The spectacle of the detained Malaysian former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, appearing in court on Tuesday with a black eye and other bruising has sparked condemnation around the world.

The US, Australia, Britain, the international human rights group Amnesty International, and even some of Malaysia's Asean neighbours, have all voiced concern.

The Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has promised an investigation, but said it could not be ruled out that the injuries were self-inflicted.

'Deep concern'

Australian PM John Howard: Concerned about growing authritarianism

The United States used the strongest language yet from a foreign government, expressing deep concern about the reports of police brutality.

Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, said he was concerned about growing authoritarianism in Malaysia and about the apparent use of the state apparatus to settle political scores.

John Howard: "A matter of very great concern"

Welcoming the fact that Mr Anwar had finally appeared in court, Britain expressed concern about reports of alleged mistreatment.

Amnesty International said Mr Anwar's treatment showed the Malaysian government's blatant disregard for human rights.

Injuries 'self-inflicted'

PM Mahathir has promised an inquiry

Dr Mahathir's inherently improbable suggestion that the injuries could have been self-inflicted is not likely to allay these concerns, which are shared by several of Malaysia's neighbours.

It is no secret that Mr Anwar has close ties of ideology and friendship to the more reform-minded politicians in South-east Asia, including the Indonesian president BJ Habibie, and senior politicians in Thailand the Philippines.

Mr Habibie is reported to have made a personal representation to Dr Mahathir to treat Mr Anwar with leniency.

Amnesty International has adopted Anwar as a prisoner of conscience

However, Dr Mahathir can rely on the fact that members of the regional Asean grouping are, for the most part, loathe to voice open criticism of each other -- and that countries like Singapore and Burma are themselves very mistrustful of Mr Anwar's reforming zeal.

The focus now is on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum which is due to be held in Malaysia in November.

Leaders from Asian and Pacific countries, including the US President Bill Clinton, are due to attend.

Unsuitable venue

Prime Minister Mahathir: "Actions by the police which are not in accordance with the law are not acceptable" (in Malay)

But questions are now being raised about whether using Kuala Lumpur as a venue could prove embarrassing if this most public of political battles is still going on.

If demonstrators are still taking to the streets to call for sweeping reforms and Dr Mahathir's resignation, it would be even more uncomfortable.

The impetus to cancel such a large event would probably have to come from either Washington or Canberra.

But despite their evident concern, it is not clear if either is ready to deliver such a strong rebuke to Dr Mahathir.