KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- The Court of Appeal has fixed March 19 to hear the appeal by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against the refusal of the judge in his sodomy trial to recuse himself from the hearing.

Anwar's counsel S. N. Nair said he was notified by the registrar of the appelate court yesterday.

On Feb 19, Anwar filed a notice of appeal after High Court judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah rejected the former's application to recuse himself, a day earlier.

Mohamad Zabidin ruled that there was no reason for him to recuse himself from continuing to preside over the case, saying that if he were to do that, it would be tantamount to running away from his responsibility.

On Feb 8, Anwar filed the application to recuse the judge on the grounds of bias after Mohamad Zabidin refused to entertain requests by Anwar's lead counsel

Karpal Singh to cite Utusan Malaysia for contempt.

Opposition leader Anwar, 63, who is Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor and Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh, is charged with sodomising his former aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, 25.

The alleged offence was committed at Unit 11-5-1 of the Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara between 3.01 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on June 26, 2008.

The charge under section 377B of the Penal Code carries a maximum 20 years' jail and whipping, upon conviction.

The sodomy trial began on Feb 3, and the defence was to have cross-examined Mohd Saiful when Karpal made the application for recusal.

Mohamad Zabidin set March 25 for mention of the sodomy case, pending disposal of the appeal.