The Kuala Lumpur High Court adjourned to 2.30pm today the hearing of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's application to stay his sodomy trial.

Anwar's lead counsel Karpal Singh said the adjournment was sought because they had this morning filed an application to review the Federal Court's refusal to allow Anwar access to documents from the prosecution for his defence.

NONE Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah said if no date was fixed by the Federal Court to hear the review application, the High Court would proceed to hear Anwar's stay application.

Originally, the court was set for the trial today but it first had to hear Anwar's application to stay the proceedings.

Whether the much-delayed and much-awaited trial would finally take off depends on the outcome of the stay bid.

Anwar, 63, arrived at the court at 9am accompanied by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, Selangor menteri besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Kelantan menteri besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

Anwar, advisor of PKR and Permatang Pauh member of parliament, is accused of sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan at Unit 11-5-1, Kondominium Desa Damansara, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, between 3.01pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

NONE He is charged under section 377B of the Penal Code which carries a maximum 20 years jail and whipping, if convicted.

The courtroom was packed with local and foreign media, Anwar's family members, supporters and members of the public.

Also present were Saiful's father Azlan Mohd Lazim and former health minister Chua Jui Meng.

Lawyer Zamri Idrus is holding a watching brief for Saiful.

The media which had been waiting outside the court since 6.30am was allowed to enter the courtroom two hours later.

Anwar is arguing that the trial proceeding had to be stayed pending his appeal to the Court of Appeal against the High Court's refusal to strike out the sodomy charge against him.

The Court of Appeal has yet to set a date for that.

The sodomy trial was originally set for Jan 25 but was postponed to today pending its decision whether to allow Anwar access to documents from the prosecution to prepare his defence.

The Federal Court on Friday turned down Anwar's request.

- Bernama