As PKR launches its countdown to the release of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, the people have been reminded not to let such injustice be repeated in future.

“We look forward to the day of Anwar Ibrahim’s release, and call upon all Malaysians to support Pakatan Harapan in GE14 so that injustices done to prisoners of conscience such as Anwar will never be repeated in this country.

“We must make all efforts to bring forth a new chapter in Malaysian history and start the rebuilding process so that our country may one day be a beacon of truth and justice that we can be proud to call our home again,” said Sarawak PKR chairperson Baru Bian in a statement today.

Anwar is due to be released on June 8, according to the Prisons Department.

However, some expressed concern if there are plans to delay the former opposition leader's release following Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed's warning last month that Anwar may have breached prison rules by issuing statements without permission, which could purportedly affect his early release.

Baru (photo), who is Ba'Kelalan assemblyperson, said today marks three years that Anwar Ibrahim has spent in jail “for the second time”.

Anwar was first jailed after he was sacked as deputy prime minister in former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration.

PKR, said Baru, is simultaneously launching the nationwide 'Bebas Anwar' (free Anwar) countdown this evening to commence marking “the remaining days for which Anwar Ibrahim will be deprived of his freedom by an unjust system and institutions that are tainted by unprincipled individuals”.

Highlighting international recognition of Anwar as a political prisoner, Bian noted his party leader's courage in facing his persecutors.

“Rather than taking up offers of asylum in foreign countries, Anwar was prepared to sacrifice five years of his life to stand by his principles and for democracy,” he said.

“The term in prison has not only robbed his family of the presence of a husband, father and grandfather, but it has also cost Anwar much in terms of his health.

“Yet through it all, he has remained calm and positive, and not allowed himself to become bitter and unforgiving.

“Exhibiting the traits of a true leader, he has welcomed his former adversaries from Umno into the opposition coalition to forge a stronger force against corruption and kleptocracy in Malaysia.”