Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim faces trial this week on sodomy charges, for the second time in a turbulent political career that has put him within striking distance of seizing power.
The charges, levelled by a young man who worked in his office, threaten to end Anwar's career which he resurrected after being sacked as deputy premier and jailed on separate sodomy and corruption charges a decade ago. It also jeopardises his opposition alliance, which in 2008 polls snatched a third of seats in parliaments and five states from a shell-shocked Barisan Nasional coalition which has ruled Malaysia for half a century.
"There's a small chance he'll be acquitted but a very, very small chance," said political analyst James Chin from Monash University in Malaysia, of the charges which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.
"I think the trial will be dragged out for a long time to damage his reputation and also to slow down the opposition." But the case, which Anwar says is a conspiracy to neutralise the threat he poses to the government, could also seriously damage Prime Minister Najib Razak who came to office this year with promises of reform.
"This is a no-win situation for Najib. If Anwar gets thrown into prison he looks bad, if he's acquitted he also looks bad. The question is how to limit the damage," Chin said. "I suspect he'll be found guilty and let off with a fine," he said. "If Anwar goes to jail, the opposition will be stronger because Anwar will be seen as a martyr." The United States and Amnesty International have raised concerns over the charges against Anwar, who in his first trial was brought to court with a black eye after a vicious beating from the police chief.
The earlier charges emerged after he challenged veteran ruler Mahathir Mohamad. The latest allegations followed the landmark polls that give him an excellent chance of victory in the next general election.
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