Its chief, Sufian Abdul Karim, said based on Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks earlier today, it was clear that the charges filed in 2018 were politically motivated and done out of spite.

They were also filed to “kill off” certain individuals and the government’s political rivals, he said in a statement.

“Such actions sullied our justice system. And it now needs to be saved.”

Sufian said these court charges had been a waste of government resources as they aimed to accomplish a “malicious political mission”.

“Those who were charged were persecuted systematically. They had to endure a lengthy legal process, pay their lawyers and suffer embarrassment.

“This is a form of oppression, one that is extremely cruel, which should not happen in a democratic country.”

Anwar had said the prosecution of several cases six years ago was rushed and reeked of “venom and enmity”, when commenting on the recent acquittal of Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, on charges of money laundering.

The prosecution has filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal to reverse the acquittal.

Rosmah had pleaded not guilty in October 2018 to 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7,097,750 and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board.

The prime minister at the time was Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who took up the position on May 10, 2018.