2008.

The sodomy trial promises to be a drawn out and gripping legal battle that could potentially determine the fate of the opposition coalition and has put the spotlight yet again Malaysian judiciary, which independence has been questioned time and again.

This morning was not without theatrics either.

A commotion erupted in the lobby when a disgruntled elderly Anwar supporter hurled threats and obscenities at journalists and photographers.

Although there are varying versions for his outburst, the man, sporting a songkok and a PKR elections volunteer tag, fired his verbal salvo for several minutes before being calmed down by his friends.                

At one stage, he seemed out of breath and was close to fainting. He was eventually whisked away in an ambulance.

'Nothing has changed'

Shortly after this, Pakatan leaders raised the ‘black eye’ banner and took turns to address the crowd.

Among them was PKR strategist Tian Chua, who said: "We have seen the slander 10 years ago. The government used everything including the public service, police and judiciary to bring down Anwar."

anwar sodomy trail first day 020210 anwar arrive 02 "We hope this time the rakyat will rise up again as nothing has changed despite the fact that we've sent a clear message (in the last general election)," he added.

Midway through the speeches, the police ordered all those who had gathered to disperse, drawing jeers and chants of ‘Reformasi’ from the crowd.  The police then backed down.

After the court adjourned at about 10.15am, Anwar spoke briefly to reporters before rushing off to Putrajaya for a meeting with Chief Justice Azmi Zaki to discuss his failed bid to for a sneak peek at the evidence against him.

Following this, a man who only identified himself as ‘Saw’ entertained the crowd with poetry recitals, and led them to sing the activist anthem ‘ Suara Rakyat ’ (the people’s voice).

The hearing resumed at 2.30pm.