Author imprisoned for Anwar sex allegations

Author imprisoned for Anwar sex allegations

MALAYSIA: A former Malaysian newspaper editor was sentenced to a year in prison on Friday after being convicted of publishing false information in a book that accused former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct.

Sessions Court Judge Mohamad Saman Mohamed Ramli delivered the sentence against Khalid Jafri, but ruled that he wouldn't have to begin serving it until after his appeal is heard by the High Court, the national news agency Bernama reported.

Khalid was found guilty on June 25 of publishing false information and could have faced a maximum of three years in jail and a fine of 20,000 ringgit (US$5,200). Mohamad Saman ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Government prosecutors had brought the charges after one of Anwar's aides filed a complaint in 1998 against Khalid, 65, an ex-newspaper sports editor who wrote the book, 50 Reasons Why Anwar Ibrahim Cannot Become Prime Minister. -- AP