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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia de facto opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, has been formally charged with sodomy, for the second time in a decade.
The 61-year-old former deputy premier was released after posting bail worth US$6,000 with no surety. If convicted, Mr Anwar can be jailed for up to 20 years.
Amid heavy security with no less than 200 riot police on guard, Mr Anwar arrived just before 10am at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court accompanied by his wife Wan Azizah and his daughters.
Mr Anwar has been formally charged under Section 377b of the Penal Code for sodomising his former aide, 23-year-old Mohd Saiful Bukhari, with consent.
The incident allegedly occurred between 3pm and 4.30pm on June 26 at an upmarket condominium in Desa Damansara.
Speaking immediately after he was released on bail, Mr Anwar said the new allegations have been concocted by the government to prevent him from seizing power. He also challenged the authorities to charge Saiful as well, since the charge is no longer rape or assault as initially alleged.
"If it's consensual, why is it that I'm the only one charged? Clearly this is a political persecution. We will fight them. We will fight them hard. We will start with Permatang Pauh," he said.
When asked why Saiful was not charged, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said: "Saiful, in this particular case, has become the primary witness. If we charge the complainant... it will not be possible.
"But I don't think that's the end of the case. The most important thing is, there must be due process, there is a presumption of innocence, and the institution in our country works and functions."
The judge has set September 10 for mention and the prosecution may apply to transfer the case to the High Court.
- CNA/so
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