Does it really matter whether Anwar committed sodomy?

The majority must decide if the issue is Anwar or bringing about political change.

COMMENT

By TK Chua

Since Anwar’s conviction and imprisonment last Tuesday, more than enough has been said about him. His supporters and adversaries have competed for media space and attention, but I think the debate has not really been about Anwar’s guilt or innocence.

The focus has shifted to the court process, to the right of fair treatment of political dissent, and to the peril of opposition politicians.

I think many people don’t really care whether Anwar was guilty or not. Anwar’s conviction merely epitomised everything that has gone wrong in this country. Others, however, feel that Anwar is guilty as hell and the five year’s imprisonment probably insufficient; if possible, they would want to obliterate and bury whatever remains of Anwar and erase him from the psyche of Malaysia.

These entrenched positions will not change at any time soon. If past election results are a gauge, probably 52% would be for Anwar and the rest against him.

The present tussle is not really about Anwar per se but a battle for the hearts and minds of Malaysians. Supporters want to capitalise on Anwar’s misfortunes to increase support for PKR and Pakatan Rakyat; their adversaries want to use the same episode to finish off the opposition once and for all.

The highest court of the land has decided on Anwar’s faith. However, make no mistake about this: how the people look at the court decision is not really dependent on whether or not Anwar has committed sodomy. That would have been too simplistic and naïve a position. How the people ultimately view the court decision will be dependent on how they view the BN leadership, and on their own pent-up dissatisfaction and desperation in wanting to effect change.

So, concentrate on the political and democratic processes that will deliver the voice to the majority. It is the majority who must decide if the country has wronged Anwar, and the majority must decide if they want a total shift in paradigm.

Giving voice to the majority is a daunting task requiring serious work, monitoring and struggle. The majority have the right. But they don’t always get to decide.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.