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.