The tone of around two-thirds of them mirrored the outrage that sparked violence on the streets of the country's capital Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Anwar was jailed for six years after being found guilty of abusing his powers to suppress allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

'Black day' for Malaysia

Many said the end of the long-running trial marked a dark day for Malaysia.

"It is unfair- a very sad day for Islam and Malaysia," Muhammed Ali Ibrahim wrote.

Rusman, also of Malaysia wrote: "Today, I am ashamed to be a Malaysian. Looks like the rot is too deeply entrenched."

Another Malaysian, Abdullah, contributed to the Talking Point with: "Today is a sad and black day as the evil "triumph". The saddest is to see people in office willing to corroborate and betray human conscience and justice."

Others feared what the trial, verdict and sentencing could mean for the everyday person on the street.

"There are a lot of powerless residents in Malaysia being 'bullied' by the powerful. However, a clear message conveyed by the verdict today - do not challenge any of them, being absolutely obedient is the best thing to do," Ann, of Malaysia, wrote.

West disapproval urged

Some contributors called for the West to voice strong disapproval at the legal process which has landed Mr Anwar behind bars.

"The world should and must express its disapproval at the outrageous but nonetheless expected decision to jail Anwar," said Malaysian, Lim.

"What has happened with Anwar is oppression in its starkest form and the international community should be up in arms," Conor McNicholas from the UK wrote.

But others wrote that the West had no business in Malaysian affairs.

"One has to respect each country's style of justice. There can never be one style of justice for the world. After all this is politics (and who says politics was ever played on level ground?). The one in power will always take advantage of their position no matter who they are," said Tan, of Singapore.

Support for Mahathir

In a statement in the High Court after the verdict, Mr Anwar called his conviction "an absolute disgrace" and accused Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of plotting against him.

But Dr Mahathir had his supporters amongst those writing to News Online.

"There is nothing great about Anwar if not of his close relationship with the West who never liked Mahathir. Considering his position, the six years to me is not enough. He deserves more. It is not a conspiracy by Mahathir but by Anwar to topple his boss. Now we Malaysians see the true colours of Anwar," Abu Zarin of Malaysia wrote.

Another writer agreed.

"If Anwar wasn't guilty, then why didn't he even attempt to defend himself? I think the majority of Malaysians can get the true colour of Anwar from this very action. He wants to portray himself as a hero but the truth is he is a villain, and justice has proved it so," Kafil Wara Choudhury of the US said.

Lessons to be drawn

A significant proportion of the contributors urged lessons to be drawn from the case.

"For Malaysians, the time has come to work hard to bring about radical changes and reformation in our judicial system so that future well-being of our children is protected," Ahmad Shadzli Abdul Wahab from Malaysia wrote.

"It is time for Malaysia to have reform in all branches of government, not just for Anwar Ibrahim's sake but for the next generation," Malaysian Ariffin Ghazali said.

But Thaatchaayini of Malaysia suggested more radical action.

"If this is the government we as people of Malaysia voted for then I strongly suggest we reconsider our priorities. What we need is not a reformation but a complete revolution. The only remedy for injustice is asserting our power as the people of this country."