KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim scored a minor legal victory on Wednesday, as a court ruled that he can proceed with his bid to challenge the rejection of his petition for a royal pardon. Clemency is the only option left for Anwar, 69, to get out of prison and clear his name. "I'm here for the big fight," Anwar told reporters in court before being whisked away by prison officers following the ruling. Anwar is widely expected to be released by mid-2018, as Malaysia grants a one-third reduction of jail terms for good behaviour. But the conviction disqualifies him from political office and from contesting the next election that must be held by 2018.

Source: Bangkok Post January 18, 2017 19:18 UTC