When former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived at the Federal Court Complex in Putrajaya around 8.45am today for his sodomy appeal verdict , a small number of supporters and large number of media representatives had already gathered outside.

Soon the crowd grew in size and the Federal Reserve Unit personnel followed suit.

"I saw three FRU trucks and one water cannon unit parked some distance from here when I was on my way earlier," said a long-time Anwar supporter, who declined to be named.

The colour code for the day was light blue, synonymous with the colour of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) headed by Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Men in light blue shirts and women in blue tudung (headscarves) were seated on the steps leading to the court complex housed in the magnificent Palace of Justice.

Others stood close to the glass doors hoping to catch a glimpse of Anwar while a handful of uniformed police personnel kept watch.

Banners and flags

Recognisable figures early on in the day consisted of DAP parliamentarian Teresa Kok, PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali and vice-president Tian Chua. Also present was DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang and his son Guan Eng.

Optimism and energy picked up when several ex-Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees arrived.

Hugs were shared all around when PKR leaders Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, Abdul Ghani Haron and Saari Sungip, all of whom had been detained under the security law, appeared.

PKR flags and banners were then unravelled among the crowd, which among others read ' Bebaskan Anwar' (Free Anwar). Some also took the opportunity to sell party memorabilia.

Tiny black ribbons were also distributed among the crowd - which by now had swelled up to about 150 - symbolising 'black justice' in reference to what they claim as injustice imposed on Anwar since he was dethroned by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Following this, chants of 'reformasi' and 'merdeka Anwar' began to reverberate followed by a prayer for Anwar led by PAS leader Dr Badrul Amin Baharon.

By 11 am there were about 200 people waiting anxiously to hear the verdict.

Pandemonium erupts

Minutes later, pandemonium erupted when one of Anwar's lawyers Zulkifli Nordin came out and announced that the jailed politician's appeal has been allowed.

Many broke out in tears and began to hug each other in joy, while the black ribbons were cast aside. Chants of 'reformasi' and 'hidup Anwar' erupted once again.

"It finally happened! Years of waiting and now we finally have our leader freed!" shouted one of the supporters.

With tears streaming down his face, PKR Kota Bahru secretary Rosalan Ismail said: "I've been waiting for this for so long and now I'm just speechless and so moved by this moment".

The crowd then rushed to the door to welcome their leader and about 50 people managed to slip into the lobby before the police cordoned off the area.

Karpal chaired

About 30 minutes later and amid deafening applause, Anwar's lead counsel Christopher Fernando appeared, followed by Kit Siang.

When DAP deputy chairperson Karpal Singh, who was also one of Anwar's lawyers, made his way to the front door, he was chaired by the delirious supporters.

Ten minutes later, Anwar, wearing a neck brace and seated in a wheelchair, was brought to the glass door. He was accompanied by his wife and children.

The crowd, pressed against the doors, went into a frenzy as the former deputy premier waved at them.

He was later taken to the court police station and subsequently whisked away to his father's house in Kajang in an unmarked van escorted by two police outriders.