Malaysia’s Anwar charged with sodomy, bailed

Malaysia's leading opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy at a court hearing on Thursday in a move that could damage his chances of staging a political comeback in the majority Muslim country.

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 Sept. 10. This will allow Anwar to contest a by-election on Aug. 26 in which he is the favorite.

This is the second time in a decade that Anwar, a former deputy prime minister who had been groomed for the top job by the governing United Malays National Organization, has faced sodomy charges.

"I am pleased with this decision (bail). I will proceed with my campaign," 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" and "Reformasi" at the courthouse, which was surrounded by police. Reformasi is the battle cry of his reform movement.

The opposition People's Alliance coalition said on Thursday it would formally appoint Anwar as leader if he won the poll.

Despite fears he would not be given bail, Sessions Court judge Komathy Suppiah set Anwar free on a 20,000-ringgit (6,100-dollar) bond.

Sodomy, even between consenting adults, is illegal in Malaysia, and carries a penalty of 20 years imprisonment. The charges indicated the alleged sex act was consensual. Mohamad Saiful has reportedly said it took place at an up-market Kuala Lumpur apartment.

Security was tight outside the packed courtroom, which was guarded by about 200 police -- mostly riot squad officers. About 400 pro-Anwar supporters massed peacefully outside.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday denied Anwar's claims that the government had engineered the allegations. "There's no conspiracy," he said, according to the New Straits Times daily. "How could I insist that he be charged? The police are not so stupid to simply charge if there is no evidence."