Lead defence counsel Christopher Fernando in sacked deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial today told the High Court that attempts to fabricate evidence against Anwar were also made in the United States.

A witness told the court this morning that a Malaysian diplomat approached him in Washington, D.C to fabricate sexual evidence against Anwar for monetary reward.

Jamal Abdul Rahman, who provided limousine services to the Malaysian Embassy since 1980, said diplomat Mustafa Ong told him to allege that Anwar made sexual passes at him. "Mustafa said, 'you can make some money'," Jamal told the court.

Jamal told judge Arifin Jaka that Mustafa approached him in September 1998 and promised US$ 200,000 for his participation in the alleged political conspiracy to topple Anwar from power.

He also said that he was told to meet with a staff of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, then foreign minister but currently deputy prime minister and premier Mahathir Mohamad's heir apparent.

Jamal was in Kuala Lumpur last year to testify at Anwar's corruption trial, however, judge Augustine Paul ruled that his testimony was irrelevant to the charges that Anwar was facing.

"My contract (to supply limousine services) was cancelled by the Embassy when I went back to Washington," Jamal said.

Anwar, who was forced into a political limbo following his shock dismissal from power, currently serves a six-year jail term for corruption. He also stands trial for a separate charge of sodomy and sexual misconduct.

Anwar is charged together with adopted brother Sukma Dermawan Sasmitaat Madja. Sukma faces an additional charge of abetting and aiding Anwar to force sex on ex-driver Azizan Abu Bakar.

Anwar has repeatedly denied all charges and says they were orchestrated by Mahathir and his aides to end his political career.