SEIZE THE 'ANWAR MOMENT': With or without Pas, PR must affirm its stand for a SECULAR, MULTIRACIAL Malaysia

We all know the evidence against Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was not overwhelming. And neither was it conclusive. In fact, as I had said before, the evidence adduced to seek Anwar’s conviction was weak.

But he is now serving a five-year jail sentence and may secure himself an early release in 40 months.

I was at the Federal Court for the ruling. It was a sham of a trial and a dark day for the country’s judiciary.

We all know the burden of proof was shifted onto Anwar as opposed to giving him the benefit of doubt. The fact that the DNA evidence was tainted, having been left in a humid environment for hours on end, is sufficient to raise doubts about the prosecution’s case.

And the sentencing was harsh given the fact that there was no violence or force used.

I could go on and on pointing out discrepancies in the trial but Anwar’s case is a done deal.

He would be close to 71 years old if released before the five-year jail term is up.

Emotions still high

Emotions are still running high. My heart goes out to his wife and family who have endured humiliation and ridicule over more than a decade.

But Pakatan Rakyat needs to go beyond Anwar. The call for reforms and change cannot be focused around one man, although he has been the glue that kept the pact together.

We have not just lost one leader. We have also lost the revered Tok Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat to cancer.

He was equally instrumental in keeping conservative elements within his party, PAS, at bay. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.

But now, we really need to sit up and look at our own deep flaws. The Opposition bloc cannot afford to gloss over sticking points, which are threatening to drive a deeper wedge amongst the coalition partners.

Pakatan Rakyat partners are facing personal and ideological differences, largely centering around the issues of Hudud law and local council elections.

Despite repeated meetings, political high drama and flirting with the possible break-up of the opposition bloc, we have not managed to iron out these thorny issues.

Question mark over Pas' loyalty

There has been one too many news reports about PAS’ fleeting romance with the ruling UMNO. While Pakatan Rakyat has shown its displeasure regarding this issue, we are still unsure as to where the Islamic party’s loyalty stands.

These issues run deeper and would not be solved by the customary handshakes between leaders after a spat.

Pakatan Rakyat captured five states at the 2008 general polls, pledging a slew of much-needed reforms. Its partners promised to work on a common platform that was agreed upon.

We need to now keep our word to the electorate. We need to buck up and show the rakyat that we can lead the nation. But we cannot do so if we are busy bickering among ourselves. Or our next strategies would be zeroed out.

It’s time we make a bold stand, not just about keeping Malaysia secular but also about fundamental rights for all Malaysians.

The ruling Barisan Nasional has dug its grave deeper through Anwar’s conviction. The rakyat can see through the political manipulation, just so it can stay in power.

The opposition leader’s incarceration can turn into a central rallying point for regime change in the run-up to GE14.

In a way, Anwar’s incarceration has given a new lease of life to Pakatan Rakyat. We need to use this opportunity to band together stronger than before because we have a common enemy.

But can Pakatan Rakyat step-up to the challenge, seize the moment and provide hope for the nation?

Charles Santiago is Member of Parliament, Klang.