'This is the beginning of the healing process for our family and many people in Malaysia,' were the immediate words of Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail after the Federal Court allowed her husband's appeal against a sodomy conviction today.

Speaking to reporters in the courthouse, she thanked all those who had supported the former deputy premier and her over the past few years.

"I thank them very much, I think there's hope for us to move forward. This shows the Malaysian judiciary is truly independent," she said.

Wan Azizah, who is also the president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), said she will continue to lead the party for now 'but in future, it will be up to the members'.

The Permatang Pauh parliamentarian then broke out into tears when Anwar's lawyers congratulated and hugged him.

The couple's eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, who was visibly elated by the verdict, said that justice has finally been served.

"Justice has been long delayed but finally there's hope for judiciary independence in Malaysia," she added.

Newfound courage

Meanwhile, political leaders and international observers saw the decision as a 'turning point' for the judiciary.

"We hope the judiciary gets back to its feet," said Anwar's lawyer, Karpal Singh

"This is a very significant victory for Anwar and opens up another chapter for him," added the DAP deputy chairperson and Bukit Gelugor MP.

Parliamentary Opposition Leader and DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang was a bit more philosophical and described the decision as "sharp light to dispel the darkness that overshadowed the judiciary over half a decade".

"This was the important message from Malaysia to the world, Malaysia is again trying to become a normal country where there is full respect for the rule of law which does not countenance any form of abuse of power and where the separation of powers are honoured," he said.

International Commission of Jurists vice president Param Cumaraswamy said the international community welcomes the decision as it shows the resurgence of judiciary independence in this country.

"Finally justice has been done. Finally the court have found the courage they never had under Mahathir's regime," he said, adding that the decision 'speaks well' of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration.

Real judges

Commenting on the decision, PKR Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor said that 'finally we have found real judges'.

He stressed that the decision proved Anwar was innocent and a victim of political conspiracy.

Also full of praise for the decision was International Movement for a Just World (Just) president Dr Chandra Muzaffar.

In a press statement, he said the decision clearly indicates that the judiciary is beginning to function once again as an independent institution 'not beholden to any power'.

He noted that the verdict is not only a great victory for the judiciary, but also "a triumph for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is trying hard to uphold the principles of good governance".

Meanwhile, PAS seceratry-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa said Barisan Alternatif (BA) leaders are looking forward towards Anwar's return to politics.

"I am confident he will be back in the political scenario. We'll keep our promise made during the 1999 elections that if Anwar is released, he'll be the top leader of BA."

DAP's top two leaders also said they are looking forward to Anwar's return to active politics, with Karpal quipping that he would be the next prime minister of Malaysia.