AP Online
09-27-1998
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) _ Police batons, tear gas, water cannons and more than 150 arrests have not stopped protesters from swarming into the streets to call for the resignation of Malaysia's prime minister.
If anything, the movement opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim began appears to be gaining momentum a week after his arrest.
Anwar, Malaysia's former deputy prime minister, is accused of crimes that include unlawful sex acts and leaking state secrets. He has denied the charges, however, saying they were politically motivated.
On Sunday, hours after authorities blocked an opposition group that had planned to meet in the heart of Malaysia's capital, more than 10,000 Anwar supporters gathered at another rally held on the outskirts of the city.
Police prevented cars from entering the area, about 12 miles northeast of Kuala Lumpur, so people walked along a poorly-lit village road to attend the rally organized by Malaysia's opposition Islamic party.
Anwar's wife, nominated by him to lead the reform campaign, has been silenced by police threats. His main political supporters, like him, have been jailed under the Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial.
But thousands have answered each informal call for protest, shouting ``Reforms! Reforms!'' and demanding Mahathir's resignation.
Many expected a leaderless movement to sag. However, opposition parties and volunteer groups are risking Mahathir's wrath by openly joining Anwar's campaign.
``We don't know where the leadership is coming from. People themselves are taking the lead,'' said Anil Netto of the Aliran, a group for social reform.
Denied access to the local press and television, Anwar's supporters have used the Internet and word of mouth to spread information about their rallies.
The last time Malaysians dared to protest on the streets was 11 years ago, when opponents within the governing United Malays National Organization made an abortive attempt at a leadership change. The party split, but Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad survived.
Between Sept. 2, when Mahathir, 72, fired Anwar, and last Sunday's rally of 35,000 in Kuala Lumpur hours before his arrest, the 51-year-old Anwar toured Malaysia, drawing huge crowds, even in areas believed to be bastions of Mahathir's supporters.
His speeches focused on reforms to make Malaysia more liberal and demands for greater political freedom.
By the time he arrived at the capital's Independence Square, he was demanding the resignation of the man he was designated to automatically succeed.
Analysts say that Anwar is getting most of his support from a Malay Muslim Youth group, the ABIM, which claims a membership of 50,000. As a young activist, he led the group before joining the government.
But protests in the wake of his arrest appear to be drawing people beyond Muslim student groups and known antiestablishment organizations.
Of the 29 people arrested during Saturday's scattered demonstrations in downtown Kuala Lumpur, only four were Muslim students. Of the remaining, three were government employees, 13 were from private companies and nine ran their own businesses.
``We've got no savior, but it doesn't matter,'' said a 37-year-old nuclear scientist who wanted to be identified only as Ahmad.
``Look what happened in Tiananmen and in Indonesia. There were no leaders, but it did not stop the flames from igniting.''
Despite repeated assurances from Mahathir and the head of Malaysia's federal court that Anwar would be given a fair trail, he has not been brought to a court. His lawyers and his family have seen him.
``I think there is a lot of resentment because Anwar is not being fairly treated,'' said Netto.
Copyright 1998 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved.
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