By Assif Shameen

Published in Financial Times (UK)
July 31, 2008

Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian opposition leader, said on Thursday he would run for a parliamentary seat, which his wife would vacate, even though he faced imminent arrest on charges of allegedly sodomising a former aide.

Mr Anwar told the Financial Times that he was gathering support for a "no confidence" motion to be filed in the next six weeks, which could oust the National Front government that has ruled the country since independence from Britain 50 years ago. He also dismissed suggestions the opposition coalition might be cracking.

Mr Anwar was barred from contesting general elections in March after being found guilty of alleged abuse of power relating to an earlier sodomy conviction, which was later overturned. However, the opposition's unprecedented success in that vote has left it fewer than 30 votes short of a parliamentary majority in the 222-seat legislature, and the restriction on his campaigning has expired.

Even if charged, Mr Anwar could still compete in a by-election and, if successful, fill the seat currently held by his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Under these circumstances, he could be removed only if he were convicted and exhausted all appeals.

An official told Reuters on Thursday Mr Anwar faced formal charges "any time now". Under Malaysian law, sodomy is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Meanwhile, Mr Anwar told the FT that the latest allegations were "a political ploy".

"Instead of addressing pressing economic problems like soaring inflation, the government is trying to divert public attention with this filthy sodomy charade," he said. "Our ministers waste their time in political intrigue instead of trying to help make the country more competitive."

The authorities have hurried to wrap up their investigations after the leaking this week of a medical report by a doctor who had examined Mr Anwar's accuser after the alleged assault and found no signs of injury.

Local media have recently speculated that the three-party opposition Pakatan coalition informally led by Mr Anwar could be on the verge of breaking up, with the Islamist Pas group potentially joining Umno, the lead party in the National Front, after reports of previously undisclosed talks between the two parties.

"Pas leaders have assured me that they have no desire of leaving the Pakatan and joining Barisan [National Front] or merging with Umno," said Mr Anwar. "They have kept me informed of their meetings with Umno. What has happened in the past few weeks is that government- controlled media – through careful leaks, manipulation and distortion of statements – has created this fairy tale that Pas and Umno are about to merge or share power. Having lost the support of the people, Umno is now trying to divide our coalition.

"Let me tell you: Pas is not joining Umno," he said. "If Umno leaders believe they can rely on Pas or other members of Pakatan to save their sinking ship, they are dreaming."