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.