Malaysian opposition leader Anwar says he expects to lose appeal, go to jail on sodomy charge

FILE - In this Friday, March 7, 2014 file photo, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim gestures as he leaves a courthouse in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Anwar said late Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 he expects Malaysia’s top court will dismiss his final appeal against a sodomy conviction next week and that he will be sent to prison. Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison in March on charges of sodomizing a male aide after the appeals court overturned an earlier acquittal. The Federal Court will hear his appeal Oct. 28-29. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin, File) (The Associated Press)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he expects Malaysia's top court will dismiss his final appeal against a sodomy conviction next week and that he will be sent to prison.

Anwar was sentenced to five years in prison in March on charges of sodomizing a male aide after the appeals court overturned an earlier acquittal. The Federal Court will hear his appeal Oct. 28-29.

Anwar says it was a "foregone conclusion that there will be a conviction unless there is a miracle".

He previously was imprisoned for six years after being ousted as deputy prime minister in 1998, on earlier charges of sodomy and abuse of power.

The 67-year-old Anwar is the most potent threat to Prime Minister Najib Razak, whose popular support has weakened over the last two elections.