Police chief jailed for Anwar assault

Anwar's black eye from the assault became a potent symbol

A former police chief in Malaysia has begun a two-month jail sentence for an assault on former deputy premier, Anwar Ibrahim, in September 1998.

The appellant should have been a role model. Instead, he stooped to the lowest level

Judge Shaid Daud

The assault, which took place when Anwar was handcuffed and blindfolded while in police custody, left Anwar with a black eye.

The injury became a potent symbol of national anger and photographs were shown around the world, fuelling international condemnation of Anwar's treatment.

Rahim ordered Anwar to be blindfolded before the attack

Former Inspector-General of Police Abdul Rahim Noor was also fined $525 when the appeals court upheld an earlier sentence in December.

The sentence marks the first time a police chief has been charged with abuse in Malaysia, where police have sweeping powers.

But Anwar's lawyer, Karpal Singh, described the punishment as lenient.

"A heavier sentence would have reflected the circumstances and the facts of the case," he said.

Anwar still symbolises simmering political discontent

Anwar - for years the heir apparent to the top post - was sacked by Dr Mahathir Mohamad on grounds of immorality.

He was subsequently detained in September 1998.

He was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment on sex and corruption convictions, which he says were fabricated by Dr Mahathir who viewed him as a political threat.

'Insults'

Rahim, 57, was taken away by police to Kajang jail near Kuala Lumpur.

A prison officer said he would be segregated from other prisoners for his own safety.

He has admitted he lost his temper and punched and slapped Anwar after allegedly being called a "bapa anjing" (father of dogs) by the blindfolded politician.

Mr Mahathir accuses his former protege of being immoral

"We undertake to send a message. The court should take cases of police officers assaulting someone very seriously," Court of Appeal Judge Shaik Daud Ismail said.

"His action was inhuman. This is the worst act of indiscipline."

At the time of the beating, Mr Mahathir had suggested the injuries were self-inflicted. A public inquiry was set up later in which Rahim admitted to the assault.

Anwar had described receiving a series of punches, karate chops and slaps, saying he had lost count of all the other blows.