KUALA LUMPUR - MALAYSIA opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim is gathering support to file a no-confidence vote against the government in six weeks, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

Datuk Seri Anwar, who is fighting allegations of sodomy with a former aide, played down speculation that he would soon be formally charged.

'With all the evidence that is now before them, I don't see any reason why the authorities should continue with these investigations of alleged sodomy,' Mr Anwar was quoted as saying by Financial Times.

'In any other system where there is justice and fairness, the powers would have by now shut down the investigations and cleared my name.'

The former deputy premier has said the accusation was a political scheme aimed at halting the opposition's rise.

Sodomy, even between consenting adults, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison in mainly Muslim Malaysia.

The opposition posted its best ever result during elections in March. Since then, Anwar has led a charge to try to unseat premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's coalition government.

Mr Anwar announced on Thursday he would run for a parliamentary seat in a northern state, vacated by his wife. -- REUTERS

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