Anwar in Germany for back surgery

Anwar's supporters say his trials were politically motivated

Anwar Ibrahim, the former deputy prime minister of Malaysia, has arrived in Germany where he is due to undergo spinal surgery.

The opposition leader was set free earlier this week by Malaysia's highest court after serving six years in jail.

Mr Anwar says he has suffered back problems after a police beating following his arrest in 1998.

He is expected to spend two weeks in Munich, and says he will decide on his political future when he returns.

But though he won his appeal against his conviction for sodomy, Mr Anwar will be barred from standing for office for almost four years unless his other conviction, for abuse of power, is also overturned.

Hearings set to start on Monday will decide whether a previous ruling to uphold this conviction, for which Mr Anwar has already completed his sentence, can be struck down.

Mr Anwar's condition has deteriorated In recent months, with doctors warning that he risks permanent neurological damage if he does not receive treatment.

New passport

The Associated Press news agency reports that crowds of supporters have followed Mr Anwar since his release, and many were at the airport to wish him well.

Mr Anwar spent his first day out of jail obtaining a new passport.

Waving it at his supporters, Mr Anwar said: "I'm happy now. I can leave for Germany for my back treatment."

ANWAR'S LEGAL BATTLE Sept 98 - Sacked and arrested April 99 - Jailed for six years for corruption relating to alleged sodomy July 00 - Sentenced to further nine years for sodomy - alleged to have had sex with five men July 2002 - Loses appeal against corruption conviction Sept 2004 - Wins appeal against sodomy conviction Profile: Anwar Ibrahim Anwar's release: have your say

"He has been in a very jovial mood yesterday and today but he is in severe pain. We are worried about his health and we want to get him to Germany as soon as possible," Ezam Mohamad Nor told the French news agency AFP.

Even the prime minister was concerned about his medical problems, Mr Anwar said. Abdullah Badawi's regards were conveyed in a visit by his son-in-law overnight.

"There was no other issue discussed. I truly appreciate that," Mr Anwar said.

"At least there is civility in political differences."

Mr Abdullah's predecessor, Mahathir Mohamad, was less magnanimous.

"I still believe that he's guilty," Dr Mahathir told reporters on Thursday. "My conscience is clear."

Mr Anwar was arrested in 1998, one day after Dr Mahathir, his mentor-turned-rival, sacked him following a row over the economy.