There's been further confusion at the trial of Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who's charged with corruption and illegal homosexual activity, after a key witness appeared to contradict his earlier testimony.

Under questioning from the defence, the witness -- Mr Anwar's former driver,Azizan Abu Bakar -- said that he had not after all been sodomised by Mr Anwar.

He gave the answer twice, first after being asked in English and then in Malay.

Mr Azizan had accused Mr Anwar of sodomy in a letter to the Prime Minister, Mahatir Mohamad, in 1997, and repeated the allegation last week.

The trial of Mr Anwar, who denies the charges, has led to frequent ant-government demonstrations in Malaysia.