KUALA LUMPUR: Malasian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim prepared to face trial on sodomy charges on Wednesday, after losing a last-ditch bid to postpone the case that threatens to end his career.

Anwar, who was sacked as deputy premier and jailed on similar charges a decade ago, says the allegations of sexual misconduct with a former aide are a political conspiracy and that he fears he will not receive a fair trial.

He intends to subpoena Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to testify, saying they were 'personally involved in the conspiracy and frame-up' and had met with his accuser before he filed his complaint.

The trial was supposed to start last July but has been postponed repeatedly as the defence mounted bids to strike out the case, and to force the prosecution to release evidence including CCTV footage and medical reports.

On Wednesday Anwar's lawyers said the appeals court president had turned down their request for another delay until the various hearings are completed, and that the trial would start at 0630 GMT (2.30pm Singapore time).

Anwar's lawyers said they expected the prosecution to begin calling witnesses straight away. Mohamad Saiful Bukhari Azlan, the 24-year-old with whom Anwar is accused of having sexual relations, has maintained a low profile since the allegations emerged in 2008 but said on Tuesday he was ready to tell his story.

Courtesy: StraitsTimes