Malaysia's Anwar ordered to undergo hospital tests for headachesKUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (AFP) - Malaysia's sacked deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, on trial for sodomy, was again taken to hospital Friday for medical tests after complaining of persistent headaches.Judge Arifin Jaka ordered the tests after defence counsel Karpal Singh told the court Anwar was unable to give evidence. The judge said the court was concerned that Anwar was complaining of "splitting headaches," adding that a number of adjournments had already been granted because he could not continue giving evidence. Arifin said Anwar should be sent to the General Hospital immediately for a thorough examination. "If he has to be admitted, he has to be admitted." Looking at Anwar, the judge said: "I'm convinced there is something wrong with you. I can see it in your face." Arifin said thorough tests were necessary to avoid unnecessary adjournments but refused Anwar's request for treatment at a hospital of his choice. The trial has been adjourned early almost daily since last week when Anwar began complaining of severe headaches. He was sent for hospital tests and underwent a brain scan on Tuesday. Anwar, sacked in September 1998 and detained soon afterwards, was jailed in April for six years for abusing his official position to quash allegations of heterosexual and homosexual misconduct. He and his adopted Indonesian brother Sukma Darmawan are now on trial for sodoming Azizan Abu Bakar, a crime punishable by up to 20 years. Karpal had argued that Anwar should be sent to National University Hospital, which in September conducted tests for arsenic poisoning. Those tests were conducted after his lawyers told the court that a urine sample secretly obtained in August had been tested in Australia and shown excessively high arsenic levels, indicating a possible murder attempt. A medical report found no trace of "acute" arsenic poisoning when tests were conducted in mid-September. But supporters said this did not rule out the possibility he could have been poisoned earlier. The doctors found Anwar, 52, to be suffering from health problems, including weight and hair loss and numbness of the fingers, for which they could find no cause. Prosecutor Gani Patail said Friday the arsenic issue had been dealt with. "The issue today is his health. All of us today here are equally concerned about his health." He said Anwar should be treated at the General Hospital and take his medication regularly. Christopher Fernando, Anwar's leading counsel, told reporters Anwar should have been allowed to stay 24 hours at the National University Hospital. "This will be his fifth time at the General Hospital. We want to get to the bottom of what is causing his persistent headaches. It is essential for all parties to clear the air once and for all," he said. The trial resumes Tuesday after a public holiday Monday. |
