Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim Cleared of Sodomy Charges

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Malaysia's charismatic opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was cleared of sodomy charges on Monday, opening the way for a challenge this year to the ruling party that has governed for over 50 years since independence from Britain.

The unexpected verdict, which hinged on the judge's decision that DNA evidence presented by the prosecution was unreliable, sparked scenes of wild jubilation from his supporters in the Kuala Lumpur court and tears of joy from his wife and children.

Mr Anwar, 64, said he was "pleasantly shocked" by the verdict, which he has long alleged would be fixed by Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak on the trumped up charges to smear him and keep him out of politics.

But the government said the verdict in the case clearly underscored the judiciary's independence and illustrated it was listening to demands for reform among an electorate, which has an eye on the Arab Spring protests. » | Ian MacKinnon in Bangkok | Monday, January 09, 2012