Umno politicians opined the surprise release of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim today would not have an influence on the party particularly in view of the upcoming Umno annual general assembly.

Umno supreme council member Shahrir Abdul Samad said Anwar - who was Umno deputy president prior to his sacking - no longer wielded any influence in the party now.

"Times have changed. Anwar is no longer a political issue for Umno ... now it is about friendship and concern for his health condition," Shahrir, the Parliamentary Backbenchers Club head told reporters at the Parliament House lobby.

"His release is not a surprise to me ... personally I would like to say welcome back to Dato Seri Anwar," he added.

Asked whether today's development would be an issue to be discussed at Umno's annual meet at the end of this month, Shahrir replied: "It (Anwar's jailing) happened a long time ago."

The veteran politician also said that he did not think there was a political deal involved in the release of the former deputy premier.

"If there was, then it should have happened before the March general election. His release is just a matter of the process," he said.

'No influence'

Another Umno supreme council member, Nazri Abdul Aziz also said that Anwar no longer wielded an influence in the party though he said the former deputy premier had played an important role for the party and country.

"I think Anwar does not have an influence over the party anymore because Pak Lah (Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has strengthened the party as witnessed when all divisions unanimously nominated him as the party chairperson," Nazri told a press conference.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department argued the scenario might be different if Anwar did not establish opposition party Keadilan after he was sacked. The party is currently led by Anwar's wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

"He might still have influence today if he didn't set up Keadilan ... didn't fight with Umno and split the Malays. We in Umno clearly saw that he was fighting for his personal interest, hence today we have no cause for celebration," Nazri said.

Kelantan Umno liaison deputy chief Zaid Ibrahim described Anwar's release as 'good'.

"This is a good development for judiciary reform which will go a long way," said Zaid who is also a senior lawyer.

Gerakan secretary-general Chia Kwang Chye said he respected the Federal Court's decision regarding Anwar.

"I respect and accept it, it shows the independence of the judiciary in making a decision. Although the decision was not unanimous, it still prevails," said Chia, who is also the deputy internal security minister.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and People's Progressive Party president M Kayveas said the court's decision indicated that everyone was treated equally before law and there was no bias.

The deputy minister, who oversees legal affairs, also reminded Anwar that he was barred from political activities for the next five years.

Anwar's name cleared

On the opposition front, opposition leaders expressed hope that the cooperation among opposition parties would be enhanced following the release of Anwar.

DAP central executive committee member Teresa Kok and PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub both said they hoped Anwar's release would change the political landscape in Malaysia.

Asked whether the justice had been restored to Anwar in view of his release, Kok replied: "Justice? He should have been released earlier because he was framed and he had to serve the sentence because he had dissenting views with the ruling leader then."

PAS' Salahudin also expressed his happiness that Anwar could finally reunite with the family and undergo medical treatment for his worsening slipped disc condition overseas.

"I also hope his release signals a beginning of judicial reform," the Kubang Kerian MP said.

DAP Organising Secretary and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said the Anwar's release was much awaited.