As Sodomy II draws to close, Anwar predicts polls soon after

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

December 13, 2011

Anwar also said today he was using his trial to address the country’s flawed legal system. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today predicted that the general election would be held soon after his sodomy trial ends, saying that it was part of an elaborate plan to end his political career.

The Opposition leader told reporters that he was “prepared for the best, but expected the worst” when asked what he thought the judge’s verdict would be on his case.

“This is not coincidental, that the end of the case is going to coincide with (general) elections,” he said.

Responding to the prosecution’s closing submissions attacking his decision to testify via a statement from the dock, Anwar said he was using his trial to address the country’s flawed legal system.

“The system is flawed. It is why I issued a statement from the dock.

“It is not true that I have not adduced evidence to argue my case. I took a position through competent witnesses ... their only attempt is to demolish internationally-renowned doctors,” said Anwar, referring to foreign experts brought in by defence lawyers as witnesses for the case.

Complainant and star prosecution witness Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan has accused Anwar of sodomising him at the upmarket Desa Damansara Condominium in Damansara Heights here on June 26, 2008.

But the PKR de facto leader has repeatedly denied this, and opened his defence case by calling the sodomy charge a trumped-up allegation masterminded by Najib.

The former deputy prime minister said Najib wanted to end his political career and scupper Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) bid to take over federal government.

The trial resumes on December 15 with the defence replying to the prosecution’s submissions.

Trial judge Datuk Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah will then decide a date to deliver his decision on the case.