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Birthday wishes for ex-DPM in and outside court

Date: 11 Aug 1999
Time: 10:19:19
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Birthday wishes for ex-DPM in and outside court

KUALA LUMPUR -- Some 200 supporters of Anwar Ibrahim shouted slogans and sang songs in front of the High Court yesterday to celebrate the jailed former minister's 52nd birthday.

In the first show of strength on the streets by Anwar supporters after a four-month lull, the crowd brought a birthday cake and a giant birthday card signed by hundreds and presented them to Anwar's wife and five of their six children.

Anwar, in court on the 42nd day of his sodomy trial, also received cards and well-wishes from spectators and family members, some of whom sang a birthday song to wide smiles from the former Finance Minister and Deputy Premier.

"Happy birthday Datuk Seri," said Judge Arifin Jaka to Anwar after he was informed by a defence lawyer of the occasion, amid applause from the gallery.

Outside, more than 50 policemen, with police dogs and a water cannon truck were stationed around the court complex. But they did not interfere when the crowd shouted "Reformasi" and "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) and recited prayers under the hot sun.

"Datuk Seri Anwar thanked you. We pray together for success," said Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Ismail, who is president of the new Parti Keadilan Nasional.

The crowd dispersed peacefully an hour later after Anwar left in a police convoy.

The scene differed markedly from the violent protests on April 14 after Anwar was found guilty of corruption and jailed for six years.

Anwar, who said he was a victim of a conspiracy by his political enemies to ruin his career, was sacked in September and later charged with corruption and sodomy.

In the current trial, Anwar and his adopted brother are accused of sodomising his former driver.

The trial was abruptly adjourned yesterday after a prosecution lawyer said witness Azizan Abu Bakar had fallen sick. -- Reuters


Last changed: August 11, 1999