Anwar: I am still the Opposition leader and remain optimistic

(The Rakyat Post) – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains optimistic that the court’s decision in his Sodomy 2 case on Feb 10 will favour him, based on the facts, evidence and submissions done.

Till then, he stressed that he would continue to lead Pakatan Rakyat.

“I am still the Opposition leader. I remain optimistic that nothing will happen on Feb 10.

“Based on the evidence and facts of law, there is no possibility for there to be a guilty verdict,” he told reporters after opening the 12th International Youth Gathering at a hotel here today.

He also said he, his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and family were prepared to accept anything and they were much stronger compared to previously.

“I pray to Allah to give my wife and family the strength and patience they need to stand by my side and go through these difficult times.”

The Federal Court has set Feb 10 to deliver its verdict in the final appeal by Anwar against his conviction and five-year jail sentence on the charge of having sodomised his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan six years ago.

If Anwar loses his appeal, he will be disqualified as the Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh as per Article 48(1)(e) of the Federal Constitution, which states that an MP would be disqualified if he or she is sentenced to a jail term of more than a year or fined more than RM2,000.