Another round of ISA for Anwar?

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has left observers wondering if Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim could once again be detained under the Internal Security Act.

During a press conference at Putrajaya this afternoon to announce a reshuffle of cabinet portfolios, the premier made remarks that appear to indicate the possibility of an ISA arrest for the maverick politician.

Among others, Abdullah described the opposition leader as a "threat to the country's economy as well as a possible threat to (national) security."

This in itself provides sufficient grounds for the authorities to invoke the security law which provides detention without trial against Anwar.

And when asked what action the government would take against him, Abdullah refused to reveal his cards, saying: "I will not indicate what plan I have."

Employing the ISA against Anwar would undoubtedly have severe repercussions but such a move would not come as a surprise since the opposition leader had been constantly flirting with this possibility.

Takeover Bid

Since the March 8 general election, Anwar had been a major thorn on the side of Barisan Nasional by threatening to launch a political coup.

The two-time ISA veteran claimed that he has enough ruling MPs willing to cross over into the opposition alliance Pakatan Rakyat in order for him to form government with a simple majority.

Anwar had failed to initiate the coup yesterday (Sept 16) - the date which he had set - but reiterated that he had the numbers and the toppling of the BN-led government was imminent.

The 61-year-old politician had also requested to meet Abdullah to discuss a transition of power plan and urged the premier not to resort to drastic measures, like declaring an emergency, to thwart the takeover.

Abdullah, however, rejected the meeting and dismissed the takeover claims as lies.

Anwar, who is currently facing a court battle over a sodomy charge, was first arrested under the ISA in 1974 in connection with a student protest. The former student leader was incarcerated for 20 months.

More than two decades later, he was once again briefly arrested under the ISA after spearheading a series of protests against his sacking as deputy premier in 1998.