The sodomy trial of former deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim was adjourned today after his counsels sought to recuse the judge from hearing the case, citing his refusal to act against biased media coverage despite appeals.

In an affidavit filed today, Anwar said Karpal Singh, his Indian-origin lawyer has applied to charge a Malay daily Utusan Malaysia with contempt of court for misleading headlines that may hinder the legal proceedings on February 4.

Judge Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah summarily rejected Karpal's appeal, saying the reports were not carried with an intention of mischief or to disrupt trial, Star Online reported.

On February 5, the ruling party-owned newspaper published a photo that was accepted as evidence by the trial judge.

Anwar said he was dissatisfied with the judge who took no action against the ruling party-owned Malay-language newspaper Utusan Malaysia for publishing a headline and photograph about the trial last week which were misleading and tantamount to contempt of court.

"I respectfully state as a result of the rulings made by the trial judge, there has been a departure from the standard of even-handed justice which the law requires.

"With respect, the learned trial judge has not adjudicated upon the applications made by my counsel with an independent mind," Anwar said in his affidavit.