SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin orders Anwar hearing to bestood down after Sivarasa's arguments.

Suliaman has taken ill, and is too sick to continue his court cases. — File pic

1. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves court house in a defiant mood, declaring he will not be intimidated by the trial.44 minutes ago from TwitterFox
2. SODOMY2 - Anwar's defence lawyers ask to continue rebuttal tomorrow.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
3. SODOMY2 - Yusof says prosecution does not have Pusrawi medical report on Saiful.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
4. SODOMY2 - Yusof says Saiful medical report are at best, neutral & prosecution not required to give to defence but HKL report was given.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
5. SODOMY2 - Anwar returns to court room, still looking grim.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
6. SODOMY2 - Anwar has quick drink at KL High Court canteen after leaving court room.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
7. SODOMY2 - Yusof then cites Section 51(a) that only right to copies of documents, ie written evidence not blood samples or slides.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
8. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof points out Anwar defence supplied with all admissible documents under Section 51.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
9. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah claims in Sodomy1, prosecution suppressed medical report that Sukma Darmawan had no signs of anal penetration.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
10. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves courtroom, grimacing in pain.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
11. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah says defence has final chemist report but wants notesheet so as not to waste time determining conclusion, methodology.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
12. SODOMY2 - Edmund argues if judge rejects bid for full disclosure, prosecution cannot bring in evidence not submitted 3 weeks before trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
13. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah argues defence needs chemist's notes on DNA to determine methodology, to ensure fair trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
14. SODOMY2 - Anwar lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad takes over case, submitting case on chemist's reports.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
15. SODOMY2 - Edmund now says prosecution have yet to inform defence of list of witnesses for Anwar's trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
16. SODOMY2 - Edmund adds defence not 'fishing' for evidence, asking for specific materials eg entire June25-27 CCTV clip at alleged crime sceneabout 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
17. SODOMY2 - Edmund says prosecution compelled by law to provide evidence to defence 3 weeks before trial, not during trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
18. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin rejects defence arguments, saying trial goes on. Anwar Edmund Bon takes over the case.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
19. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof objects to postponement, saying trial must go on as its of public interest.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
20. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin orders Anwar hearing to be stood down after Sivarasa's arguments.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox

1. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves court house in a defiant mood, declaring he will not be intimidated by the trial.44 minutes ago from TwitterFox
2. SODOMY2 - Anwar's defence lawyers ask to continue rebuttal tomorrow.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
3. SODOMY2 - Yusof says prosecution does not have Pusrawi medical report on Saiful.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
4. SODOMY2 - Yusof says Saiful medical report are at best, neutral & prosecution not required to give to defence but HKL report was given.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
5. SODOMY2 - Anwar returns to court room, still looking grim.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
6. SODOMY2 - Anwar has quick drink at KL High Court canteen after leaving court room.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
7. SODOMY2 - Yusof then cites Section 51(a) that only right to copies of documents, ie written evidence not blood samples or slides.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
8. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof points out Anwar defence supplied with all admissible documents under Section 51.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
9. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah claims in Sodomy1, prosecution suppressed medical report that Sukma Darmawan had no signs of anal penetration.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
10. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves courtroom, grimacing in pain.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
11. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah says defence has final chemist report but wants notesheet so as not to waste time determining conclusion, methodology.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
12. SODOMY2 - Edmund argues if judge rejects bid for full disclosure, prosecution cannot bring in evidence not submitted 3 weeks before trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
13. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah argues defence needs chemist's notes on DNA to determine methodology, to ensure fair trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
14. SODOMY2 - Anwar lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad takes over case, submitting case on chemist's reports.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
15. SODOMY2 - Edmund now says prosecution have yet to inform defence of list of witnesses for Anwar's trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
16. SODOMY2 - Edmund adds defence not 'fishing' for evidence, asking for specific materials eg entire June25-27 CCTV clip at alleged crime sceneabout 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
17. SODOMY2 - Edmund says prosecution compelled by law to provide evidence to defence 3 weeks before trial, not during trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
18. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin rejects defence arguments, saying trial goes on. Anwar Edmund Bon takes over the case.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
19. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof objects to postponement, saying trial must go on as its of public interest.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
20. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin orders Anwar hearing to be stood down after Sivarasa's arguments.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
21. SODOMY2 - Sivarasa asks judge to delay hearing for Anwar to get new lead counsel, saying won't affect trial set a year after charge filed.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
22. SODOMY2 - Sivarasa argues that Anwar entitled to automatic trial postponement if counsel discharges himself, until he finds new lawyer.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
23. SODOMY2 - Anwar lawyer/Subang MP Sivarasa takes lead arguing to get prosecutors share evidence for trial.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
24. SODOMY2 - Anwar arrives for trial hearing as police maintain heavy cordon around KL High Court in Jalan Duta

1. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves court house in a defiant mood, declaring he will not be intimidated by the trial.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
2. SODOMY2 - Anwar's defence lawyers ask to continue rebuttal tomorrow.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
3. SODOMY2 - Yusof says prosecution does not have Pusrawi medical report on Saiful.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
4. SODOMY2 - Yusof says Saiful medical report are at best, neutral & prosecution not required to give to defence but HKL report was given.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
5. SODOMY2 - Anwar returns to court room, still looking grim.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
6. SODOMY2 - Anwar has quick drink at KL High Court canteen after leaving court room.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
7. SODOMY2 - Yusof then cites Section 51(a) that only right to copies of documents, ie written evidence not blood samples or slides.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
8. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof points out Anwar defence supplied with all admissible documents under Section 51.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
9. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah claims in Sodomy1, prosecution suppressed medical report that Sukma Darmawan had no signs of anal penetration.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
10. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves courtroom, grimacing in pain.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
11. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah says defence has final chemist report but wants notesheet so as not to waste time determining conclusion, methodology.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
12. SODOMY2 - Edmund argues if judge rejects bid for full disclosure, prosecution cannot bring in evidence not submitted 3 weeks before trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
13. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah argues defence needs chemist's notes on DNA to determine methodology, to ensure fair trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
14. SODOMY2 - Anwar lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad takes over case, submitting case on chemist's reports.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
15. SODOMY2 - Edmund now says prosecution have yet to inform defence of list of witnesses for Anwar's trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
16. SODOMY2 - Edmund adds defence not 'fishing' for evidence, asking for specific materials eg entire June25-27 CCTV clip at alleged crime sceneabout 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
17. SODOMY2 - Edmund says prosecution compelled by law to provide evidence to defence 3 weeks before trial, not during trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
18. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin rejects defence arguments, saying trial goes on. Anwar Edmund Bon takes over the case.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
19. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof objects to postponement, saying trial must go on as its of public interest.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
20. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin orders Anwar hearing to be stood down after Sivarasa's arguments.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox

1. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves court house in a defiant mood, declaring he will not be intimidated by the trial.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
2. SODOMY2 - Anwar's defence lawyers ask to continue rebuttal tomorrow.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
3. SODOMY2 - Yusof says prosecution does not have Pusrawi medical report on Saiful.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
4. SODOMY2 - Yusof says Saiful medical report are at best, neutral & prosecution not required to give to defence but HKL report was given.about 1 hour ago from TwitterFox
5. SODOMY2 - Anwar returns to court room, still looking grim.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
6. SODOMY2 - Anwar has quick drink at KL High Court canteen after leaving court room.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
7. SODOMY2 - Yusof then cites Section 51(a) that only right to copies of documents, ie written evidence not blood samples or slides.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
8. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof points out Anwar defence supplied with all admissible documents under Section 51.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
9. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah claims in Sodomy1, prosecution suppressed medical report that Sukma Darmawan had no signs of anal penetration.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
10. SODOMY2 - Anwar leaves courtroom, grimacing in pain.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
11. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah says defence has final chemist report but wants notesheet so as not to waste time determining conclusion, methodology.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
12. SODOMY2 - Edmund argues if judge rejects bid for full disclosure, prosecution cannot bring in evidence not submitted 3 weeks before trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
13. SODOMY2 - Amer Hamzah argues defence needs chemist's notes on DNA to determine methodology, to ensure fair trial.about 2 hours ago from TwitterFox
14. SODOMY2 - Anwar lawyer Amer Hamzah Arshad takes over case, submitting case on chemist's reports.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
15. SODOMY2 - Edmund now says prosecution have yet to inform defence of list of witnesses for Anwar's trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
16. SODOMY2 - Edmund adds defence not 'fishing' for evidence, asking for specific materials eg entire June25-27 CCTV clip at alleged crime sceneabout 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
17. SODOMY2 - Edmund says prosecution compelled by law to provide evidence to defence 3 weeks before trial, not during trial.about 3 hours ago from TwitterFox
18. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin rejects defence arguments, saying trial goes on. Anwar Edmund Bon takes over the case.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
19. SODOMY2 - Lead prosecutor Yusof objects to postponement, saying trial must go on as its of public interest.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox
20. SODOMY2 - Judge Mohd Zabidin orders Anwar hearing to be stood down after Sivarasa's arguments.about 4 hours ago from TwitterFox

UPDATED

By Debra Chong

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been left in the lurch as his lead lawyer unexpectedly pulled out from his Sodomy II case late yesterday due to failing health.

High Court judge Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah rejected the Opposition Leader’s bid for more time to appoint a replacement for an ill Sulaiman Abdullah.

The veteran lawyer, who has 30 years’ experience, fell sick two weeks ago following episodes of “giddiness” and was warded at the government-run Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

His condition remains “critical”, a grim-faced Anwar told reporters in the courtroom this morning.

“Sulaiman told me last night he’s going to discharge himself. He cannot continue with the defence for my case,” Anwar said unhappily and added: “or for others,” referring to the seasoned lawyer who is also representing toppled Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin in his Federal Court bid to regain his office.

The federal lawmaker says his other lawyers had pleaded with the judge in chambers this morning asking for two weeks to decide on the new chief counsel and failed.

Anwar is invoking Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, which he says gives him full rights to choose his lawyer in a trial.

Despite having a massive legal team of some 13 lawyers originally, Anwar is looking for a lead counsel outside the circle. He wants someone with Sulaiman’s stature.

Ex-Malaysian Bar chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan was seen in deep discussion with the PKR leader in the courtroom but denied that she would be taking over Sulaiman’s position.

Justice Zabidin fixed the hearing, which had been postponed twice, to start at 2pm today. The court is scheduled to hear Anwar’s bid to get more evidence for his trial, which he claims the prosecution is withholding from him.

Anwar walking to court with wife and PKR president Wan Azizah. - Picture by Choo Choy May

“My counsel Sivarasa said the judge insists on starting the session now. So we’ll see what happens at 2pm as far as the due process is concerned,” Anwar said.

The 61-year-old leader stands who accused of sodomising a former male aide in June 2008 has repeatedly claimed he is being denied a fair trial.

The former deputy prime minister who made his political comeback last year has also applied to strike out the sodomy charges against him.

He is also trying to disqualify the present seven-member prosecution team headed by Solicitor-General II Datuk Yusof Zainal Abiden.

He claims they are a part of a “malicious” prosecution handpicked by Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, whom he accuses of trying to put an end to his political career.

If convicted, Anwar faces up to 20 years in prison, effectively snuffing his dreams of taking over the federal government.

“It stands as you can see. You need time, but the judge says ‘No, it’s a technical thing. You can proceed.’ That’s what the instruction is, ladies and gentlemen,” Anwar complained, the corner of his lips lifted in a wry smile.

However, the beleaguered leader appeared to waver when pressed on his opposition faction’s razor-thin victory in yesterday’s Manek Urai by-election.

Anwar dismissed it as a “small by-election”, pointing out that PAS and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had faced the entire might of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government machinery and triumphed.

“I’m more concerned with... the issue of perception,” he stressed, brushing aside the various public spats among the three-party PR as propaganda efforts by BN through their party-controlled media.

But he is not resting on his laurels. He knows the wave of public support for PR is slowly falling and is “taking all measures” to combat the decline.

Asked if he anticipates a snap poll next year despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s firm rejection of idea, Anwar said: “Maybe, I don’t know. But we’re preparing. The sooner the better.”