The truth will prevail, says Azmin

(The Star) – PKR believes the truth will prevail in the prosecution’s appeal against the High Court’s decision to acquit Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for a sodomy charge.

Its deputy president Azmin Ali said the party was not surprised by the appeal but claimed it was done following “pressure” from certain groups.

“It is regrettable. We are ready to face the appeal and Anwar is also ready.

“We are confident as we are convinced that Anwar is innocent,” he said after distributing Chinese New Year goodies to the poor here.

Prosecutors had filed the notice of appeal at the High Court criminal registry on Friday.

The High Court had acquitted and discharged Anwar on Jan 9 due to lack of corroborative evidence.

He had been charged with sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

The A-G’s Chambers had said that the decision to appeal was not influenced by any party or emotion, but based on evidence and law.

The decision, it added, would enable the department to obtain the full written judgment and the record of proceedings.

On another matter, Azmin said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim‘s decision to hold the state’s Islamic Affairs portfolio was mutually agreed upon by Pakatan Rakyat leaders, including PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang.