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Anwar's sodomy trial continues (malaysiakini)

Malaysiakini's report:

PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim is back in court today in regards to his sodomy charge.

MCPX

Sessions judge SM Komathy Suppiah started hearing submissions from Anwar's lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah as to why the case should not be transferred to the High Court as requested by the prosecution.

In the last sitting on Oct 7, Komathy had dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the prosecution that she had no jurisdiction to hear the defence team's argument against the transfer.

The prosecution, led by Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden, had argued that the judge "had no choice" but to transfer the case to a higher court.

Komathy however ruled that she had the jurisdiction and allowed the defence team to make their submissions. Sulaiman is to continue his submissions today.

Anwar's objection to the transfer is due to the transfer certificate being signed by Attorney-General (AG) Abdul Gani Patail.

This objection was on the basis that the AG should not have played any role in this case as he was being investigated following a complaint that he had allegedly tampered with evidence in Anwar's trials 10 years ago.

The defence lawyers based their objection on a statement made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who assured that the AG would not be involved in the latest sodomy case.This morning Sulaiman also tendered an affidavit by Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail which stated that she was given an undertaking by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the sodomy trial would be conducted in a proper manner.

In her affidavit, Wan Azizah said the premier gave her this assurance in response to her worries on the possible involvement of Abdul Gani and Inspector General of Police Musa Aman in the case.

She said that as a result of that assurance, she had a legitimate expectation on Abdul Gani's non-involvement in the case. She said she was disappointed when Abdul Gani had signed the transfer order.

Anwar had claimed trial on Aug 7 when charged with sodomising his former aide, 23-year-old Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

If convicted, he could face a 20-year jail term. He is currently out on a RM20,000 personal bond - malaysiakini.com


Check back at The Politics Blog for more on Anwar's sodomy trial as it progresses today.

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