Former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has been battling the courts for six years, will find out today whether he is to go free or remain incarcerated until 2009.
A three-judge panel of the Federal Court will decide on his final appeal against a nine-year sentence for sodomy. Anwar says the charges were fabricated to prevent him from challenging former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.
'We are keeping our fingers crossed,' said Wan Azizah Ismail, Anwar's wife and head of his National Justice Party. 'There is speculation that Anwar will be freed, but I can't begin to believe it until I see him free and at home.'
She said Anwar was in poor health and could be permanently crippled if he did not receive urgent treatment for spinal and urinary complications.
There is widespread optimism his appeal will be successful or his sentence reduced, allowing for an early release, as part of the liberal climate encouraged by Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
'We expect Anwar to leave immediately for Germany for surgery if he is freed,' said a close aide.
