Leading Malaysian opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy at a court hearing today in a move that could damage his chances of staging a political comeback.
Mr Anwar (60) denied the charge that he had sex with a 23-year-old male aide and was bailed until his next court appearance on September 10th. This will allow him to contest a by-election on August 26 in which he is the favourite.
"I am pleased with this decision [bail]. I will proceed with my campaign," Mr Anwar told reporters after the court appearance in which he was accompanied by his wife and daughters.
About 100 cheering supporters shouted "long live Anwar" at the courthouse, which was surrounded by police.
The opposition People's Alliance coalition said on Thursday it would formally appoint Mr Anwar as leader if he won the poll.
Mr Anwar and his supporters say the charges are politically motivated and aimed at damaging his chances of a return to parliament and the alliance's chance of winning over MPs from the ruling coalition in a confidence vote.
The alliance hopes to lure 30 MPs from the coalition to win a September 16 vote in parliament.
The alliance rode a wave of popular discontent with rising prices in March's election and deprived the coalition, which has ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain half a century ago, of its two-thirds majority.
Reuters