Malaysia fears Anwar protest

Malaysia fears Anwar protest

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The Malaysian government has warned supporters of jailed former finance minister Anwar Ibrahim not to mount illegal street protests when his sodomy trial resumes this week.

Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was quoted as saying that authorities would be on full alert and take firm action against anyone breaking the law when Anwar's trial reconvenes on Tuesday.

Anwar's sacking and arrest in 1998 sparked unprecedented anti- government protests, and his supporters have pledged to take to the streets outside the capital's High Court on Tuesday.

Anwar was sentenced in April to six years' jail for corruption, and he is standing trial with his adopted brother, charged with sodomizing the Anwar family's former driver.

Anwar has denied the charges, saying he is the victim of a plot by political opponents close to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.