The second series of Anwar sodomy trial is set to start tomorrow after a 10 year recess. In the first series, Anwar was convicted but after spending 6 years in prison for corruption charges, the High court overturned the sodomy charges. Legally, he is acquitted on this sexual demeanour. The first trial gripped many Malaysians and the world with salacious and juicy details of the once 2nd most powerful man, prime minister in waiting of Malaysia.
It also divided the nation and split the Malay ground. Many believe it was a conspiracy to end Anwar political career at any cost. Mahathir bore the brunt of the political fallout when it did poorly in the subsequent general election and may have hastened the early retirement of Mahathir. The political landscape was altered permanently especially in UMNO.
This time around it was a 22 year old aide that claimed he was sodomised by Anwar. There was of course a lot of scepticism on the ground. It is a crime in Malaysia for anal sex. If it was consensual sex between Azlan and Anwar, then both should be charged. As only Anwar is charged, it means than Azan was forcibly sodomised.
Many puzzling questions are asked. Is a 60 year old man so strong to be able to overcome a young 22 year old, stripping his pants, force him to bent and held him for the penetration? So who is not telling the truth?
And how did this young man secured permission to seek PM Najib counsel. How many ordinary citizens have a chance to meet the PM in private?
Well these questions will be best left to the prosecutor as well as the defence counsel to address in court.
Without doubt the trial will become a soap opera for the world to view and enjoy. Unfortunately the fallout from this trial will be very damaging for the country image. Within the country, the trial is set to crack the fissure deeper and further divide the nation at a time when energy should have been focus on the recovering economy.
The microscope will be on the Malaysian Judiciary. In fact, this trial is a trial on the integrity of the Malaysian judiciary system. If not handle properly, it will further erode the credibility of the judiciary system. The police too are on trial. Any wrong or silly prosecution will further affirm the prejudicial nature and incompetence of the attorney general and the police force.
Most citizens of Malaysia have anticipated the final judgement basing on the experience of the first trial. The verdict is a foregone conclusion. The legal system allows appeal from any parties on the outcome of the verdict. This will drag the case for years. Whatever the court judgement, the real judge for this trial is the Malaysian public as well as all the international communities. Public perception and opinion will be crucial to the next general election in Malaysia as either Anwar or UMNO will be buried in history.
Whichever way the judgement goes, there will be no winner. The country, the politicians and the citizens will have to bear the consequences.
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