MALAYSIAN OPPOSITION LEADER TAKES REFUGE IN TURKISH EMBASSY

KUALA LUMPUR/ANKARA (A.A) - 30.06.2008 - Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been trying to clarify developments after Malaysia's main opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim took refuge in the Turkish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The Ministry took action and asked for detailed information.

Anwar took refuge in the Turkish Embassy after his 23-year-old assistant accused him of sodomy.

He said that he fled to the embassy since his life was in danger.

"I have been told that my assassination has not been ruled out as means to subvert the people's will and bring an end to the transformational changes taking place in Malaysia," Anwar said.

Nearly 100 supporters of Anwar gathered in front of the Turkish Embassy and chanted slogans favoring reforms and against the government.

Anwar's wife, Azizah Ismail, described the accusation as an attempt of political murder.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi rejected accusations of Anwar and his wife.