Activists join PKR in rally for Anwar's freedom

Some 200 people gathered outside the Sogo departmental store in the capital city today to express their solidarity towards opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The group gathered at around 4pm, before converging at an adjacent building 15 minutes later.

Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was present at the rally said, the demonstrators consisted of youths and students who are demanding that Anwar be released from prison.

“Every night a group of people will gather in front of the Sg Buloh prison and conduct special prayers hosted by PKR branches nationwide.

“This proves that the people want Anwar to be freed and have rejected the Federal Court’s decision,’ he said at the rally.

Nik Nazmi said, this week proved to be extremely challenging because Anwar’s imprisonment was followed by Pas spiritual leader, Allahyarham Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s death.

He added, it was time for the younger generation to carry the ‘torch’ and continue with the struggle championed by Anwar, Nik Abdul Aziz and the late Karpal Singh.

PKR vice-president, Nurul Izzah, who was also present at the rally said, they will never surrender in demanding justice for her father.

She also expressed her sadness over Nik Aziz's death on Thursday.

"Today we are indeed sad, but the sadness is not only meant for my father's imprisonment but also the loss of a 'gem', the late Tok Guru Nik Aziz whom we all love," said the Lembah Pantai MP.

Nurul Izzah added, they will continue to fight for Anwar's freedom through the 'March 2 Freedom' rally.

Apart from that, there were also plans to submit a petition calling for Anwar's release to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, and to file a civil suit against those whom she claimed to be 'conspirators' towards Anwar's case.

Rally participants, most of whom wore black, had chanted slogans calling for 'reformation', 'free Anwar' and 'long live the rakyat'.

They also sang songs to the beat of drums.

Apart from Nik Nazmi and Nurul Izzah, also present at the #KitaLawan rally were student activists, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Fahmi Zainol, K.S. Bawani, and other student leaders.

The Federal Court on February 10 dismissed Anwar's final appeal against his conviction and jail sentence for sodomising Mohd Saiful at Unit 11-5-1 Kondominium Desa Damansara, Jalan Setiakasih in Bukit Damansara, between 3.10 pm and 4.30 pm on June 26, 2008.

Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria, who led a five-member panel, delivered the judgement and upheld the five-year jail term imposed by the Court of Appeal on March 7, last year.