KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was acquitted and discharged of sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan by the High Court here today, described the decision as fair and can clear his name and family.

Met at Jalan Duta Court Complex compound, the opposition leader thanked his lawyers for working hard during the trial, his family, PKR and PAS leaders for their support.

"It is still early to say anything as there is still avenue for the prosecutor (to appeal). I'm just thankful for what I heard today," he said.

When asked how she felt, Anwar's wife, Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said "Syukur Alhamdullilah" before leaving with suppporters.

Meanwhile, some opposition party leaders who were present in court were happy with the decision.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, his deputy Mohamad Sabu, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali described the decision as a first step towards returning dignity and integrity of the judiciary.

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim was thankful for the decision and said it showed maturity of the judiciarl institution.

Former Bar Council president Datuk S Ambiga said the decision by Justice Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah was correct and hopes it will close the sodomy issue.

Anwar, 64, pleaded not guilty on Aug 7, 2008, to sodomising Mohd Saiful, 26, at Desa Damansara Condominium in Bukit Damansara here, between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.