Political concern in Malaysia following Anwar's arrest
Updated
The arrest of Malaysian opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim has prompted fears of a political showdown echoing the events of ten years ago.
Dr Anwar's lawyers said he was taken to hospital for a medical examination in Kuala Lumpur, after a long interrogation at police headquarters, and was held overnight at an undisclosed location.
The People's Justice Party Information chief, Tian Chua, has told Radio Australia's Asia Pacific program he is preparing for the possibility that Dr Anwar may not be released.
"I see this provocative action as a prelude to a mass crackdown on the democratic movement, and also to instill fear back to the public," he said.
"For the ruling Barisan Nasional it has become inconvenient and restrictive for the authoritarian power to continue to rule in the authoritarian way."
Dr Anwar's wife member of parliament Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says she fears for his safety.
Ten years ago, Anwar Ibrahim was sacked as deputy prime minister, beaten up by the police chief, and jailed for six years on sodomy and corruption charges.
His new arrest has set the stage for a political showdown between the government and Anwar supporters, who've dismissed the sodomy allegations as a conspiracy to prevent him and the opposition from seizing power.
Tian Chua says there are concerns these new moves against Dr Anwar may lead to another crackdown.
"We have seen that police have been mobilised on the streets and we have even a joint exercise between the military and the police, and this is unprecedented," he said.
"And a few of us have been called by police for recording statements on our previous demonstrations activities. So all these are signs towards a closing up of the democratic space."
