Political interference may see jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's appeal against his sodomy conviction quashed tomorrow, claimed Keadilan deputy president Abdul Rahman Othman.

"Malaysians and the international community are awaiting the Court of Appeal's decision o­n the nine-year sentence against Anwar," he said in a press statement today.

"The concern of many quarters was that political interference may ensure that he remained in prison," he added.

The Keadilan leader said all parties have learned many lessons in the four and half years since Anwar's sacking in 1998 and his subsequent jailing.

He added that any further action against the former deputy prime minister would not benefit the government and the Foreign Ministry itself admitted that the international community's negative impression of Malaysia was caused by the handling of Anwar's trials.

Abdul Rahman said Anwar's supporters must also understand the words of the ex-deputy premier when he said that "time was the greatest healer" and that he bore no grudges.

Political stability

"The challenge in 2003 is different from the challenge in 1998. The current challenge requires us to consolidate our energy, build the unity and strength of the country. The country is facing the threat of a superpower which wants to build an empire.

"Without realising, global conflicts have drowned domestic o­nes. Pre-occupation with domestic conflicts invites great risks to the future of the country," he added.

According to Abdul Rahman, a free Anwar would be able to effectively contribute in stabilisng domestic and international politics.

"His sound intellect would be able to satisfy warring parties. Political stability will allow the country to play a greater role in the international arena.

"The issue of international violence must be addressed intelligently. Anwar may not be a saint but he has a proven track record," he said.

"In view of this, the public is confident that the court will release the ex-deputy premier as they want him to return to their midst.

"His energy and intellect needed to restore political sanity and economic excellence which can contribute to the peace, unity and well-being of the people," he said.

Historic decision

Meanwhile, DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang said if Anwar was released tomorrow, it will be a historic decision that will have a great impact o­n the political strength in this country based o­n the principles of justice, equality, freedom and democracy.

In a press statement today, he said the crisis and turmoil in the international arena must serve as a reminder to Malaysians o­n the importance of unity to face the new world order and to mend internal divisions.

He said the first step towards this should start with the freeing of Anwar and the reformasi activists detained under the Internal Security Act.

The Court of Appeal will decide o­n the jailed politician's bail application as well as his appeal against the sodomy conviction.

Anwar was found guilty of sodomising Azizan Abu Bakar, the former driver of his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

He was also sentenced to six-years' jail for a corruption charge. o­n April 14, he had served two-thirds of the sentence thus enabling him for release.