Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's trial has come to a close after nearly two years. The verdict is expected to be handed down on January 9.

The former finance minister and deputy prime minister was charged with sodomizing his 26-year-old former male aide in June 2008, months after his party had secured unprecedented gains in parliamentary elections. If convicted, the 64-year-old, who fiercely denies the allegations and that he says are politically-motivated, faces up to 20 years in prison.

"The process has not been fair. This is not a fair trial and we have adduced enough cogent, compelling, incontrovertible evidence to support that," Anwar told reporters after his trial ended on Thursday.

He added that a guilty ruling would "strengthen the resolve of the opposition and public awareness for the need to reform."

Prime Minister Najib Razak, whom Anwar accuses of orchestrating the case, is expected to call an election in the first quarter of next year.

A guilty verdict would prevent Anwar, who spent six years in jail for sodomy and abuse of power from 1998 to 2004 when the conviction was overturned, from running for office.

Author: Sarah Berning (Reuters, AP, AFP)
Editor: Anne Thomas