Doc: Sodomy act 'unlikely' for Anwar in his condition

Dutch orthopaedic surgeon Dr Thomas Hoogland continued his testimony today and was cross-examined by the prosecution in the Sodomy II trial.

Yesterday he told the court the extent of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's injury as a result of a police assault he suffered after being sacked as deputy prime minister in 1998.

Anwar had surgery on the fourth and fifth lumbar of his lower back in 2004, which had subsequently restrict his mobility and movement.

Hoogland also testified that following inspections done last month, he believes Anwar cannot do anyvigorous activity.

Yesterday also saw Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diahstriking out the subpoenas served on Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, to testify as witnesses.

Lead defence counsel Karpal Singh has indicated they will appeal yesterday's ruling, which they will file later today.

The hearing may not continue in the afternoon as Najib, who is also finance minister, will be tabling the Budget 2012.

LIVE REPORTS

8.45am: Trial begins with High Court judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah presiding. Dr Thomas Hoogland is called to take the witness stand.

8.50am: From the micro-anatomy, the spine doctor says the nerve has blood vessels and “we have learnt a lot since in relation to blood supply”.

"Blood supply is the main problem when there is damage to the nerve," says Hoogland.

8.55am: Hoogland says, "When we consider the sexual act, it is unlikely possible."

"Based on the examination on Anwar and the MRI results, it is not possible (for the sodomy act) for his age," says Hoogland.

Defence team ends its questioning of Hoogland.

8.57am: The witness is handed over to the prosecution for cross-examination. Solicitor-general II Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden begins questioning.

9.07am: There was a light moment when Yusof goes through the details of the human anatomy.

"You passed the test," says Hoogland.

9.14am: Hoogland tells the court that when people are in the 40s and 50s, they may suffer from disc herniation.

He also says that at the age of 40, some people may develop arthiritis.

9.32am: Yusof asks Hoogland about lumbar stenosis.

9.35am: Hoogland says to check for stenosis, he would take a look at the hips, then have the patient stand up and do bend movements.

"Then you have him stand on his toes and do reflexes. We also do tests on the sensation to see if the nerve is blocked or not."

9.45am: Hoogland says based on the condition of the back, he would recommend several modes of treatment to lumbar stenosis.

This includes physiotheraphy, anti-inflammatory drug, steroid injection which can only be done three times a year, acupuncture or chiropractor and surgery.

9.48am: The spine doctor says Anwar's injury was not caused by age but as a result of the police assault.

He had stenosis and nerve damage.

9.50am: PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya enters the courtroom and takes a seat in the public gallery.

Hoogland says Anwar was tested for flexion (bending forward) and extension (bending to the back, and to the back, then left and right).

"Anwar sensed more pain to the left," he said.

9.56am: Hoogland shows the computer MRI scan on Anwar to demonstrate the extent of Anwar's injury.

10.05am: PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin walks into the courtroom and joins the crowd in the public gallery.

10.11am: Hoogland, in reply to Yusof, says there was improvement following the surgery, but "we cannot make it heal it completely".

10.12am: He denies that the surgery alleviates the problem completely, and there is still significant pain.

Yusof asks for break. Judge orders the court to stand down for a few minutes.

[More to follow]