News in brief

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim cannot be active politically or contest in any elections for five years from the date of his release as stipulated under the Federal Constitution. 

Deputy Dewan Speaker Datuk Lim Si Cheng said the five years should begin from the date his corruption sentence ended.  

He was jailed six years on April 14, 1999 for that offence and should have been released on April 14, 2003 after a one-third remission. 

“His case is similar to that of former Kota Melaka MP Lim Guan Eng who was imprisoned for defamation. Anwar has no choice but to do the same and wait for his five years to expire,” said Lim. 

Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja expressed his gratitude over the Federal Court’s decision to overturn his conviction and six-year jail sentence for sodomy.  

“I’m thankful to the Almighty. Alhahmdulillah, the case has been going on for too long,” he said.  

On his future plans, Sukma said: “I will continue with my life as in the past, before all this.” – Bernama 

The 2-1 majority Federal Court decision acquitting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy affirms the crucial values of a justice system that the Bar Council has been consistently advocating. 

“It is hoped that today will set the future direction for our judiciary to regain its independence and credibility,” said council chairman Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari in a statement.  

Deputy Dewan Speaker Datuk Lim Si Cheng said the five years should begin from the date his corruption sentence ended.