Malaysia: Opposition leader tells rally of 10,000 about death threats

Opposition People's Front (Pakatan Rakyat) leader Anwar Ibrahim told a rally of between 7000 and 10,000 supporters on July 1 how he had planned to announce his political comeback in office through a by-election this very week. However is deferring this to a later date because the "information was leaked from his office" to the Barisan Nasional government which then fabricated new allegations of "sodomy" (a crime in Malaysia) against him.

He explained to the rally why he sought refuge at the Turkish embassy – that it was not his choice to but because his wife and children and Pakatan Rakyat compatriots were worried for his physical safety.
He told them about death threats; about the report he had lodged with the police against the police chief and the Attorney General; about the web of lies the duo had concocted 10 years ago when he was thrown into jail, humiliated and physically abused then and how he was not going to stand for it a second time around.
He clarified for them his relationship with his current accuser, Saiful, who was not a personal aide as painted by the media but a volunteer staff during the election campaigning.
"I have proof that a volunteer staff of mine had a personal relationship with the wife of the deputy prime minister and his office," cried Anwar.
He showed them a picture – by now widely circulated – of the 23-year-old posing with Khairil Anas Yusof, an aide to the DPM outside his office, which was projected onto a giant screen above the stage.
"Datuk Najib wants to become prime minister. He should cleanse his name first. Rosmah wants to become the prime minister's wife..." he announced further but was drowned out by the roar of fury from the floor.
"I've said the involvement of the deputy prime minister, his wife and his aide...The person involved, in the picture, Khairil Anas, he should be careful," Anwar added.
And then he issued his challenge.
"There is no turning back...I will fight! I will fight morning, I will fight noon, I will fight evening, I will fight night! I will not stand for all this fitnah and such rotten things!" Anwar thundered.
"This is not a question of Anwar, but a question of saving Malaysia. The government mechanism should not be used to oppress the people...but to protect the interest of the people," he thundered when he entered the arena at 10pm.
Anwar also attacked the government's unpopular 41% fuel price hike this month, and invited the crowd to take part in a mass anti-inflation rally on July 6 which organisers hope will attract one million people.
"I promise that the day we take power, the very next day oil prices will drop in Malaysia," he said.
Source: Malaysian Insider, AFP