YOURSAY ‘When the system fails you, what else can you do?’

Anwar's family files for royal pardon

Magnus: I feel sorry for this singularly victimised and persecuted family who has been hurt relentlessly by the extremely nasty government of Malaysia and its undemocratic authoritarianism.

The fact that Malaysia is no more a democracy is clear to the world now. The persecution of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim is also vilely unIslamic.

But this move to seek a pardon when Anwar has not committed any crime is wrong in principle and I regret that it has been made.

It now also drags Malaysia's symbolic head of state into this plainly unaccountable display by a perverted fascist government's political conspiracy to persecute, punish and destroy the credibility of the leader of the opposition relentlessly so there can never be an opportunity for a democratic change of government in Malaysia.

Wg321: Whether Anwar is guilty or not guilty, it is not important anymore. The Federal Court found Anwar guilty but the ‘People’s Court’ has decided this sodomy trial is a frame-up.

This is because Umno controls the judiciary, Special Branch, police (especially Jude Pereira), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the government doctors and chemists, army, etc. With all these forces against him, it is impossible for Anwar to win.

Even if Anwar was found not guilty by the Federal Court, Umno can still use the Sedition Act to jail him and disqualify him for the 14th GE.

If he is pardoned, the voters can decide whether to vote for him and Pakatan Rakyat in the 14th GE. If the voters decide he should not win the government, then Anwar should take a deep bow and gracefully fade away, like an old soldier.

Even if he fades away, he would have left PKR in good hands because he has already groomed a string of second liners from Generation X and Y, who are professionals and technocrats, to take over the party.

Ferdtan: Who are we to judge? After all, we are not in Anwar’s dire situation. We can empathise with him, but this is the reality of politics. With the appeal for pardon, which is tantamount to an admission of guilt, will Anwar’s political life survive after that?

Anwar’s family said that they are seeking a royal pardon and at the same time maintaining his innocence. Fair enough, but will BN and its massive mainstream media propaganda machinery do nothing to capitalise that ‘surrender’?

And on top of that, the chance of being successful in the appeal is rather remote as he still maintains innocence. This could make the appeal not only a fruitless one but a very  damaging exercise should the Yang di-Pertuan Agong reject the appeal.

Anwar stands to lose and nothing to gain, unless he is ready to give up the fight due to the pressure of his family.

As Malaysians, we are full of conspiracy theories. Maybe this was the agreed method to release Anwar, the political hot potato of PM Najib Razak due to increased pressure from foreign countries?

Was there a change of heart from Putrajaya, a political misstep? To review the Federal Court verdict will not be accepted as it will be seen as a slap to the judiciary.

However, having said above, I think it is not a good decision (especially if the appeal fails).

Fz2379: What? Seeking pardon and still maintain innocence? So what is His Majesty supposed to pardon if there's no crime ever been admitted? Indeed, asking for pardon means admitting to sodomy. 

JD Lovrenciear: His Majesty, prayerfully and hopefully, taking into consideration the rakyat's sentiments and the global voices of reservation on the sodomy verdict, will graciously grant a royal pardon to DSAI (Anwar Ibrahim)

All those in the seat of power and grace are bestowed with God's gift of demonstrating mercy and compassion. It is easy to condemn a man; but it is a greater virtue to be able to show human love and forgiveness.

MatrixLYN: I don't understand this move. He should not appeal at all because no matter what, we all know what the result will be. So it's a lose-lose situation.

Or, it could be his family is really desperate and knows he can't last with his health condition in jail, which I can understand.

Behsaikong: When the system fails you, what else can you do? You have played by the rules and now you are languishing in a cell. For the purists, you are a champion, a model, a prisoner of conscience and a hero.

For the realists, you find whatever ways and means to stay active and fight outside the prison cell, find whatever loophole there is in the law and constitution till every avenue is shut.

Progressive: I believe the family fears for his health. Anwar has sacrificed enough and enough and should have just quit politics for health reasons.

I'm no crusader, but if one chooses to be in the bull pit of politics, then you must go the distance. More so, when the hopes of millions of people are riding on you.

For whatever reason, you cannot turn around now and ask for pardon. That's an admission of guilt.

Dr Chia Thye Poh was the longest serving political prisoner in Singapore (for 23 years). Lee Kuan Yew wanted him to sign a document renouncing violence.

He refused because "to renounce violence is to imply you advocated violence before. If I had signed that statement I would not have lived in peace.”

My heart goes out to Anwar and his family. This action will end his political career. Those scheming, corrupt, heartless ones will have their day with God.

SusahKes: Who am I to judge what Anwar or his family wish to do. Indeed, they have suffered a lot. But this move has all the potential of backfiring on DSAI. What's next, if he goes back to the political world?

He would be painted as admitting his guilt by BN, and I will not be surprised if many fence-sitters will also start having doubts. Will DSAI be able to convince them?

What will he declare to the masses - "I asked for pardon, but I wasn't guilty"? It will be a tough sell.

And what if he is not given the pardon? The stigma of 'admitting guilt' will remain while he serves his term in prison.

My opinion is that DSAI will no longer be the political force that he is. And maybe it does work out for the good. It's about time others step in, and become the face of PKR.

Vijay47: Frankly, I can understand the concern of the family - can a 67-year-old man withstand the rigours of imprisonment for five years? There is also the distinct possibility that he may be singled out for further and cruel punishment. 

The family has explained that this application is not an admission of guilt but an appeal for Anwar to be spared more suffering. Yet, I wonder, am I being selfish and unfair in expecting our own Gandhi or Mandela?

Anwar has little to lose in seeking pardon

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