Anwar trial delays could boost opposition

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 – Continuing delays in the sodomy trial of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could boost the opposition’s political fortunes at a time when the government has the initiative, say analysts.

Anwar’s trial was originally set to start in early July but now looks unlikely to begin before late September after the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Friday granted the prosecution leave to appeal its decision to allow Anwar more access to evidence.

The delay follows a series of pre-trial motions by both the prosecution and defence.

Analysts said the delays would have the end effect of helping to keep Anwar, now the country’s opposition leader, in the public limelight while maintaining pressure on the government and Prime Minister Najib Razak.

“Anwar has not been in the limelight for some time due to other political developments in the country, so delays will keep public attention on him and prolong the political tussle between the government and opposition,” said Ibrahim Suffian, director at the independent polling outfit Merdeka Centre.

Judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohamad Diah on Friday fixed Sept. 2 to decide on the start date for the trial of Anwar, who is accused of sodomising a former male aide in a case which he claims is a repeat of a 1998 political conspiracy against him.

Anwar was charged and convicted of sodomy after being sacked as deputy prime minister 11 years ago. He spent six years in jail before being freed in 2004 after the country’s Federal Court overturned the conviction.

A conviction could end the political career of the 61-year-old and stymie Pakatan Rakyat, a three-party rainbow alliance held together largely by Anwar and which observers say stand their best chance to wrest power from the ruling Barisan Nasional in the next polls due by 2013.

The Pakatan alliance made big gains in general elections last year, denying the Barisan, which has ruled the country for 51 years, its two-thirds parliament rule and control of five of Malaysia’s 13 states.

The government’s losses prompted then Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi into early retirement, with his deputy Najib taking over in April.

Najib has seen his approval ratings surge to 65 per cent from 45 per cent, according to Merdeka’s recent poll, after introducing measures to help Malaysia win back investment.

But a public outcry over the death of an opposition lawmaker’s aide after he was allegedly released from questioning by the country’s anti-graft body has led to mounting protests which now threaten to sink the government’s popularity.

A prolonged Anwar trial will create an additional source of concern for the government, but could also create problems for the opposition, which has recently had a bout of infighting.

“Delays mean that scrutiny on the government and Najib will increase and give the opposition more room to plan and strategise, but the opposition’s own inter-party feuds could also spread out during that time,” said Ibrahim. – Reuters

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