A judge on Monday postponed Anwar Ibrahim's testimony in the Malaysian opposition leader's long-running sodomy trial, amid legal arguments over whether the judge should be removed from the case.

High Court judge Zabidin Mohamed Diah rejected arguments from Anwar's lawyers that he should step down because he has demonstrated bias in the case. However, the judge adjourned the trial until July 13 so the lawyers can appeal the ruling.

Anwar's lawyers had been scheduled to start presenting their defense Monday, beginning with testimony from Anwar himself. The judge recently rejected their application to have the case dismissed, ruling that the prosecution had made a strong enough case that the defense must respond.

Anwar is accused of having sex with a male aide, which is a crime in Malaysia. Anwar contends the charges were trumped up to undermine him politically.