Tight security imposed ahead of Anwar verdict
Tight security imposed ahead of Anwar verdict
KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian paramilitary troopers on Tuesday took position around the courthouse where a judge is to deliver the verdict in the landmark trial of sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim.
About 100 troopers with riot batons stood in small groups around the sprawling Merdeka (Independence) Square next to the courthouse where High Court Judge Augustine Paul is expected to pronounce his judgment on Wednesday morning.
About 10 trucks and a water cannon truck were parked at the square, which was quiet.
About 30 students gathered briefly at nearby Central Market, a short walking distance from the square, to shout their support for Anwar, who was sacked and arrested in September.
The students, speaking into a megaphone, read speeches in support of Anwar and shouted Reformasi (Reform), the rallying cry of anti-government groups aligned with Anwar.
The students later scattered when about 10 police arrived. Earlier, a group calling itself the Malaysian Students Association called on supporters to gather at Merdeka Square for an overnight vigil in support of Anwar.
Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Kamarudin Ali has issued a stern warning to Anwar's supporters, saying any demonstrators in front of the downtown federal courthouse on Wednesday will be arrested. Under Malaysian law, a police permit is needed for any large gathering and none has been issued for Anwar's day in court.
The judge on Wednesday will rule on four counts of corruption, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail and a 20,000 ringgit ($5,000) fine. The court convenes at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. Jakarta time) and the verdict is expected in the morning.
Anwar, 51, has pleaded not guilty and argued he was the victim of a conspiracy led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his political allies.
Anwar's sacking and arrest in September triggered unprecedented anti-government street protests which police put down with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges. More than 500 people were detained in the protests.
Anwar was arrested after leading 30,000 protesters through Merdeka Square calling for Mahathir, in power since 1981, to step down.
The Malaysian government vowed on Tuesday to heed calls for reform, but hit back at Anwar and his supporters on the eve of the verdict in his corruption trial.
Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was named to replace Anwar in January, called for the continuation of "responsible leadership" under Mahathir as Malaysia entered the 21st century.
"Today we hear cries for change and reform and for greater democracy and human rights," Abdullah said at the launch of a CD- ROM honoring Mahathir, who has been in power for almost 18 years.
"We hear these calls. We know that some things need to change, while a lot more needs to be preserved as they have stood the test of time," he told an audience which included leading businessmen and foreign diplomats.
Anwar and his lawyers have said they expect him to be sentenced to between two and four years in jail.
If he were sentenced to at least one year in jail or fined at least 2,000 ringgit, he would be barred from holding public office for five years from the end of his jail term.
Anwar's wife, Azizah Ismail, said she was pessimistic ahead of the verdict.
"I still have a glimmer of hope that it will be a happy ending, but maybe not too happy because I still know of the impending charges that are awaiting my husband," she told Reuters Television from her home on Tuesday.