BN to gain from Anwar’s verdict, say leaders
(The Star) – The verdict in Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim‘s sodomy case will hand Barisan Nasional and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak an advantage, say Barisan leaders.
Barisan Backbenchers Club vice-chairman and Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan expressed confidence that the fence-sitters would appreciate that the courts are independent.
“One thing is for sure Najib’s approval rating will soar after this,” he said yesterday.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there was no conspiracy to jail Anwar although he was puzzled with the acquittal verdict.
“It (the conspiracy) was all Anwar’s ill-thoughts that he would surely be convicted just to make him suffer.
“The verdict is proof that there was no conspiracy before and now,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said the Government had lost several court cases and Umno was once found illegal during his tenure as prime minister.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the people should ensure that peace and order prevail.
Overseas Umno Clubs chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the verdict dismissed assumptions that the courts showed favouritism and were unfair when handling cases involving the Opposition.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said Anwar’s acquittal proved that the Government did not hold sway over judges’ decisions.
Parti Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said it was unnecessary for Anwar to make a drama about preparing to go to jail when his acquittal showed that the judiciary did not favour anyone.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the country would become lawless if the people do not respect the judiciary.
Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said that once the government reforms kicked in, more young people would rally behind Najib because he is delivering on his promises and not merely just talking about change.
MCA Young Professionals bureau chairman Datuk Chua Tee Yong chided the Opposition for jumping the gun, saying their views on the trial changed as and when it suited them.
