Malaysiakini: Four reformasi websites recently launched a campaign to call for the resignation of KeADILan deputy president Dr Chandra Muzaffar and secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir. The webmasters claimed that the two leaders had failed to carry through the reformasi movement. Do you think that their criticisms are valid?

Anwar: Dr Chandra Muzaffar and Mohd Anuar were among the pioneers who emerge as the core in the KeADILan leadership. Dr Chandra in particular helped articulate the party's agenda and played a pivotal role in the formative stages of Barisan Alternatif. We therefore require a complete assessment of the party's situation to understand the grievances expressed by the reformasi websites.

The websites' role and influence in bolstering the reformasi movement is well-recognised. Personally, I marvel at their indefatigable efforts in disseminating the reformasi message as opposed to the muzzled mainstream media. I am therefore encouraged by their resolve to continue with the agenda whilst allowing the leadership to deliberate further the perceived contentious issues.

Malaysiakini: Should Chandra and Anuar resign from KeADILan?

Anwar: Other than one's own violation, the question of resignation should only arise in the face of blatant transgression of established party rules, after due process has been initiated. Let the party process take its course. The newly-elected president would naturally consult the leadership before appointing the secretary-general.

Malaysiakini: It is widely known that you are in favour of the KeADILan-PRM merger. Why do you think that both parties should merge?

Anwar: Both KeADILan and PRM share common ideals; advocating reform, fighting injustice and abuse of power. Right from the beginning, both parties have had an excellent working relationship. The merger would greatly benefit and enhance the reformasi movement.

(PRM president) Dr Syed Husin Ali is a tested leader with a sense of conviction and impeccable track record as a reformist. Still, it has to be a marriage by mutual consent and not by compulsion. And I respect the wishes of members regardless of the outcome.

Malaysiakini: The recent Umno general assembly saw quite a number of new faces in the Supreme Council and the victory of the 1993 Wawasan team for vice-president posts. What is your analysis of this victory?

Anwar: What is significant is that the vice presidents were voted in despite the expressed wish of Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) preferring some other candidates. It also means that if a challenge was allowed for the two top positions, there is no certainty that they will be able to maintain their positions.

Short of rhetoric lamenting Umno's debacle in the last general elections, the General Assembly did not see any form of soul-searching, or clamour for reform. Dr Mahathir's call for the fight against corruption was hypocritical and runs hollow emanating from the one who stands accused for colossal abuse of power, corruption, cronyism and nepotism.

Malaysiakini: There have been rumours in the mainstream newspapers claiming that your eldest daughter Nurul Izzah is romantically involved with KeADILan youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor. What are your comments?

Anwar: The vile and vicious rumours are nothing but a manifestation of Dr Mahathir's and Barisan Nasional's habitual tactic to manufacture lies and scandalise any party who is seen as a threat to the ruling clique.

Obviously, KeADILan leaders and members of my family are high on the list. The public by now seems familiar with the drama; with malicious allegations, forced confessions, arranged convictions. It's pathetic that Dr Mahathir, at such an old age, would be so desperate to resort to such despicable methods.