Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The second trial against Anwar Ibrahim for sodomy, leader of the opposition in Malaysia opened today in Kuala Lumpur. He has accused the current Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife of "conspiracy" against him, and demands that both appear before the courts as witnesses. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and the end of his political career.
Anwar Ibrahim, 62, was deputy prime minister until 1998, when he had to leave following allegations of corruption and sodomy, which is illegal in Malaysia even between consenting adults. Imprisoned in connection with the millennium crisis in Asian financial markets, he spent six years in prison.
Released in 2004, the opposition leader plunged into active politics and won support in a large chunk of the electorate in the elections of 2008, especially among ethnic Chinese and Indian Malaysians. He, in fact, despite having a history as an Islamic fundamentalist, has supported the struggle of Catholics to use the word "Allah" and promote a campaign - as opposed to the government - which combines the majority Malay ethnic and religious minorities.
Ibrahim presented himself in court accompanied by his wife and two daughters. Dozens of supporters shouted slogans including "reform, reform." After a brief hearing, the judges adjourned the trial to the afternoon. The opposition leader reiterated that the trial is a fabrication, and charges a political conspiracy.
He pointed his finger at the Prime Minister and his family, whose actions "seriously damage the image of the nation”. In an interview with the BBC, released on the eve of the hearing, Ibrahim said "We were committed to a reform agenda. We are committed to democratic ideals and some of us may have to pay the price".
The government leadership has rejected the Ibrahim’s accusations, denying that it is in effect a conspiracy against him. The charge of sodomy was made by Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a 25 year-old former employee of the opposition leader.
Human rights activists have launched heavy criticism against the procedure, explaining "the same old tricks” are being used “in an attempt to eliminate the opposition leaders from politics" of the country.