Malaysian Court Orders Anwar to Enter Defence in Sodomy Case

A Malaysian judge on Monday ruled that the prosecution had a case to answer against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on a sodomy charge, setting the stage for a lengthy trial that could give Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government a boost ahead of a possible snap general election this year.

The case could damage Anwar’s political career in a mainly Muslim country where extra-marital sex and homosexual relations are frowned upon.

“I find a prima facie case has been made out against the accused, therefore I call upon the accused to enter his defence,” Judge Zabidin Mohamad Diah told the court.