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Anwar alleges possible murder attempt amid arsenic allegation

Date: 10 Sep 1999
Time: 18:41:25
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Anwar alleges possible murder attempt amid arsenic allegation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (AFP) - Malaysia's jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said Friday his alleged poisoning by arsenic was a "heinous crime" and possibly an attempt on his life. In a report lodged with police after his sodomy trial was adjourned pending a medical examination, Anwar said he was not sure where he was poisoned but called for a full investigation to be carried out.

"The arsenic poison in my body was 77 times more than the normal level," he said in the report released by his wife.

Anwar, who spent about an hour with police before being admitted to hospital, said a report by Gribbles Pathology in Melbourne had confirmed that his urine sample contained a "very dangerous" level of arsenic.

"Since I was arrested on September 20 last year, I suspected I would be physically abused. It turned out to be true when I was assaulted by Rahim Nor," he said, referring to Malaysia's then police chief who has since resigned.

"Now it is proven that I have been poisoned," he said. "I am not sure where I was poisoned -- whether at Bukit Aman lockup or Sungai Buloh prison."

"Among the symptoms confirmed so far are weight loss, hair loss, numbness and dehydration of skin. Doctors said the critical symptoms may be felt eventually without realisation," he added.

Anwar called for assurances that a detailed investigation would be carried out, with the cause of the poisoning and those responsible being identified.

"It is a heinous crime and maybe a murder attempt," he said. "I hope there will be no delays. I regret that the conspiracy to topple me is not just limited to the political sphere but also involves an attempt to poison me."

Anwar, who was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on September 2 last year, was sentenced to six years jail in April after being found guilty of abusing his position to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct.

He faces a further sentence of up to 20 years if convicted of sodomy in the second trial which began in July.

Anwar has repeatedly alleged that his dismissal was part of a political conspiracy orchestrated by Mahathir.


Last changed: September 10, 1999