Jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim's lawyer today said the authorities have yet to explain how he had contracted pneumonia and asthma, reiterating the contention that there may be negligence on the part of prison and hospital authorities.

Sankara Nair said the statement issued by the Prisons Department yesterday dismissing allegations that Anwar was not given proper health treatment and facilities failed to explain how his client had contracted two serious illnesses during the past month.

He said the family was perplexed by the blanket denial of their allegations when it was obvious that Anwar's health had deteriorated while held at the Sungai Buloh Prison.

While he did not deny that the prison personnel have performed their duties most professionally, Sankara said Anwar was given proper medical attention only after the diagnoses of pneumonia and asthma were made.

He said this in a press statement in response to a statement made by the prison public relations officer Kaysalya Devi Sathoo who said Anwar had been accorded the same treatment as that given to other prisoners.

She said the treatment and facilities are in accordance with current needs and the schedule set by the prison, adding that Anwar had also been getting specialist treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital twice a week. In addition, weekly checks are conducted by the prison's medical officers.

Doubts over statement

Sankara also contended that the Prisons Department statement is "not entirely true", as specialists consultants mentioned were all in respect of treatments given two years ago for his prolapsed disc.

"None of these treatments have been provided to Anwar ever since. He has occasionally and at best reluctantly been taken to hospital despite complaints of ill health from time to time." said Sankara.

On the most recent occasion, despite legitimate complaints and visible suffering from an unabated bout of flu and fever, Anwar was exposed to the cold wind while in his holding cell.

Obviously, he said, Anwar's complaints had been taken lightly and coupled with "draughty" conditions in his cell, he was finally diagnosed with pneumonia and asthma.

"If he had been provided with an opportunity to consult a specialist, (his illness) could have been averted," he said.

Previous complaint

Sankara claimed a similar situation had prevailed when Anwar was diagnosed with a prolapsed disc his complaints of pain were ignored and he was given painkillers for six months before tests were conducted.

Last Friday, Sankara sent letters on behalf of Anwar to Home Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Health Minister Chua Jui Ming to protest the lack of professionalism by the authorities, saying this had led to Anwar's recent health complications.

Anwar, who is already suffering from spinal injury (prolapsed disc), was warded at the hospital on Dec 13 for three days, and was diagnosed with "baseline pneumonia" of the right lung. Further tests two days later added asthma to his health woes.

He is serving a 15-year sentence for abuse of power and sodomy. He has maintained that former mentor and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had fabricated the charges to oust him from power.

The premier has denied this.