Malaysia's Attorney-General has countered speculation that the prosecution might withdraw some of the charges against Anwar Ibrahim, who pleaded not guilty to five counts of corruption and five of sodomy in the High Court on October 5. The court fixed November 2 as the date for the start of the former deputy prime minister's trial on four of the corruption charges. Mohtar Abdullah said the prosecution was ready to proceed with the fifth corruption charge and the five sodomy charges and was only waiting for the court to decide on hearing dates. He said that if the hearing for the first four charges could be completed in November, proceedings could go ahead on some of the other charges in December and January. Some informed sources believed the sodomy charges might be dropped, allowing the prosecution to concentrate on the corruption issues. They said that there were concerns about whether the prosecution could be successful. Also, retired judge Harun Hashim said civil courts did not have jurisdiction in sexual offences committed by Muslims. Philippine President Joseph Estrada urged detained Anwar to 'remain unwavering in his fight' in a meeting with Anwar's daughter in Manila yesterday. Mr Estrada met Nurul Izzah Anwar who thanked him for his expressions of support for her father, a statement said.