Anwar says Mahathir fears people's wrath

Anwar says Mahathir fears people's wrath

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia's former No. 2 leader said his release from detention under a harsh security law was prompted by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's fear of his countrymen's wrath and pressure from the international community.

In the first statement issued since his arrest nearly a month ago, dismissed deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim protested his treatment in prison, but vowed that neither he nor his reform movement would be beaten into submission.

"The detention was an attempt to weaken my resolve. They have failed," the dissident said in the statement from his jail cell. "It is time for change."

Anwar, who was arrested under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act, has alleged he has suffered from police beatings while awaiting trial to face a number of corruption and sex charges.

In the statement, circulated by Anwar's wife Azizah Ismail late Saturday night, the dismissed former deputy prime minister revived his attack on the government and his calls for reform.

"There must be an end to the abuse of instruments of government; we must rid the country of corruption, cronyism and nepotism," he said.

Anwar, 51, was taken into custody under the ISA on Sept. 20 after he organized mammoth rallies against the government. After 24 days in detention under the ISA, he was placed under a form of custody which permits access to his lawyers and family.

The security law, which allows for indefinite imprisonment without trial, had restricted access to his legal counsel and relatives.

The deposed deputy leader said Mahathir's government had made the move to stem growing public sympathy for Anwar and ease pressure from abroad before Malaysia hosts a summit meeting next month of leaders from members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

"The plan was to get me out of ISA detention before APEC begins," Anwar said.

He also accused Mahathir of using the act, which was enacted in 1960 to combat militant communists, as a means of clinging to power.

Malaysia's police chief, meanwhile, said more charges could be brought against Anwar, The Star newspaper said on Sunday. Rahim Noor was quoted as saying that a probe into the activities of the dissident politician were ongoing.

Anwar's case drew international condemnation after he appeared in court with bruises and a black eye, and alleged he was a victim of police brutality.

Among those sympathetic to him were governments of several countries scheduled to attend the November APEC summit meeting in Kuala Lumpur. The president of the Philippines has not yet confirmed his attendance.

Malaysia says the economic forum should not be politicized. Within Malaysia, protests have continued over Anwar's Sept. 2 dismissal and his subsequent arrest.

Defying a police order, Anwar's wife, Azizah, joined thousands of protesters demanding Mahathir's resignation on Saturday.

It was the first protest in which Azizah has participated since her husband was arrested last month after leading rallies against Mahathir's rule. Police have warned her against getting involved in the reform campaign her husband began.

In Bangkok, The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) voiced strong criticism over Malaysia's treatment of sacked deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim and called for a repeal of the Internal Security Act, the group chairman said on Sunday.

Reports form Manila said that at least 14 Filipino lawmakers plan to attend the trial of jailed Ibrahim next month and observe how Malaysian authorities are treating him, one of the 14 said on Sunday.