Pakatan Rakyat should apologise to the public for its “wild, spurious and unfounded allegations” against the judiciary and government in relation to Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial.

gerakan agm 151011 chang ko youn Making the call in a statement today, Gerakan deputy president  Chang Ko Youn (right) said the ‘not guilty’ verdict delivered this morning has debunked these claims.

"It is only fair they apologise ... because over the past 3 years, they have made wild, spurious and unfounded allegations against the judiciary and government of manipulating the judicial process, manufacturing these charges and seeking to end Anwar's career.

"The acquittal vindicates the government and Pakatan leaders must have the courage to apologise."

Chang, who is chairperson of Gerakan’s central bureau on law and human rights, said the acquittal shows that the judiciary is independent and not an extension of the Executive as claimed by Pakatan leaders.

"I believe the public is wise enough to sift through Pakatan propaganda, and will not be taken in by their baseless allegations against the government. This decision shows that the institutions of government are intact and Malaysia is a functioning democracy," he said.

NONE Umno’s Kota Belud MP Abdul Rahman Dahlan echoed the view.

"I know they are celebrating but could someone remind Pakatan to send a little note of apology to Justice Zabidin Mohd Diah? I think he deserves it," he posted on his Twitter page.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), however, said the judgment reflects a "political verdict" and is a calculated move to save the BN from further losing support.

"The Sodomy II trial like the Sodomy 1 was a political charade by the ruling powers to undermine Anwar and the opposition he is leading. In the first place, Anwar should not have been charged and even if he was charged, evidence would show that the defence need not be called,” said secretary-general S Arutchelvan.

NONE "But the ruling powers wanted this charade to go on and finally this morning, a political verdict much to the wishes of the people was delivered."

Arutchelvan (left) said PSM views the ruling with caution but applauded the “brave people” for believing that power comes from them and not from a court in a judicial system tainted by scandals and corruption.

PSM pointed out that the role of the police in not disrupting the assembly also proves that rallies can take place without incident, if the police stay neutral.

"Nevertheless, the freshness in the air supporting the verdict was contaminated by three unexplained explosives.

 

"It seems that the explosives illustrate the challengers ahead and that the struggle for change has to continue. Today the young vibrant crowd from all religions and racial backgrounds gives hope that the people will march and built the momentum for genuine change.”

‘Process has not ended’

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali, who had called for a counter-rally this morning but failed to show up, said the case is far from over because the prosecution can still appeal to a higher court.

NONE "I believe the public prosecutor will make an appeal to be fair to (complainant Mohd) Saiful (Bukhari Azlan)... if the public prosecutor appeals, the process to seek justice is yet to end,” he said in a text-message to the media.

"After Appeal Court (three judges), there is still Federal Court (three to seven judges) thus all is not final yet.

"All quarters must accept the court's decision... all the while Perkasa has been calling all quarters to respect the rule of law. Do not create chaos and make judgment before the court.

"Before this there were quarters openly accused the court of being unfair, having conspiracy and wanted the people to become the judge. Now what else can they say? Are they still not convinced of the court's justice?"

 

PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man reminded all party workers to focus on the party’s campaign as elections are likely to be held in the shortest possible time now.

In a statement released soon after the verdict was delivered, he said he expects the Umno-owned media to burnish the prime minister’s image in the wake of the court decision.