The reformasi movement gained renewed fervour today when three Keadilan leaders led an hour-long demonstration outside the Federal Court building in Kuala Lumpur while awaiting for jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim to appear from his bail hearing.

Party vice-president Tian Chua, Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, supreme council member N Gobalakrishnan and some 250 supporters lined the road leading to the court's back entrance chanting 'Reformasi' and 'Bebas Anwar' (Free Anwar).

They also belted out songs under the watchful eyes of some 40 police personnel. Also present were members of the Federal Reserve Unit with a water cannon truck.

However, no untoward incident was reported and the crowd dispersed peacefully after Anwar was taken back to the Sungai Buloh prison.

The crowd, which started gathering at the building since 8.30am, erupted into a frenzy when the ex-deputy premier appeared at about 11am and waved at them.

Anwar was attending his bail application hearing pending the disposal of his sodomy appeal. However, the case was adjourned to next Tuesday as one of his senior counsel, Karpal Singh, is in hospital.

Others present included Anwar's wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, their daughter Nurul Izzah and son-in-law Raja Ahmad Shahrir Iskandar, Keadilan vice-president Azmin Ali and DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang.

Unjust laws

When met earlier, Gobalakrishnan said he was optimistic that Anwar's bail application would be successful. "I expect him to be released," he said.

His optimism was shared by several other supporters who felt that there was a good chance for his release.

Emerging from the courthouse later, Tian Chua appeared undaunted by the postponement and rallied the crowd with shouts of " Hidup Rakyat ". (Long live the people)

The Keadilan leader, who was released from a two-year Internal Security Act (ISA) detention last month, also called on more people to turn up next week for the rescheduled hearing.

"I would like to congratulate those who have the courage to come here and support our struggle. But the attendance today is not enough because our struggle has a long way to go.

"As long as Anwar is not free, as long as the people are not free from the grip of unjust laws, we have to continue to gather," he said.

He also urged leaders of other political parties and non-government organisations to be present as well.

"The people's power has released those who were held under the ISA but this freedom is not complete because there is one more political prisoner in jail. Anwar cannot be left to go through another nine years in jail. He should be released now for medical treatment," he said.

Good signs

Last week, Keadilan leaders interviewed by malaysiakini expressed optimism over the prospects of Anwar's imminent release.

Mohd Ezam said Anwar had a "fair chance" for release while Free Anwar Campaign director Raja Petra Kamaruddin noted that there were some "good signs" recently which indicate a possibility for the bail application to be approved.

These signs, he said, included the release of six reformasi activists - Tian, Mohd Ezam, Saari Sungib, Lokman Nor Adam, Dr Badrulamin Bahron and Hishamuddin Rais - from detention under the ISA.

Mohd Ezam was also recently allowed bail pending an appeal against his Official Secrets Act conviction.

Anwar completed a four year sentence (with one-third remission) on April 14 this year for his corruption conviction and is now serving a nine-year term for sodomy.

Unless his appeal is successful, he is likely to remain incarcerated until 2009.