Courtroom Test for New Malaysia

Malaysia's new regime faces its first big political test today when an appeals court is due to decide on the bail application of the jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has served four years of a controversial 15-year term for corruption and sodomy.

Mr Anwar, the man once seen as Dr Mahathir Mohamad's heir, is not confident of success despite a new "air of expectancy" since Abdullah Badawi took over as prime minister last October. Mr Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, yesterday said her husband saw his chances as very slim.

Mr Anwar, who has served four years for corruption, is seeking bail pending his appeal on a sodomy charge. He says the charges were fabricated to remove him from politics. His supporters view him as a political prisoner.

Sacked and prosecuted after he challenged the then premier in 1998, Mr Anwar became a cause celebre after his first court appearance was marked by a black eye.

The then police chief was later convicted of assaulting Mr Anwar in custody.

Eli Wong, of the National Human Rights Society, said: "Freeing Anwar would boost [the PM's] credibility and fortify his commitment to human rights. But his party would be concerned what Anwar might do during the election campaign."

Mr Badawi is expected to call an election in March.