BN MP: Najib's approval rating set to soar

Anwar Ibrahim’s acquittal proves that the courts are fair and this will work in favour of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, said Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

In a series of Twitter postings hours after the verdict was pronounced, the Sabah Umno politician said those who will be most affected are the fence sitters.

“The hardcore BN and Pakatan Rakyat supporters would not be affected, but fence sitters will appreciate the fact that the courts are impartial,” wrote Abdul Rahman ( right ).

“One thing for sure, Najib’s approval rating would soar after this,” he added.

However, Abdul Rahman said he believes that Malaysians will now evaluate both BN and Pakatan based on their respective policy documents.

“This is an opportunity for Msians to press that reset button. We now fight for Putrajaya on merit. BukuJingga vs ETP/GTP/PTP. Best men win,” he said.

DAP: Fence sitters might back BN

Previously, Pakatan Rakyat had warned that BN will face a backlash from the voters should Anwar be jailed over allegations of sodomising his former aide Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

The court said it cannot be absolutely sure that the DNA evidence was not compromised and thus granted the acquittal.

Now that Anwar has been acquitted, Pakatan strategists believe that it is not all gloom for the fledgling coalition. 

For DAP election strategist Liew Chin Tong ( left ) believes that now that Anwar has been found not guilty, the chances of fence sitters voting against BN out of anger are reduced.

However, Liew believes that the verdict will be a major morale booster for Pakatan Rakyat in their pre-election preparation.

“It can be both ways and maybe the two effects would cancel each other out,” said Liew when met after the verdict was delivered.

He said that there is an estimated 15 percent fence sitters, or what he terms “swing voters”, among the Malay community that may be inclined to vote BN after the verdict.

With the Sodomy II trial out of the way, Liew said Pakatan should focus on its economic policies as part of its campaign strategy.

PAS: Certainty in leadership

For PAS election bureau chief Dr Hatta Ramli ( right ), he believes that the verdict is more likely to benefit Pakatan because the coalition is now certain of its leadership.

"It motivates us, we know Anwar will be with us and lead us in next election," he said when met earlier today.

He said that from Anwar’s nationwide road trip last week, the support from the public for the Pakatan coalition was very positive.

“The crowds were massive,” he said.

Hatta predicts polls would be called in June and said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak cannot wait much longer.

In a statement today, he expected that Umno-owned media will attempt to burnish Najib's image using the court's decision.