Anwar planning tour to push for reform

Anwar planning tour to push for reform

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's sacked cabinet minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday that he planned a nationwide tour to push for political reforms if he was not arrested and might consider joining the opposition.

Anwar, speaking to reporters at his private home, said he did not rule out joining the fundamentalist Partai se-Islam Malaysia (PAS) now that he had been expelled from Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

Anwar was dismissed as deputy prime minister and finance minister on Wednesday.

Police are investigating allegations lodged by seven people who accused Anwar of homosexuality, sexual misconduct and abuse of power. He denies the allegations.

On Thursday, after moving from his official residence to his private home nearby, he said he expected to be arrested under the Internal Security Act or the Official Secrets Act.

"I'm tired of this hide-and-seek and waiting game," he replied when asked when he thought he would be arrested. "I think they are just waiting for the press, especially the foreign media, to leave before they come and get me."

Anwar said that if he was not arrested, he planned a nationwide tour to push for reform.

"Certainly there is a major reform movement in the country. I'm just continuing my struggle. My views are known. I plan to go on a nationwide tour to deliver my message to the people."

Anwar was a left-leaning Islamic youth leader who was jailed for 20 months under the Internal Security Act beginning in 1974 before joining UMNO.

The former cabinet member said regional leaders including Indonesian President B.J. Habibie had called to convey their wishes after he was sacked.

Tension

Tension between Anwar and Mahathir, 72, mounted earlier this year during the last weeks before former Indonesian president Suharto turned over power to Habibie on May 21.

Anwar, 51, repeatedly called for political reform and an end to cronyism, nepotism and corruption during the period.

Mahathir's supporters said Anwar's campaign came uncomfortably close to that of Soeharto's opponents who were accusing the Indonesian leader of favoring his family and friends.

"The fall of Soeharto had to do with corruption," Anwar said on Friday. "That's why there is this paranoia about the term cronyism, corruption and nepotism.

"Malaysia is not like Indonesia, we are not as corrupt. Why do you need to be hypersensitive over these allegations?"

Anwar said since he had been sacked, he had been visited by some UMNO leaders, opposition members and the public. "Even housewives have come to see me saying they are appalled about what has happened to me," he said.

Asked if the opposition parties are trying to court him, he said: "I think it is something spontaneous. I suggest we discuss this and see the areas or issues particularly in the line of initiating reforms in this country."

Anwar, asked if he would join PAS, said: "For now I have not made up my mind."

"I'm working with all parties committed to reform. UMNO, the opposition, especially the people. People are getting rather tired and sick of this oppression."

Anwar was expelled from UMNO early on Friday. "I have not been charged, yet I have been expelled. That is what you call the rule of law, Mahathir style."

The former heir-apparent to Mahathir said he did not understand why Mahathir should fear him. " They decided to sack me because if they gave me leave from my position they were afraid I may challenge him next year," he said. "If you are so invincible and so strong, why do you have to fear me?"

Editorial -- Page 4

Reaction -- Page 12