Jailed former Malaysian deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is receiving out-patient hospital treatment for severe back pain, one of his lawyers said Monday.
"Anwar is suffering from severe back pain with shooting pains to his left foot," Sankara Nair told AFP.
Nair, who makes regular visits to his client at Sungai Buloh prison just north of Kuala Lumpur, said he saw Anwar limping during last week's visit.
Anwar, 53, has already made five visits to an orthopaedic surgeon at a government hospital, the latest early Monday. Nair said Anwar's family had expressed concern about his health after he began suffering back pain almost a month ago.
Anwar was sacked on September 2, 1998 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and arrested 18 days later following mass anti-government rallies.
In April 1999 Anwar was jailed for six years for abuse of power and in August was imprisoned for nine years for sodomy, with the sentences to run consecutively.
Malaysia's highest court will hear his appeal against his abuse of power conviction and sentence on November 27.
The Federal Court will be the last legal avenue for Anwar to overturn this conviction after the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal in April.
If he fails Anwar can only seek a pardon from the king, who must act on the advice of the prime minister.
Anwar claims Mahathir orchestrated a conspiracy to frame him on criminal charges because he was seen as a political threat. The government denies any plot and says the courts are independent.
Anwar has experienced other ailments while in custody. His sodomy trial was adjourned last year for hospital checks after he complained of fierce headaches -- KUALA LUMPUR (AFP)
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