BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Sodomy charges turn up heat on Anwar

One of them is Mr Anwar's adopted brother; the other is said be a friend and adviser, who was detained under Malaysia's Internal Security Act five days ago.

According to the official Malaysian news agency, Bernama, both men pleaded guilty to "committing acts of gross indecency by allowing themselves to be sodomised" by Anwar. Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia.

Mr Anwar responded to the sentences by accusing the Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohammad, of conducting what he called a Gestapo-like smear campaign against him.

Mr Anwar said the confessions were obtained "certainly under duress" and that the men had been denied access to family lawyers.

Adopted brother

The news agency said Mr Anwar's adopted brother, Sukma Dermawan, had committed the crime at the official residence of the deputy prime minister in April this year.

The other man, Munawar Anees, pleaded guilty to sodomy at Mr Anwar's private home in March 1993, the agency said.

Mr Munawar, a Pakistani with permanent residence status in Malaysia and the United States, was described by the agency as a friend and intellectual companion to Mr Anwar.

Mr Anwar, a former close associate of the prime minister, was dismissed from his post earlier this month after differences of economic policy.

He says the authorities are preparing to bring at least 21 charges against him.

Queen's visit

But he says that the authorities will not arrest him until after the Queen's visit to Malaysia ends next Wednesday.

Mr Anwar has called a rally in central Kuala Lumpur on Sunday to coincide with the Queen's attendance at a service at nearby St Mary's Cathedral.

Although no charges have yet been brought against him, Mr Anwar is under investigation for a range of crimes - including bribery, treason, corruption and sexual misconduct.

He says the allegations against him are part of a political conspiracy.

PM's successor

The Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamed, has only said that Mr Anwar was "morally unfit" to lead the country.

Before his sacking Mr Anwar was widely regarded as Dr Mahathir's potential successor.

Recently Mr Anwar has been conducting a nationwide tour of the country, protesting his innocence and calling for government reform.

At one rally on Friday night in the northern town of Kota Bahru, reports say as many as 50,000 people attended.

The prime minister says calls by Mr Anwar for him to resign are illegal.

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