Zaid, do not have double-standard towards Anwar's jail sentence - Khairuddin

Former Law Minister, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is advised not to be partial towards the five year jail sentence imposed upon Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy.

Batu Kawan deputy UMNO vice-chief, Datuk Khairuddin Abu Hassan said although each individual needs to have compassion, at the same time however they also need to be stern in executing laws without creating discrimination.

“As a man of faith we are sympathetic with Anwar’s fate, however at the same time stern action should be taken in executing the laws without discrimination or double standard.

“The laws does not recognise a person’s ranks and standings. Wrong is still wrong,” said Khairuddin when contacted by Astro AWANI today.

Khairuddin was commenting on the statement Zaid made on Twitter calling on Malaysian leaders and Islamic scholars to throw their support behind the royal pardon for Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar’s family had earlier presented a petition for a royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at the final hours.

Anwar's second child, Nurul Nuha, 31, said in a statement that the petition was made based on Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.

Khairuddin also added that the people should understand that Anwar’s issue is not a controversy.

“The judiciary syytem has long compromised with Anwar. Maybe Zaid has forgotten. Anwar has repeated the offence and has not learnt from the mistakes done,” he added.

He also said that it is not fair to pardon him without taking into account other such offenders.

“They also have children and wife and are imprisoned like Anwar. Are we also to forgive them?

“Zaid has forgotten that Anwar is the individual who has caused problem to the country’s political system.

“Anwar is a politician who does not believe in the development of a community but is only concerned with the struggles of gaining his power as a Prime Minister,” said Khairuddin.

He added that the country’s current political landscape is seen to be calm without Anwar.

“Sometimes we have to take a stern action in order for them to learn from their mistakes,” Khairuddin said.