The worst moment during his six-year detention was when he was blindfolded, handcuffed and assaulted, recalled former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim today.

"I thought they would not allow me to leave the place alive," he said during an interview at his residence in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

"I was detained, handcuffed and blindfolded before assaulted. I didn't know who it was then. Later, the IGP (former inspector-general of police Rahim Noor) confessed.

"It is difficult to rationalise that such things could happen in Malaysia. I mean, after having read Stalin and Hitler you know it happens, but I never thought that such things could happen to me," he added.

Rahim, who was convicted for the offence and slapped with a six-month imprisonment, was released two months later upon appeal.

The former police chief, who was forced to resign as a result of this incident, was said to have punched Anwar after the latter called him 'bapak anjing' (father of dogs).

The assault, which took place shortly after his arrest on Sept 1998, received international media coverage when Anwar appeared in court nursing a black eye.

Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad later contended that it could have been self-inflicted.

No hatred

Describing it as 'cruel', Anwar told reporters this afternoon that the assault left him unconscious till the next day while medical attention was denied for the next four days.

"Any civilised person can see why such cruelty should not happen to any person, animal or plant. Mind you, this occurred to someone who happened to be the former deputy prime minister. So we wonder what happens to the poor farmer, teacher or factory worker," he said.

Despite this, Anwar said he bore no ill-feelings towards anybody.

"I don't harbour hatred for anyone, including Dr Mahathir. In fact having read his comments about my freedom, I symphatise with him because his statement is rendering him obsolete," he added.

After the Federal Court declared Anwar a free man yesterday by allowing his appeal against a sodomy conviction, Mahathir responded by saying he still believes his former deputy is guilty.

"I'm not going to lose any sleep. I still believe that he's guilty. My conscience is clear,'' said the former premier, who stepped down last November.

Reforms needed

Meanwhile, Anwar said nobody should undergo what he went through and that is why reforms were needed in this country.

He stressed that more efforts must be taken to ensure Malaysia becomes a more democratic, economically viable and peaceful country.

In view of this, he said the present government, under the stewardship of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, can play an important role.

"What's the point of blaming the west and conspiracy of the Jews when you have the power but refuse to create reform in your country.

"Why criticise the Muslim extremists when you yourself allow detention without trial?" he asked, in reference to the Internal Security Act.

Why the fear?

On whether his release would reignite street demonstrations, Anwar said the government should allow a small space for democracy to take place.

"I don't know why the current government with all the seats they have won is afraid to allow some latitude for democracy. What's wrong with ceramah (political talks), gatherings and ... permits to Harakah (opposition party PAS' official publication).

"They should not be scared of such petty things. Like now, where one single article appearing in malaysiakini can excite them into a frenzy. It's almost funny," he added.

Anwar, who is to undergo treatment in Germany for a slipped disc condition, said when he returns, he would activate various parties and organisations that want reform.

"I hope to be part of the process. I express my support to the opposition and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) on reform activities," he added.

The three-member Federal Court also allowed the appeal of Anwar's co-accused and adopted brother Sukma Darmawan Sasmitaat Madja.

His original intention to fly to Munich tonight may not materialise due to some difficulties in flight arrangements. He is now expected to depart over the weekend.