BBC News Online: World: Asia-Pacific

Police break up Kuala Lumpur protest

Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a crowd of several thousand people who had gathered outside the High Court in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, where Mr Anwar was expected to appear.

He was arrested by police on Sunday after he had led a march through the city to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The city's police chief said he would be charged with offences including disturbing public order and vandalism.

The Inspector General of Police, Abdul Rahim Noor, said Mr Anwar may be held under the Internal Security Act, which allows for indefinite detention without charge or trial.

Mr Anwar has accused the prime minister - who sacked him after disagreements over economic policy - of conducting a smear campaign, with accusations of adultery, homosexuality and endangering state security.

The latest events coincide with the first day of a state visit to Malaysia by Queen Elizabeth.

Wife pledges fight to continue

Hours after the arrest of Mr Anwar, his wife told supporters his struggle to oust Dr Mahathir would continue.

"I praise God that my husband has been taken away as a hero. Our spirit to get justice in this country has not been dampened," Azizah Ismail told a crowd outside her home.

She repeated her rejection of the charges against her husband, which include sodomy.

"Last night, he has sworn in the name of Allah that he did not do it," she said.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons against supporters of Mr Anwar in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday as they marched towards the prime minister's official residence.

"There will be further arrests, especially the movement leaders," Kuala Lumpur police chief Kamaruddin Ali said outside police headquarters.

Earlier thousands of people had gathered at the capital's main mosque, where Mr Anwar delivered a scathing attack on his political adversaries.

He declared that he was the people's ruler and called for the resignation of Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir said Mr Anwar was "morally unfit" for the post of leader and demands for his resignation as prime minister were "illegal".

Smear campaign

Mr Anwar has taken his anti-corruption campaign across the country, and has accused the prime minister of conducting a "Gestapo-style" smear campaign against him.

On Saturday, Anwar's adopted brother and his former speechwriter were jailed for six months after pleading guilty to being sodomised by him. Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia.

Since his dismissal, Mr Anwar has been under investigation for sexual misconduct, treason and corruption, allegations which he denied.

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