Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is set to finally face trial
on sodomy charges today after losing a last-ditch bid to postpone the
case.
The charges were levelled against him by a former aide.
Mr Anwar has claimed that the allegations of sexual misconduct are a
political conspiracy and that he fears he will not receive a fair
trial.
He has said he intends to subpoena Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to testify.
The trial was supposed to start last July.
But it has been postponed repeatedly as the defence mounted bids to
strike out the case, and to force the prosecution to release evidence
including CCTV footage and medical reports.
Yesterday, Mr Anwar's lawyers said the appeals court president had
turned down their request for another delay until the various hearings
are completed.
In convicted, 62-year-old Mr Anwar faces a jail term of up to 20 years.
--938Live