Malaysian police bracing for possible protests Feb 10 if Anwar goes to jail

PETALING JAYA— Federal police revealed yesterday (Jan 27) they have received information the public are being instigated to participate in a street demonstration in the event the Federal Court does not set aside the sodomy conviction and jail term of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim next month.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order director Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said police had received reports of several supporters urging others to join the demonstration via Facebook and Whatsapp on Feb 10 when the Federal Court delivers its decision.

Mr Muhammad Fuad said his men were ready to face any eventuality and would not hesitate to act against protesters.

“We already have security measures in place and will ensure suspicious characters at the court compound on Feb 10 are thoroughly checked,” he said.

He said police would ensure supporters did not bring weapons or other prohibited items to the court compound.

“It would be improper for anyone to protest against the court decision because it follows the process of law.

“They (supporters) have to accept the decision. They must not resort to chaos that can undermine peace in the country.”

On Monday, the Federal Court, through the Malaysian Judiciary Twitter account, set Feb 10 to deliver its verdict on Anwar’s final appeal against his conviction and five-year jail sentence for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008.

Anwar, 67, is asking the Federal Court to set aside the conviction and sentence imposed by the Court of Appeal on March 7 last year after it had overturned a High Court decision to acquit him. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE