While many Malaysians wait in anticipation for the crucial Federal Court's decision on jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 2, some are hoping that the judiciary will uphold the law.

National Human Rights Society (Hakam) deputy president Malik Imtiaz said he could not anticipate the outcome and it would be inappropriate for him to speculate about the decision. However, he hopes for a fair decision on Thursday.

"It is an opportunity for the Federal Court to show the Malaysian public that the rule of law is still observed in the country and we hope to see a judgment which is fair, just and in accordance with the law," said the lawyer.

Anwar is appealing against the nine-year jail sentence imposed by the High Court in August 2000 after the politician was found guilty of sodomising Azizan Abu Bakar, the former driver of his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

He was arrested in 1998, initially under the Internal Security Act (ISA), following his dismissal from the government.

The Federal Court appeal will be Anwar's last chance to have his nine-year sentence quashed, on the grounds that the conduct of the trial four years ago was deeply flawed.

He has completed his sentence for his first conviction for corruption, and is currently serving the sentence for sodomy.

'Political case'

International Movement for a Just World president Chandra Muzaffar found it a little difficult to guess on what the outcome would be.

"Given the nature of the case, he should be freed as there's no reason why he shouldn't be, but I don't know if that's going to happen," he said.

Chandra, who was also once detained under the ISA, said that Anwar's release did not seem likely as this was a "political case".

"Perhaps what one can hope for is a reduced sentence. That is not inconceivable," he added.

If the Federal Court appeal fails, Anwar will remain in jail until 2014. However, he could be out by 2009 given the standard two-third remission for good behaviour.

'Not confident'

Meanwhile, local human rights organisation Suaram said it is not confident of the judiciary's integrity to pass a favourable decision.

However, it will undoubtedly be elated if the court releases Anwar, whom it regards as a prisoner of conscience.

"Our confidence in the trial is not very high and although we want the judiciary to be independent and assertive in its role, the trend has not been encouraging given all the postponements...," said Eric Paulsen, who is Suaram programme coordinator.

"We doubt that the judiciary has the will and strength to push for his release but if it happens, Suaram will be overjoyed as it will not only mark a wonderful day for Anwar and his family but also for the independence of the judiciary," he added.

The Federal Court's decision on Anwar's appeal, originally set for July 22, had been postponed for the second time on Aug 20 after a request for a deferment from chief prosecutor, attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail, who said he had to be in Hong Kong for another case.

Anwar is currently warded in Hospital Kuala Lumpur after his slipped disc condition worsened. He is expected to be hospitalised indefinitely while awaiting urgent operation on his bad back.

Anwar has sought surgery in Germany but his request was denied by the government.