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?"

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