Jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim claimed that he has been informed by those closely associated with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that he may be freed after the general election.

Anwar, now serving a nine-year sentence for sodomy, was asked to comment on a rumour that he was involved in 'secret negotiations' with premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over his possible release.

In a written response to questions submitted by malaysiakini and PAS political organ Harakah, Anwar said: "Yes, I have received information which came from people within the prime minister's political circle that I might be released after the general election."

However, reliable sources contradicted his claim, denying that any such negotiations were in progress.

Instead, those contacted by malaysiakini said Anwar has only two options open to him - either exhaust all legal avenues through appeals against his conviction or apply for a royal pardon.

Anwar had, however, previously rejected the notion that he would apply for a royal pardon, saying he wants to be absolved of the charges brought against him.

His claims of possible release were contained in written responses to questions while he was attending a bail application hearing on Monday at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya.

Anwar alleged that any consideration for his release was prompted by those only concerned about the election and protecting their political positions and that the move had nothing to do with justice.

He maintained he would not succumb to any "terms" that could divert his cause - to uphold the principles of justice.

"I must stress that my case is all about justice and not someone's political scheme that disregards the principles of justice," he claimed.

"There are those who can speak of democracy and liberalism but at the same time turn their back on the law. (They are) determined to continue with their revenge despite all the injustices - I have been beaten in the lock-up, humiliated and incarcerated for the past five years."

While he said he would not refuse to participate in objective discussions with anyone, Anwar also claimed he had no intention to "entertain any negotiations or buy-over attempts" that could split co-operation among opposition parties.

'Act on scandals'

On another matter, when asked to comment on Abdullah's leadership, Anwar said the premier has displayed a "moderate personality", but that little else could be seen as positive because "the judiciary's credibility is still at its lowest ebb and the Internal Security Act is often enforced".

He lauded the premier's resolution to fight corruption, but said Abdullah could only prove his seriousness and sincerity by empowering the Anti-Corruption Agency to prosecute instead of being answerable to the Attorney-General (AG)

He said the premier must also be fully committed in acting against the "big guns" including cabinet ministers who have been investigated, and over alleged cases of misappropriation of billions of ringgit involving Perwaja Steel, Malaysian Airlines and Renong Bhd.

"The focus is the government departments (instead). Government officers would not have been able to collect their commissions easily if the relevant ministers and chief ministers are free of corruption," he alleged.

"Not optimistic'

On his bail application, Anwar reiterated his disappointment with the further delay in deciding the matter.

He admitted he was not optimistic about being granted bail, stating that his past experiences with the judiciary indicated that the body "has succumbed to political will".

"Just look at my bail application. The Court of Appeal judges disregarded my alibi notice. Now they (the judges) are trapped because the AG has admitted receiving the notice confirming that the court made a mistake (in saying that the notice was not served)," he claimed.

"Look at my letter to the Chief Justice (Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim), and the court's refusal to call witnesses (including ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad) or to allow medical examination (on Anwar's sodomy complainant). These facts are clear but I continue to be victimised."

Anwar said the 'victimisation" also extended to issues of his health. He is reportedly suffering from a prolapsed disc, but certain quarters have contended he is faking his pain.

"Enough with the lies...the latest being the official report from the Parliament (to the International Parliamentarian Union) which claimed that I have accessed to a fully-equipped gymnasium for my physiotherapy," he said.

"The doctors at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital has repeatedly suggested that I undergo a titanium implant surgery. But as I said before, I am not in favour of this treatment as it is too risky in my condition. I am still waiting for the opportunity to undergo endoscopic surgery which is far safer, Insya'Allah (God willing)."

Anwar, once destined to take over from Mahathir, fell out of favour and was sacked in September 1998 from all ministerial posts. He was subsequently charged and convicted of corrupt practices and sodomy, being jailed a total of 15 years.

He claimed the charges were part of a political conspiracy led by Mahathir, an allegation that the authorities have denied.