The family of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said they were devastated by the "cruel outcome" at the Federal Court today but said that they would continue with the struggle to reform Malaysia.
Anwar's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also PKR president, said that the prosecution against him was a "price" that his family and supporters had to pay to see a better future in the country.
"What Anwar said is to be strong. This is because this is the sacrifice for the future of our country," she told reporters outside the courtroom in her first reaction to today's verdict.
Anwar's sentence of five years' jail was upheld by the Federal Court today, ending his public office as oppositon leader and Permatang Pauh MP.
The Federal Court dismissed applications by the defence to lessen the five-year jail sentence imposed by the Court of Appeal and also rejected the prosecution's appeal to enhance the prison term.
She said that Anwar might be imprisoned but he had gone in with "his head held high", adding that this was one of the opposition's struggles in the fight against Barisan Nasional.
"This is a struggle. Not only for Anwar but for all Malaysians against a regime that will stoop to anything for political gain.
"We (Anwar's family) are not that strong. But we find strength in the people and in the support given.
"We find the strength because we are fighting for justice and against injustice," she said.
Anwar's eldest child, Nurul Izzah Anwar, described the apex court's decision to uphold Anwar's conviction as a "cruel outcome".
"We are definitely emboldened. Yes, we are sad and devastated but we will continue with the struggle to realise reforms in this country," said the Lembah Pantai MP and PKR vice-president.
- TMI
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