A judge in Malaysia has thrown out an appeal by the former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, against his imprisonment.

The decision opens the way for the trial of Mr Ibrahim to go ahead next week.

Mr Ibrahim's lawyers accused the government of conspiracy against him, in jailing him last month following rallies at which he called for the resignation of the prime minister, Mahathir Mohammed.

The judge dismissed the claim as sensational.

Mr Ibrahim is charged with corruption and sexual misconduct, which he denies.