Anwar's treatment in KL: deputy PM

Anwar's treatment in KL: deputy PM

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Back surgery for Malaysia's jailed
former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim should be carried out
locally and not overseas, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi
said on Thursday.

Anwar, who has been under guard in hospital since late
November suffering from a slipped disc, has repeatedly asked to
go overseas to have surgery. The government has refused.

Last week, a Dutch specialist recommended Anwar should have
surgery within four to six weeks, ideally at a clinic in Germany.

Dr Thomas Hoogland, who examined Anwar earlier this month,
said the best solution would be endoscopic micro spinal surgery
because it is less risky than conventional treatment, but said
the expertise and facilities were not available locally.