By Debra Chong- The Malaysian InsiderKUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 — Hope still flickers for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ahead of his Sodomy II trial, which is set to start next month.
He previously tried to block the trial from proceeding by applying to the High Court to disqualify the entire prosecution team and failed.
But the 62-year-old grandfather has repeatedly charged the prosecution of carrying out a “trial by ambush”.
The High Court here today will decide on Jan 5 if it will review a certificate said to show there are no facts in the Opposition Leader’s favour.
Judge Datuk Aziah Ali fixed the date in her chambers after being closeted with the lawyers acting for Anwar and the prosecution team in her chambers this morning.
Under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the prosecution must tell the defence in writing if there are any facts in his favour so that trial can start.
The prosecution had earlier this year issued a document, signed by deputy public prosecutor Hanafiah Zakaria stating there were none.
But Anwar claims there are, and has pointed to two medical reports said to state there were no signs of anal penetration on his complainant, former male aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 24.
This is the second time Anwar is charged for sodomy.
If convicted this time, it is likely to snuff out the former deputy prime minister’s burning ambition to take over Putrajaya.
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