MP SPEAKS We all know that regimes use ‘bark on’ intelligence to manipulate long-term favourable outcomes.

NONE Today, we saw this unfold in Malaysia when Anwar Ibrahim was acquitted on a sodomy charge, despite the fact that he will certainly continue to be a thorn in the side of the BN-led federal government.

Anwar's potential to embarrass government, coupled with its hysteria and fears, mean that the father of six would have been better off in jail or at least convicted of sodomy.

But this did not happen as widely anticipated. Although I am happy that Anwar is a free man, this freedom simply cannot be a political decision used to hoodwink the people.

Notwithstanding premier Najib Abdul Razak's hawkish leadership, I hope this is not another calculated measure to stem potentially huge losses for BN in the next general election, widely expected in March.

To put it simply, we cannot have Anwar walking free today, only to be found guilty by the Court of Appeal - by which time, the election would be over.

The trial has been dubious from the very beginning. It was riddled with inconsistencies and contradictions. Not only was Anwar denied crucial documents but the DNA samples, evidence the prosecution heavily relied on, was tainted.

We saw the government's manipulation in the circulation of Anwar's so-called sex video to scar his image while ruling politicians took pot-shots at him to further tarnish his reputation.

He was labelled as a stooge for the Americans, pro-Chinese and even portrayed as a Jewish agent. If this is not enough, his family was also threatened.

This was also extended to Anwar’s colleagues and other opposition politicians who were hit with allegations of corruption. These dirty tactics were manufactured to weaken the Pakatan Rakyat leadership, particularly in Selangor.

Slash-and-burn politics

The federal government had ample help from the local media, which did not hesitate to demonise Anwar and the opposition coalition partners.

azlan The Malaysian media has become a powerful ally of official lies spewed out by the federal government. It's almost like the American media which, smitten by gaffes, glosses over actual problems like the nation’s desperate poor and economic disaster.

Savagely single-minded Umno politicians must however understand that arbitrary decisions and smear campaigns will not work any more.

Slash-and-burn politics coupled with the potent right-wing news media have been rejected by the rakyat, who are geared to throw out the BN in the next election.

anwar ceramah in seremban 040112 This is evident in the thousands who turned up for Anwar's rallies during his recent nationwide tour and at the Kuala Lumpur High Court this morning.

Maybe Najib and Umno know they cannot continue to be inspired by the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels who said "if you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it".

Likewise, they must understand that Malaysians will not translate Anwar's acquittal to mean the judiciary is independent. They can see through this shadow play of Najib to regain the confidence of the people.

Today's judgment is a victory for the people. It demonstrates the power of the people.

Let's exercise that power at the ballot box to, once and for all, overthrow a corrupt and dictatorial government.

 

CHARLES SANTIAGO is the DAP’s member of parliament for Klang.