Malaysian court orders Anwar Ibrahim to defend himself over Sodomy charges

Kuala Lumpur, May 16 (ANI): A Malaysian court has ordered Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to get prepared to defend himself against a charge of sodomising his former personal assistant Mohammed Saiful Bukhari Azlan three years ago.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Justice Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah said the prosecution had established a prima facie case, and asked the 63-year-old PKR adviser must enter his defence in a continuation of his trial fixed from June 6 to June 30.

"The accused is charged with carnal intercourse against order of nature. The defence tried to paint Saiful as a witness who was not a credible witness and that he was not a good Muslim. With great respect to defence, these arguments are irrelevant," The Star quoted judge Diah, as saying.

"Saiful appeared to be a truthful witness and his evidence reliable, with the minute details given in his account. Therefore, the next question is whether there is evidence to corroborate Saiful's statements. The three doctors who testified confirmed that there was penile penetration," he added.

A total of 27 prosecution witnesses were called to take the stand during 59 days of hearing.

On Aug 7, 2008, Anwar pleaded not guilty to performing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on Saiful at a condominium unit in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur on June 26, the same year.

He is charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code and if convicted, could be sentenced to up to 20 years' jail and whipped. (ANI)