Local and international organisations heralded the release of ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and his adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja as a new beginning for the judicial system here.

Amnesty International (AI) described the Federal Court's decision to allow the duo's appeals as a historic milestone in the restoration of confidence in the rule of law and respect for human rights in Malaysia.

Its deputy Asia director Catherine Baber hoped the ruling will serve as a lasting reminder of the role the judiciary must play in scrutinising executive actions and preserving key principles.

"These include freedom of speech and political dissent which are enshrined in Malaysia's constitution and international human rights standard," she said in a statement today.

AI urged the government o continue its efforts to reform the police and other justice institutions.

Baber said the significance of Anwar's arrest and prosecution went far beyond the fate of one individual.

"It exposed a pattern of political manipulation of key state institutions which are crucial in safeguarding human rights in Malaysia," she added.

Local human rights group Suaram also welcomed the decision and expressed hope that the verdict will mark a new chapter for the judiciary to regain its "long-lost independence and credibility".

Turning point

Also praising the decision, the Bar Council said the verdict signified a meaningful turning point in the Malaysian legal and judicial system and demonstrated that justice here can be independent of politics.

Its chairperson Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari said it is hoped that the verdict will set the future direction for our judiciary to regain its independence and credibility.

"This significant step must be continuously reinforced and built upon in order to fully regain its independence and credibility," he added in a statement.

Islamic groups, the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) and Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) also commended the court's decision.

"Abim hopes this bitter episode will be allowed to pass and urges all to learn from it in the spirit of forgiveness as espoused in Islam," said its president Ahmad Azam Abdul Rahman in a statement.

Meanwhile, artistes group Komuniti Seni Jalan Telawi took the opportunity to call on the government to allow greater space for freedom of expression in the light of Anwar's release.

The 16-member group hoped that the release would create an impact on the political circle and push those in power to provide freedom, democracy and justice to all, including artistes.

Anwar and Sukma were convicted of a sodomy offence in 1999.