Malaysia's highest court has rejected an appeal by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to have his 1999 corruption conviction overturned.

The three judges at the Federal Court ruled unanimously against Mr Anwar, who has long maintained that the charges against him were fabricated.

Mr Anwar arrived at court in a wheelchair

Several hundred of his supporters gathered outside the court and shouted "Reformasi!", a slogan for political change, before dispersing peacefully.

Mr Anwar was sacked from his political post in 1998 after challenging Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, his erstwhile mentor.

Mr Anwar was then given a six year sentence after being convicted of abuse of power, and a separate nine year term for sodomy - the subject of another appeal which has barely begun.

His original trials were branded as politically tainted by some Western governments.

Last attempt

The Federal Court appeal was Mr Anwar's last-ditch attempt to get the abuse of power ruling overturned.

His lawyers said they would consider asking for a royal pardon, but Mr Anwar admitted this was unlikely to be granted.

At the panel's verdict, Mr Anwar said the judiciary had been "emasculated and bludgeoned into submission at the hands of Dr Mahathir".

Anwar's legal battle

Sep 98 - Sacked and arrested Nov 98 - Put on trial for abuse of power April 99 - Found guilty, jailed for six years June 99 - Sodomy trial opens July 00 - Found guilty, sentenced to further nine years Nov 00 - In hospital due to spinal injury he claimed was triggered by a police beating Apr 01 - Court of Appeal upholds corruption conviction Jul 02 - Federal Court unanimously upholds conviction

Mr Anwar appeared in court in a wheelchair and neck brace for injuries he says could have been sustained during a beating by police after his arrest in 1998.

"Your predecessor at least made no pretence of being spineless under Dr Mahathir's complete control," he shouted, rising from the wheelchair to launch a scathing attack on the judges.

"You, on the other hand, put up a charade of impartiality."

The verdict, he said, was "a culmination of the travesty of justice and indeed is the darkest hour of the judiciary."

The corruption case hinged on whether Mr Anwar abused his position to get police to obtain forced retractions from people who accused him of sexual misconduct.

Chief Justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah made the Federal Court increasingly independent since taking office a year ago, but the ruling against Mr Anwar was expected.

"It's a sad day," said veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. "We still have a long way to go to restore a truly independent judiciary and a just rule of law."