Anwar Ibrahim has accused government-appointed lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah of being more interested in smearing his name, rather than addressing the arguments raised by the defence.

"What he has done is put (forth) the juicy parts for Utusan ( Malaysia ) and TV3 (to play up).

 

"My understanding of the practice is that he should answer issues raised by the defence," Anwar told reporters when met after the conclusion of today's court proceedings.

Commending his defence team for doing an "impressive job", Anwar said Shafee has not countered the argument on the DNA evidence.

The Federal Court is currently hearing Anwar’s appeal against his sodomy conviction.

Shafee commenced his submission today, and the court witnessed him describing the sodomy incident in lurid detail.

Meanwhile, the government-appointed lawyer told reporters outside court that he has finished 20 percent of his submission.

He would continue on Monday, after which the defence will reply.

Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria indicated that the proceedings might extend to Tuesday.

The Federal Court this month upheld the appointment of Shafee as lead prosecutor in Anwar’s Sodomy II conviction appeal.

 

It was Anwar’s third bid to bar Shafee from heading the prosecution team.

 

The opposition leader’s two earlier bids to disqualify Shafee were dismissed by the Federal Court on Nov 20, 2013, and Feb 11 this year, respectively.

Related stories

Shafee's romantic twist to 'ring of truth'

I'll be free on Tuesday, says hopeful Anwar

UM rebel Fahmi slapped with nine charges

More will rise if I'm expelled, says UM rebel

Why always Anwar, asks veteran Aussie ex-judge

We don't throw eggs, Isma tells Anwar

Even supporters fed-up, mocks Anwar's ex-aide

UM identifies nine who took part in gathering

Court of Appeal’s decision clearly a rush job