Analysts: Free Anwar Campaign 901 opposition ploy to dupe public

(Bernama) – The Free Anwar Campaign 901, planned by  Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Youth, is seen as merely championing the interests of opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The campaign, to be held simultaneously with the judgement on Anwar’s sodomy case on Jan 9, is seen as a platform to convince the people that everything is a conspiracy to topple Anwar.
   
But, generally, observers are of the view that the action, to trigger chaos, such as the one in 1998, showed that Anwar and his followers believe that he would be found guilty.
   
Political analyst Md Shukri Shuib said it was not right that his supporters continued to be exploited, when the case was a private one. 
   
He said it was clear that PKR was not championing the interest of the people but only to ensure Anwar’s position was secure.
   
The Universiti Utara Malaysia Political and International Studies lecturer said Anwar’s supporters should be able to differentiate between personal and national interests.    
   
“Where is their transparency? If they are championing Anwar’s right in the judgement, where are they placing Saiful’s interest as he also has a right.
   
“The sentiment that should be understood is equity in legal rights, regardless of if one is an opposition leader or an ordinary person. This equity should be understood and adhered strongly to by society,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
      
Another political analyst, Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk, who concurred with the opinion, said those keen to join the campaign should understand judiciary procedure.
   
Azeem Fazwan, who is also Universiti Sains Malaysia Political Science Programme chairman, said an appeal could be made to the Appeals Court or the Federal Court if Anwar was found guilty.
   
He said they should understand that a decision made by the courts in a country practising democracy must be respected by all parties.
   
He said Anwar’s supporters should not practice double standards and always question court decisions which were seen as not in their favour.