Background ¦ Your reaction

The Background:

The conviction of Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, marks the end of a five month trial on sex and corruption charges which has plunged the country into political turmoil.

The guilty verdict and six year jail sentence sparked rioting in Kuala Lumpur with police firing water cannon to disperse hundreds of demonstrators protesting that the verdict was "Mahathir's frame-up".

Mr Anwar denies all four corruption charges and says that he is the victim of a political conspiracy to topple him, led by Malaysia's Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad.

Mr Anwar had criticised cronyism in the ruling United Malays National Organisation and had called for political reforms.

Many now believe that the conviction raises questions about the Malaysian judicial system.

On Tuesday, a senior United Nations human rights investigator said the trial was "flawed" and did not appear to meet standards for fairness laid down in international law.

The judge sentencing Mr Anwar said the former cabinet minister had struck at the heart of justice by abusing high political office.

Background ¦ Your reaction

Your Reaction:

Most of the comments against Anwar say that he deserve the sentence because he himself was part of the corrupted Judiciary system whilst he was the second man. Did any of you stop to ask why? I believe Anwar tried his best to change the corrupted system from within but we know the pressure was too great. Anwar is a man with strong conviction and he tried what he could until he couldn't accept the pressure any longer thus the sacking. Majority of Malaysians have been wanting reform since long ago but were ignored. The injustice done to Anwar has started a fire and the demands for reform is getting greater.
Arroze, Malaysia

The verdict shows how open a country we are. The No 2 man can be charged and convicted in an open trial represented by 10 of the country's best legal brains. The judge laid out his judgement for all to read, all 394 pages of it.
We have to be ruled by law and not emotions. The defence tried to politicise the trial by bringing in conspiracy theories. But it is the law that must be applied. Different countries have different sets of laws. Don't criticise us but please understand that we have high regards for our own courts.
P Sze, Malaysia

The whole episode - the sacking, the slander, pre-judgement statements by leaders, the trial and the verdict is yet another sign of judicial rot the country has faced since especially 1987. Cunning dictators (including Lee Kuan Yew) don't resort to draconian measures until the situation warrants it. Hence, the country's judiciary does not consistently generate moronic trials, but performs it selectively to the tune of the executive. Such empires can only be broken with foreign help as the entire government machinery works for the executive. How much blood can innocent people afford before change sets in? Despite Anwar's controversial past, the episode should bring him as a possible martyr.
Tapia Simpang, Philippines

Brother Anwar, you're such a marvellous actor!
Mohamad Rosli bin Ahmad, Malaysia

If Anwar gets six years for this, I wonder how many years others ministers will get. They are misusing their power every day!
ML Ho, Malaysia

A stained mattress as evidence and a trial judge with a profound liking for the word "Not Relevant" - Justice Malaysian Style? All foreign governments ought to treat Mahathir as an international outcast and cut off aid to Malaysia.
Geronimo, USA

If Mahathir were a dictator, he could have put Anwar behind bars without trial. Why waste time and money? But he is not a dictator. And he never was one. Anwar had an army of the best legal brains in the country. He was given the chance to defend himself. The trial was open to local as well as foreign observers alike. Anwar should have stuck to his defence instead of blaming on a conspiracy that never exist. The fact is, he failed. His lawyers failed. If at all there is discontentment over the whole episode among his supporters, by all means, use the ballot box. It is as simple as that. There are opposition parties in the country. Choose one or better still, form another. Malaysians have been living in peace and harmony all this while. We should maintain peace and order in this country. As far as the BBC is concerned, it is truly none of your business. Go write about something else.
Abdullah, Malaysia

The verdict won't change anything because of the "culture" being adopted nor will the election. It's inherent the way things are. Attitudes can't be totally changed from the top to the bottom of the hierarchy.
Moses, Australia

Malaysia has always had the tradition of respecting whoever is the leader of the country. I believe every individual has its own mistake. Dr Mahathir has his! Anwar Ibrahim has his. But whoever is the leader of Malaysia, must not make mistakes at the expense of our Malaysian citizens to suffer directly and indirectly. Our current leaders in Malaysia will have to do a lot of repairs as the damage is serious internally and externally. Making sure that our fellow Malaysian citizens, have and will gain respect from our fellow friends from other parts of this world. Their goods deeds will always be known. The bad deeds will always be spoken about.
Nik Rafik, Malaysia

The judgement is not relevant because justice is not the rule of the day. Mahathir is!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yang Syahir, Malaysia

The anger over the verdict is understandable if you are a fan of Anwar! I believe he deserves his own medicine, after all he was the country's no 2 for quite a few of the Mahatir's years. What justice are we talking about? Justice for him, a single person or for all Malaysians? Can we not see the bigger picture of the continuing racial discrimination (injustice) that is still enshrined in the New Economic Policy. The Muslims are fighting for their own champion. Will a freed Anwar fight for the non-Muslim Malaysian justice if he should come into power? I doubt it!
M Chen, Malaysia

Oh, good. This is what he's supposed to deserve. But six years seems to be a bit short.
Daniel Yuen, Hong Kong

When Malaysia gets into a mess Mahathir will always find someone to blame. They usually are outsiders, e.g. foreign press, Presidents, Prime Ministers, NGOs and any institution he can think of. This time around he decided to go local. Muslims believe that Allah will send disasters to people who have strayed. So he publicised Anwar's so called sins so widely and so heinously that when things really get very bad, its Anwar who is to blame for this act of wrath. The problem is Muslims in this country are not as stupid as he thinks they are. I'm sure he's not actually having the best time of his life now. Well you get what you give.
Nazir, Malaysia

August 8 1988 and April14 1999 are the D-Day for Malaysia. Justice has to be done, but not political conspiracy and corruption. Bring back justice to our judiciary system.
Hon Keong Lee, Malaysia

I'm not surprised at all about the verdict, as I believed that conspiracy existed to put Anwar behind bars. I have lost confidence with our judicial system and our police force. The verdict and brutality of the police force has proven that the whole system stinks. It is indeed a very sad day for all of us.
Nikki, Malaysia

Anwar has been raped by the Malaysian justice system and it is pathetic. However, we in the West must realise that Malaysia is a sovereign nation that has every right to make its own decisions and mistakes. It is a shame, but our only option is to make our displeasure known at diplomatic levels and perhaps through selective economic sanctions. Malaysia will unfortunately have to grow up by itself.
Andrew Chesny, UK

We will never learn from this. We will refuse to acknowledge the so many weaknesses in our whole system. And we will continue to believe that the pursuit of wealth by any means is more important. And this is shameful. Corruption is real and pervasive in this country, and this is why Anwar fell.
Pius Pang, Malaysia

The judge is corrupt. Mahathir / Daim and company are the forces of evil in Malaysia. For now the forces of evil are savouring their evilness and corruption. They will have their day. But the forces of good led by Anwar will prevail. To Anwar, Malaysians everywhere support you. Keep up your spirit. Your day will come. Right now Malaysia is a reject country in the eyes of the world because of what the thug leaders did and are doing to Anwar. Like all despots, Mahathir and Daim will fall. And forces of good will redeem Malaysia's name to greater heights.
John, USA

Being a Malaysian, I feel very sad by the verdict. The only outcome from this trial is Malaysian judiciary system is controlled by the government. This should be the main concern for every Malaysian, regardless of who they support. When a society tolerates a citizen that couldn't get a fair trial for what s/he's accused of, the society has moved back to dark ages, regardless if they have the tallest building, the biggest car racing track, etc.
Lan, Malaysia

The trial is fair and open to all, including foreign media and 'observers'. Praise the judge for delivering a verdict based on legal facts and not on foreign pressures and wishes. Would it be considered a fair trial then if the verdict was not guilty?
Eddy, Malaysia

I believe that Anwar is a victim of injustice! I urge Malaysians and human beings all over the world to speak up for Anwar. Justice for Anwar!
Nuraina, Malaysia

The leaders are asking the people to accept the Court's verdict, as it was an open court. That's a half-truth which is worse than an outright lie. Sure, it was an open court and the people could see that Justice had been perverted. The leaders are also saying that demonstrations and riots are not the ways of Islam. That's also a half-truth because Islam also teaches us to fight Evil, Tyranny and Injustice when we face it.
Z Khoo, Malaysia

Malaysians simply have to give much of the credit to Dr. M and thank him for what he has done for the country. The financial crisis was basically caused by Soros and followed up by Anwar. Anwar and Soros (representing the Jews and the West) should be sent to jail, as they are the real enemies of Malaysia. Soros, of course, is also the enemy of the whole Asia. Malaysia is a democratic country, Malaysian politicians can only be asked to step down by election and not by riots or street violence. I am sure most of my Malaysian friends will want Dr M to continue to lead the country as he has been doing a superb job.
Peter Kingsly, Taiwan

Mahathir has created a "Malaysian Nelson Mandela" and for himself, a "Malaysian Suharto". Any goodman who has been in power for far too long, will get corrupted. Malaysians should see through Mahathir's rhetoric of Foreign Invasion and Conspiracy.
Azman Zahari, Malaysia

The recent events confirmed that the present government is far from perfect. However, given the unique multiethnic mix of the country, its not difficult to see that the present government of BN is still the best choice to ensure continued peace and wealth. Changes are urgently needed, but best carried out by (and within) the well established present government.
Fadzriana Frost, UK/Malaysia

There can be no doubt that the trial was flawed, and not without bias. But the Malaysian publics' response should be expressed through the ballot box - and an opportunity to do this will arrive within a year. Malaysian incumbent politicians and government have become too complacent and arrogant - they believe they just cannot lose. The next election may provide an instructional shock on who is paying their wages, and to the mood of their "employers", many of whom feel that a change - indeed any change- could only be for the better.
Brandon, Malaysia

Anwar is not a martyr, please stop making him out as one. If you blame the establishment for its flaws, Anwar was part of this. He did not do anything to uphold justice as you call it. So, why must we sympathise with his plight now. He was not fit to lead the country before and is definitely not fit to do so in the future. He hides behind Islam and portrays himself as a pious leader. Let me tell you, he is not what he seems! The economy is getting better because of Mahathir. The supporters are showing loyalty to the wrong man. Be smart and vote if you do not agree with the current government. We definitely do not want to be another Indonesia!!
Amy, Malaysia

I think Anwar got what he deserves. Some of the charges against him are credible, and his defence did not contest it. What happens in Malaysia, is Malaysia's business and no one elses.
P.Singh, USA

Our law system here is no longer fighting for the people right. Now to fight for our rights is to register as a voter and voice for our rights and not going out to the streets to break all the public properties and riots where you and I are paying for the public properties as a tax payers. Register now as a voter to fight for our rights.
Caroline, Malaysia

This trial has set the Malaysia back 100 years. Politics is politics, but the manipulation of a country's judicial system is shameful. Clean the system.
Bert, USA

Mahatir's desperation shows his days are numbered! Anwar should prepare for the endgame.
Navin Khadiya, US/India

Justice has finally been done. Now that the fanatical Muslim, Anwar has been put away, the Hindus, Christians, Buddhist and the decent and fair Muslims in Malaysia can now live in peace and harmony. Long live Dr. (Mr.& Mrs.) Mahathir. It seems that only the foreign Christian media and countries are envious of this intelligent and respectable Muslim P.M.,Dr. Mahathir Mohammed. God always does what's best for all of us. Good luck to the UMNO in your next elections. The majority Malaysians are in favour of you since you respect all the religions of Malaysia.
Dr. Geetha, USA

After the passing of Anwar's guilty verdict, I am really saddened at the state of our judiciary. Instead of being a watchdog for the people against injustice and abuses, the judiciary has becomes a lapdog for the government. The Malaysian court system has totally ceased to be the protector of the weak and innocence. The whole system stink of corruption.
Bud, USA

The verdict on Anwar is well just. It's not fair to blame the PM or anybody else. He's the one who actually brought this upon himself, by being overly greedy and power hungry. If only he was patient enough to wait his turn, at least the Malays will not be divided as what we can see now. He should practice what he had preached earlier while he was DPM. God knows what will happen if he by some unfortunate reason be PM. Then, that will be total eclipse day for Malaysia. Lastly, for those who really enjoy all the rioting and burning, maybe they should volunteer to go to Kosovo, at least put all their energy it to good use.
Liza, Malaysia

Welcome to Malaysian justice. It's not just what the Malaysian system did to Anwar but what all Malaysians have to live under. "Obey blindly or pay the price". Just like the shadow plays, "wayang kulit", Malaysians are made to exist as shadows. Some tried to come out of their shadows and the light was quickly put out.
Ben, USA

This guilty verdict for Anwar is actually a warning for all Malaysians. No one is safe if one doesn't tow the line. Malaysians are being governed by an unjust government who thinks nothing about employing gangster-tactics to keep the people in line. Malaysians, look upon the faces of your children and tell them that this is the legacy you are leaving for them. It's time for change - before it's too late.
Maya, Malaysia

If Anwar has been found guilty as charged then the entire cabinet members and high ranking government officials should be tried and convicted of corruption and abuse of power beginning with Mahathir himself.
Mirak, Malaysia

Anwar deserved his 6 years imprisonment.
Ahmad Ali, USA

It is a sad day for Malaysia, Malaysians and friends of Malaysia. Mahathir has made the mistake of not stepping down when the ovation was loudest. He now seeks to destroy with his very hands what he has struggled to build, destroying in his path a man who was seen as a symbol of hope and good things that could come out of Malaysia.
Abdul-Hameed, Australia

Anwar deserved his 6 years imprisonment. For his determination to stick with the IMF in selling the pride of all Malaysians I think he might deserve more than that. It is lucky that we have a very strong leader that willing to sacrifice his image for the sake of Malaysia in ensuring this man Anwar will never become the prime minister of Malaysia.
Ahmad Hatim, Malaysia

Foreigners may say what they wish about Malaysia, but we Malaysians have more personal freedom and a better life than any other country in the world. The shallowness of Anwar is there for all to see. He has never done well in any Ministry that he has headed. Implementing the IMF's policies in Malaysia would have been disastrous. Where does it say that the right to dissent and fight is the paramount human right? Truly, the west has a lot to learn about the east and the gentler way of life we live.
Change, Malaysia

It is difficult to say if Anwar was ever innocent but give it 10 years and Malaysian school history books will be saying how good Mahathir was and how bad the foreigners and the reformasi movement were. They said that about the Brits the last time, in fact everyone who has ever colonised us, they'll do it again. Anwar is probably not too innocent, after all he too had a great time when he was in power. Everyone has probably forgotten that now!
Rob Lee, Malaysia

It is a tragedy for the nation. The best way to show you anger is through the ballot box. Exercise your duty wisely. Then the truth will prevail. Enough is enough.
Mohd Isa, Malaysia

Mahathir has been running scared from Anwar since Anwar won the deputy Presidency of UMNO in 1993. Since then there has been a power struggle between the old-guard and Anwar's supporters. Anwar's conviction may be a personal triumph for the Malaysian PM but at what cost. A nation with a once proud judiciary is now ridiculed, a people once united behind the country's successes are now bitterly divided. This affair is far from over and the cry for 'reformasi' will be heard now louder than ever.
Jason, UK

Anwar is a danger to Malaysian society. It is better to sacrifice him and his reformist ideology than to disrupt the peace and safety of Malaysian society.
Kim, Singapore

Anwar certainly deserves the sentence. The issue is misuse of power regardless of the fact that the charge is politically motivated. It will serve as warning to all current politicians to be careful not to misuse or abuse their position.
Stuart, Malaysia

If Anwar is deemed guilty, there are also many who are equally guilty of using corrupt means to influence police investigations but let off the hook because they are never charged. If Anwar is deemed innocent, then we accept that any influential government leader is right in using his clout to influence a police investigation. I don't doubt that Anwar is guilty, but I would like to see all those who abused their authority likewise be similarly charged.
Michael, Malaysia

I think the neighbouring countries will be viewing the public reaction very closely, because the spectre of civil disobedience to an unjust regime has hung over the region. From Indonesia to Malaysia, the people of ASEAN are just beginning to awake politically and realise that the power to rule really does lie in their hands. The custodians of power beware.
Yossarian, Singapore

Yes it is sad but just think about it, why should he say that the justice stinks to the highest heaven...what did he ever do when he was the 2nd person to the judiciary system?
Ghin, Malaysia

I think that Anwar was absolutely correct when he said that he had been handed a judgement that stinks. Anwar's trial was a complete farce. It's a pity that Malaysia does not have an honest and independent judiciary. There is no way that an impartial observer could conclude that Anwar was guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Pete, Netherlands

Anwar Ibrahim may be guilty as charged, but that does not make the ideals he stood for any less relevant. Those ideals--that Malaysia should be free of corruption and cronyism, that Malaysians should have practical and responsible leaders who will not lash out against the "West" at every turn and that the rights to free speech and other civil liberties must be guaranteed to all Malaysians--are just as important and worthy now as when Anwar was the Deputy Prime Minister. Not all Malaysians may like Anwar, and not all of them may believe that he is innocent, but any Malaysian who thinks that the political philosophies that Anwar espoused are not worth fighting for should be ashamed to call himself a citizen of Malaysia.
Lim, USA

It was not a surprising - all the theatrics done with a movie director's flourish. Indeed Anwar may not be the right person to lead the country but whither justice? It's time to get rid of the rot, however deep it is.
Alan, Malaysia

It doesn't take a genius to answer this question. Even uneducated citizens who have been following Anwar's trial can say the unfairness of this trial.
Dr. Kamal Muhammad, Malaysia

The trial didn't resolve the real and actual issues. It was from the very beginning motivated by political sentiments. Everyone who can think could see the point. Anwar is not the only victim, but the whole society that wants justice and fair living. Except those with political and material interests, everyone in the country should fell disgrace with the justice in this country.
Apa Nak Jadi, Malaysia

The judgement has been a great insult to the judiciary system of Malaysia. It is a cancer that will be hard to cure,a cancer that spreads from the heart of the federal government right through the whole constitutional make up of the nation. Generations ahead will suffer as a result of this brutality against the systems that are suppose to govern & protect the common people, yet it has been made into a tool to satisfy the worldly desire of some top guys up there. Help us! We need true justice in our beloved country.
Seng, Malaysia

Examined only from the point of view of due judicial process, the outcome of the trial is a disgrace; considered in the larger context of the economic and political crisis spreading throughout Asia, it is a tragedy. Leaders in many countries in this part of the world are failing miserably to understand that terrifying their citizens into believing that the best policy is "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" is not the way to survive in an era that demands an open exchange of ideas and information. Mahathir may have done a decent job in the past, but if he cannot see beyond the few remaining years of earthly existence left to him, he will be remembered by posterity as the father of Malaysia's ruin, not it's rise to a respectable place in the community of nations.
Lawrence Nelson, Thailand

Our PM has done good for the country. There is no strong ground that this case was a political conspiracy. The Western should first behave themselves before putting their hand in other countries affairs. I believed that Anwar is the one trying to push down our PM with the help of outsiders. They (Anwar and co.) tried and succeeded in destabilizing the economy.
Calvin, Malaysia

I appeal to all Malaysians to wear black for a week to show their disapproval to the judgement.
Chin, Malaysia

Anwar's verdict of "guilty" is a resounding no to justice and equality in the eyes of law.
Jeffrey Chew, Malaysia

I don't know what the fuss is about. A man is charged for corruption and instead of defending himself, he goes about on a political campaign in court as though he was not on trial. I admire the judge who remained focused on the charges and refused to be side tracked into making his court room a political arena. You get caught speeding, your defence cannot be others were speeding faster than me, why were they not caught? This would be an excuse of a man who feels the country owes him a living, an arrogant man who believes that nobody can take away what he feels is his destiny. Anwar is power crazy, not Mahathir. Dr M is a great man who has done a lot for this country and probably one of the greatest leaders the world has known.
Kamarul, Malaysia

To the Western Countries, please understand the Asian culture before imposing your style of Democracy upon us. One has to respect each country 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.
Tan, Singapore

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