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Anwar's wife wants foreign observers at trial

"I am of the opinion that we should show the world that the judiciary in Malaysia is independent," Wan Azizah Wan Ismail told journalists after a hearing on her husband's habeas corpus petititon questioning his arrest.

While Anwar's original arrest order under the Internal Security Acthas been lifted, he remains in police custody on the strength of 10 charges of corruption and sexual misconduct filed after he was detained.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad sacked Anwar last month following a bitter political feud and had him arrested under the ISA for leading anti-government protests.

Anwar denies all the corruption and sexual charges. Four of the corruption charges are to be heard in court from November 2.

Foreign observers have expressed interest in attending the trial amid allegations that Anwar was beaten while in police custody.

Foreign criticism of Anwar's arrest has strained Malaysia's ties with some countries, notably Indonesia and the Philippines, whose respective presidents B. J. Habibie and Joseph Estrada are personal friends of Anwar.

Some Philippine congressmen have signified interest in attending Anwar's trial, a move seen by Malaysia as an act of interference.

Anwar's wife expressed concern Saturday over remarks by Mahathir that the Malaysian government will not entertain any application by foreigners to be accredited as observers at the trial.

"I regret to say that the statement gives the impression that attendance in court is at the discretion of the executive branch of government," Azizah said.

"Is this an indirect way of influencing the courts by the executive? I am advised by my husband's lawyers that it is not for the government to decide whether anyone ought to be given observer status at his trial.

"In the past, there have been instances where the court has accorded observer status to foreign organizations."

Azizah said lawyers told her that "any foreign organization representatives who wish to attend court as observers can make the necessary application to the High Court judge concerned."