Moved by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's recent appeal to Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim to expedite hearing of his outstanding appeals, Party Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) today said it would seek a meeting with the CJ to further press the case.

Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua (right) said the decision was arrived at during the party's supreme council meeting this morning when party leaders discussed the progress of several outstanding appeals and reviews applied to by Anwar against his sodomy conviction.

"A high-level delegation from the party wants to meet the CJ to discuss Anwar's cases as well as our concern over the credibility of the judiciary.

"We feel that there should be reforms in the judiciary in order to regain public confidence in the institution," he said when contacted today.

Chua said the party's request would be made to the CJ's office tomorrow.

Frustrated over the long delay for the hearing of his cases, Anwar had written a personal appeal to Ahmad Fairuz (left) earlier this week, calling on the CJ to look into the matter.

In the letter, Anwar reiterated his innocence, claiming that he was a victim of political conspiracy, and that he did not receive fair trials.

He also said that his lawyers had exhausted all avenues in seeking to expedite the hearings to no avail.

An obligation

To date, Anwar is awaiting hearing on four applications, including appeals against his conviction and sentencing for corruption and sodomy as well as a bail application pending the disposal of his appeals.

He is presently serving the first of his nine-year jail term for sodomy at the Sungai Buloh prison.

Meanwhile, questioned if there is likelihood that the CJ would agree to the meeting, Chua said Ahmad Fairuz has an obligation to do so as a civil servant.

"We are representing a serious concern. We have also been working on an international and domestic campaign to highlight the right of the people to be heard," he added.

Chua said the timing of this appeal is also important as it comes at a time when the country is to have a new prime minister following the retirement of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the end of the month.

The Keadilan vice-president said that incoming premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must assume the responsibility to ensure that the judiciary is free and impartial.