After prosecutors made their closing arguments, Mr Anwar continued to insist that he was the victim of a political plot by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his allies.

He said: "I still maintain that a political conspiracy involving Dr Mahathir and his close associates to politically assassinate me were behind the four corruption charges."

The former deputy prime minister and finance minister is on trial for four charges relating to corruption and abuse of office. He has also been charged on a further five counts of engaging in illegal sex.

Mr Anwar faces up to 14 years in jail and a 20,000 ringgit ($5,000) fine on each corruption charge.

Malaysia's longest trial

The trial, which started on 2 November, is the longest criminal trial in Malaysian history.

Summing up, prosecutor Abdul Gani Patail said the case against Mr Anwar had been proved "beyond a shadow of a doubt".

Defence lawyer Christopher Fernando told the court: "The only crime he has committed is being courageous enough to stand up against powerful politicians and to uphold justice and freedom. He is entitled to an acquittal."

Judge Augustine Paul had set the verdict for 6 April, but on Thursday said he needed more time to consider the final arguments.

As the case closed, Mr Anwar said he was reconciled to a prison term. A conviction would bar him from entering politics for five years.