Malaysia's Anwar "deeply regrets" trial postponementKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (AFP) - Malaysia's sacked deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim called Tuesday for his sodomy trial to resume as soon as possible and said he "deeply regrets" the decision to order an indefinite postponement.Sankara Nair, one of Anwar's lawyers, said Monday 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 said. Anwar, who claims the charges against him stem from a top-level political conspiracy, has been giving evidence alleging ministerial corruption. Malaysia holds a general election November 29. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had been subpoenaed to give evidence in the trial at a day to be fixed. "I deeply regret the decision to postpone this hearing without any reasons being given and without an opportunity being given to me or my lawyers to state our stand," Anwar said in a faxed statement. He said he was concerned "that the postponement of the case without a date and reasons being given will give the wrong impression to the people on the integrity and independence of the judiciary as an institution." Ramly Ali, Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, said the case was postponed because Judge Arifin Jaka had been advised by his doctor to rest for at least two weeks, the official Bernama news agency reported. The trial was adjourned Friday because Arifin was said to be still unwell with back pain. It had been due to resume Tuesday. Anwar's wife Wan Azizah, who heads the National Justice Party, told AFP Monday the postponement might have been prompted to halt contacts in court between party members including herself and her husband. "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," she added. The government says the courts operate independently of it. It denies allegations of graft. Anwar, sacked and detained in September 1998, was jailed for six years in April for abusing his official position to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct. He is now on trial for sodomy, punishable by up to 20 years. Anwar is the candidate for prime minister of the opposition Alternative Front alliance which includes the National Justice Party and three other parties. |
