Despite the verdict in opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy trial due tomorrow, DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh is confident that the prime minister-in-waiting will be acquitted.
“There is no doubt in my mind that tomorrow, Anwar will be acquitted. He is entitled to the acquittal,” declared Karpal.
The fact that Anwar had testified from the dock instead of the witness stand does not mean the defence cannot secure an acquittal, added Karpal (right).
“The solitary witness is Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan. Look at his evidence, a man who says he was ravished but for two days he did nothing.
“The complainant had an affair with the deputy public prosecutor and showed signs of having access to the investigating officer. But the prosecution has not called him to deny the allegation.
“These are sufficient for an acquittal,” he said at the party’s national delegates conference in Shah Alam today.
For these reasons, Karpal added, an interim prime minister is not needed because Anwar will helm the country’s leadership when Pakatan Rakyat captures federal power.
Target: Nine states and Putrajaya
Karpal went on to announce DAP’s target for the opposition coalition come the general election, vowing to replace the BN federal government.
“This time we must at least take power in nine states and take power in Putrajaya… it is no longer a goal beyond achievement,” he said.
Karpal urged the over 700-strong party delegates to grasp the opportunity of the next general election, warning that there may not be another such chance.
Speaking on the sidelines later, Karpal said if Anwar is indeed convicted tomorrow, the defence team will apply for a stay of execution pending appeal.
