KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's rule of law is once again under scrutiny after de facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy, for a second time in ten years.

A top envoy from the Malaysian embassy in the US was summoned by the State Department to explain the latest charge. Kuala Lumpur has protested against Washington for meddling in the country's internal affairs.

Meanwhile, Mr Anwar is geared up for a by-election in three weeks.

Speaking to reporters at his party headquarters on Friday, an unfazed Anwar Ibrahim declared that he is still on track to achieving his self-imposed deadline of September 16 to seize power.

He said: "Based on reasonable facts and assumptions, it's clearly on track. As you can see, the past week is hell of a long time for me. One week is a long time in politics, 20 days is enough, seriously."

He said his priority now is to ensure a safe return to parliament by winning over Permatang Pauh's close to 60,000 electorate.

Touted as the mother of all by-elections, Anwar is expected to thrash the ruling party UMNO candidate who has yet to be named.

However, up against the government's huge war chest and well oiled election machinery, Anwar is not taking chances. He is heading to his hometown Permatang Pauh this weekend to drum up support. He has already promised to lower pump prices and revitalise the economy once he takes over.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian police are investigating a sworn statement by the first doctor who examined Anwar's accuser, Mohd Saiful.

In it, Dr Mohd Osman, a general practitioner with 30 years experience, stood by his findings two days after the alleged crime was committed.

The doctor's medical report had said that the 23-year-old former aide did not show signs of having been sodomised.

Fearing his safety, the doctor has since fled the country with his family. - CNA/vm