Anwar’s lawyer J Leela told reporters that Khairy will be taking the witness stand on the first day of trial.
“The court decided that Khairy (as the defendant) will be taking the witness stand instead of Anwar, who initiated the lawsuit,” she said.
Leela added that Anwar will call two witnesses. Khairy was also expected to call two witnesses.
“All witness statements must be filed before September 9,” she said.
Anwar sued Khairy on March 7, 2008, alleging that the minister had uttered defamatory words against him in a ceramah.
Khairy’s speech was published on several websites and was on a Malaysiakini video clip entitled, “Anwar and kin no threat.”
Anwar claimed that Khairy’s statement implied he was involved in unnatural sexual activities that contravened Islam and that he was an immoral character.
Anwar is seeking aggravated and exemplary damages.