A deputy minister has urged the public not to be emotional over the ongoing appeal concerning Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction and reminded that justice is for all irrespective of stature.

Ahmad Maslan, who is also Umno information chief, said the public should not perceive the opposition leader as the sole "victim" in the matter.

"We as government leaders and Umno respect the court's decision. We accept. If the court finds Anwar not guilty, we will respect that decision.

"But we should not pressure the court like what is happening now.

"Because justice is not only for big people like the former deputy prime minister but also small people like his former aide," he told reporters outside the Parliament lobby.

The Federal Court is currently hearing Anwar's appeal after the Court of Appeal convicted him of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, and sentenced him to five years in prison.

The opposition leader, who was initially acquitted by the High Court, has always maintained that the charge was fabricated by his political rivals.

However, the government has vehemently denied this.

Look at facts

Ahmad urged all parties not to cloud their judgement with emotions.

 

H e said he has read all 85 pages of the Court of Appeal’s judgement on Anwar when the court sentenced the opposition leader to five years’ imprisonment early this year.

 

“I have read the facts (in the court decision) because I wanted to know what happened. I hope the people will accept it with an open mind and without emotions.

 

“I don’t like to use emotions. Whether ‘Justice for Saiful’ or ‘People are Judges of the Nation’, those use emotions,” he said, referring to slogans used by Saiful’s and Anwar’s supporters.

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