Rival accuses Malaysian PM of conspiracy

DAYS BEFORE he is due to host a state visit by the Queen, Malaysia's Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, has been accused by his former number two of ordering the torture and arrest of opponents and of manipulating the judiciary in a growing campaign of political intimidation.

In an interview with The Independent, Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's sacked deputy prime minister and finance minister, accused his former friend of using "despicable methods of framing charges, of fabrications, of harassment, of torturing witnesses into admitting things and now widespread arrests of anyone who's close to me".

Three aides or associates of Mr Anwar have been detained this week alone, a fortnight after he was sacked from his ministerial posts amid allegations that included bisexual adultery, treason and wearing a camp wig.

Since last week, Mr Anwar has given nightly speeches in parts of the country to crowds of up to 20,000 and embarked upon a campaign urging political and social reform.

Early yesterday, according to Mr Anwar's supporters, his former private secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mohamad Ahmad, was arrested at his home, and by late in the day his lawyers did not know where he was being held.

Another private secretary, Mohamad Azmin Ali, was informed yesterday of his own imminent arrest, and Munawar Anees, a magazine editor and friend of Mr Anwar, was arrested on Monday under the Internal Security Act, which enables police to hold suspects indefinitely and without trial.

According to Mr Anwar, a businessman and former tennis partner has been mistreated since his arrest last month on charges of pimping and hoarding arms.

"I've been expelled for two weeks, but they have not firmed up the investigation ... the expulsion was political, part of the political conspiracy at the highest level," he said. "I don't believe the police can go on with these fabrications, and transferring of high court judges ... without approval or instructions from above."

Dr Mahathir said he sacked Mr Anwar because of "bad morals", but no charges have been brought and some suspect that it had more to do with disagreements on economic policy, and the challenge that Mr Anwar's popularity presented to the 72-year-old Prime Minister. At 55, Mr Anwar has been regarded for years as Dr Mahathir's natural successor, and has gained the respect of foreign governments for his relatively liberal free-market views.

During a visit to Malaysia last May, the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, spoke of him as "my good friend". Yesterday, Mr Anwar said that he had received a message of concern and support from Mr Brown.

The turmoil comes at an embarrassing time for Dr Mahathir, who will welcome the Queen on Sunday for the closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. Mr Anwar said the only things preventing his own arrest were the Games in Kuala Lumpur and the imminent royal visit. "I believe their timing will be perfect," he said of his own expected arrest. "They will wait until Her Majesty the Queen leaves."