The United States yesterday hailed the acquittal of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on sodomy charges, saying it was an opportunity for Malaysians to move forward.

“We welcome the closure of this long-running case, which we have followed closely,” State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a statement.

NONE“The ruling reflects favorably on the independence of Malaysia's judiciary and presents an opportunity for all Malaysians to focus on the future,” Nuland added.

Yesterday’s unexpected verdict ended a two-year sodomy trial against the former deputy premier, who was sacked in 1998 and jailed on previous sodomy charges.

Anwar told AFP he was now clear to focus on the prize he has sought since his shock ouster from the ruling party in 1998: consigning the governing Barisan Nasional coalition to history.

Sodomy is illegal in Muslim-majority Malaysia and punishable by up to 20 years in jail.

During a visit to Kuala Lumpur in November 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed Anwar’s case with Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman who promised that the politician would get a fair trial.

EU  welcomes acquittal

Catherine Ashton, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, has hailed the integrity of Malaysia's judiciary system in light of its verdict to acquit Anwar Ibrahim on a sodomy charge, reports Bernama.

Her views was sent through a statement issued by a spokesperson from the EU's headquarters in Brussels.

The statement read:"The High Representative welcomes the fact that Anwar Ibrahim has been acquitted. This verdict shows the integrity of Malaysia's judicial system, which is an essential pillar in a democratic system.

"The High Representative hopes that the matter will now be put to rest."