Mahathir defends Anwar verdict

Mahathir said there had been no conspiracy

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has brushed off a flood of international criticism over former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's conviction for sodomy.

It is impossible in Malaysia to have a conspiracy on such a scale

Dr Mahathir

In the first official response to Tuesday's verdict, Dr Mahathir said the court had given his former protege a fair trial.

"The trial has been a very long one. He has been given every opportunity to defend himself," Dr Mahathir said in an interview with the Saudi Gazette, posted on the ruling party's website.

Mahathir chose Anwar (left) as his heir but fell out with him in 1998

He also defended the nine-year jail term handed down. Anwar had denied the charge during the 14-month legal battle.

"I am quite sure the court has given this sentence because the court thinks that is the right punishment," Dr Mahathir said.

Conspiracy

The prime minister also denied Anwar's allegation that he was a victim of a government conspiracy.

Supporters say Anwar has been framed

"It is a normal trial, there is no conspiracy.

"It is impossible in Malaysia to have a conspiracy on such a scale involving literally hundreds of people," he said.

In any case, he added, Anwar had only made the accusation after his arrest.

"We know and the general public knows that he is the one who is involved in some conspiracy to try and promote himself to be the prime minister," Dr Mahathir said.

International condemnation

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar also rejected criticism of the sentence, saying: "Allegations that the trial was flawed are utterly unwarranted and unjustified."

Anwar has denied the charges

The United States has led international condemnation of the verdict.

Australia, New Zealand and human rights groups have also registered their concern.

Anwar's jail term is to be added to a six-year sentence he was given in 1999 for abusing his powers while in government.

The former deputy premier, whose 53rd birthday is on Thursday, will be barred from politics for five more years once he is released.

The court process continues with appeals against the convictions.