Opposition leaders have vowed to start a new phase in their struggle for fundamental civil and political liberties, even as reformasi activists launched a Free Anwar Movement to highlight the plight of their mentor, jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

The Free Anwar Movement plans to organise peaceful gatherings to express dissatisfaction over the government's alleged failure to improve democracy and human rights.

Some 900 activists and supporters of the reformasi movement were at the launch last night at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

Organising chairperson Tian Chua joined opposition leaders - including Parti Keadilan Rakyat vice-president Mohd Azmin Ali and Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor - in promising supporters that a new, re-energised phase of the reformasi movement will soon emerge.

The launch - filled with shouts of 'Reformasi!' and patriotic songs - also saw speeches being made by PAS central committee member Dr Hatta Ramli and Parti Socialist Malaysia president Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim.

Others present included Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, her deputy Dr Syed Husin Ali and vice-presidents Saifuddin Nasution and R Sivarasa.

The movement was launched to intensify pressure on the government to re-examine issues that led to the imprisonment of Anwar, who is now serving a nine-year jail sentence for sodomy.

Obstacles overcome

Tian said the immense support for the launch showed that the reformasi movement is still strong and relevant, while its supporters have proved that fear is no longer a factor in their struggle.

"We have overcome many obstacles over the past five years. We managed to topple a dictator, secure the release of our friends from detention under ISA, and pressure the administration to look into issues raised by Anwar," he claimed.

"We have shown that we are no longer afraid...there is no more fear of arrests, threats of incarceration or dictators and tyrants. I appeal to all of us to unite and gather once more to fight for justice."

Asked later to clarify if this would mean that street demonstrations - which had been prevalent between 1998 and 1999 - would return, Tian said peaceful gatherings need not be held in public places.

"Of course, there is nothing wrong in holding peaceful street gatherings but this can also be done in private places like halls, during ceramah (public talks) and so on," he told malaysiakini .

"What we need to emphasise is people's power, which is effectively expressed through peaceful gatherings.

He said this plan would not breach any law, as citizens have a right to express their views through peaceful gatherings.

"Of course, the government is scared of gatherings and would want to crack us by (resorting to) threats of arrest, so that people stay away from participating. But we are saying that we are not scared of that threat any more because this in within our constitutional rights."

'Nauseating assurances'

During the launch, Ezam read out a message from Anwar, who said it was disheartening that the clean administration promised by the new Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has not been reflected in the judiciary.

"My last appearance in court was after Abdullah took over (and) had made many wonderful promises. However his assurances are nauseating after witnessing the Court of Appeal's absurdity," Anwar said.

"It is unfortunate that while considering my bail application - an application usually granted to accused facing similar charges - my case was again postponed after six months. The Attorney-General seemed to be acting on instructions from his superiors when he opposed my bail application.

"My lawyer Karpal Singh pointed out that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has since resigned (as prime minister), so why is the court acting as if it was pressured?"

In the speech, Anwar also reminded Abdullah to come out from Mahathir's shadow and to end the tyranny of the former regime.

"This includes the conviction of Irene Fernandez, the ISA arrests of students, ongoing prosecution involving Ezam, Azmin, Tian, and restricting the media , which is forced to (report) slanders and lies about the opposition."

Anwar also condemned those who spread baseless rumours of alleged secret negotiations among political parties and circulated slander accusing Keadilan leaders of accepting money and government posts in return for support.

"In the name of Allah, I am confident the truth will prevail and a fair judiciary, be it Syariah or civil, will release me. And those who continue to slander me and make attempts to 'pawn' my freedom for their personal benefit will be committing a heinous act," he said.

Azmin, meanwhile, issued a warning to Abdullah that the people are aware of the propaganda that portrays him as a "clean and religious" leader, and said they would not be taken in by the superficial image.

"What we want is a clean government which acts swiftly against injustices and corruption. If he is serious in combating corruption, (then he should) arrest Mahathir and initiate investigations against him for corruption, as well as re-open files on ministers," he added.