PAS leaders snub Anwar event outside Sg Buloh jail

Despite strong ties between PAS and PKR, not a single leader from the Islamist party was present at the gathering to commemorate the first anniversary of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s incarceration. “Himpunan 365” outside Sungai Buloh prison saw about 1,000 supporters present to listen to speeches by leaders from Anwar’s party, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and DAP. Event organiser Badrul Amin Baharon of Pro 98 Reformis Malaysia expressed disappointment with the Islamist party’s absence. “I’m disappointed because throughout the planning of the programme, from one meeting to another, even though we have invited (them), no one from PAS came. “And ultimately, no one came (tonight),” he told The Malaysian Insider. Anwar was imprisoned after the Federal Court last year upheld his conviction on a charge of sodomy, sentencing him to five years’ jail. He was charged with sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, in 2008. All eyes were focused on the small makeshift stage erected opposite the jail, where more than 15 leaders from PKR and Amanah as well as activists took turns to address the crowd, giving fiery speeches to revive the reformation spirit. A majority of the speakers shared how Anwar’s struggles had changed Malaysia, from the moment he was sacked in 1998, the event that changed the political landscape. They also called for Anwar’s release, reiterating that his incarceration was politically motivated. PKR’s Rafizi Ramli said he was indebted to Anwar, who had opened his eyes on the true colours of Umno. “If he didn’t fight at that time, perhaps I’ll be sitting beside (Datuk Seri) Ahmad Maslan today,” he said to thunderous applause and cheers. PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali also delivered a special message to supporters from Mecca. “Wherever we are, don’t ever forget Anwar’s sacrifices in ensuring Malaysia was free from tyranny,” he said. Amanah president Mohamad Sabu’s sarcastic speech drew loud applause. Mat Sabu, as he is popularly known, said while Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar have celebrated successful political transformation, Malaysia was still stuck in the same place. “How long are we going to stay like this? “We are left behind because we are cowards, the most we gathered for 34 hours in Kuala Lumpur,” he said alluding to the Bersih 4 overnight rally last year in the capital. Among other special moments at the “Himpunan 365” gathering was when a few pigeons were released as a symbol of freedom. Poems were also recited and throughout the evening, “Reformasi”, “Bebas Anwar” and “Bebas Rakyat” filled the air. Present were Anwar’s family members, Khalid Samad, Dr Hatta Ramli, Senator Aishah Shaik Ismail, Tian Chua. Representatives from DAP were Sekinchan assemblyman Ng Sue Lim and national laureate Datuk A. Samad Said. – February 10, 2016.