Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was acquitted of sodomy charges on Monday in a stunning conclusion to a two-year case that now carries significant implications for the country's electoral landscape.

Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah said he could not rely solely on DNA evidence submitted by the prosecution representing Anwar's former aide, Mohamed Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

"The court is always reluctant to convict on sexual offences without corroborative evidence," Zabidin Diah said.

Anwar was greeted by thousands of cheering supporters outside the courtroom, where police said they found two suspicious devices in a nearby car park following a small explosion that injured at least two people.

Not to be deterred, Anwar used the opportunity to attack the government.

"Thank God, justice has been served," he told reporters. "In the coming election, the voice of the people will be heard and this corrupt government will be toppled from its pedestals of power."

Anwar has been courted by controversy throughout his political career. He had been groomed to succeed former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad until a bitter row between them forced Anwar out in 1998. He was then jailed on separate graft and sodomy charges widely seen as politically motivated.

He was freed in 2004 after the sodomy charges were overturned and assumed leadership of the opposition alliance, which brings together his multi-racial Islamic Keadilan party and a liberal Chinese-based party.

The new charges emerged shortly afterwards amid accusations they were sparked by an incumbent government concerned with his snowballing popularity. Sodomy is illegal in the Muslim-majority country and punishable with up to 20 years' imprisonment.

Positive spin

Following the verdict Monday, Information Minister Rais Yatim sought to position the outcome as a sign the long-standing government was succeeding in its bid to usher in democratic reforms.

"Malaysia has an independent judiciary and this verdict proves that the government does not hold sway over judges' decisions," he said. "The current wave of bold democratic reforms introduced by Prime Minister Najib Razak will help extend this transparency to all areas of Malaysian life."

The Najib government has a deadline of early next year to call elections, in which it hopes to reverse gains made by the opposition in landmark 2008 elections.

Author: Darren Mara (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Anne Thomas