H-Net* "They want to reduce his influence

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Anwar trial postponed as Malaysian electioneering hots up KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 (AFP) - The sodomy trial of ousted ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim -- the Malaysian opposition's candidate for prime minister in November 29 polls -- was postponed indefinitely Monday as electioneering intensified. Sankara Nair, one of Anwar's lawyers, said the defence team received a letter from the high court telling them of the postponement but giving no reasons. "According to the letter, the trial which has been fixed for hearing on November 16 has been postponed. The next date for hearing will be conveyed to us later," Nair told AFP. Anwar, who claims the charges against him stem from a top-level political conspiracy, has been giving evidence alleging ministerial corruption. Anwar's wife Wan Azizah, who heads the National Justice Party, told AFP she had not been told the reason for the postponement. "I can hazard a guess that they do not want him to have any contact in court with supporters, some of his party members and especially me," she said. "They want to reduce his influence and input on the way the next election will be. "This (trial) is the only way my husband can reveal wrongdoing and corruption in high places and the only way to stop him is to stop the trial."