YOURSAY ‘The verdict was already delivered even before the trial started.’

Anwar guilty of Sodomy II, jailed 5 years

UBA: Kafkaesque does not begin to describe the despicable proceedings surrounding Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan's anus.

Are the learned judges unaware that it is public knowledge that Saiful was Najib Abdul Razak and Rosmah Mansor's house guest - in the presence of Muhammad Shafee Abdullah - two days before he lodged his infamous police report against Anwar Ibrahim?

The expression, Palace of Justice, is a contradiction in terms. Since when have palaces been associated with justice?

CiViC: Anwar is going to jail for sure. BN will not pass on such a golden opportunity to kill off Anwar and gain Kajang at the same time. The verdict was already delivered even before the trial started.

Ferdtan: What is the perception of the people’s court? What is the verdict? It is not Anwar Ibrahim but the judiciary which is guilty.

This is the day our free judiciary died completely. There is no more hope. There is no other way. Umno-BN must go and the bad judges in the judiciary must be held accountable. Forget about spiritual benevolence - never forgive and forget. The line has been crossed.

With so many discrepancies, the court can still find Anwar guilty. Why the rush for the sentencing before mitigation? Obviously it is the Kajang by-election - BN can’t win so they jail him. How convenient?

The rush to jail Anwar, knowing he will not lead the fight in a more powerful position as a new Selangor MB, is to protect Putrajaya. They know they are safe as the not-too-politically-savvy MB Khalid Ibrahim is still the person leading Selangor.

PKR together with its coalition partners must organise gatherings/ceramahs to explain to the people of the unfair trial leading to the conviction of Anwar all over the country.

We shall be there to lend support. Freedom for Anwar shall be the rallying cry for all. We cry for Malaysia.

Quigonbond: The statement that "often in criminal prosecution the prosecution is required to prove beyond reasonable doubt" is wrong.

It is trite law, since our independence, that the prosecution always had to prove beyond reasonable doubt.

The standards for a prima facie case may not be as high, but the case went on full trial. The defence only has to cast reasonable doubt.

Looking at the defence submission, our judicial independence, our rule of law, and the very foundation of our very own Malaysian common law will be turned on its head if they allow the government's appeal.

There are just too many holes in the prosecution's chain of evidence, and Shafee being there won't make a nickel’s worth of difference.

If Anwar is convicted on appeal, I hope some press are courageous enough to state “Umno's future secured by Saiful's intrepid ass”.

Anonymous #40538199: In criminal cases, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Conviction based on the balance of probabilities may ‘kangaroolise’ the court and put the reputation of the judiciary in jeopardy.

Clever Voter: History has reminded us that the majority of autocratic regimes have on record destroyed their opposition through violence, including deprivation of their basic needs.

Malaysia, however, has taken one step further through the use of the judiciary to make illegitimate legitimate.

Anonymous_3e21: In Malaysia, Shafee is untouchable and enjoys such a great standing. Even his SMS exchanges with Najib pertaining to the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case can be brushed aside just like that.

For him, Anwar must be convicted no matter what so that he can be rewarded with the post of his dreams.

Muhibbah: This generation may have failed to make this country a better place. The fight will be carried out to the next and next generations. History will see to it that justice is delivered to Anwar and his family. Long live reformasi!

Anonymous_40f4: Why all these drama by in court? Is it to fool the world that we have a justice system and we are giving Anwar a fair hearing?

Umno is just trying to be smart but the rakyat know that Anwar will be found guilty to prevent him from being a pain for Umno.

Michael Ng 34f2: This is really rotten to the core - the way they are trying to stop Anwar. I really take my hat off to him as the number of brickbats thrown at him is endless.

Rajakera: One day in the future, when and not if, lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and the prosecutors are in court fighting for their skin, the judgment will be based on balance of probabilities as there is already a precedent. Reasonable doubt will no longer be the guidelines.

Syabas, Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, your time is nigh.

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