Verdict can't alter course of history, says Anwar

Anwar Ibrahim is prepared to face jail if he is found guilty in the Sodomy II trial, for which judgment will be delivered on Monday.

The Pakatan Rakyat supremo believes the course of history will remain as in his first sodomy trial, but he is unsure whether he would be granted bail, pending appeal, if convicted.

Speaking to some 800 people gathered in and around a multipurpose hall off Jalan Gasing in Petaling Jaya last night, Anwar said:  “Everyone gets bail, but not this poor guy named Anwar Ibrahim. The last time in 1998, I was not given bail.”

However, he stressed, the bail issue will only affect his family members, not Malaysians in the larger picture.

“For Malaysians, the verdict will only serve as a fresh reminder that there is gross injustice in the system and the government is blatantly in debt and corrupt, and that we must change it,” he said in a rousing tone.

“They can say and do whatever they like, but they cannot alter the course of history.

“We are on the right side of history for freedom, justice and the betterment of Malaysia for every single citizen,” he said to thunderous applause.

Anwar to go to India, Turkey after Jan 9

The 65-year-old opposition leader also revealed his plan to go Bombay, India, on the night of the court verdict, if it could be possible.

He has been invited by Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, Rajmohan Gandhi, to launch a pro-people democracy programme.

On Jan 12, Anwar is scheduled to go Turkey to give a speech, on the invitation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

This will be followed by the launch of the Pakatan manifesto in Alor Star on Jan 14.

“Regardless of the outcome of the court verdict, we have to move on,” he said.

Throughout his speech, Anwar said he has had the best and worst of everything, and that gave him the courage and conviction to go on with his struggle for the country.

“Once you have the belief in your freedom, justice and honour, and fight against corruption, you must have the courage to stand up for your convictions,” he said.

He recounted the ups and downs in his life since university days, and said he came out with stronger conviction since the last time he was imprisoned.

“From Universiti Malaya I went to Kamunting (prison), then to Sungei  Buloh (prison). So my next stop should be…?”

“Putrajaya,” a man shouted in reply, much to Anwar’s delight.