Sodomy II: 'We will file a motion in Parliament' - Wan Azizah

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has outlined three immediate measures following Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's failure to set aside his conviction in the sodomy II case by the Federal Court earlier today.

In a media conference at party headquarters tonight, PKR president and Anwar’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said firstly, they would file a motion in Parliament to criticise the conduct of the Federal Court judges who presided the case.

The Federal Court today had ruled that Anwar, who is also Permatang Pauh MP, had failed in his final appeal against his conviction of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, and upheld the five-year jail sentence imposed by the Appeals Court when convicting him last March 7.

"Secondly, we call upon everyone to join the gathering in front of the Sungai Buloh Prison, every night beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) night to show solidarity for Anwar," Wan Azizah said.

"We will also organise ‘hajat’ prayers to be performed Thursday night at all PKR branches nationwide," she said.

To a question, Wan Azizah said this (Anwar’s conviction) was not a setback for Pakatan Rakyat, as this had always been a possibility.

"On the contrary, this gives us more reason to continue our fight," she said.

When asked about seeking a royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Wan Azizah said PKR would think about it, and that their lawyers will also discuss the matter with Anwar in prison.

Also present at tonight's news conference were the party's top leadership, including PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and vice-presidents Rafizi Ramli and R. Sivarasa.