Anwar’s "Chinese rose" is blossoming in Patani
"Anwar would like to apologize for not being able to attend the function. He and some 45 colleagues facing security-related charges who are being housed in the Pattani guest house (prison) are in high spirit and feel overwhelmed that there are people who are concerned with those who lost their freedom but whose thoughts are not confined. The word 'thank you' is bigger than the Budo mountain which is already big…"
The above was the remark of Anwar or Muhamad Anwal Hayitae which was conveyed to his supporters by Mr Anukul Arwaeputae, president of the Muslim Attorney Centre of Pattani at an informal get-together, titled "Anwar – Chinese rose (hibiscus rosa sinensis) blossoming in Patani" held at the Buku bookstore in Pattani on May 20.
Anwar was recently sentenced to 12 years imprisonment on security-related charges by the Supreme Court.
Chinese rose is the flower appreciated by Anwar and it is also the symbol of Bu-nga Raya News news office founded by Anwar.
Anukul said he regarded security-related case as a case of conflict of opinions and prosecution of such a case was treated as a form of violence. He admitted that throughout his long career as a lawyer, Anwar’s case was quite an emotional one and it attracted the interest of a lot of people.
He made an observation about the role of the Office of the Attorney-General, saying that the prosecutor concerned could exercise his/her discretion by proceeding the case to the court or drop the case if it was deemed that prosecuting the case would not be beneficial to the public.
He would like Anwar’s case to serve as a lesson for the judicial process that political science should also be applied in tandem with the law in handling the security-related cases. Despite the Supreme Court’s verdict, he believes that a retrial is still possible if a petition is lodged by Anwar’s parents.
Dr Srisomphob Chitpiromsri of Deep South Watch described the role of Anwar and his like as a new force which is helping drive the civic movement in the restive deep South. He said he would like Anwar’s case to be revived despite the Supreme Court’s verdict which is normally regarded as final.
Sahari, a friend of Anwar, praised the convict of being a peace advocate who is dedicated to give the local people a voice in the media. He said that Anwar had approached a lot of local people to gauge their views about the unrest problem and have them presented to the public via his media.
In their performance of duty as media people, Sahari admitted that they had been watched with suspicion by the authorities.
Anwar’s wife, Mrs Romuela Saeyae, meanwhile, told the gathering that she would move on even without Anwar who is imprisoned. She said that what happened to her husband would inspire her to work harder.
"My husband worked in broad daylight and still ended up in prison. What about the others who are in the dark? How can they come out in broad daylight to prove their innocence without fear that they, too, may end up like Anwar? " she asked.