Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim went on trial today on charges of sodomy for the second time in a decade in a case that was being closely watched by foreign embassies.

The trial of the 62-year old former deputy premier represents the biggest political challenge to Prime Minister Najib Razak who is attempting to rebuild the coalition that has ruled Malaysia for over half a century after record losses in  elections in 2008.

"These are the machinations of a dirty, corrupt few," an upbeat looking Anwar said of the trial as he entered the court

in Kuala Lumpur accompanied by two of his daughters and clasping the hand of his wife to cries of "long live Anwar" from 50 or so supporters.

anwar sodomy trail first day 020210 anwar arrive 02 Najib who has been premier since April last year also needs to defuse a religious row that has damaged the government and

win back foreign investment that fled Malaysia at a faster rate than almost any other emerging market economy in 2009.

"The evidence will have to be overwhelming in order to move beyond the perception that Najib Razak is using the judiciary  to remove a political rival in a desperate and mistaken move to shore up his own position," said Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia specialist as Singapore Management University.

the charge against anwar ibrahim sodomy allegation trial 070808 If found guilty of the charge of sodomising a young male aide in a country where all homosexual acts are criminal, Anwar, one of Asia's best known politicians, could face 20 years in jail.

Anwar's dismissal as deputy prime minister in 1998 and his subsequent trials for corruption and sodomy were widely criticised as flawed and staff from missions from the US, Australia, Japan and Britain were in the court today.

Anwar's lawyers are trying to get what they say is crucial evidence from the prosecution in order to fight their case.

Anwar called on his Twitter account for a strong turnout for his first day in court, while his accuser Mohd Saiful Bukhari

Azlan also said on Twitter that he would be in court.

"We still don't have the medical reports and it is hard for me to defend my client. One of my hands are tied and I am going

into this boxing ring," said Sankara Nair, one of Anwar's lawyers told reporters outside the court.

- Reuters