PUTRAJAYA — Over 1,000 supporters of Anwar Ibrahim have gathered outside the Palace of Justice to cheer the opposition leader on ahead of a federal court decision that could determine his and the country’s political future.

A large banner was hoisted in the middle of the square as Anwar supporters chanted “Reformasi (Reformation)” and “Bebas Anwar (Free Anwar)”. The group marched down to the court complex at about 8.30am carrying PKR flags and banners that read “Rakyat Hakim Negara (The people are country’s judges)”.

Some supporters arrived by the busloads from outside Kuala Lumpur.

Heavy police presence had outnumbered supporters earlier today (Feb 10), but the situation has since been reversed.

Inside, the courtroom is already packed with Pakatan Rakyat leaders, Anwar’s family and supporters as well as local and international media that are keenly watching today’s federal court decision on Anwar’s final avenue of appeal.

The high court had in 2012 acquitted Anwar of the 2008 sodomy charge but the appellate court ruled on March 7 last year that the trial judge had erred when rejecting the DNA evidence produced in the case.

Former PKR vice president Chua Tian Chang said today’s decision will determine the opposition PR pact’s strength or weakness in the future.

“Right now, the entire Malaysia is waiting with advent of social media they are all glued to the phones and television eagerly awaiting... This verdict will decide the mood of the people.”

PKR president and Anwar’s wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was bullish that her husband will again be acquitted of the charge, claiming that the evidence pointed to such an outcome.

“(The) judgment has to be based on facts. With that, I’m confident that Anwar is innocent and should be released,” she told reporters inside the courtroom. MALAY MAIL ONLINE