Ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed speculation that there was a secret pact or agreement prior to the Federal Court's decision to free him from a sodomy conviction and sentence.

"Absolutely not. There was no secret pact with anyone. It would be very unfortunate if there was any," he said when asked about rumours of an alleged secret deal between Umno and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) headed by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

He said this while seated in the dock on a specially-designed chair (to support his back), surrounded by his wife and children who ran to hug him soon after the court stepped down.

Wearing a white shirt, black trousers and a spinal brace around his waist, Anwar appeared weak and spoke softly as he was in pain.

He said the judgment proved that the charges instituted against him and the conviction were politically motivated.

"The judges have been brave enough to finally come up with an honest judgment and I am thankful. But this does not preclude the possibility of attempts to harass the judges (previously)."

The court freed both Anwar and his adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja of their conviction and jail sentence for sodomy, allegedly committed in 1993.

No waiting period

Anwar pointed out that the favourable judgment would not have been possible if the current administration had interfered with the judiciary.

"I have to give credit to the prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) for not interfering with the judiciary," he said.

He said Abdullah could do more by releasing all detainees detained under the Internal Security Act, who are being held at the Kamunting Detention Camp in Taiping, Perak.

"I appeal to the prime minister to make the necessary changes and reforms. I must point out that his predecessor (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) would not have been willing to do so."

Touching on his political career, Anwar said that he remain committed to his struggle for reform.

"I am ready to work with all opposition parties, PAS, DAP and of course PKR in bringing about changes and reforms in the country," he said.

He dismissed the notion that he would have to wait at least another five years before getting back to active politics. Under the law, a convicted person is barred from holding any political posts for five years.

"No, I don't have to wait five years to do that. I am determined to continue my political struggle," he said.

Anwar's appeal for the Federal Court to review its own decision in upholding his corruption conviction will be heard next Monday. Should that be quashed as well, it would mean that Anwar can immediately return to active politics.

Asked if he has any intention of returning to Umno, he said the question should not arise but he did not rule out the possibility.

"My main agenda is for reform and I am willing to co-operate with anyone - whether a political party, NGO (non-governmental organisation) and or civil society group."

Immediate priorities

However, all political activities will have to wait until he undergoes endoscopic surgery to treat a slipped disc.

"My main priority is to undergo surgery in Munich, Germany, as soon as possible. The arrangements will be made by Wan Azizah. But I can't go today as I do not have a passport."

In the meantime, he plans to rest at his home in Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur with his family.

"I have missed them very much ... especially Azizah who has been a great lady, wife and friend throughout my six years in detention."

Sukma was too excited to make a decision on his plans, after being released today as well.

"I don't know what to do as there are so many things in my head. But I think, first of all, I want to go home to my apartment at Tivoli Villa and care for my plants which have been neglected for so long," he said with a beaming smile.

He also said that he would make plans to visit his sick mother in Indonesia.

"I also want to catch up on what I have missed, and I'm sure I have missed a lot!" said Sukma as he hugged his nephew Doni Teguh Peribadi, who flew in from Jakarta last night to be with him.