In a show of disapproval for the Malaysian government's treatment of Anwar, Albright will not be holding any meetings with Malaysian officials, said State Department spokesman James Rubin.

``We have concerns about the political situation there and it is possible that Secretary Albright will find a way before leaving Malaysia to make clear that concern,'' he said.

Albright will be among the world leaders flying into the Malaysian capital over the coming days for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings beginning on Thursday.

The trial meanwhile resumed on Wednesday after a pledge from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad that he would get a fair hearing.

Defence lawyers told the trial that they would lay bare a political conspiracy to topplehim.

``The defence of the accused is there was a political conspiracy to bring the charges. We say these are trumped up charges to remove the accused and to destroy him politically,'' lead defence lawyer Christopher Fernando told the court.

But Fernando's comments brought a sharp response from chief prosecutor Abdul Gani Patail who accused him of politicking.

``The defence is going into a political speech. That should be in parliament. Counsel should not abuse its position in court,'' he warned.

The clash came as Fernando cross-examined the fourth prosecution witness -- deputy secretary of the cabinet in the prime minister's department, Alias Ali.

Alias is responsible for keeping personal files and records on all the cabinet ministers, and was asked by Fernando if the Malaysian king had approved Anwar's sacking on September 2.

Under Malaysian law, the king has to give his consent to cabinet appointments and dismissals.

But presiding judge Justice Augustine Paul said that he did not see therelevance of the question.

``There's a relevance because it is part of a conspiracy to bring about these charges and a conspiracy to remove him from the positions he held,'' Fernando argued.

``We will endeavour to show that the witnesses, the crucial witnesses of the prosecution, will give perjured evidence. In other words they will be lying in court.

``If you don't allow us to ask these questions, you will deprive us of a fair opportunity to get to the truth of it.''

But Paul disagreed and disallowed the question.

Alias was asked to return on Thursday with his records on Anwar.

Late on Tuesday, Mahathir defended his decision to sack Anwar in early September saying it was nothing to do with politics or a dispute over economic policy.

Mahathir said in an interview with Cable News Network that he had thought Anwar was the best person to succeed him until he was ``found to be involved in activities not acceptable'' in Malaysia's predominantly Muslim society. ``I felt he was not compatible for therole he is going to play as premier,'' Mahathir said. ``This moral issue we cannot accept.''