DHAKA: The United States said on Tuesday it was ‘deeply disappointed and concerned’ over the decision by Malaysia’s highest court to send opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to jail for five years on a politically charged sodomy conviction.

‘The United States is deeply disappointed and concerned by the rejection of Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal and his conviction,’ the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur said in a statement, reports The Straits Times.

‘The United States has followed the trial of Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim closely. The decision to prosecute Mr Anwar, and his trial, have raised serious concerns regarding the rule of law and the independence of the courts,’ it added.

Government critics say the sodomy case is part of a long-running campaign to destroy Anwar, who was ousted from the ruling party in the late 1990s and later helped unite a previously divided and hapless opposition into a formidable force.

BDST: 1856 HRS, FEB 10, 2015