Anwar, who was let out of prison to take the witness stand, denied offering 100 million ringgit (US$27.82 million) through businessman Ishak Ismail to get Anifah to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) opposition alliance in order to bring down the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in 2008. He called the allegation "malicious" and "nasty".

He slammed Shafee's "politically motivated questions for the Umno media", referring to the ruling party that Anwar accuses of trumping up the sodomy charge to end his political career.

During cross-examination at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Anwar was asked by Shafee, who is Anifah's lawyer, how he knew Ishak.

"He was from Penang like you and would come close to me when I was a minister and Umno leader. He approached me like you did," Anwar said.

Shafee retorted angrily, saying: "We can both play the same game if you are not answering my question. This is not the place to play the fool."

Anwar was mostly smiling and showed no sign of flagging health despite his family's claims that he was forced to sleep on a thin mattress that aggravated his spinal problems in Sungai Buloh prison.

"Thank you, Your Honour. I want to go back to Sungai Buloh," he said in jest before leaving the stand.

Shafee, appointed by the government as lead prosecutor in Anwar's sodomy trial, told reporters that Anwar was upset as "he is still reeling from his conviction". The Federal Court last week dismissed Anwar's appeal against his sodomy conviction and upheld his five-year jail term.

However, Shafee has been criticised by the legal fraternity and former attorney-general Abu Talib Othman for attacks against Anwar even after the apex court had handed down its decision.

Anwar, de facto leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), arrived in court at 8:45am and was greeted by close supporters. He and his family waited in a holding room until the trial began at 9:30am. He was allowed to meet his family again before returning to prison.

His wife and PKR president Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said they were compiling medical records to show the prison authorities why the leader needed special care.

"It will take a toll on his health even though his spirits are soaring," she told reporters.

The High Court has fixed June 5 for clarification by both sides in the defamation suit.

Anwar is seeking 100 million ringgit in damages from Anifah.

Ishak, who is former KFC deputy executive chairman, has denied making any cash offer, saying the allegation had severe repercussions on his reputation. (***)

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