Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim has hit the campaign trail for the first time since his release from jail, this time supporting the Islamic opposition and promising to tackle government corruption and incompetence.

"I declare that tonight will open a new chapter in Malaysia's political history. Malaysia will be more prosperous, peaceful, corruption-free, with true justice," he told a 10,000-strong crowd of riveted spectators yesterday in Pengkalan Pasir'.

Anwar's stump speech for the hardline Pan-Malaysia Islamic Party (PAS), which faces a critical December 6 by-election in Kelantan, the only state it controls, represents a major step back onto Malaysia's political landscape.

After being freed in September 2004 after six years in jail on corruption and sodomy charges, Anwar's aides say his goal is simple - to be a thorn in the side of the government led by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's United Malays National Organisation (Umno).

"There's talk about strong efforts by Umno to prevent me from coming... But if I'm free, I have a voice," the charismatic 58-year-old told the crowd in this rural electorate, drawing shouts of approval.

PAS supporters, who normally respond in a subdued style with shouts of Allahuakbar or "God is great", clapped exuberantly throughout his speech, a gesture which is normally deemed un-Islamic.

Clearly relishing being back in the limelight, Anwar made a movie-star exit from the stadium which was packed to overflowing, triggering a near-stampede as the crowd pushed to see and touch him.

Once considered an Asian political star, in 1998 Anwar was famously sacked, arrested and beaten up by the then-police chief in a saga which made world headlines and overshadows Malaysia to this day.

Alternative Front

He is barred from holding political office until 2008 due to the corruption charge, which he says was manufactured to prevent him threatening the dominance of his former mentor Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

But he has said he still has ambitions of returning to power, in league with the opposition People's Justice Party, or Keadilan, which is led by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Keadilan and PAS are both members of the "Alternative Front", an informal opposition alliance against the might of the ruling Umno-led National Front which controls the national government and every state except Kelantan.

But in an interview, Anwar sidestepped questions about whether he had ruled out ever rejoining Umno.

"I have never condemned the general Umno members, because Umno members have close affinity to me, they continue to meet me... despite the harassment from the police special branch and continued media attacks," he said.

And when asked about his plans for his political future, he replied only: "Que sera sera (what will be, will be)."

During his speech, he criticised the government over corporate controversies that hint of corruption and incompetence, including huge losses in state-run companies like Malaysia Airlines, Proton and Bank Islam.

He slammed the ruling coalition, accusing it of "stealing from the people" and of failing to root out corruption despite winning the 2004 general elections in a landslide on an anti-graft agenda.

Anwar told AFP that these issues, along with police brutality and injustice, would be central to his campaign as he re-enters politics.

Getting back to motion

"Of course I want to explain... why I chose to defend Umno politics then and oppose strongly PAS, and why the circumstances changed. Primarily due to the corruption and general decadence in Umno and BN (National Front)" he said.

"The fact remains that corruption is more endemic now, is more rampant - this is worrying."

"(Abdullah) has to review the entire policy. If you continue to keep corrupt ministers, corrupt Umno leaders, and you go and shout about anti-corruption, very soon we are going to be a laughing stock."

Asked how it felt to be back on the campaign trail after a year spent re-establishing his networks both here and abroad, he said: "It's picking up, getting back the motion. Certainly, it takes time. It's a big difference from academic life."

Anwar's activities are only scantly reported in the national media, but nevertheless his popularity remains high.

"I think Anwar is going to be our leader in Malaysia... maybe not immediately, but the alternative front will rule in Malaysia, God-willing," said one of the faithful, Nik Yahya Nik Hussin, a former Umno member who has joined Keadilan.

Another spectator at the stadium, a 45-year-old civil servant named Dollah, said, "Anwar is a born leader - he has calibre, unlike the greedy, corrupt Umno politicians. It's shameful, un-Islamic."

Even his detractors had to admit to Anwar's star quality.

"I wasn't too impressed by Anwar's spiel just now. There were several facts that he didn't really explain properly, like on graft and so on," said 31-year-old self-proclaimed swinging voter Dasuki Mohamad.

But he conceded Anwar "is still very popular. People are drawn to him as he is certainly charismatic and possesses the leadership qualities and experience."