Anwar Ibrahim won a critical ruling in his second sodomy trial today when the Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the three items to be excluded as evidence in the trial.

The three items - a mineral water bottle, a Good Morning towel and a white toothbrush -  purportedly retrieved from the cell in which Anwar was locked up on July 16, 2008, were the only link to the identity of ‘Male Y’ said to be the perpetrator against sodomy complainant Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

Chemist Nor Aidora Sameon had earlier testified that the cotton swabs used to retrieve DNA samples from the items corresponded to the DNA of 'Male Y’ - the DNA found in Saiful's rectum.

NONE Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah ( left ) took 10 minutes to reach his decision after Karpal Singh this morning replied to Solicitor-General II Mohd Yusof Zainal Abiden’s submission yesterday.

“The court rules that the items were obtained by unfair means,” Mohamad Zabidin told the court.

“These three items and any evidence related to the DNA analysis are to be excluded as part of the evidence.”

The ruling in the trial-within-a-trial was greeted with applause in the packed public gallery, prompting the police in court to remind those concerned to keep quiet during court proceedings.

Anwar's wife, PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was heard exclaiming " Alhamdulillah! " in relief.

The ruling means that chemist Nor Aidora Saedon's evidence along with former Bukit Aman crime scene investigations head Amidon Anan and the other police officers' testimony will be expunged.

Similarly, the findings made by another chemist, Seah Lay Hong, will also be questioned.

Three more prosecution witnesses

After delivering his decision, Justice Zabidin wanted the trial to proceed.

NONE Yusof ( right ), however, promptly informed the court that the prosecution has no other witnesses for the day.

"Can we resume proceedings tomorrow, as we will call three more witnesses?" Yusof asked.

When met outside court, Karpal said all scientific evidence with regard to the DNA findings should be excluded.

“Whatever corroborative scientific evidence will be excluded. The prosecution will have to rely solely on Saiful's testimony," he said.

Another defence lawyer, Sankara Nair, said the ruling also means that Anwar's controversial arrest on July 16, 2008, is also deemed illegal and unlawful.

“We are approaching the trial-within-a-trial with the basis of the unlawful arrest and the items were gained through unfair means. The ruling means the judge agrees with our case,” he said.

Anwar wins critical ruling in sodomy trial

Mini-trial: Judge disallows items as evidence

Prosecution will not appeal decision

Sodomy charge 'should fall': Bar Council president