BANGKOK, Thailand -- In the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur July 6, 20,000 supporters of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim braved a police ban to rally in support of the opposition leader, who has been charged with sodomy on the basis of allegations lodged by a 23-year-old former male aide. Anwar claims the charges are baseless, an attempt by the ruling party to thwart his political ambitions. Anwar supporters chanted "PM resign" as protesters arrived at a suburban sports stadium. The political turmoil erupted at elections earlier this year amid claims by Anwar that he was poised to oust the government of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. "I vow we will fight and struggle until the Pakatan Rakyat becomes the next government of Malaysia," Anwar said at the rally, according to dispatches, in reference to his three-party opposition alliance. "The people are desperate but the government is happy."
Amid Malaysia’s Sensational Political Drama, Anwar Has Momentum for Now
