Anwar may need back surgery

Anwar may need back surgery

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim may need
surgery for a slipped disc and that could delay legal appeals
against his corruption conviction and sentence, one of his
lawyers said on Friday.

"His condition is still bad. He is seriously considering
doctors' advice to undergo surgery," said Sankara Nair, a lawyer
who was part of a team that defended the ousted deputy prime
minister in his protracted sodomy trial.

Ezam Mohamed Noor, an Anwar ally and a leader of his National
Justice Party, said the 54-year-old politician was in great pain
and even faced the risk of being paralyzed if not given proper
medical care.

"He cannot stand or even sit for longer than five minutes. His
health is worsening by the day," Ezam told reporters.
Ezam said his supporters wanted Anwar to seek medical treatment
overseas.