 Datuk Anwar Ibrahim's plan to win the Kajang by-election and become the Selangor menteri besar was scuttled by the Court of Appeal that overturned his acquittal for sodomy. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is looking at a long jail sentence after the Court of Appeal found him guilty of sodomising his former aide six years ago. There was an uproar in the courtroom when the verdict was read out, overturning the High Court's earlier decision to acquit him for sodomy. It was an unanimous decision. Judge Datuk Balia Yusof Wahi, who is leading a three-man bench, has yet to pass sentence, which is a jail term of up to 20 years. With this verdict, Anwar's political career looks to have ended. He will be disqualified from all his political positions and will not be the PKR candidate in the Kajang by-election to be held later this month. There was further tension in the courtroom and those in the public gallery shouted at the bench, causing the judge to adjourn proceedings for one hour. In an immediate response, PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli said: "The worst feeling is that I am not shocked and was prepared mentally for this round of injustice." Former Bersih co-chair Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan said through her Twitter account, that she was shocked and called on Anwar to stay strong "I can't believe this is happening!" she said. DAP's Elizabeth Wong, who is Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman, said: "Shocking. Court of Appeals overturns High Court decision to acquit @anwaribrahim. Where is Justice?" Batu MP Tian Chua tweeted: "Najib has declared war against Pakatan Rakyat; the people are ready for an all out uprising!" Ahead of the decision, this afternoon police tightened security outside the court and closed the road in front of the Palace of Justice (PoJ) in Precinct 2, Putrajaya. The main compound outside the PoJ was also cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape. Media personnel were issued passes to enter the courtroom, while access was limited for visitors and supporters. There were at least 50 media personnel waiting outside the courtroom. Police presence was limited, with groups of 4-5 personnel posted at strategic locations, including the PoJ entrance, in the main lobby and outside the courtroom. – March 7, 2014. TMI
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