A group of student activists have petitioned the Yang Dipertuan Agong to grant a royal pardon to jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

 

“This petition is sent in response to his political imprisonment, the attempt to stifle the voice of the opposition leader, the international condemnations. It’s also to fight the political conspiracy against him,” said spokesperson Adam Fistival Wilfrid today.

 

Meanwhile, student activist Vince Tan ( left ), said since the Federal Court has upheld Anwar's conviction, seeking pardon from the Agong is the last avenue for the opposition leader.

 

The students came with placards that read “Petition to seek pardon for opposition leader”, and posed with them outside Istana Negara.

 

The students had earlier met with a representative of the Agong’s secretary at the palace to convey their message and their petition, at about 3.30pm.

 

Asked about the possible outcome of the petition, Progressive former treasurer Alvin Yap said: "There's only one word that I would use – positivism. I hope for the best," he said.

 

Anwar is serving a five-year prison sentence at Sungai Buloh prison since last month, after the Federal Court upheld a sodomy conviction against him. He has repeatedly claimed his innocence.

 

Miscarriage of justice

Soon after the court decision, Anwar’s family filed a petition to the Agong, asking for clemency on grounds that there had been a miscarriage of justice .

 

Anwar’s ( right) fate will be decided at the Pardons Board , which is chaired by the Agong. Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor, and three other appointees of the prime minister are members.

There is no time limit on when the Pardons Board should meet.

 

Adam said the group will follow up the palace’s response to the petition next week.

 

Apart from Anwar’s imprisonment, Adam said that since the 13th general election, more than 60 activists, academicians, representatives and members of the public have been arrested, investigated, charged, or imprisoned under the Sedition Act, Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission Act (MCMC), Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA), and the Peaceful Assembly Act.

 

“These acts are impeding the freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 10 of the federal constitution. Is the government trying to silence dissent?" asked Adam.