mr. anwar insists he is the victim of a political conspiracy ever since he was sacked from the government in 1998. his supporters brace for the worst outcome, armed with banners calling for mr. anwar's freedom. awe i thank god. i am finally vindicated. the last two years were hard. >> these trials have dominated the country's political landscape for nearly 14 years. during this time, mr. anwar has come out as a strong reformist. the government has denied all involvement. they say the verdict shows that ma labor's -- that malaysia's judicial system is independent. mr. anwar has been coming to this courthouse for nearly two years. analysts sight opposition leader has been distracted from his own party. but he's never given up his ambition to be prime minister, and so, with this acquittal, it clears the path for him to contest in the next general election, which is expected to be called soon. he's still widely seen as the only person capable of challenging the governing party, which has held power