KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (News Agencies) - The Malaysian government Saturday rejected calls for jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim to undergo spinal surgery overseas but said a German specialist can be brought in to examine operate here if necessary.
The decision to admit the German specialist was announced "on compassionate grounds" by Abdul Razak Kechik, director of the government's Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Anwar has been in the hospital since November 25th with acute back pain. His family and lawyers say he needs endoscopic microsurgery that would best be conducted overseas in a dedicated spinal center.
"Since endoscopic spinal surgery is not available in Malaysia and in fact not widely practiced in many developed countries, the government has agreed entirely on compassionate grounds to allow the specialist to come in to examine Datuk Seri [honorific] Anwar and if necessary to undertake the procedure," Abdul Razak told a news conference.
He said the former deputy premier and his family had agreed to bear all the costs.
Anwar must also give a written undertaking to let the hospital's specialists witness all consultations and treatment and the specialist must arrive within 14 days from Saturday.
Anwar must also agree that the examination, treatment and procedure will be done entirely in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital, with requisite equipment flown in.
Under no circumstances would he be allowed to be treated overseas, nor will he make any such request, Abdul Razak said.
"Anwar, who has been informed about the conditions today, said he will take time to discuss with his lawyer... his family will be informed as soon as possible," Bernama news agency quoted the hospital chief as saying.
Anwar is serving a total of 15 years after being convicted in separate trials of abuse of power and sodomy.
He says his former mentor, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, orchestrated a conspiracy to frame him because he was seen as a political threat. The government denies any plot.
Anwar has not formally requested overseas treatment but his wife has. His lawyers say he could best be treated overseas in a specialist center.
