PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang today latched on to the PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy guilty verdict to advocate to syariah law.

PAS has been pushing for the implementation of the syariah penal code–the hudud–which is stongly-opposed by Pakatan Rakyat partners DAP.

"Today is a black mark on our nation’s history, and repeats the tragedy which once befell Anwar. The rakyat must see this as a way to stop Anwar who is consistently the people’s champion.

"It also reminds us that only syariah law can give true justice and solutions to all confusion and slander, like in this case.

"We should all give PAS their confidence to fight for the supremacy of syariah law in Malaysia, including upholding the Islamic way of life," he said in a statement.

He also urged Anwar, his family and Pakatan leaders and supporters to remain patient and continue their fight for justice against the common enemy.

"We are diverse but we must unite harmoniously so we can be strong and topple BN."

Anwar was today sentenced to five years jail by the Federal Court which upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision to convict Anwar on charges of sodomising his aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

The Opposition Leader said his wish is for Pakatan to remain intact while he is serving time in the Sungai Buloh prison.

DAP and PAS are at loggerheads over the hudud and local government elections which DAP want but PAS opposes.

Pakatan leadership council met last Sunday after months of cold shoulders, but deferred decisions on these issues pending Anwar’s verdict.

It will meet this weekend to decide who will take over from Anwar as to lead the Opposition bench in the Dewan Rakyat.