Wan Azizah: "Great expectations"

In an interview with the BBC, Wan Azizah Ismail said that if her husband was not cleared of the charges against him there was a good chance that she would move into active politics.

"There's a very strong possibility because I have been given encouragement, especially by the people of Kubang Pasu themselves," she said.

Kubang Pasu - Dr Mahathir's own political base - was the scene of a rally on Thursday at which Wan Azizah told thousands of supporters that she was considering running head-to-head against the prime minister in elections due by April 2000.

The rally was organised by a coalition of opposition parties and rights groups which have condemned Mr Anwar's arrest and indictment on 10 charges of corruption and sexual misconduct, which he denies.

Anwar Ibrahim: Facing 10 charges of sodomy and corruption

"Of course it was suggested that I contest there [Kubang Pasu], but I have not made up my mind yet whether to go into active politics," Wan Azizah said.

She added: "I'm waiting for my husband to be out because if he is out of detention and his name is cleared, he will be able to take over."

Mr Anwar is being held in prison outside the capital Kuala Lumpur, standing trial on four charges of corruption. He faces another five sodomy charges and a fifth corruption charge. The former deputy prime minister says the charges are politically motivated because of his opposition to Dr Mahathir.

Victim of 'conspiracy'

Mr Anwar has said he was the victim of a conspiracy by his political opponents who wanted to ruin his career and prevent him from exposing corruption.

Asked if her husband had encouraged her to enter active politics, Wan Azizah replied: "Yes, he also encourages me because we have to fight for justice in our country."

Wan Azizah has travelled to Sabah state on Borneo island, which is due to hold state elections shortly, and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as to Dr Mahathir's own home state of Kedah.