Speaking in Kuala Lumper, Anwar claimed the charges were orchestrated to discredit him and deflect "from the problem of corruption and mismanagement of the economy."

The U.S. State Department said the arrest "raises serious questions and concerns."

This is the second time Anwar, one of Asia's best-known opposition leaders, has been arrested on sodomy charges and comes after a coalition he led gained seats in the country's parliamentary elections.

Released on bail Thursday, Anwar told CNN said his arrest and investigation were being handled by the police officials he claims withheld evidence that could have cleared him in his 1999 sodomy-related conviction.