COMMENT | Though the criminal trial, unlike the civil suit, involving Yusoff Rawther, the former research assistant to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has nothing to do with the latter at all, the trial has, however, been invariably depicted as a legal battle between both of them too.

Worse, both of the court proceedings - civil and criminal - are often projected as an epic battle between David and Goliath.

While Yusoff seems to have enjoyed a plethora of sympathies so far, the prime minister, on the other hand, has everything to lose, assuming the court’s decision will eventually be in favour of Yusoff.

Hence, the stakes are relatively high for Anwar and his government.

As of today, Yusoff seems to have hit...