Defence counsel, led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah is expected to complete the remaining 30 per cent of his submissions detailing DNA issue before the last submission from the defence team to be presented later today.
The extension of the proceedings which started last Tuesday still boasts no indication whether the judges will reach a verdict on the sodomy charge, or postpone it to a later date.
Follow the proceedings here:
8.30am: Media personnel and observers take their positions at the designated public gallery. Prosecutor and defence teams arrive and prepare to present their submissions.
8.50am: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrives at the courtroom where he is seen talking with his defence counsel. Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR vice-president Mohamed Azmin Ali is also present at the final proceedings which is in its sixth day.
Outside the Palace of Justice, approximately 150 pro-Anwar supporters have started to gather in solidarity of the PKR de facto leader. Chanting 'Reformasi! Hidup Anwar! 'Bebas Anwar!', these chants fuel a strong atmosphere from within.
Pro-Anwar supporters are seen reciting the Yasin outside the High Court premises.
Pro-Anwar supporters reciting Yassin prayers to ensure the smooth sailing of the sixth day of the proceedings. - Astro AWANI/Syafique Shuib
9.25am: The five-man Federal Court bench is chaired by Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria. It comprised also of Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif, Tan Sri Abdull Hamid Embong, Tan Sri Suriyadi Halim Omar and Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop. The proceedings begin.
9.40am: After discussing on several alibis, Shafee in his deliberations quoted several international cases to compare the relevance pertaining to the DNA process method as an important evidence item.
10.10am: Referring to the cases he quoted earlier, Shafee said, the appellant also questioned other quarters and used the term 'conspiracy' as a mere cover-up.
Anwar seen here after arriving at the Palace of Justice on Tuesday - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
10.35am: Judge Tun Arifin Zakaria questioned the semen sample which the defence team pronounced as inconclusive evidence. Shafee in his presentation said that although the best DNA sample was not obtained from Mohd Saiful, the DNA reading is deemed conclusive and legit to be used.
10.45am: Shafee reads the chemists' testimony comprising semen sample extracted from Mohd Saiful's body. He explained that the tested sperms still contained sperm head plasma membrane. The latter, said Shafee, is sufficient to provide DNA readings.
11.10am: Shafee continues his arguments on DNA based on witnesses alibis. According to Shafee, he was informed that the degeneration process appeared to be a non-issue during the DNA identification tests.
11.45am: Shafee mentions about the possibility that the semen could possibly belong to Dr Osman Abdul Hamid from Hospital Pusrawi, who was tasked to inspect Mohd Saiful's private part.
11.50am: Shafee presents his arguments based on the images of evidence from the cell where he (Anwar) was locked up. The items include face towel, a toothpaste with the top opened and an opened water bottle.
12.15pm: Shafee argues on a theory pertaining the transfer of DNA stain, found in Saiful's underwear when he visited Dr Osman. The alleged stain could possibly occurred due to the initial inspection before Dr Osman decided not to continue with the test.
12.35pm: Shafee in his presentation says that the DNA sample retrieved from Mohd Saiful's rectum could sustain longer than the per-anal samples. He moves on to his next submission citing a reference based on a clinical journal written in Thai (attached with English summary). The motion, however receives objection from Ramkarpal because the content is deemed indecipherable. The judge sustains the decision.
1.10pm: Shafee continues with his arguments. Judge Tun Ariffin adjournes session to 2.20pm.
2.11pm: An approximate 100 Mohd Saiful supporters arrive at the Palace of Justice chanting 'Tangkap Anwar'! slogan.
Pro-Mohd Saiful supporters seen here outside the Palace of Justice. Astro AWANI/Syafique Shuib
2.35pm: Shafee continues with his arguments after a recess.
2.40pm: The lawyer (Shafee) highlighted Saiful's photograph taken during a tea party. He said earlier, Anwar’s counsel, Datuk Seri Gopal Sriram said that Saiful appeared (at the soiree) contented, although in actual fact he didn't. The image, said Shafee is subjective and it's insufficient to be used to support the defence’s argument as the photographer's testimony should be taken too.
2.50pm: Shafee makes a quick reference on the issue of credibility and prosecution proceeding.
3.00pm: Gopal requests the judge for more time for the defence team, in order for Ramkarpal to prepare his written argument to answer the DNA issue brought up by Shafee.
3.05pm: After a brief deliberation, Tun Ariffin adjourned the proceedings to Thursday.
