Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ebrahim says a conviction in his sodomy trial would only strengthen his opposition alliance ahead of elections.
Anwar also vowed to keep fighting for justice even if he was put behind bars.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of sodomizing his male former aide. The court announced Thursday it would deliver its verdict on January 9.
Anwar says he is surprised at the early verdict date and questioned if it was being rushed to keep him from contesting national elections widely expected next year.
A conviction in the two-year trial would prevent Anwar from running in the polls. Prime Minister Najib Razak has denied Anwar's allegation that the government cooked up the charge to crush his political career.
