Malaysia's former police chief Rahim Noor's trial on attempting to causing grievous hurt to former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has been postponed to next Tuesday as Rahim is medically unfit to attend court.

Rahim's counsel K. Kumaraendran told the Sessions Court today that his client was "unwell" and tendered a medical certificate issued by a private clinic as proof. Upon request from the public prosecutor, Kumaraendran said he would get an endorsement from a government clinic.

In fixing the new trial date, judge Akhtar Tahir said he would issue a warrant of arrest if Rahim fails to turn up in court next week without a valid reason.

"I will issue a warrant of arrest if the accused fails to turn up in court without a valid reason," Akhtar said.

Rahim was charged on April 22 last year for attempting to cause grievous hurt to then DPM Anwar on Sept 28, 1998 at 10.45pm in cell no. 6 of the police lock-up in Bukit Aman.

He is charged under Section 325 of the Penal Code, to be read with Section 511. Section 325 carries a maximum sentence of seven years jail but when read with Section 511 for attempt, the penalty is halved.

Rahim, on Jan 8, assumed full responsibility for the assault and resigned as the police chief. If found guilty, he can be jailed up to three-and-a half years and subjected to a fine.

After his shock dismissal from power and subsequent arrest, Anwar appeared in court with a black eye and said he was beaten while in police custody.

A Royal Commission of Inquiry found Rahim solely responsible for causing Anwar's injuries after hearing lengthy testimonies from police officers.

Karpal Singh will be holding a watching brief for Anwar. The one-time heir apparent is currently serving a six-year jail term for corruption and stands trial for a separate charge of sodomy and sexual misconduct.

Anwar has repeatedly denied all charges and says they were fabricated by senior politicians and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's aides to end his political career.