Though faced with the possibility of serving another lengthy prison term, Anwar Ibrahim still managed to keep his wits about him and joked with reporters and opposition reps.
After arriving at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, he claimed that Hollywood actor Mel Gibson had called him to ask if the latter should issue a statement.
"I said you can, but not in support of drinking (alcohol).
"He (Gibson) told me, 'One thing I learnt from you (Anwar) is not to enter into politics," added the opposition leader.
Like his first sodomy case, Anwar has always maintained that the second charge was also part of a political conspiracy but the government has denied this.
When Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali ( right ) and several opposition elected reps arrived later, Anwar joked that they could join him in the dock if there are not enough chairs.
Among those who came with Azmin were PKR Wangsa Maju MP Dr Tan Kee Kwong and acting DAP chairperson and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai.
As for his appeal, Anwar seemed pessimistic about the outcome despite his defence team now being led by former Federal Court judge Gopal Sri Ram.
"I am mentally prepared but not much hope," he said.
On Gopal taking over the reins from Sulaiman Abdullah, the opposition leader said the latter is unwell as he underwent a surgery on his leg two months ago.
"Sulaiman was passionate in doing this appeal but I met his wife who advised against it.
"Gopal approached us last week and we had a discussion," he added.
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