The online paper http://www.haber7.com/ added that Anwar had just left the Turkish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur at 6-30 PM on Monday, adding that no asylum request were made by Anwar Ibrahim. The paper also claimed if such requests were made, it would not be granted.

 

Anwar Ibrahim has left his refuge in the Turkish ambassador's house after the government guaranteed his personal safety. In a telephone interview with The Associated Press earlier, Anwar said he was leaving because the government "made all the undertakings to assure (his) personal safety."

 

"There's no talk of arrest, we will probably take him to his house. The home minister and deputy prime minister have given assurances for his safety. We take that assurance," his lawyer Sankara Nair told AFP.

 

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet the former Deputy Prime Minister said to Reuters that he went to the Embassy on ‘humanitarian’ grounds. The paper also reported that Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the Opposition leader and Anwar’s wife said Anwar will cooperate with the police adding “It is all lies, we have gone through all this before,” in response to the allegations.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, after meeting the Turkish Ambassador to Malaysia Barlas Ozener at Wisma Putra today, told reporters that the diplomat had clarified that Anwar was never invited to his house and that the opposition leader had gone there on his own accord.

“The Malaysian government accepts this explanation. Anwar is not at the ambassador’s house as an asylum seeker but as a guest. It has just been less than 24 hours. If he stays there for a longer period then we might have to take a different stance. The question of political asylum too does not arise,” he said.

Rumors of a new wave of ‘reformasi’ by pro-Anwar Ibrahim supporters in Kuala Lumpur turned out to be ‘rumors’ with the city busy as usual but is there a storm brewing in the back drop? 

SMS rumors were rife in Klang Valley regarding a possible start of the ‘reformasi’ in support of Anwar Ibrahim. Supporters of the former Deputy Prime Minister said there were demonstrations planned but a trip to Kuala Lumpur proved the contrary. There were no illegal assemblies in the city and traffic was usually slow in Jalan Ampang.

On Saturday, the FRU could be seen at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) in preparation for a walk against the ISA which was due to start from Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. However, on Monday there were no sign of police or the FRU in Jalan Ampang or in the city center.

“Anwar stopped the reformasi movement in 1998, he will not start one now,” said a party member who wanted to be called Dino.

Another supporter said it would be good however if Anwar ordered a new wave of reformasi in the streets because the people are really fed-up with the ruling coalition.

Meanwhile, supporters of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have been warned not to resort to street demonstrations to pressure police into stopping investigations into the latest sodomy allegation against him.

Issuing the warning, Federal CID director Datuk Mohd Bakri Zinin said police would crack down on any demonstrators.

"Don't try to pressure us by organising illegal rallies or gatherings. We will not hesitate to take action as provided under the law," said the police statement. Malaysia’s police have proven in the past that it can control mass demonstrations with tear gas and water cannons. It is certain that the national police is prepared for such an eventuality.

At party level, it is obvious that mass demonstrations are not being discussed since the party leaders are talking of shipping Anwar Ibrahim out of the country on asylum, possibly to Turkey. In the event this happens, there will be no street demos while the political career of the former Deputy PM would be in limbo.

"At present, we are treating the claims as allegations or hearsay. We have to find out the truth before deciding on the next course of action," Federal CID director Bakri replied when asked by the NST how the case had been classified.

"We must ensure that justice is served for the victim and the alleged offender. I do not want to comment on the victim," he added.

Anwar’s supporters in Kuala Lumpur are in disbelief that their favorite leader is being accused of sodomy again. They believe it is purely political and the government should come clean to the public and clear the name of Anwar in this issue. There seem to be little trust from opposition supporters in the ruling coalition altogether.

It is apparent that the mass rally against petrol fuel hike could turn out to be a pro-Anwar rally. So far, the streets have been quiet. Police have warned Anwar's supporters against holding any public protests. His sacking in 1998 brought tens of thousands onto the streets.

 

Leading human rights group Suaram said the allegations were a sign of desperation by the ruling coalition as it faced being ousted by Anwar's resurgent opposition.

"We see this as a politically motivated move by the ruling party. They are at the brink of losing power and support of the people," said Suaram's executive director Yap Swee Seng.

"I think there will be a wave of street protests in support of Anwar against these wild allegations," he said. "People are fed up with corruption and abuse of power by this regime." reported the AFP.

 

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