By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani and Shazwan Mustafa Kamal - The Malaysian Insider
The charismatic Opposition Leader is accused of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at a condominium in a posh condominium in Bukit Damansara on June 26, 2008.
The 63-year-old grandfather has denied the 24-year-old’s complaint, alleging another conspiracy to put him in jail and derail the opposition’s plans to capture Putrajaya.
He arrived to chaos in the court lobby as reporters, photographers and supporters surrounded him. "It is a sad day for the country. Let's hope justice will prevail," Anwar told reporters as he made way into the courtroom.
He was accompanied by his wife, PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, their daughters Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah, Nurul Hana and Nurul Iman. Also in his entourage was DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong.
"We pray for the best but we are realistically enough. These are the machinations of the dirty corrupt few," Anwar added as he walked into the courtroom.
Asked about his coalition's prospects if he was convicted, he replied "The coalition is strong, we have made all alternative arrangements well."
"We have seen the difficulties in the past but we pray for the best." he said just before entering the courtroom.
Anwar’s lawyer Sankara Nair told reporters they were ready for the trial today but admitted the team would be at an disadvantage because “due process has been abused”. He also criticised the Attorney-General’s Chambers for not providing necessary evidence and documents in line with international standards and norms.
“The lawyers are ready to give a shock in court. Umno repeats ‘quickly to courts!’ Yes, we will show what is relevant. Don’t avoid,” the de factor PKR and Pakatan Rakyat leader wrote in the tweet.
Some 30 middle-aged men and women have arrived in the Kuala Lumpur court complex which is under tight security. Journalists have also lined up to cover his second trial in almost 12 years. Also in court were international observers and Saiful’s father, Azlan Mohd Lazim.
PKR supreme council leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng told reporters the party backed Anwar and were prepared for the second sodomy trial.
The complainant also took to cyberspace, writing “All this while, I have only one request which is to testify in court.
“While I have waited patiently, he still tries everything to deny my rights. Whatever it is, we will wait for the High Court judge’s decision on Feb 2 whether his application to delay is accepted or not,” Saiful added.
Veteran Umno leader Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah also tweeted his thoughts on the trial in his @razaleigh twitter account, saying "Another trial to shame the country the world over. Is this case even triable anymore?"
Anwar’s legal team last Thursday filed an application to delay the proceedings with his lawyer S N Nair saying Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah will hear their arguments and decide whether the trial actually begins.
The Federal Court last Friday had affirmed a Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to allow Anwar’s defence team access to documents relevant to the case. Anwar had sought to get more evidence saying it affected his defence but the court only allowed him everything except the DNA samples from Saiful.
Police have also warned people, particularly Anwar’s supporters, against gathering today near the courts. Both Anwar and party strategist, Batu MP Chua Tian Chang, had used twitter to ask supporters to gather outside the court this morning.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman said police have received intelligence about the gathering but said no permit has been requested and it would be illegal and cause traffic congestion.
Four truckloads of policemen have secured the court compound while traffic policemen have set up cones to manage traffic. Flyers headlined “Anwar scared?” have been scattered at the sidewalk leading to the court complex.
It said the trial was between someone who took an oath, referring to Saiful, and someone who is unwilling to do so, referring to Anwar, and his efforts to delay the trial.
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